Gorgeous Natural Pink Lake, Las Coloradas Tour! From Cancun & Riviera Maya

Spectacular Views of Las Coloradas’ Pink Lagoon for $127

This 12-hour tour from Cancun takes you to two of the Yucatán Peninsula’s most striking natural sights: Las Coloradas and Rio Lagartos. Priced at $127 per person, it offers an immersive experience into Mexico’s unique landscapes and wildlife. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, along with a box lunch, making it a convenient way to enjoy these highlights without extra planning.

While the journey involves a considerable drive—around three hours each way—visitors are rewarded with breathtaking sights and close encounters with endemic species like flamingos. A preservation tax of $27 applies at Rio Lagartos, and beverages are not included in the restaurant stop. This tour suits those eager to see iconic natural formations and vibrant birdlife, though it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with long travel times and outdoor exploration.

Key Points

• Visit Las Coloradas’ famous pink lagoon produced by halobacteria, with included admission tickets.
• Explore Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, a protected wetland with mangroves and nesting sites for various bird species.
• Includes a box lunch with a sandwich, juice, and apple, plus hotel pickup and drop-off from Cancun or Riviera Maya.
• Total duration approximately 12 hours, with two main stops totaling four hours.
• Weather-dependent, with a chance of delays or disruptions due to rain—bring rain gear.
• Additional fee of $27 applies for the preservation tax at Rio Lagartos.

Las Coloradas: The Pink Lagoon and Salt Factory

Starting with Las Coloradas, this site is famous worldwide for its vivid pink waters. The striking hue results from halobacteria, microorganisms thriving in the salty environment. Visitors can expect to see the lagoon’s changing shades, learn about salt extraction that has taken place here for decades, and capture stunning photographs.

The tour allocates about 2 hours to this stop, giving ample time to appreciate the scenery and understand the natural process behind the lagoon’s coloration. The admission ticket is included, ensuring a smooth visit. Be prepared for crowds and bright sunlight—wear comfortable clothes and biodegradable sunscreen.

Rio Lagartos: A Rich Wetland Ecosystem

The second main stop is the Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, a protected area recognized by the Ramsar Convention. Here, the landscape features mangroves, estuaries, and lagoons, providing habitat for various bird species, including flamingos, herons, eagles, and ospreys.

Visitors spend about 2 hours exploring these wetlands, observing the wildlife in their natural environment. The free admission allows for a relaxed experience, but keep in mind that the reserve is a delicate ecosystem, so respecting the natural habitat is encouraged. The reserve’s scenery is ideal for birdwatching and photography.

Practical Details of the Tour Logistics

The tour departs early at 6:30 AM from Cancun, with hotel pickup and drop-off included. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort during the long ride, which is essential given the approximate 6-hour round trip travel time. The small group size—maximum 50 travelers—helps keep the experience intimate and manageable.

A boxed lunch with a sandwich, juice, and apple is provided, allowing travelers to refuel after the morning explorations. Participants are advised to wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and to bring swimsuits, towels, and extra clothes if they wish to swim or get wet from rain.

The Impact of Weather and Rain

A notable point from reviews mentions that rain can disrupt the boat ride at Rio Lagartos, resulting in guests getting drenched and cold. Although rain is unpredictable, packing a raincoat can help mitigate discomfort. It’s also good to be prepared for possible delays, especially since pickup times can extend depending on the number of guests.

Despite the occasional weather hiccup, the natural beauty of Las Coloradas remains unaffected, offering an unforgettable visual experience. The tour’s pacing may feel long, but it balances time at each stop with comfort measures like air conditioning and lunch.

Highlights and Limitations

What truly stands out are the spectacular views of the pink lagoon and the chance to see flamingos feeding and nesting in the wild. The passionate guides provide insight into the salt production process and the ecological importance of the reserve.

On the downside, the long travel time might not appeal to everyone, especially those seeking a shorter excursion. Plus, the rainy weather can hinder certain parts of the experience, and the lunch portions have been described as modest. Travelers should budget for the preservation tax of $27 at Rio Lagartos and plan accordingly for beverages.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most

This tour is ideal for nature lovers who enjoy birdwatching, photography, and exploring unique landscapes. It’s perfect for those willing to spend a full day traveling and prepared for outdoor conditions. If you appreciate wildlife in its natural habitat and striking scenery, this trip provides memorable sights that are hard to find elsewhere.

However, if you prefer shorter excursions or are sensitive to long drives, this might feel like a quite demanding day. The included lunch and hotel pickup add convenience, but the focus remains on nature and ecological sites.

The Sum Up: A Visual Feast with Practical Considerations

The Gorgeous Natural Pink Lake, Las Coloradas Tour offers a rare opportunity to witness the incredible pink lagoon framed by salt extraction facilities, coupled with a visit to the diverse wetlands of Rio Lagartos. The $127 price covers transportation, admission to Las Coloradas, and a lunch, making it a practical choice for a full-day adventure.

While the long travel times and weather-dependent boat ride are limitations, the stunning scenery and wildlife sightings make this tour worthwhile for adventure-minded travelers. Be prepared for long hours on the road, wear comfortable clothing, and bring rain gear to maximize the experience.

This tour most appeals to nature enthusiasts and photographers eager to capture the vivid colors of the lagoon and the vibrant birdlife of the wetlands. With careful planning, it promises a day filled with remarkable sights and memorable moments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off from Cancun or Riviera Maya are included, using an air-conditioned vehicle.

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 12 hours, with about 4 hours allocated for stops at Las Coloradas and Rio Lagartos.

What should I bring for this tour?
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, bring swimsuits and towels if you plan to swim, and biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent to protect yourself outdoors.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, there is a $27 preservation tax payable at Rio Lagartos, and beverages are not included during the restaurant stop.

What happens if it rains during the tour?
Rain can disrupt the boat ride at Rio Lagartos, making guests drenched and cold. It is recommended to bring a raincoat for comfort.