Las Coloradas

Our review of the Las Coloradas tour offers a chance to explore one of Mexico’s most striking natural sites, along with a boat trip through vibrant mangroves, a charming town visit, and an encounter with crocodiles. If you’re seeking an affordable day-trip that combines scenic beauty with some wildlife fun, this might be worth considering.

Two aspects we particularly appreciate are the stunning visuals of the pink lakes and the authentic regional cuisine included in the experience. The tour’s itinerary is thoughtfully designed to showcase both the natural wonder of Las Coloradas and the local culture surrounding Río Lagartos. One potential drawback is the long day’s duration (over 15 hours) — rest assured, it’s a full immersion, but it might be tiring for some travelers.

This experience suits those with a sense of adventure and interest in wildlife, photography, or simply soaking in authentic Mexico beyond the typical beach scene. Travelers who enjoy scenic landscapes paired with a bit of local flavor will find this tour offers a worthwhile and reasonably priced glimpse into this lesser-known part of the Yucatán Peninsula.

Key Points

• Impressive scenery: The pink lakes of Las Coloradas are visually unique and perfect for memorable photos.
• Wildlife encounters: Flamingo spotting on the boat tour and crocodile feeding add an interactive element.
• Cultural insights: Visiting Tizimin and the crocodile farm offers a taste of regional life and traditions.
• Value for money: At $124, including transportation, lunch, and all activities, the tour offers a comprehensive experience.
• Long day: Expect a full-day adventure lasting over 15 hours, from early morning pickup to evening return.
• Limited reviews: With only two reviews, overall impressions are positive but somewhat limited in feedback.

An Overview of the Itinerary

The tour kicks off early in the morning with hotel pickup—a convenience that sets a relaxed tone for the day. After a brief breakfast, you’ll head toward the highlight: Las Coloradas, a salt-producing lagoon famous for its vivid pink hue. For photographers and nature lovers alike, this is the star attraction. The tour allocates about an hour here, giving plenty of time to photograph the salt flats, learn about the salt extraction process, and soak in the surreal landscape.

Following Las Coloradas, the journey continues to Río Lagartos, about 2.5 hours away. Here, a boat tour through the mangroves takes you into the heart of this protected reserve. Expect to see flamingos, a variety of bird species, and local flora and fauna. One reviewer described this part as a “cool attraction,” noting how helpful the guide was and how much they enjoyed the experience.

Next, the group visits Tizimin, a small town that showcases regional architecture and offers a peaceful break from the crowded tourist spots. The highlight here is the crocodile farm, where you can observe and feed these ancient reptiles. One traveler appreciated the opportunity to take photos and learn about crocodile behavior, describing it as “an experience not to be missed.” The 40-minute stop allows for some interactive fun and cultural insight.

The final stop is a local restaurant for lunch, featuring regional dishes seasoned with local spices. The included box lunch—a sandwich, apple, juice, and snack bar—keeps things simple yet satisfying, especially after a busy morning.

The tour wraps up with a visit to the crocodile farm, giving everyone a chance to photograph and feed the reptiles, rounding out a full day of natural beauty and wildlife encounters.

What You’ll See and Experience at Each Stop

Las Coloradas

This salt lagoon, with its distinct pink coloration, results from the high concentration of salt and a specific algae that thrive in the briny waters. The scenery is quite unlike anything else, with vivid pinks contrasting against the blue sky. It’s a photographer’s paradise, and you’ll likely appreciate the explanations about salt harvesting—seeing the process that transforms this landscape into the salt used throughout the region.

Río Lagartos

The boat tour offers a close-up look at mangroves and the opportunity to spot flamingos—which, according to reviews, was a highlight. The flora and fauna in this natural reserve are abundant, and the boat ride itself provides a relaxing way to connect with nature away from crowded tourist spots.

Tizimin and the Crocodile Farm

Tizimin’s quiet streets and traditional architecture provide a charming contrast to the natural sites. The crocodile farm visit is practical and interactive, allowing you to learn about these reptiles, see them up close, and even feed them if you wish. This is a fun, hands-on experience that appeals to all ages.

Regional Cuisine

The included lunch, prepared by local cooks, offers a taste of regional flavors. While the box lunch is simple, it is a convenient way to fuel up after a busy morning of sightseeing. For those interested in authentic food, the regional seasoning used by local cooks adds a special touch.

Transportation and Group Size

The tour’s air-conditioned vehicle ensures a comfortable ride, especially considering the long day ahead. With a maximum of 50 travelers, the group size is moderate—large enough to enjoy social interactions but small enough to keep the experience intimate and manageable.

Pricing and Value

At $124 per person, this tour provides a good value considering the included transportation, all activities, and meals. The additional reserve fee of $22 is not included in the price, so budget accordingly. When we analyze what’s included—especially the boat tour, visits, and regional lunch—the cost is reasonable for a full day of guided exploration and wildlife encounters.

While only two reviews are available, they offer some valuable insights. One reviewer called it “an amazing day,” highlighting helpful guides and enjoyable attractions. They also noted that the crocodile farm was unexpectedly enjoyable—”the best” part according to their words. The other review, rated 5 out of 5, mentions the “nice attraction” with helpful staff, emphasizing the overall positive impression.

From these comments, we can infer that the guides are helpful and the activities are engaging, making the day worthwhile for those interested in natural landscapes and wildlife.

This trip is ideal for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those eager to see Mexico’s lesser-known natural sights. It’s suitable for travelers who enjoy photography, especially of unique landscapes like the pink lakes and flamingos. The tour also appeals to those interested in regional culture and local cuisine.

Keep in mind the long hours and the moderate physical activity involved—mostly walking, boat riding, and some mild outdoor exploration—so it’s best suited for those with reasonable fitness levels.

The Las Coloradas tour from Playa del Carmen offers a balanced mix of natural beauty, wildlife, and regional culture. From the surreal pink salt lakes to flamingos in the mangroves, it’s a visual feast that provides plenty of memorable moments. The inclusion of a boat ride, crocodile farm, and regional lunch makes it a well-rounded day trip at a reasonable price.

If you’re eager to see something different from the usual Caribbean beaches and want a genuine taste of Mexico’s natural and cultural richness, this tour is worth considering. It’s especially suited for curious travelers who appreciate wildlife, photography, and authentic local experiences.

While the day is quite long, the variety of sights and activities ensures that your effort pays off in unforgettable memories and interesting stories to share.

Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, the tour begins with pickup from your hotel, making the start convenient and hassle-free.

How long does the entire tour last?
It lasts approximately 15 hours and 30 minutes, so be prepared for a full day of exploring.

What is included in the price?
The price includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a boxed breakfast, bottled water, and lunch. All the activity fees at the stops are included, except the reserve tax.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, you’ll need to pay a $22 USD reserve tax for the natural reserve of Río Lagartos and Las Coloradas, payable on the day.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with limited mobility?
The tour requires moderate physical activity and may involve walking and boat rides, so consider this if traveling with small children or those with mobility challenges.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, camera, and comfortable shoes. The long day and outdoor activities mean preparation is key.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How many people will be on the tour?
A maximum of 50 travelers participate, which strikes a balance between group camaraderie and personal space.

What makes this tour stand out?
The standout features are the unique pink lakes and the opportunity to see flamingos and crocodiles, offering authentic wildlife experiences.

Would I recommend this tour?
If you’re interested in natural beauty, wildlife, and experiencing local flavors, this tour offers good value and memorable sights—definitely worth considering for a full-day adventure.

In summary, the Las Coloradas tour from Playa del Carmen combines striking scenery, engaging wildlife encounters, and regional culture into a day that’s both fun and educational. Perfect for those looking to step off the beaten path and into some of Mexico’s most colorful and natural landscapes.