Exploring the Best of Yucatán: Las Coloradas & Río Lagartos Tour Review
If you’re thinking about visiting the Yucatán Peninsula and want a taste of its most iconic sights, the Las Coloradas & Río Lagartos tour offers a pretty compelling package. Based on the experiences of many travelers, this full-day excursion from Mérida combines stunning natural wonders with fun and educational activities.
What we really appreciate about this tour is how it balances incredible photo opportunities—those pink lagoons are unlike anything most of us have seen—with relaxing beach time and a boat ride that puts you right in the middle of nature. Plus, the inclusion of a tasty local lunch and comfortable transport makes it an all-in-one experience perfect for those who want an efficient, well-rounded day.
One thing to keep in mind is the length of the day — roughly 11 to 12 hours — so it’s best suited for energetic travelers who don’t mind a long day on the move. Also, note that the entrance fee to Las Coloradas isn’t included in the price, which can add around 270-320 MXN per person depending on your nationality, so budget for that. This tour tends to appeal most to those eager to see the standout sights of Yucatán without the hassle of planning each step themselves.
Whether you’re a nature lover, a photographer, or simply looking for a scenic day trip from Mérida, this tour is likely to meet your expectations. Now, let’s get into a detailed look at what you can expect and whether it’s worth your time and money.
Key Points
- Stunning Pink Lagoons: The highlight for most travelers, the vibrant hues make for unforgettable photos.
- Well-Organized Day: The tour covers multiple sites, with a good balance of sightseeing, relaxation, and activities.
- Knowledgeable Guides: Numerous reviews mention friendly, helpful guides who go out of their way to make the experience enjoyable.
- Extra Costs: Entry to Las Coloradas isn’t included, so budget those additional MXN fees.
- Long Day, Great Value: At around $109, the price covers transportation, boat ride, and lunch, making it a good deal for a full-day adventure.
- Limited English Guides: Some visitors have experienced language barriers; check if your guide can speak enough English for your comfort.
Planning more time in Merida? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
A Closer Look at the Itinerary and Experience
Starting Point: Mérida
The tour kicks off early, with pickups from Mérida around 7:30 am. The comfortable air-conditioned vehicle makes the long drive enjoyable—even if it’s about three hours each way, as noted by some reviewers. This transportation time is worth considering if you’re not a fan of long bus rides, but most agree that the scenery passing by helps pass the time.
Las Coloradas: The Pink Lagoon
This is the star of the trip. The spectacular pink lagoons owe their color to high salt concentration, microorganisms, and sunlight. Walking around the salt flats and taking photos of the vivid pink water is a surreal experience.
Visitors like CJ_L raved about it, saying, “I have never seen anything like the pink lagoons,” and appreciated the amount of time allocated to explore and take photos. Keep in mind, entrance fees are not included, with costs around 270 MXN for locals and 320 MXN for international visitors. Be prepared for this additional expense, and bring your camera—these scenes are worthy of lots of shots.
Cancunito Beach: Quiet Relaxation
Next, you’ll visit Cancunito, a less crowded, pristine beach perfect for cooling off and enjoying some downtime. The reviews mention that this part of the tour offers a chance to unwind, sunbathe, and take in the ocean views, without a lot of hustle. It’s a straightforward stop, but one that adds a touch of serenity after the salt flats.
Río Lagartos: Nature and Boat Ride
The highlight that many rave about is the boat ride through Río Lagartos’s mangroves. It’s a wonderful chance to see flamingos, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife up close. The guides are typically praised for their knowledge—one reviewer even said their guide was super friendly and went above to help translate everything into English.
The boat trip lets you connect with nature, spotting wildlife and soaking in the lush landscape from the water. It’s a peaceful, immersive experience that adds a lot of value to the day. As Robert_P shared, “The flamingos put on quite a show,” and the boat gave a great vantage point.
Lunch and Return
Post-boat ride, a hearty lunch at one of Río Lagartos’s best restaurants is included in the price, giving you a taste of local flavors. Most travelers find the meal satisfying and a welcome break from sightseeing.
The return to Mérida wraps up the day, with the transfer taking around three hours again. Expect to arrive back around 7-8 pm, making it a long but fulfilling day.
What We Love About This Tour
The combination of spectacular landscapes and professional guides makes this experience stand out. The pink lagoons are a true visual feast, and the boat ride offers a chance to see local wildlife in their natural habitat. Many reviews highlight the guides’ friendliness and knowledge, which can truly enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the sites.
The inclusions—lunch, transport, and a boat trip—offer good value for the price, especially considering the full-day scope. It’s a hassle-free way to see some of Yucatán’s most iconic spots without worrying about logistics.
What Could Be Better
Some travelers noted that the driving time can be quite long—around 3 hours each way—which might be tiring for some. If you’re not used to long bus rides, this could be a consideration. Plus, the language barrier was mentioned by a few, with guides not always speaking fluent English. If language is crucial for you, it’s worth confirming beforehand.
The entrance fee to Las Coloradas isn’t included, and the cost can add up, so budget accordingly. Also, weather can impact the experience—if it rains heavily, parts of the tour could be affected or canceled, though the tour provider offers a full refund or rescheduling in such cases.
Is It Worth the Price?
At around $109 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive look at some of Yucatán’s most striking sights. The cost covers transportation, a boat ride, and lunch, making it quite reasonable considering the length and variety of activities. If you’re keen on photography, wildlife, or simply want a day filled with stunning views, it’s likely to be a worthwhile investment.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience suits travelers who want to see unique natural landscapes without spending days planning their own itinerary. It’s perfect for those who enjoy photo opportunities, wildlife viewing, and relaxing at beaches. Families with older children or teenagers might also enjoy the boat ride and wildlife spotting, though the long day might be less ideal for very young kids.
If your main goal is to visit Chichen Itza or explore cultural sites, this tour might not fit, but for a nature-focused day, it hits the mark.
FAQs
Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour provides air-conditioned transportation from Mérida and back.
How long is the trip?
It lasts approximately 11 to 12 hours, including pickups, travel, and stops.
Do I need to pay for the entrance to Las Coloradas separately?
Yes, entrance fees aren’t included, and you’ll need around 270-320 MXN per person.
What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, and your camera. Also, some cash for entrance fees and snacks.
Is there food included?
Yes, lunch is included and served at a recommended local restaurant.
Can I participate if I don’t speak Spanish?
Most guides are friendly and helpful, with some translating into English. However, some reviews mention limited English, so clarify this during booking if needed.
What’s the best time to go?
Most tours start early in the morning for the best light and to avoid crowds.
Is this suitable for children?
While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, kids comfortable with long days and boat rides may enjoy it, especially wildlife and beach stops.
How much does the entrance fee cost?
For international visitors, it’s about 320 MXN; for Mexicans, roughly 270 MXN.
What if the weather is bad?
The tour can be canceled or rescheduled, and you’ll get a full refund if the weather prevents the experience.
Las Coloradas & Río Lagartos with boat & Lunch from Mérida
“Our driver/guide Carlos was excellent! Super knowledgeable and very friendly went above to translate everything to English for us :)”
Final Thoughts
This Mérida-based tour to Las Coloradas and Río Lagartos offers a solid mix of breathtaking sights, wildlife encounters, and cultural charm. The pink lagoons alone make it worthwhile, but the boat ride and relaxing beaches turn it into a full, well-rounded day.
It’s particularly suited for travelers eager to see iconic natural phenomena and enjoy a day outside the city hustle. Keep in mind the long travel times and potential language barriers, but if those aren’t deal-breakers, you’re in for a memorable adventure. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Yucatán explorer, this trip can add a beautiful chapter to your travel story.
