Tour Las Coloradas & Rio Lagartos from Riviera Maya

Introduction: An Exciting Day Trip to Las Coloradas & Rio Lagartos

This review covers a highly rated full-day tour from Riviera Maya to two of Yucatán’s most captivating natural sights: Las Coloradas and Rio Lagartos. While I haven’t personally taken this trip, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary paint a picture of a well-organized and truly memorable experience.

What draws travelers most are the spectacular pink lakes at Las Coloradas—an otherworldly landscape perfect for photos—and the chance to encounter wildlife in its natural habitat at Rio Lagartos. Plus, the inclusion of a boat ride and a natural exfoliation treatment adds a blend of adventure and relaxation that many find appealing.

One thing to keep in mind is the long day’s duration—approximately 12 hours—so it’s best suited for those who enjoy full-day excursions and are comfortable with early starts. This tour is ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone looking to experience a different side of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula away from the resorts and beaches.

Key Points

• Vivid scenery: The pink lakes at Las Coloradas provide unforgettable photo opportunities.
• Wildlife encounters: Expect flamingos, crocodiles, and other local creatures in their natural environment.
• Comfortable transport: Round-trip air-conditioned transportation makes the long day manageable.
• Authentic experiences: Natural mud exfoliation at Rio Lagartos offers genuine wellness amid nature.
• Value for money: The tour includes boat rides, a box lunch, and entry fees, making it quite comprehensive.
• Small group vibe: With a maximum of 60 travelers, it’s a semi-intimate experience, but most groups are smaller.

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Transportation and Logistics

The journey begins bright and early at 6:30 am with pickups from Cancun or Playa del Carmen. Expect small group pickups that consolidate into a main bus, which helps streamline the long drive to the Yucatán Peninsula. The round-trip, air-conditioned transport is a significant plus, especially after a long day in the sun. Traveling in comfort allows you to relax and enjoy the scenery on the way to the first stop.

The entire tour lasts about 12 hours, which is quite a commitment but offers a full immersion into this natural wonderland. Keep in mind that your schedule might stretch beyond the planned time due to traffic and pickups, so wearing comfortable clothes and bringing extra supplies is wise.

Stop 1: Rio Lagartos – Wildlife and Wellness

Once at Rio Lagartos, the boat ride is the highlight. Expect to glide through the canals and lagoons of the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, a sanctuary for vibrant flamingos and crocodiles. The boat ride lasts about 2.5 hours, offering a front-row seat to these creatures in their natural habitat.

A favorite feature here is the natural exfoliation treatment using mineral-rich mud on a secluded beach. This simple, no-fuss spa experience is a real highlight for many. Surrounded by wild vegetation and listening to the gentle sounds of nature, it delivers a feeling of pure rejuvenation without any touristy frills.

Reviewers like Sonia_S appreciated this part, stating, “All the staff was very good, especially Edgardo and the driver. I recommend this trip for anyone who wants to appreciate nature.”

Stop 2: Las Coloradas – The Pink Lake Wonderland

Next, you arrive at Las Coloradas, home to the surreal pink lagoons. The lakes get their enchanting rosy hue from a combination of salt concentration and microorganisms that produce pigmented chemicals. This otherworldly landscape is best enjoyed under the bright Mexican sun, which intensifies the colors and makes for some stunning photos.

You’ll have around 2 hours here, giving you plenty of time to walk around, take pictures, and marvel at the beauty of this salt-producing ecosystem. The lagoons serve as a breeding ground for flamingos, adding to the photographic drama.

Visitors frequently describe Las Coloradas as a “photographer’s paradise,” with the lakes looking like cotton candy spilled across the landscape. The experience of walking along these vibrant lakes is unlike anything else you’ll see on the Yucatán Peninsula.

Included and Optional Extras

The tour includes a box lunch and bottled water, with options for your preferred dish, making refueling easy during the day. The boat ride, entry to the biosphere reserve, and visit to both Las Coloradas and Rio Lagartos are all covered in the price.

However, there’s a government fee of $27 per person that travelers need to pay on-site, which is common for protected areas but should be factored into your budget. Beverages at restaurants aren’t included, so bring extra cash if you want drinks with your meals.

What Makes This Tour Worthwhile?

For travelers seeking genuine natural beauty and authentic wildlife encounters, this trip offers a well-balanced mix of sightseeing, adventure, and relaxation. The boat ride through the biosphere reserve is a chance to see flamingos—sometimes in large flocks—and crocodiles basking in the sun, offering a rare glimpse of hidden ecosystems.

The visual impact of the pink lakes is particularly powerful; many travelers recall the lakes as one of the most beautiful landscapes they’ve ever seen. The photo opportunities alone make this tour a standout.

Another advantage is the value it offers. For $139 per person, you get transportation, boat rides, a meal, and access to two of Yucatán’s most iconic sites. Considering how much you see and do, it’s a solid deal for those wanting an all-in-one day out.

Authenticity and Practicalities

The tour’s focus on natural environments and minimal frills makes it appealing for those tired of overly commercialized experiences. The mud treatment at Rio Lagartos is a simple, authentic wellness moment that many reviews mention as a highlight. It’s also suitable for most travelers, as the tour is designed to be accessible and straightforward.

Potential Drawbacks

The main consideration is the long day. Starting early and returning late might be tiring, especially if you’re not used to full-day excursions. Also, the crowd limit of 60 travelers means it’s not totally intimate, but most groups tend to be smaller. Lastly, you’ll need to budget for the $27 government fee—an unavoidable charge for preservation.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone wanting to see the more remote, untouched side of Mexico. It suits travelers who don’t mind an early start and a full day out in the sun. If you’re after stunning landscapes and wildlife, this experience checks all those boxes.

It’s also a good fit if you want to avoid the crowds and commercialism of beach resorts and prefer a meaningful connection with nature. The inclusion of local elements like mud treatments and wildlife observation makes it more than just a sightseeing tour—it’s a genuine experience.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re looking for an authentic, value-packed day trip filled with vibrant scenery and wildlife, this tour from Riviera Maya hits the mark. The chance to see the surreal pink lakes and flamingos in their habitat creates memories that last long after the trip ends. The boat ride and natural mud exfoliation add unique touches that many travelers find delightful.

While it demands a full day and some patience with the logistics, the overall experience is well worth it for those eager to witness a more natural side of Mexico. It’s especially suited for travelers who prioritize immersion in nature and beautiful landscapes over luxury.

For anyone wanting an off-the-beaten-path adventure that’s both educational and visually stunning, this tour provides excellent value and genuine moments of awe. Just remember to bring your camera, sunscreen, and a sense of curiosity.

FAQ

How early do I need to be ready for pickup?
Pickup starts at 6:30 am, so be prepared to meet your driver on time. The early start is necessary to fit everything into the day.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour includes round-trip, air-conditioned transportation, making the long journey more pleasant.

How long is the boat ride in Rio Lagartos?
The boat ride lasts about 2.5 hours and takes you through the lagoons of the biosphere reserve, with plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing.

What is included in the price?
The tour price covers transportation, boat ride, entry to Rio Lagartos and Las Coloradas, a box lunch, bottled water, and a natural mud exfoliation.

Are there any extra costs?
Yes, there’s a government fee of $27 per person that you will need to pay on-site at Rio Lagartos.

Can I take photos during the tour?
Absolutely. The scenery—especially the pink lakes—is stunning and perfect for photography.

What should I bring?
Bring swimsuits, towels, extra clothes, sunglasses, biodegradable sunscreen, insect repellent, and your camera.

Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but consider the long day and boat ride if traveling with young children or those with mobility issues.

This full-day tour offers a rich blend of landscapes, wildlife, and authentic experiences—ideal for travelers eager to see nature’s most colorful and lively displays on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.