Home › Excursions › Nature & wildlife › Las Coloradas · Rio Lagartos
Flamingos & the pinklake of Las Coloradas.
A pink lake, flamingos, crocodiles and a fishing village: a completely different Mexico. Departure ≈ 6.15am, return ≈ 6.30pm, group of 6 to 14 people, your own guide, €125 per adult all inclusive.
The place
Rio Lagartos and the pink of the salt flats
The Rio Lagartos estuary, a biosphere reserve, is home to the largest flamingo colony in Mexico, and to the Las Coloradas salt flats, worked since Maya times, whose pools turn candy pink thanks to micro-organisms. Between the two, a fishing village where time has stopped, and crocodiles dozing in the mangrove.
The programme
How the day unfolds.
- ≈ 6.15amDeparture from your hotel
We head for Río Lagartos, a small fishing village in the north of the peninsula. Allow 3 hours 30 minutes of driving on the way there.
- MorningBy boat through the reserve
Around 2 hours 30 minutes on the water through the mangrove depending on the season, in boats of five people and with your French-speaking guide: crocodiles, birds, and further on the flamingos, which form one of the largest colonies in North America here. There are more of them in winter, but they are present all year round.
- MorningThe Maya spa
A stop along the pink lagoon of Las Coloradas, where you can try the famous Maya spa. We will let you discover that one for yourself.
- MiddayLunch in the village
Fish and seafood in a typical restaurant in Río Lagartos, still untouched by mass tourism. Lunch is included.
- AfternoonThe Las Coloradas salt flats
We go into the site, where a large viewpoint overlooks the vast deep pink lagoon. Entry is included in the price.
- AfternoonThe beaches of Las Coloradas
Still deserted, with all the time you need for photos. There are no shops here: the only thing you will find is the salt extracted from the lagoon, sold as a souvenir.
- ≈ 6.30pmReturn
More driving than on our other days out, but a far more authentic Mexico, well away from the tour buses.
In detail
Included, not included.
- Hotel ↔ hotel transport
- Boat
- Las Coloradas entrance fee
- English-speaking guide
- Lunch
- Tips
- Personal spending
In your bag
They lived it
Travellers rate “Las Coloradas · Rio Lagartos” 4.9/5 on Google (323 reviews).
Gallery
What you will see.
Frequently asked questions
Everything people ask us.
Their presence depends on the season; your guide will tell you honestly what can be seen on your dates.
Yes, thanks to the micro-organisms in the salt flats; the intensity varies with the light and the time of year.
You write to us (form, email or WhatsApp) with your dates, your hotel and how many of you there are; we confirm quickly. A deposit of €10 per person from 3 people (refundable up to 48 h before), the balance on the day in euros, pesos or dollars.
Straight from your hotel or accommodation in Playa del Carmen, Tulum or Puerto Morelos. In Cancún, pick-up is available for Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy (and for groups, on request). The exact time is confirmed the day before on WhatsApp.
Most of them are. We give you all the details when you book: depending on your children’s ages, we will recommend a particular outing, or advise against it.
free
★ 48 h ★
Simple, quick booking
Under-12 prices: ask us · Quick reply, 365 days a year
A deposit of €10 per person from 3 people (refundable up to 48 h), the balance paid on the day.
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