Las Coloradas

Introduction

If you’re dreaming of a day immersed in the natural wonders of southeastern Mexico, a tour to Las Coloradas offers a colorful glimpse into the region’s unique landscapes. This experience is a great option for travelers who love photos, wildlife spotting, and authentic regional cuisine. While it’s not a short trip, the chance to see the striking pink salt lakes, cruise through mangroves, and visit a crocodile farm makes it a memorable outing.

What we particularly like about this tour is the combination of nature and local culture. The boat ride through Río Lagartos provides a chance to see flamingos and other wildlife, which is genuinely special. Plus, the included lunch offers regional flavors that add depth to the experience. On the flip side, the tour’s length and number of stops might be a consideration if you prefer a more relaxed pace or fewer destinations.

This tour suits those who enjoy a full day of exploration, photography, and wildlife encounters. It’s perfect for travelers eager to see natural marvels and get a taste of local life beyond the typical beach scene. If you’re up for a long day with varied sights, this could be just the adventure you’re seeking.

Key Points

• Balanced itinerary with visits to Rio Lagartos, Las Coloradas, and a crocodile farm.
• Wildlife focus, especially flamingos and crocodiles, which appeal to nature lovers.
• Authentic dining experience featuring regional-seasoned food.
• Comfortable transport included, making logistics easier.
• Cost analysis shows the price includes many activities but note there’s an extra reserve tax.
• Moderate physical activity is expected; some walking and boat riding involved.

A Closer Look at the Las Coloradas Tour

Departure and Pickup: Starting the Day

Your adventure begins with a pickup from your Playa del Carmen hotel, which is convenient and stress-free. The tour lasts about 15 hours and 30 minutes, so plan for a long day, but it’s packed with diverse sights. The transport is an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring comfort during the approximately 2.5-hour drive to the first stop.

First Stop: Río Lagartos – A Wildlife Paradise

The highlight for many is the boat tour through Río Lagartos, a protected mangrove and lagoon area teeming with flora and fauna. This part of the trip lasts around 2 hours and 30 minutes, and the boat allows a close-up look at the area’s distinctive ecosystems.

Expect to see flamingos, which often nest in the reserve, along with other bird species, crocodiles, and possibly some sea turtles. It’s an active, engaging experience that’s both educational and visually stunning. The boat ride is a chance to see nature in its raw state, and the guide will likely point out various plants and animals, adding to the experience.

Visiting Tizimín and the Crocodile Farm

Next, the tour moves to the tranquil town of Tizimín, where you can enjoy the local architecture and atmosphere. The visit to the crocodile farm offers a fun, hands-on experience—you can take photos, learn about crocodile behavior, and even feed them. This part of the tour lasts about 40 minutes.

While some travelers might be surprised by this stop—especially if they weren’t expecting to get close to such creatures—it adds a unique, slightly adventurous element to the day. One reviewer called the crocodile farm “the best,” highlighting how memorable this part was for them.

The Spectacle of Las Coloradas

The main attraction is the pink salt lakes of Las Coloradas. Here, you’ll have about an hour to marvel at the surreal, rose-colored waters. The salt flats are a natural, eye-catching sight—perfect for photos and simply appreciating the wonder of nature.

Your guide will explain the meaning of the pink hue, the salt extraction process, and the environmental significance of the area. Be aware that admission to Las Coloradas is included in the tour price, but there is also a $22 USD per person reserve fee that travelers should prepare for if they wish to visit independently.

Lunch: Tasting Regional Flavors

A major highlight is the lunch provided during the tour. It’s described as a delicious regional meal, prepared by locals with a special seasoning. The lunch box includes a juice, sandwich, apple, and a snack bar, providing enough energy for the rest of the day. While it’s not a fancy sit-down meal, it’s practical and gives a taste of local flavors.

Closing: End at the Crocodile Farm

The tour wraps up with a visit to the crocodile farm for some final photos and possibly more interaction with these impressive reptiles. This provides a fun and slightly daring finish to the day’s adventures.

Transportation, Duration, and Group Size

The entire trip is conducted in an air-conditioned vehicle, making the long travel segments more comfortable. With a maximum of 50 travelers, the tour is larger but still manageable, especially with a well-organized guide. Expect a full day—starting early and returning in the evening—so bringing essentials like sunscreen, water, and comfortable shoes is a good idea.

Cost and Value

At $124 per person, this tour offers a lot—wildlife, natural wonders, regional cuisine, and cultural insights. The included activities and transportation justify the cost, though the extra reserve tax for the salt lakes should be factored in if you’re planning to explore independently later.

What Reviews Tell Us

While only two reviews are available, both are positive. One reviewer praised the helpful guide Frank, calling the day “so cool” and highlighting the attraction’s beauty. They also noted that the crocodile farm was a pleasant surprise, even if it wasn’t initially expected.

The general consensus suggests that this trip is worth it for the sights and wildlife encounters, especially if you love taking photos and learning about regional ecology.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for nature lovers and photographers eager to capture unique landscapes and colorful wildlife. It’s also suited for travelers comfortable with long days and moderate physical activity, including boat rides and walking. Those interested in regional culture and cuisine will appreciate the included meal and local stops.

However, if you’re not keen on long trips or don’t enjoy wildlife, this might feel a bit rushed. The extra reserve fee should also be considered in your budget, as it’s a mandatory expense if you plan to visit the salt lakes independently.

Final Thoughts

This Las Coloradas tour offers a rich mix of natural beauty, wildlife, and local flavor. The stunning pink lakes alone make it worth a look, but the boat ride through Río Lagartos and the crocodile farm elevate the experience to something more memorable. The included lunch adds an authentic touch, giving you a taste of regional cuisine beyond the usual tourist fare.

While the length and number of stops might seem ambitious, travelers who enjoy full-day adventures and want to see more than just beaches will find this trip rewarding. The guide’s help and the smooth logistics make it a practical choice for those eager to explore a different side of the Yucatán Peninsula.

If you’re after a photo-worthy day packed with wildlife and scenery, this tour ticks many boxes. Just be prepared for a long day and extra fees for the salt lake reservation, and you’ll have a solid, authentic taste of southeastern Mexico’s natural treasures.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour? Yes, the tour includes round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle from Playa del Carmen, making the logistics straightforward.

How long is the tour? Expect a full day of approximately 15 and a half hours, including travel, stops, and activities.

What’s the group size? The tour can accommodate up to 50 travelers, which is typical for larger guided excursions.

Are meals included? Yes, a box lunch with juice, a sandwich, an apple, and a snack bar is included, offering regional flavors.

Is there an extra fee I should know about? Yes, there’s a $22 USD reserve tax for visiting the Río Lagartos natural reserve and Las Coloradas, payable at the site.

What activities are part of the tour? You’ll enjoy a boat ride, visits to Las Coloradas salt lakes and a crocodile farm, plus a town stop in Tizimín.

Is this tour suitable for kids or people with limited mobility? The tour involves moderate walking and boat riding, so some physical fitness is recommended. It’s best suited for travelers comfortable with a full day of activity.

In sum, this tour offers a well-rounded glance at some of the most colorful and wildlife-rich spots in the Yucatán. If your idea of a memorable trip involves vibrant scenery, regional flavors, and exotic animals, it’s worth considering. Just be ready for a long, activity-filled day—your camera and appetite for adventure will thank you.