Las Coloradas Tour! Boat Ride, Lunch & Rio Lagartos from Cancun

A Day of Natural Wonders and Cultural Experiences: Las Coloradas Tour from Cancun

If you’re looking for a full-day adventure that combines stunning landscapes, wildlife, and authentic local flavors, the Las Coloradas Tour from Cancun offers just that. For about $120 per person, you get a roughly 12-hour trip filled with highlights like the famous pink lakes, a boat ride through the Ría Lagartos biosphere reserve, and a Mayan mud bath — all with the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it takes the hassle out of long-distance travel — with organized transportation and an itinerary designed to maximize your time at each stop. Plus, the inclusion of a box meal and an authentic Mexican lunch helps keep you fueled for the full day, making it a fantastic value considering all the sights and experiences packed in.

On the flip side, expect a long drive (about 3.5 hours each way). If you’re prone to travel fatigue, this might be a bit tiring, but the scenic views en route are part of the experience. This tour is best suited for travelers who love nature, wildlife, and culture, and who are comfortable with a full day’s outing.

Key Points

• Impressive Landscapes: See the iconic pink lakes of Las Coloradas with their vivid hues caused by salt-loving microorganisms.
• Wildlife Encounters: Spot flamingos, pelicans, crocodiles, and mangroves in the Ría Lagartos biosphere reserve.
• Authentic Experiences: Learn about salt production and indulge in a Mayan mud bath for skin health and relaxation.
• Convenient Logistics: Enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off, making a day trip hassle-free.
• Food and Refreshments: Stay energized with a delicious box lunch and a choice of local restaurant dishes.
• Group Size & Guides: Small groups (up to 50) with knowledgeable bilingual guides enhance the experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Las Coloradas Tour

The Journey Begins: Early Morning Pickup

The tour kicks off around 6:30 am, with pickup from most Cancun hotels. Expect to be collected in smaller vehicles that gather everyone before the main bus departs for the Yucatán Peninsula. Be aware that the drive is approximately 3.5 hours, depending on traffic, which is typical for such a long-distance trip. As you settle in, you might listen to music, watch a movie, or simply enjoy the changing scenery.

While some reviews mention confusion about pickup times, the tour provider emphasizes that the schedule is clearly communicated, and most travelers find the early start manageable given the exciting day ahead.

First Stop: Las Coloradas Pink Lakes

The highlight of this trip is undoubtedly the Las Coloradas pink lakes, a truly unusual sight. The lakes owe their striking rosy hue to halobacteria, microorganisms thriving in the salt-saturated water. The tour includes about three hours here, giving ample time to walk around and snap photos of the surreal landscape.

Guests often comment on how breathtaking the lakes are. One reviewer noted, “All the places are worth visiting and the experiences. The tour guides were pleasant and the food was great.” However, some mention that the long drive intensifies the need for patience.

Exploring Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve

After Las Coloradas, the adventure continues with a boat ride in Ría Lagartos. This UNESCO-recognized wetlands area teems with wildlife, including flamingos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds. The boat trip lasts around two hours, offering a close-up look at the mangroves and estuaries.

Guests love how accessible and educational the experience is. One review states, “We loved the way the guide explained everything about the salt flats and the wildlife — it made the experience richer.” Expect to see flamingos in their natural habitat and possibly spot crocodiles sunning themselves.

Learning About Salt and Enjoying a Mud Bath

Back on land, the tour includes a visit to a salt production site. Here, you’ll learn about how salt is harvested — a process that’s been part of local life for generations. This insight adds a cultural layer to your visit.

A highlight for many is the Mayan mud bath. This natural remedy, believed to be good for skin, is surprisingly fun and relaxing. Visitors often find it a unique and rejuvenating experience, as one reviewer mentioned, “Enjoyed the mud bath — it’s not every day you get to cover yourself in natural mud in such a beautiful setting.”

Lunch: Savor Authentic Mexican Flavors

The tour includes a box lunch with sandwiches, juice, and fruit, perfect for the busy day. Later, you’ll enjoy a local restaurant meal, choosing from a menu featuring traditional dishes. Many travelers praise the delicious food, noting it’s a good balance of authentic flavors and generous portions.

Returning to Cancun

After a full day of exploring, the return trip begins in the late afternoon, with arrivals back to Cancun around 6:30 pm. The long day might leave you tired, but satisfied, with plenty of memories and photos.

Authentic, Family-Friendly, and Value-Focused

This tour is a fantastic choice for nature lovers and adventurers eager to see one of the world’s most unusual natural wonders. It’s also well-suited for families, given the variety of activities and the educational aspect of salt-making and wildlife spotting.

While some reviews mention disorganized pickup times or long travel hours, most agree that the unique sights and quality guide make these minor inconveniences worthwhile. The inclusion of food, transportation, and admission fees enhances the overall value, making this a comprehensive package.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you love nature, are interested in local culture, and enjoy wildlife watching, this tour offers a well-rounded experience. It’s ideal for those willing to handle a long drive in exchange for seeing the pink lakes, mangroves, and wildlife in one day. It’s especially great for travelers who want a guided, all-in-one adventure with minimal planning on their part.

However, if you’re sensitive to long travel times or prefer more leisurely-paced excursions, this might feel a bit rushed, especially considering the early start.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes round-trip transportation from Cancun, visits to Las Coloradas and Ría Lagartos, a boat ride, a box lunch, an authentic restaurant meal, and a bilingual guide.

How long is the drive from Cancun?
It’s approximately 3.5 hours each way, depending on traffic, so be prepared for a long but scenic journey.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and families often enjoy the wildlife and natural scenery, though young children should be comfortable with a full day’s outing.

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

Are drinks included?
Beverages at the restaurant are not included, so you might want to bring water or additional drinks.

What about the government fee?
There’s an additional $27 per person fee payable at the site, covering entry to the reserves.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Is the tour eco-friendly?
The tour recommends biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent to help preserve the natural environment.

Will I have enough time at each site?
Most reviews indicate that the schedule provides sufficient time for sightseeing, especially with the organized itinerary.

In The Sum Up

This Las Coloradas Tour from Cancun packs a lot into a single day — from spectacular natural beauty like the pink lakes to wildlife encounters in Ría Lagartos and engaging cultural experiences like salt-making and mud baths. It’s a well-rounded choice for those eager to see some of the most unique landscapes and ecosystems in Mexico without the hassle of planning multiple trips.

Travelers seeking a full-day adventure that combines nature, culture, and delicious food will find this tour offers great value and memorable moments. Just keep in mind the long travel times and early start, and you’ll be set for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Yucatán’s wild and vibrant side.

Note: Always check the latest details and confirm pickup times before booking, especially if you’re traveling with children or have specific needs.