Las Coloradas, Río Lagartos and Playa Cancunito Tour from Mérida

If you’re looking to spend a long but rewarding day exploring some of Yucatán’s most spectacular natural sights, this tour from Mérida offers plenty of wow moments. It’s a thoughtfully curated experience that combines vibrant landscapes, rich wildlife, and relaxing beach time—all with the convenience of round-trip transportation and guided insights. While it’s a full-day commitment, many travelers find it a worthwhile way to see a different side of the region beyond the more crowded tourist spots.

What we love most about this trip is the chance to walk among the iconic pink salt lakes of Las Coloradas, with their surreal hues and expansive views. Plus, the boat tour at Río Lagartos delivers unforgettable encounters with flamingos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds, all in their natural habitat. On the downside, some review mentions the day feeling a bit rushed, especially if you want to linger longer at each stop. This tour suits travelers who appreciate nature, wildlife, and striking scenery—and who are okay with a packed schedule.

Whether you’re an avid photographer, wildlife enthusiast, or simply someone eager to see the unspoiled beaches of the Yucatán, this trip offers a good mix of activities that showcase the region’s natural beauty. It’s especially ideal for those staying in Mérida who want a comprehensive, all-in-one day trip that ticks many boxes.

Key Points

• All-inclusive price: Your ticket covers entrance fees, taxes, and a delicious lunch, making it easier to budget.
• Wildlife encounters: Expect close-up views of flamingos, crocodiles, eagles, and a variety of regional birds.
• Photo opportunities: The pink salt lakes and pristine beaches provide countless chances to capture stunning images.
• Guided experience: Certified guides offer insights in both Spanish and English, enriching your understanding of each site.
• Long but rewarding day: At approximately 13 hours, it’s a full day, but the variety of destinations makes it worthwhile.
• Limited free time at some stops: Some travelers note the schedule can be tight, especially at Las Coloradas and Playa Cancunito.

The Itinerary: A Closer Look

Pickup and Transportation

The journey begins early, with pickups starting at 7:00 am from Mérida’s meeting point, Viajes Colibrí. The transportation is in a comfortable van equipped with a cooler and binoculars, which makes birdwatching easier. The group size is limited to 18 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience and less chaos on busy stops.

Las Coloradas: The Surreal Pink Salt Lakes

The first major highlight is Las Coloradas, famous for its striking pink hue and salt production facilities. Your guide will lead you along the paths through the salt flats, where the color intensifies under the Yucatán sun. The reviews consistently mention how impressive and photo-worthy the lakes are, with some travelers noting that photos don’t do justice to the actual view. One reviewer describes it as a “dream landscape,” and many appreciate the included access to a viewpoint for better photos.

What to Expect:
Expect to walk on uneven terrain and be prepared for the bright sun. The site has bathrooms to change into swimsuits if you want to take a quick dip in the cenote nearby. Some mention that the salt ponds are still in process of their seasonal color change, especially early in the fishing season, but the vivid pinks are often visible.

Worth noting: Several travelers find the site’s beauty exceeds expectations, though some comment on the limited historical background provided about salt production. Still, the view alone makes it a standout stop.

Playa Cancunito: Remote but Beautiful

Next, you’ll visit Playa Cancunito, a remote, unspoiled beach rated by many as one of the most beautiful in Yucatán. It’s a quiet stretch of sand with no crowds, no facilities, and no commercial activity—just pristine nature.

What to Expect:
You’ll have about 45 minutes here to swim, take photos, or just relax. Because there are no amenities, bring your own water, snacks, and towels. The waves can be choppy, so it’s best suited for confident swimmers or those wanting to dip their toes in the water.

Review insights: Visitors love the solitude and clear waters, but some mention the beach’s sparse facilities. It’s a perfect stop for those seeking natural beauty without the bustle.

Río Lagartos: The Wildlife Paradise

The highlight of many trips is the boat tour in Río Lagartos’s Natural Park. With a 2-hour ride, you’ll get up close to flamingos—sometimes in large flocks—plus crocodiles, herons, and other regional birds.

What to Expect:
The boats are small, with a maximum of six people, and come equipped with binoculars and life jackets. This close-up wildlife viewing is often described as magical. Reviewers frequently mention how many flamingos they saw, often in large, pink-flushed groups, and how the boat ride provided a real connection with nature.

Additional perks: The boat crew is attentive, and some reviewers note how the wildlife comes surprisingly close, creating perfect photo ops. The boat ride is a core part of the experience and worth the long day.

Lunch at Maleconcito Gourmet

After the boat, you’ll dine at Maleconcito Gourmet, where a set menu provides a variety of local dishes. Many reviewers rave about the quality and flavor of the food, calling it a highlight of the day.

What to Expect:
The meal is included in the tour price, though drinks are extra. Some mention that the restaurant is a bit busy, and the service can be slow, but the quality of the food tends to be praised.

Return Journey and Final Stop

The day ends with a longer drive back to Mérida, with the group returning to the meeting point around 8:00 pm. Some travelers have noted that the entire schedule can be quite long, but most agree that the variety of sights makes it worthwhile.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Tips

Guides: One consistent theme in reviews is the knowledge and friendliness of the guides, who often go beyond just pointing out sights—they share insights into the region’s ecology, salt production, and even some Mayan words, making the experience richer.

Wildlife Viewing: Bird watchers and animal lovers will especially appreciate the binoculars provided and the chance to see flamingos, crocodiles, and eagles in their natural habitat. It’s not a zoo or a staged show—just genuine wildlife encounters.

Photogenic Locations: For photographers, the lakes, beaches, and boat rides provide more than enough material. Just be prepared for the sun and bring your camera gear accordingly.

Long Day: At 13 hours, this is a full-day commitment. Some reviewers say the schedule feels tight, especially at Las Coloradas and Playa Cancunito, so be prepared for a busy day with little downtime.

Value for Money: With all tickets, taxes, transportation, guide, boat tour, and lunch included, many find this tour is quite good value—especially considering the large variety of experiences packed into one day.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and photographers who want an immersive experience of Yucatán’s most photogenic spots. It’s also a good choice for those eager to see flamingos, salt flats, and pristine beaches without the hassle of planning each stop themselves.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed or flexible pace, or are traveling with small children or mobility challenges, this might feel a bit strenuous. The tour’s schedule is long and tightly packed, but the highlights are truly memorable.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transportation from Mérida is included, and the van is equipped with a cooler and binoculars for birdwatching.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 13 hours, starting at 7 am and returning around 8 pm.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable walking clothes, a swimsuit and towel, sunscreen, a hat or sunglasses, and your ID. Snacks and extra water are recommended, especially for Playa Cancunito.

Are the stops crowded?
No, the beaches and salt lakes are quite remote and unspoiled, making this a peaceful escape from busy tourist spots.

Are meals included?
Yes, lunch at Maleconcito Gourmet is included in the price. Drinks are extra.

What wildlife might I see?
Expect flamingos, crocodiles, eagles, herons, and many regional bird species. Binoculars are provided to get a closer look.

Is there any free time at Las Coloradas?
You’ll have about 1.5 hours at Las Coloradas, which is enough to walk the salt flats and take photos. However, some reviews mention the schedule is tight, and more time could be appreciated.

This Mérida tour packs an impressive amount of natural beauty into one day. From the surreal pink lakes of Las Coloradas to the bird-filled waters of Río Lagartos, every stop offers a chance to see Yucatán’s landscapes in their most vivid form. The guided approach and included amenities make it a hassle-free way to experience some of the region’s most photogenic and wildlife-rich sites.

While the long schedule might be a challenge for those seeking a more leisurely pace, most travelers find the variety and authenticity well worth the effort. It’s perfect for those who want a full immersion into the region’s natural splendors, with plenty of opportunities to capture unforgettable memories.

About the Provider

Viajes Colibrí Yucatán TOURS offers this all-in-one day trip, with positive reviews praising their organization, guides, and overall value. Their careful planning ensures you’ll visit key sights without the stress of coordinating logistics yourself.

This tour offers a genuine peek into the wild, colorful heart of Yucatán—great for explorers who want more than just a quick glance. Prepare your camera, pack some patience, and get ready for a day full of natural wonders.