Las Coloradas & Rio Lagartos Biosphere! Transportation from Playa Del Carmen

Discovering the Beauty of Las Coloradas & Rio Lagartos: A Practical Review

If you’re dreaming of a day out exploring some of Mexico’s most unique landscapes, this tour to Las Coloradas and Rio Lagartos from Playa del Carmen might catch your eye. It’s a full-day adventure that promises vibrant pink lakes, amazing wildlife, and a taste of local culture—all for around $49. While it’s not perfect, it offers plenty to love, especially if you’re after memorable scenery and a bit of nature.

What really works here? First, the stunning visuals of the pink lakes and the chance to see wild flamingos and crocodiles in their natural environment. Second, the well-organized logistics —with hotel pickup, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and included meals—making the day relatively hassle-free. One thing to keep in mind is that the tour is quite long, often stretching up to 14-15 hours depending on traffic and your starting point, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a full day on the road. If you’re after a relaxed, leisurely morning or are traveling with small kids, this might not be the best fit.

This tour tends to attract travelers who crave vivid scenery and wildlife encounters, especially those who enjoy a good photo op and don’t mind an all-day commitment. It can also appeal to nature lovers and curious explorers ready to learn about salt production and local ecosystems. Just remember, it’s a busy trip—up to 60 people—and the experience hinges on weather and timing, so flexibility is key.

Key Points

• Stunning Scenery: The pink lakes of Las Coloradas are genuinely as colorful as photos suggest, making for unforgettable pictures.
• Wildlife Encounters: Watching flamingos, herons, pelicans, and even crocodiles in their habitat adds a special touch.
• Convenient Transportation: Pickup and drop-off from Playa del Carmen make logistics easier, with an air-conditioned vehicle for comfort.
• Inclusion & Extras: The boat ride at Rio Lagartos and a visit to a crocodile sanctuary enhance the experience.
• Food & Refreshments: Enjoy a local seafood lunch and bottled water, essential for a long day.
• Additional Fees & Considerations: Be aware of extra costs like the tax reservation in Rio Lagartos ($27 USD), which isn’t included in the main price.

The Experience: From Pink Lakes to Mangroves

This tour kicks off early, with a pickup around 6:30 am. The first highlight is Las Coloradas, a place that truly lives up to its reputation. The lake’s vivid pink hue is caused by salt and algae, creating an almost surreal landscape that’s perfect for photos. We loved how the guide explained the salt production process, adding educational value to the visual feast.

You’ll spend about two hours here, walking along the lakeshore, snapping pictures, and soaking in the vibrant colors. It’s an experience that feels almost otherworldly—imagine a landscape painted in shades of bubblegum pink, with the sun making everything shimmer.

Next, the tour takes you to Rio Lagartos, a biosphere reserve bursting with life. Here, you’ll hop into a boat and cruise through mangroves, where you might see flamingos, pelicans, herons, and even crocodiles. The boat ride is a highlight, offering a chance to see wildlife in their natural environment. The biodiversity in this area is impressive, and the guide will share insights about the ecosystem, salt flats, and local flora and fauna.

One review pointed out that the visit to the crocodile farm was unexpected for some—something to consider if animal encounters are a priority. The crocodiles are part of the natural setting, and the reserve is a protected area, so this aspect reflects the local ecosystem rather than a tourist attraction per se.

After the boat, there’s time for a Mayan mud bath—a fun and unusual way to moisturize the skin—followed by a refreshing swim in the freshwater of the reserve. The tour ends with a local seafood lunch, prepared by local villagers, which adds a delicious, authentic touch to the trip. The food is generally well-reviewed, with the chance to choose your preferred dish.

The Practicalities

The tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off from Playa del Carmen, which is a real convenience. You’ll travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, making the long day more bearable. The total duration is about 12 hours, but with traffic and extra stops, it can stretch to 14-15 hours. This means it’s a full commitment, but for many, the sights and experiences make it worthwhile.

Cost-wise, at $49, the tour is reasonably priced considering all the included activities and transportation. The meals, boat ride, and visits are included, but keep in mind there’s an additional tax reservation fee in Rio Lagartos ($27 USD). Be prepared for this extra expense, which is typical for protected areas.

Bottled water and a box lunch are provided, but bring extra snacks if you need them. Also, pack swimsuits, towels, extra clothes, and biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent to protect the environment and your skin.

Group size can go up to 60 travelers, so expect a lively, busy atmosphere. While this means potentially more people at each site, it also helps keep costs down and makes for a dynamic experience.

What Travelers Are Saying

One reviewer expressed surprise at the crocodile farm visit, noting it wasn’t clear from the listing—something to remember if animal encounters are a key part of your trip. Despite that, others appreciated the wildlife sightings and the beauty of the lakes. Many mentioned the delicious seafood lunch, which was a highlight for them, especially after a morning of sightseeing.

The views at Las Coloradas often leave visitors in awe, with some describing it as a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity. However, the long hours and busy schedule might be tiring for some, particularly if traveling with small children or if you prefer a more leisurely pace.

Who Is This Tour For?

If you love nature and photography, this tour is a fantastic choice. It’s perfect for those wanting to see iconic landscapes and vibrant wildlife without the hassle of planning. It’s also quite suitable for travelers who enjoy full-day excursions and are comfortable with long hours on the road.

However, if you’re looking for a relaxing, slow-paced experience or traveling with very young children, you might find the length and busy schedule a bit too much. Also, if animal encounters like crocodile farms are a must-see for you, be aware that this isn’t a primary focus here.

Final Thoughts

This trip to Las Coloradas and Rio Lagartos delivers a visually stunning experience, with plenty of opportunities for incredible photos and wildlife encounters. The convenience of transportation from Playa del Carmen, combined with local food and boat rides, makes it an accessible option for many travelers.

While it’s a busy day and there are some extra fees to consider, the chance to see such vibrant landscapes and animals in their natural habitat is truly special. It’s a good pick for explorers eager for a scenic and active outing, especially those who value authentic local food and ecological insights.

Overall, if you’re after a full, engaging day trip that combines natural beauty, wildlife, and local culture, this tour offers a lot for the money. Just go with an open mind, flexible expectations, and plenty of camera space.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from Playa del Carmen, making logistics easier.

How long does the tour last?
It’s approximately 12 hours, but depending on traffic and other factors, it can take up to 14-15 hours.

What should I bring?
Bring your swimsuit, towels, extra clothes, biodegradable sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable shoes.

Are meals included?
Yes, you get a box lunch, bottled water, and a choice of lunch dish, plus the option to enjoy local seafood.

How much is the tax reservation in Rio Lagartos?
It’s $27 USD per person and is paid on-site, not included in the main tour price.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund.

Is the tour suitable for families?
It’s a full-day, active trip, so it’s best for travelers comfortable with long hours and outdoor activities.

What wildlife might I see?
You could see flamingos, pelicans, herons, eagles, and crocodiles, depending on the day.

Is there a focus on ecology or local culture?
Yes, you’ll learn about salt production, see local villages, and enjoy authentic regional food.

Can I expect a small or large group?
The tour can accommodate up to 60 travelers, so expect a lively, busier atmosphere.

If this sounds like your kind of day out, it’s a trip worth considering for a vivid, wildlife-rich escape from Playa del Carmen.