Playa del Carmen: Rio Lagartos and Las Coloradas Tour

If you’re dreaming of an off-the-beaten-path escape from Playa del Carmen, this tour offers a day trip into stunning natural scenery and wildlife in the Yucatan Peninsula. For $133 per person, you’ll spend about 12 hours discovering the famous pink lakes of Las Coloradas, cruising through the biodiverse Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, and enjoying a traditional seafood meal.

What we like most about this tour is the chance to see the vibrant pink ponds and spot wildlife like flamingos and crocodiles in their natural habitat—these are truly memorable moments. Another highlight is the learning opportunity about salt production at Las Coloradas, which gives a fascinating glimpse into local industry.

On the flip side, a potential concern is transportation issues—several reviews mention cramped vans, delays, or breakdowns, which can make the long day feel even longer.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy nature, wildlife photography, and authentic local cuisine. If you’re comfortable with a full day in a group setting and don’t mind some logistical hiccups, you’ll find this experience rewarding.

Key Points

• Stunning Pink Lakes: A vivid natural spectacle worth seeing in person.
• Wildlife Watching: Spot flamingos, crocodiles, and many bird species in the reserve.
• Educational Content: Learn about salt extraction and environmental conservation.
• Authentic Seafood Lunch: Enjoy local dishes prepared by Rio Lagartos villagers.
• Long Day: Expect about 12 hours with some variability due to traffic or delays.
• Mixed Reviews on Transport: Be prepared for possible cramped rides or breakdowns.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Getting Started: Pickup and Transportation

The tour begins with a pickup from Playa del Carmen, and transportation is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle. While this sounds comfortable, many travelers have noted that the transportation can be cramped or delayed. One review from Italy describes a frustrating experience where their minivan broke down twice, with broken jacks and long waits on the highway.

The long drive—sometimes more than 12 hours round trip—can be a test of patience, especially if traffic jams or vehicle issues occur. It’s wise to prepare with snacks, water, and patience, knowing that the journey might be less smooth than hoped.

Las Coloradas: The Pink Lakes

Your first stop is Las Coloradas, the site famous for its striking pink-hued salt ponds. The color is caused by high concentrations of salt and the presence of certain microorganisms, creating a landscape that looks almost surreal. You’ll typically spend about an hour here, enough time for photos and a quick walk around.

The tour guide will explain the salt-making process, which is both interesting and educational, especially as you observe the salt crystals forming and the vibrant colors of the ponds. Keep in mind that the local guide at Las Coloradas might not always provide detailed explanations, with some reviews mentioning a lack of information. Still, the visual impact of these lakes is undeniable.

Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve: Wildlife and Boat Tour

Next, the focus shifts to Rio Lagartos, a protected ecological area rich in birdlife and crocodiles. The highlight here is a boat tour through mangroves, where you’ll have opportunities to spot flamingos, herons, pelicans, eagles, and crocodiles. Many find this part of the trip the most rewarding, appreciating the chance to see animals in their natural environment.

On the boat, you might also learn about the local ecosystem from your guide—though some reviews mention guides being somewhat silent or uninformative. The boat ride typically lasts about three hours, during which you’ll sail through narrow waterways, getting close to wildlife and enjoying the lush surroundings.

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Mayan Mud Bath and Freshwater Swim

A unique feature of this tour is the Mayan mud bath. You’ll visit designated mud mounds where you can cover yourself in mineral-rich mud—believed to have skin benefits—before rinsing off in the freshwater of the reserve. It’s a fun, playful experience that adds a local cultural touch to the day.

Lunch: Fresh Seafood, Local Style

The tour wraps up with a delicious seafood lunch, prepared by locals in Rio Lagartos. Reviewers mention that the lunch is generally good, with a choice of dishes like fish or other local specialties, and the food is praised for its freshness and authenticity. The meals are not buffet-style but served à la carte, giving you a chance to enjoy genuine regional flavors.

Returning to Playa del Carmen

After a full day of sightseeing and activities, you’ll head back to Playa del Carmen. Due to traffic or delays, the return trip can sometimes extend beyond the scheduled 12 hours, so flexibility is key.

What’s Worth Noting?

Value for Money: At $133, the tour covers transportation, entrance fees, boat rides, and a meal. However, some travelers feel the experience is somewhat marred by transportation issues and uneven guide explanations. Still, the chance to see the unique pink lakes and wildlife makes it worthwhile for nature enthusiasts.

Wildlife and Scenery: The visual spectacle of the pink lakes, combined with the possibility of spotting flamingos and crocodiles, makes this a special experience. The scenery is genuinely stunning and different from more typical Mayan ruins or beach days.

Transport & Comfort: As multiple reviews highlight, transport can be cramped or problematic. If you’re prone to motion sickness or discomfort in small spaces, this might be a concern. Also, the long hours in transit could be tiring if you prefer shorter tours.

Authentic Experience: The seafood lunch prepared by local villagers adds a nice touch of local culture, and the salt production explanation offers insight into regional industry.

Guide Quality: Guide commentary varies—some reviewers say guides are helpful and well-coordinated, while others note a lack of information and engagement. If you appreciate detailed explanations, you might find this inconsistent.

Crowds and Wildlife: Some reviews describe boat tours where animals are disturbed or frightened by passing boats. If wildlife viewing is your priority, be prepared for some close encounters that may not be as peaceful as expected.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip appeals most to travelers seeking a full day immersed in nature and wildlife, especially those excited by seeing the famous pink lakes. It’s a good pick for adventurers willing to tolerate long travel times and some logistical hiccups.

It’s suited for those who want to experience authentic local cuisine and enjoy photography opportunities against vibrant landscapes. However, if you prefer luxury transportation or guided commentary, you might find this tour lacking.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a distinct way to explore parts of the Yucatan that many visitors miss—the colorful salt ponds and vibrant wildlife. The experience’s success largely depends on your expectations and patience levels. If you’re looking for a visual feast and engaging wildlife sightings, you’ll likely find it rewarding.

On the other hand, if smooth logistics and detailed guide commentary are your top priorities, you might want to consider other options or prepare for some rougher edges. The seafood lunch and stunning scenery make it a memorable day for those who enjoy genuine local experiences and the outdoors.

Overall, it’s a solid adventure for nature lovers, especially if you’re okay with the some uncertainties around transport and guide engagement. Be prepared, bring your camera, and get ready for a day of striking visuals and lively wildlife.

FAQ

Is transportation provided from Playa del Carmen?
Yes, the tour includes round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, but some travelers have experienced cramped conditions or delays.

How long is the total tour?
Approximately 12 hours, depending on traffic and other factors, especially if your hotel is farther away.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, swimwear, camera, water, biodegradable sunscreen, and insect repellent are recommended.

Are meals included?
Yes, a box lunch and a seafood meal are included; beverages in the restaurant are not included.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What wildlife might I see?
Flamingos, pelicans, herons, eagles, and crocodiles are commonly spotted.

Is the guide informative?
Guide comments vary—some are helpful, others less so. Prepare to ask questions yourself.

How much does the salt process explanation involve?
It’s part of the guided tour at Las Coloradas, offering insight into local salt production.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, but keep in mind the long hours and the boat ride, which may not be ideal for very young children.

Are there any health considerations?
Not recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant women, or those with serious medical conditions due to the long day and physical activities.

Choosing this tour means embracing a full day of vibrant scenery, wildlife encounters, and local culture—an adventurous way to see a different side of the Yucatan.

You can check availability for your dates here: