Tulum Las Coloradas and Rio Lagartos Pink Lagoon and Flamingos

Discover the Unique Beauty of Tulum’s Las Coloradas and Río Lagartos

If you’re visiting the Yucatán Peninsula, a trip to Las Coloradas’ pink lagoons and the wildlife sanctuary of Río Lagartos offers a striking blend of natural wonder and authentic Mexican adventure. For around $130 per person, this tour takes roughly 11 to 12 hours—a full day packed with vibrant sights and memorable experiences.

We especially love how this tour combines breathtaking scenery with opportunities to observe flamingos and crocodiles in their natural habitat. The natural mud bath is another highlight that promises not just fun but a chance for skin rejuvenation—something you don’t get every day. The round-trip transportation from Tulum keeps logistics straightforward, and the included local lunch offers a taste of regional flavors.

However, a possible consideration is the long hours on the road and the tight schedule, which might not suit travelers seeking a more relaxed pace. It’s best suited for those eager to see iconic Yucatán landscapes and wildlife in a single day, especially if you’re comfortable with early mornings and a bit of adventure.

This tour is ideal for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a full immersion into the vibrant ecosystems of the Yucatán. If you’re looking for a mix of scenic beauty, wildlife encounters, and regional culture—all within a manageable day—this experience fits the bill.

Key Points

Stunning visuals: The pink lagoons are unlike anything else, offering perfect photo opportunities.
Wildlife encounters: Expect flamingos, crocodiles, and other natural sights in the Río Lagartos reserve.
Authentic experience: The regional lunch and natural mud bath provide genuine, unfiltered local flavors and wellness.
All-inclusive convenience: Transportation, boat rides, and a box breakfast make it easy to enjoy the day without extra planning.
Timing and length: A long but well-organized day, suitable for energetic travelers comfortable with early starts and full schedules.
Family-friendly: Kids under 2 travel free, and the tour is suitable for most travelers with some physical mobility.

This tour offers a compelling glimpse into some of the Yucatán’s most iconic natural landscapes, all within a well-structured day trip. Let’s break down what you can expect and why these stops are worth the journey.

The Surreal Pink Lagoons of Las Coloradas

Your day begins early—around 7:00 am—with pickup from Tulum. The first stop is Las Coloradas, a set of salt ponds famous for their stunning rosy hues. These lakes shimmer under the Mexican sun, creating a landscape so unusual it often looks like it belongs in a dream rather than real life.

What makes these lagoons so captivating is their natural coloration. The vibrant pink is caused by a combination of salt concentrations and pigmented microorganisms thriving in the salty waters. As you walk along the edges, you’ll want to keep your camera ready—every angle promises a shot that looks almost too perfect to be real.

We loved the chance to see such an extraordinary environment and appreciated how the guide explained the ecological importance of this salt-producing ecosystem. It’s not just a pretty picture; it’s a working habitat that supports flamingos, which flock here to feed and breed. As one traveler put it, “The colors are out of this world and totally worth the trip.”

Possible drawback: The visit here is relatively brief—about an hour—so if you’re hoping for an in-depth exploration of the salt production process, you might find it too quick. However, the photo opportunities compensate for this.

Río Lagartos: Wildlife and Wetlands

Next, you’ll hop on a boat to explore the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve. This part of the tour is the highlight for many wildlife enthusiasts. Expect to see flamingos wading gracefully through the shallow waters, their pink feathers contrasting vividly with the lush green surroundings. Keep an eye out for crocodiles lounging along the banks—these formidable reptiles are a common sight here.

The boat ride lasts around 2.5 hours, offering plenty of chances for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. During this time, guides are generally quite attentive and happy to point out interesting species. The landscape here is a mosaic of canals, mangroves, and salt flats, providing a dynamic backdrop for photos and nature appreciation.

We loved the peaceful atmosphere and the chance to see flamingos in their natural environment. As one reviewer mentioned, “The flamingos are so close you can hear their calls—they really feel like wild, free creatures.”

The Natural Mud Bath Experience

After the boat ride, the tour takes you to a hidden beach for a unique wellness activity—a natural mud bath. This mineral-rich mud is renowned for its skin-rejuvenating properties and offers a raw, authentic experience without any artificial spa treatments.

Surrounded by native vegetation and the sounds of nature, you’ll have the chance to cover yourself in the cool, earthy mud. Many find it both fun and surprisingly effective for skin softening. Post-mud, you’ll rinse off naturally, feeling refreshed in body and mind.

One traveler shared, “It’s such a simple activity but surprisingly relaxing and invigorating—like a free spa treatment in the wild.” It’s an experience that’s as much about connectivity with nature as it is about self-care.

Authentic Regional Lunch and Logistics

The tour includes a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, where you can choose from regional dishes. The meal is a chance to sample authentic flavors and support local businesses. Drinks aren’t included, so bring some extra cash if you want beverages.

The entire day is organized with round transportation, starting from Cozumel or Cancun—depending on logistics—and includes a box breakfast of a sandwich, juice, and fruit to fuel your morning. The group size is limited to 40 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and manageable.

One thing to note is the government fees—$27 per person—that aren’t included in the initial price, so budget accordingly. Also, the schedule may vary slightly in terms of visit order and timing, but the overall experience remains consistent.

Practical Tips for Your Day Trip

• Arrive early: The start time is 7:00 am, so be ready for a full day.
• Bring essentials: Sunscreen, hat, water, and your camera are a must.
• Wear comfortable shoes: There will be some walking and standing at the lagoons and beach.
• Prepare for the weather: It’s mostly sunny, so dress accordingly.
• Stay flexible: Tour order and meal times might shift, so go with the flow.
• Watch out for the bathroom policy: Onboard restroom use is limited to urination, with full facilities available at stops.

Who This Tour Suits Best

If you’re someone who loves visual marvels, this trip is a treasure chest of photo opportunities. It’s perfect if you’re keen to see flamingos and crocodiles in the wild and enjoy a bit of wellness with a mud bath. The early start and full schedule make it best for active travelers who don’t mind a long day on the road.

This tour is less suitable for those craving a slow-paced, relaxed experience or travelers with mobility issues, due to the amount of walking, boat riding, and early hours. Still, for those eager to see some of the most distinct natural sights in the region, it offers excellent value.

This Las Coloradas and Río Lagartos tour from Tulum offers a fantastic blend of spectacular scenery, wildlife, and authentic regional activities. The stunning pink lagoons are unlike anywhere else and provide a perfect backdrop for memorable photos. The wildlife of Río Lagartos—especially the flamingos—is truly captivating, offering a glimpse into the thriving ecosystems of the Yucatán.

The inclusion of a natural mud bath adds an element of fun and wellness that’s hard to find on other tours. Combined with the local cuisine and organized transport, it makes for a day well spent. The tour’s value lies in its combination of impressive scenery, wildlife, and cultural flavor within a manageable, well-structured package.

Ideal for adventurous travelers, nature lovers, and photographers, this trip promises a full day of awe-inspiring sights and authentic experiences in the heart of Yucatán’s wilderness.

FAQs

What is the starting point for this tour?
It begins at Súper Akí Tulum, with pickups from nearby hotels or designated meeting points early in the morning. If Tulum isn’t nearby, pickup arrangements are made from Coco Bongo in Playa del Carmen at 7:10 am.

How long is the boat ride in Río Lagartos?
The boat ride lasts approximately 2.5 hours. It’s a leisurely cruise through canals and lagoons with ample opportunity to observe wildlife.

Is transportation included?
Yes, round transportation from Tulum is part of the package, making logistics easier for travelers.

Are children allowed?
Children under 2 years old are free, but you need to specify this during booking. The tour involves activities suitable for most ages but check if your kids are comfortable with long hours and boat rides.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, hat, insect repellent, camera, water, and any personal items. Don’t forget your bathing suit if you want to enjoy the mud bath.

Are meals included?
The tour includes a box breakfast in the morning and a regional lunch at the restaurant. Beverages in the restaurant are extra and not included.

What are the government fees?
There is a $27 per person fee that’s not included in the initial price. It covers park entrance and other administrative costs.

How flexible is the schedule?
While the overall itinerary is fixed, the order of visits and meal times might shift slightly to accommodate logistics and group size.

Can I expect to see flamingos?
Yes, flamingos are a prominent feature of Río Lagartos, and guides often point them out. They are a highlight for birdwatchers and wildlife lovers alike.

This tour offers a well-rounded, visually stunning, and engaging way to experience some of the Yucatán’s most iconic natural environments. Whether you’re after incredible photos, wildlife encounters, or simply a taste of local culture, it’s a day that’s likely to leave lasting memories.