Las Coloradas and Rio Lagartos Tour with All Inclusive

If you’re dreaming of vibrant landscapes, unique wildlife, and a taste of Mayan culture, the Las Coloradas and Rio Lagartos Tour with All Inclusive might just be your perfect day out in Cancun. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the detailed reviews, itinerary, and features paint a compelling picture of what you can expect. It’s a 12-hour journey filled with color, wildlife, and authentic moments—ideal for nature lovers and curious explorers alike.

What we love most about this tour is the chance to see Las Coloradas’ famous pink lagoons—a surreal sight that photography buffs will adore—and the opportunity to cruise through the Rio Lagartos lagoons, spotting flamingos and crocodiles in their natural habitat. The inclusions are pretty comprehensive, from transport to meals, making it a convenient full-day experience. One thing to consider is the long travel time, which can be tiring, especially for those sensitive to lengthy bus rides.

This trip suits travelers eager for authentic encounters, wildlife photography, and a deep dive into the natural beauty of the Yucatán Peninsula. If you prefer shorter tours or non-structured experiences, this might feel like a long haul. But if you’re up for a full immersion into Mexico’s vibrant ecosystems, read on for a detailed breakdown.

Key Points

• Major highlights include the pink lagoons and flamingo sightings, which make for stunning photos and memorable moments.
• The guided boat trip in Rio Lagartos offers immersive wildlife viewing, including crocodiles and an array of bird species.
• All-inclusive features cover transportation, meals, and entrance fees, providing good value for a full-day adventure.
• The long travel time (around 12 hours total) can be a challenge for some, especially with minimal legroom and lengthy bus rides.
• Reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and the unique scenery, though some mention logistical issues like air conditioning and communication.
• Best suited for adventurous travelers who enjoy nature, photography, and cultural insights.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown: What’s in Store

Stop 1: Las Coloradas (Pink Lagoons)

This is the star of the tour. You’ll visit the vivid pink lakes, where the color arises from the presence of microorganisms and salt crystals. The water’s unnatural hue makes for incredible photos, and the guide will explain the fascinating natural process behind it. Expect about two hours here, with an included admission ticket.

What makes this stop special is not just the visual spectacle but the chance to live a Mayan bath—a unique experience designed to connect you with local traditions. Reviewers like Joseph praise the “spectacular” view and the chance to get close to the salt formations and microorganisms that give the water its color.

However, some travelers note that the tour’s timing can be tight, so plan your photos early and efficiently. Also, bringing extra water and snacks is recommended—even though refreshments are provided—because the experience can get quite hot, and the day is long.

Stop 2: Rio Lagartos

The highlight here is a two-hour boat tour through the lagoon system, where you’ll see flamingos, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife. The boat ride offers a close-up view of Mexico’s wildlife, and the chance to feed or hold crocodiles adds an interactive element. Several reviews highlight the “amazing” animal encounters, with one traveler remarking, “holding and feeding crocodiles was amazing.”

The boat trip also offers fantastic photo opportunities of the flamingos and the lush surroundings. Expect to see pelicans, herons, and other native species in their natural environment.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour provides a comprehensive package:

• Transportation with air conditioning
• A bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
• A box lunch (sandwich, fruit, cookie, juice)
• Entrance to the pink lagoons
• The boat tour in Rio Lagartos
• A visit to the crocodile farm
• A flamingo sighting
• A bottle of water and a choice of one dish for the meal

Not included are drinks at the restaurant and a dock and ecological reserve tax of around $23 USD, which travelers should be prepared for.

Travel Logistics and Group Size

The start time is 6:30 am, with hotel pickups available at many locations. The group size is limited to 40, allowing for a manageable and engaging experience. The transportation is comfortable but note that some reviews mention minimal legroom, especially for taller travelers. The long day and the bus ride are notable, with some reviewers suggesting the journey can be tiresome, especially for children or those unaccustomed to long bus trips.

What Our Reviewers Say

Most reviews are positive, praising the stunning vistas and the knowledge of guides. Joseph describes the trip as the highlight of his Mexico visit, especially enjoying the close encounters with flamingos and crocodiles. Others mention the good value for money, considering the inclusions.

However, there are some less favorable comments. One reviewer experienced issues with poor air conditioning and felt the long journey was taxing. Another pointed out communication issues—the guide’s English was not always clear, which could affect non-Spanish speakers’ understanding.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Bring extra water and snacks; the tour provides some, but it’s a long day.
• Wear comfortable shoes and sun protection—hat, sunscreen, sunglasses.
• Prepare for crowds at the lagoons; early morning or late afternoon might be less busy.
• Consider your tolerance for long bus rides—if you’re prone to discomfort, bring a neck pillow or consider splitting the trip.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Given the value for money and the opportunity to see some of Mexico’s most spectacular natural sights, this tour is a strong choice for adventurers and wildlife enthusiasts. The inclusions—meals, transportation, guided commentary—make it a convenient way to explore without worrying about logistics or extra costs.

However, the long hours and bus ride may not be suitable for everyone. If you’re looking for a quick snapshot or have mobility concerns, this might feel a bit exhausting. Still, for those eager to photograph flamingos, float in salt pools, and learn about local ecosystems, the experience delivers.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers with a sense of adventure, keen on nature and wildlife photography, or interested in Mayan cultural elements like the mud bath. The guided approach ensures you learn about the environment while enjoying some of Mexico’s most unique landscapes. It’s also a good fit for families willing to spend a full day exploring.

If you prefer shorter trips, or dislike long bus rides, you might want to weigh this adventure against more compact alternatives. But for a comprehensive, well-organized day immersed in vibrant scenery and wildlife, this tour offers solid value.

FAQs

How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts approximately 12 hours, starting at 6:30 am, including pickups and travel time.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers transportation with air conditioning, a bilingual guide, entrance fees to Las Coloradas, a boat tour, meals, and a crocodile farm visit.

Are drinks in the restaurant included?
No, drinks at the restaurant are not included; you’ll need to pay separately for beverages.

Is there an additional fee I should prepare for?
Yes, there’s a dock and ecological reserve tax of about $23 USD that you will need to pay upon arrival.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring extra water and snacks, sun protection like hat and sunscreen, and comfortable shoes for walking and boat trips.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers indicate children participate well, but be mindful of the long bus ride and the physical activity involved—particularly feeding crocodiles or walking around hot lagoons.

In The Sum Up: this tour offers a fantastic chance to see some of the Yucatán’s most colorful and exciting natural attractions. With expert guides, well-organized logistics, and the chance to capture unforgettable photos, it’s a solid choice for those ready for a full-day adventure. While the long hours and travel might be a hurdle for some, the stunning scenery and interactive wildlife experiences make it worthwhile for anyone eager to explore Mexico’s vibrant ecosystems firsthand.