Plan your visit
Planning Your Visit to Las Coloradas
Prepare for extreme heat and high UV reflection. Learn how to reach the remote salt flats and when the colors peak.
Las Coloradas Pink Lagoons
Las Coloradas, 97723 Yucatán, Mexico
GPS 21.6043517, -87.9916817
Open directionsGetting there
Options for reaching the northern Yucatán coast.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car: Renting a car and driving from Cancun, Mérida, or Valladolid. Take Highway 180 (or 180D) to Valladolid, then head north on Highway 295 through Tizimín. | 1.5 hours from Valladolid, 3.5 hours from Cancun/Mérida | $30-$50 USD per day for rental | Ensure you have a full tank of gas before leaving Valladolid or Tizimín, as there are no gas stations on the final stretch to the lakes. |
| Bus: Take a primary bus (ADO or Oriente) from Valladolid or Mérida to the town of Tizimín, then transfer to a secondary local bus (Autobuses Noreste) heading to Las Coloradas. | 2.5 to 4.5 hours depending on departure city and transfer wait times | 150-370 MXN total each way | Keep strict track of the return bus schedules, as the last bus departing Las Coloradas back to Tizimín typically leaves around 3:00 PM. |
| Tour: Book a full-day guided bus or van tour from major tourist hubs like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Mérida. | 12-15 hours for the round-trip day excursion | $100-$150 USD | This is the most hassle-free option and usually includes round-trip transport, entry fees, lunch, and a boat ride in Río Lagartos. |
| Boat: Drive or bus to the fishing village of Río Lagartos, then hire a small local lancha (boat) to navigate the estuary toward the salt flats. | 1.5 to 2 hours for the boat ride itself | 1,200-1,800 MXN per boat | Excellent for seeing flamingos and crocodiles, but to access the pink lakes on foot you will still be dropped off to pay the official park entry fees. |
When to go
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QuietModerateBusyPeak
The pink hue is strongest during the dry season from March to August. Visit between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. The overhead sun maximizes the bright colors. Clouds reduce the effect.
What to bring
Your ticks are saved in this browser only.
Bring cash in Mexican Pesos (MXN).
Card machines frequently lose signal in this remote area.
How the day runs
Suggested schedules based on your starting point.
Drive north and explore the salt flats and nearby beaches at your own pace.
- Depart Valladolid
Ensure you have a full tank of gas before leaving.
- Arrive at Río Lagartos
Take a 2-hour local boat tour to see flamingos and crocodiles.
- Enter Las Coloradas
Pay the reserve tax and join a 45-minute walking tour.
- Cancunito Beach
Drive 15 minutes to relax on this undeveloped white sand beach.
A guided bus excursion that handles all driving and logistics.
- Hotel Pickup
Board your air-conditioned van for the 3.5-hour drive.
- Las Coloradas Tour
Walk along the pink lagoons with a certified guide.
- Río Lagartos Boat Ride
Navigate the estuary and try a traditional Mayan clay bath.
- Lunch
Enjoy local seafood in the fishing village before driving back.
Packing for the Salt Flats
Pack biodegradable sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and polarized sunglasses. The white salt and water create severe glare. Wear lightweight cotton or linen clothing to handle the extreme humidity.
Food options near the lakes are very limited. Bring snacks and a reusable bottle with plenty of drinking water. Wear closed-toe walking shoes to navigate the coarse sand and salt pathways.
Easiest way to do it
Las Coloradas Pink Lake & Rio Lagartos Guided Tour + Entry Fees
12 h 30 min 4.7 (111)
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or nearest pickup point depending your location.
- Flamingo sighting & Mayan Clay Bath
- Box lunch on board (sandwich, fruit, juice, cookie)
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) certified guide
From$154per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
How do you get to Las Coloradas from Cancun?
You can rent a car and drive 3.5 hours via Highway 180 and 295. Alternatively, book a full-day guided bus tour. Tours cost $100-$150 USD and take 12-15 hours round-trip.
How do you get to Las Coloradas from Merida?
Drive 3.5 hours east and north. You can also take an ADO bus to Tizimín, then transfer to a Noreste bus heading to Las Coloradas. The bus journey takes 2.5 to 4.5 hours.
What is the best month to see the pink lakes in Mexico?
The dry season from March to August offers the best viewing conditions. You need bright, direct sunlight to make the pink microalgae colors pop.