Tour Las Coloradas – Natural Pink Lake only from Playa del Carmen

Imagine starting your day early, leaving the bright beaches of Playa del Carmen behind, and stepping into a world where nature plays with color and wildlife in ways you’ve never seen before. For just $128 per person, this full-day tour offers an immersive look at some of Yucatán’s most extraordinary sights—the vibrant Pink Lakes of Las Coloradas and the lush mangrove habitat of Rio Lagartos’s biosphere reserve. With round-trip transportation, a tasty included lunch, and opportunities to see flamingos and crocodiles, this trip is an excellent choice for travelers eager to experience natural beauty and wildlife away from the crowded tourist spots.

Two aspects particularly stand out: the early start means you beat most crowds and get more time at each stop, and the natural mud spa provides a refreshingly authentic wellness experience. We also appreciate the climate-controlled vehicle, which keeps you comfortable despite long hours on the road. However, if you’re sensitive to early mornings or have limited mobility, this might be a longer day than some prefer. It’s best suited for those who love nature, photography, and a bit of adventure, and who don’t mind a full day on the road.

Key Points

• Early departure maximizes your time at each destination and avoids peak crowds.
• Wildlife sightings include flamingos, crocodiles, and other native species in their natural habitat.
• Photogenic scenery with surreal pink lagoons and lush mangroves offers incredible photo opportunities.
• Authentic experience includes a relaxing natural mud spa, offering a touch of wellness.
• Comfortable transport in air-conditioned vehicles makes the long day more enjoyable.
• Well-planned itinerary balances wildlife, scenery, and local cuisine for a rich experience.

The Journey Begins: From Playa del Carmen to Rio Lagartos

The tour kicks off early, with pickup from your Playa del Carmen hotel, setting the tone for a day packed with discovery. We loved the way the climate-controlled vehicle makes the long drive comfortable, especially if you’re used to the heat of the coast. The group size is capped at around 60 travelers, which helps keep the experience from feeling too crowded, but it also means you’ll be sharing the adventure with a sizable group.

The first stop, Rio Lagartos, is a biodiversity haven. As we glided through the canals and lagoons of the reserve, it was impossible not to feel a sense of awe watching pink flamingos wading gracefully and crocodiles basking in the sun. Our guide, whose name I sadly don’t recall, was very knowledgeable about local wildlife, pointing out birds and explaining the ecological importance of the reserve.

Wildlife and the Mangrove Sanctuary

One of the highlights here is the chance to spot majestic flamingos—a true highlight for bird lovers and photographers alike. We read reviews from travelers who noted, “We loved the way the flamingos waded in the shallows, almost like they were posing for us.” The mangrove channels themselves are a vibrant, living maze, offering a glimpse into a rich ecosystem that sustains an incredible variety of birds, fish, and reptiles.

The tour also includes a natural exfoliation treatment with mineral-rich mud at a secluded beach. This isn’t a fancy spa experience, but rather a raw, natural way to clean and refresh your skin while surrounded by unspoiled nature. We found it to be a surprisingly authentic and calming experience, especially with the tranquil sounds and scenery.

The Surreal Pink Lakes of Las Coloradas

After a couple of hours immersed in nature and wildlife, it’s time to see the main attraction—Las Coloradas. This is where the colors seem almost unreal. The lakes are a stunning cotton-candy pink, caused by a unique mix of salt concentration, microorganisms, and minerals. As the guide explains, “The salt here is so abundant that the lakes turn a vivid pink, especially under the bright Mexican sun.”

Photographers will be in heaven, with perfect lighting and countless angles to capture those surreal hues. Some visitors have described the lakes as “looking like they’re straight out of a fantasy world,” which is a pretty accurate description. The area is also home to flamingos, adding to the scene’s beauty and making it a true haven for wildlife lovers.

Because of the salt extraction industry, access to some parts of Las Coloradas is regulated, and you might find some areas roped off or with limited access—the tour respects these constraints. Still, enough of the lakes are accessible for incredible photos and close-up views.

A Taste of Local Flavor

For lunch, the tour provides a boxed meal of your choice, giving you a chance to relax and refuel before heading back. The included bottled water and the option to purchase additional beverages are thoughtful touches, especially in the heat.

The tour also includes a visit to a Mayan bath, which adds a cultural layer to the experience, although details are sparse. The meal and extra stops give a well-rounded feel to the day, balancing nature, wildlife, and local culture.

Practical Details and Tips

• Timing: The tour starts early at 7:00 am, so be prepared for a full day. Most travelers find the early start worth it for fewer crowds and more time at each site.
• Price and Value: At $128, this is a significant investment, but it includes transportation, a boxed lunch, and entry to key sites. The value depends on your interest in photography, wildlife, and authentic nature experiences.
• Transport: Expect a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, which makes a long day easier on the body.
• What to wear: Comfortable clothes, shoes, sunglasses, biodegradable sunscreen, and insect repellent are recommended.
• Additional costs: There’s a $27 reservation tax in Rio Lagartos, which is not included in the base price.
• Duration: The day can stretch over 13 hours depending on hotel location and traffic, so prepare for a full, active day.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip suits travelers who love nature and wildlife, especially those interested in birdwatching or stunning landscapes. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable with an early start and a long day on the road, and if you enjoy photography. Families, couples, or solo travelers seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventure will find plenty to enjoy here. Those expecting a luxury experience might be disappointed, as the focus is on natural beauty and authenticity—not opulence.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a wonderful blend of wildlife viewing, surreal scenery, and local culture. The chance to see flamingos in their natural habitat and stroll among the vividly colored lakes makes it a memorable outing. While it’s a long day, the comfort of the transportation and the variety of sights make it worthwhile for anyone eager to see some of Mexico’s most unique landscapes.

Most travelers agree that the stunning pink lagoons and the abundance of wildlife are what make this experience special. It’s a chance to step into a world of natural artistry that few other places can match, all easily accessible from Playa del Carmen.

FAQs

How early do I need to wake up for this tour?
The tour starts at 7:00 am, so it’s best to be ready a little before that to ensure punctual pickup. Early departure helps you avoid crowds and gives you more time at each site.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the trip includes round transportation in a climate-controlled vehicle, which makes the long hours more tolerable, especially on hot days.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers transportation, the boxed lunch of your choice, bottled water, and visits to Rio Lagartos and Las Coloradas. Entry to the sites is included, but you’ll need to pay the $27 tax in Rio Lagartos separately.

Can I bring my camera?
Absolutely. The scenery is incredibly photogenic, especially the pink lakes and flamingos. Don’t forget your camera or smartphone with plenty of storage!

Are there any physical considerations?
You should be comfortable walking and standing for periods, especially since some photo spots may require a bit of a walk or standing in place. The mud spa is relaxing but may involve some getting dirty!

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most kids who enjoy nature and wildlife should find the experience engaging. Just keep in mind the full-day schedule and early start.

In all, this tour from Playa del Carmen provides a unique window into the natural wonders of Yucatán. If you’re eager for vibrant landscapes, birdwatching, and authentic local experiences, this trip will serve you well. Just pack your camera, some sunscreen, and an adventurous spirit—you’re in for a day that’s as colorful as the lakes themselves.