Las Coloradas, Mexico is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Yucatán. It’s also among the most Instagrammable places in the area; I mean, they are literally pink lakes!
This man-made attraction, however, is not very easy to reach if you’re traveling on your own. I’ve once tried to come here by public transport. I made it, but then I got stuck here until I hitchhiked a ride back to Valladolid… that’s a story for another time, though!
The best way to visit, unless you want to drive, is with a tour, which will grant you roundtrip transportation to Las Coloradas. You’ll also be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, so no questions will be left unanswered.
When I visited Mexico’s pink lakes, you could still walk on the shore and be very close to the water (as you can clearly see in the picture). This is no longer allowed, but you’ll still get a chance to snap memorable pictures of the lagoons.
Warning: Some tours to Las Coloradas offer a visit to a crocodile “sanctuary” where visitors are allowed to touch the animals and the crocodiles are kept in small cages.
Of course, we don’t condone this activity and we are careful in recommending only tours that don’t include this. Itineraries can change though, so please carefully read the description of a tour before booking, and be a responsible tourist.
➥ Why can you trust me? A decade of experience in the travel industry, plus the six months I’ve spent in Mexico, make me a bit of an expert when it comes to selecting activities in the country.
I have a knack for identifying wholesome, worthwhile experiences and know just what would make a trip to Las Coloradas memorable. In this article, you’ll find the most authentic, iconic tours to the region.
I use and recommend Viator and Get Your Guide for booking tours and activities around the world. All of these platforms offer not only amazing excursions but a really great cancellation policy. They allow you to cancel most activities up to 24 hours in advance.
In this article, you’ll find the very best Las Coloradas tours from Cancun, Merida, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Valladolid. Check them out and start planning your trip!
Limited time? These are the best tours:
| TOUR FROM CANCUN | Rio Lagartos & Las Coloradas Day Trip |
| TOUR FROM RIVIERA MAYA | Riviera Maya: Rio Lagartos & Las Coloradas Tour |
| TOUR FROM TULUM | Tour Las Coloradas & Rio Lagartos |
| TOUR FROM MERIDA | Las Coloradas Private Tour |
| TOUR FROM VALLADOLID | Rio Lagartos – Ek Balam Tour |
Las Coloradas Tours from Cancun
▶️ This Rio Lagartos & Las Coloradas Day Trip & Lunch from Cancun is a full-day excursion that starts with a trip to Rio Lagartos.
You’ll enjoy a boat tour through its beautiful canals, which are surrounded by mangroves and lush vegetation. Spot flamingos, herons, seagulls, and pelicans along the way. If you’re lucky, you may even get to see crocodiles!
Then bike to Las Coloradas, known for its picturesque pink lakes caused by large salt deposits and red-colored algae. Learn about this splendid phenomenon, and then take part in a Mayan Bath.
You’ll be covering your body with clay before cleaning up on one of the beautiful, white sand beaches nearby. Cap off the trip with a scrumptious seafood meal.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, a guide, all activities, bottled water, and a meal. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This Private tour at Chichen-Itza, Ik-Kil, Rio Lagartos, and Las Coloradas with Lunch is a very comprehensive excursion. Prepare for a jam-packed day!
You’ll start by visiting the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza with your guide. Learn about the Mayan civilization in depth, and stand in awe in front of the structures. Then, cool off at Ik Kil Cenote before making your way to Rio Lagartos.
Explore the charming fishing village, and keep your eyes peeled to see flamingos and other bird species in the area.
Cap off the trip by visiting the spectacular pink lakes of Las Coloradas. Discover the reason behind their unique color, and refuel with a hearty meal at a local restaurant.
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, all activities, entrance fees, beverages, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ A great alternative is this Ek Balam, Rio Lagartos and Las Coloradas Private Tour from Cancun. It’s a 13-hour excursion that begins with a tour around the archaeological site of Ek Balam. Discover the ruins and learn about their history from a professional guide.
Move on to Rio Lagartos, home to a stunning biosphere reverse with rich flora and fauna. Marvel at Mexico’s pink lake and the gorgeous white sand beaches nearby, and then visit a tequila factory.
Indulge in a tequila-tasting session with your group, and refuel with lunch before returning to Cancun.
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, entrance fees, all activities, a guide, tequila tasting, refreshments, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Las Coloradas Tours from Playa del Carmen & Riviera Maya
▶️ The Riviera Maya: Rio Lagartos & Las Coloradas Day Trip with Lunch is an ideal tour to explore the Yucatan’s marvelous wonders. It includes a visit to Rio Lagartos, where you’ll enjoy a boat ride along its enchanting canals.
Visit Las Coloradas by bike, and take snaps of the beautiful pink lakes for your Insta before continuing the trip. Then, it’s time for a clay bath!
Do as the ancient Mayans and cover your body in beneficial clay, before washing it off at the beach. After all the adventures, you’ll refuel with a scrumptious meal based on local fresh fish.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transfers, a guide, all activities and fees, lunch, and bottled water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Cenote Suytun, Rio Lagartos & Las Coloradas tour is a private excursion. Start the day with an early visit to Cenote Seytun, a gorgeous sinkhole where you can go for a swim.
Then, meet the wildlife at the Rio Lagartos Reserve, where hundreds of different species of birds live, including flamingos, pelicans, and seagulls.
Finally, visit Las Coloradas, and learn the secrets that make these lakes look pink. They shine stronger under the bright Mexican sunlight, and look quite surreal.
This tour also includes: Roundtrip transportation, all activities, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Las Coloradas Tour from Tulum
This Tour Las Coloradas & Rio Lagartos Only from Tulum should be your go-to if you’re staying in Tulum. It takes you on a memorable adventure to Las Coloradas, where you’ll have the chance to snap photos and discover why they’re pink.
A boat trip through the mangroves of Rio Lagartos is included, as well as a Mayan Bath that requires you to cover your body with clay. After moisturizing your skin, you’ll get rinsed in a nearby beach, and cap off the tour with a scrumptious seafood lunch.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transfers, all activities, a guide, bottled water, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Las Coloradas Tours From Merida
▶️ This Tour to Las Coloradas and Rio Lagartos from Merida lasts a full day. You’ll get an early start with comfortable hotel pick-up, and make your way to the astounding Pink Lakes. Learn about the reason behind their unique color, and make the most of the photo ops!
Your next stop is the virgin beach Cancuncito, where you’ll have time to relax by the sea and go for a refreshing swim.
Finally, enjoy a boat ride in the lush Rio Lagartos, home to magnificent flora and fauna, that include pink flamingos and crocodiles. A tasty lunch is included before you start your journey back to Merida.
This tour includes: Hotel transfers, a guide, a boat ride, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ If you’re traveling with a group, you should check out this Rio Lagartos & Las Coloradas Private Tour from Merida. It accommodates up to 13 people and offers a hassle-free experience.
The activities include drifting along Rio Lagartos canals as you learn about the area’s wildlife from your guide. You’ll also visit the pink, shallow lagoons of Las Coloradas – probably what you’re looking forward to the most!
Finish the tour with a cenote swim, and enjoy a Mexican lunch at a local eatery.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transfers, a guide, all activities, lunch, and a cooler with beer and sodas. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Las Coloradas Tour from Valladolid
If you’re looking for a private experience, choose Rio Lagartos – Ek Balam from Valladolid. You’ll be taken to Rio Lagartos Reserve, a natural haven where you’ll get to appreciate the wildlife of the region. It’s also where you’ll take a boat ride among lush mangroves.
With a little bit of luck, you’ll get to see the flamingos before you head to the famous Las Coloradas, the star of the trip. Take in the sight of Mexico’s pink lakes…and then keep going, because the trip isn’t over yet!
After you’ve visited the lakes, travel to Ek Balam, a Mayan archaeological site that you’ll explore with a guide. End the trip on a high note with a local lunch.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transfers, a guide, entrance to Rio Lagartos, boat ride, lunch, and bottled water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
