Las Coloradas in Yucatan: A guide to visit the pink jewel
Destinations 12/05/2026
If you're an Instagram user, you've probably already seen this pink-hued landscape. For locals, Las Coloradas isn't just a tourist destination; it's known as the pink jewel of Yucatán. Located at the northern tip of the Yucatán Peninsula, this phenomenon seems otherworldly. In this Las Coloradas Guide, we'll help you uncover the secrets to exploring this corner of the world without missing a single detail.
Contrary to what many believe, Las Coloradas isn't a lake or an ordinary beach; it's an active salt flat. The area is part of the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, a space with great biodiversity in the state of Yucatán.
What appear to be pink pools are actually evaporation ponds. The evaporation process is quite curious: seawater is pumped into these shallow water cavities, and the sun evaporates the water, leaving salt behind. It's a practical and simple way to collect the mineral.
The million-dollar question: Why is the water pink? Well, the answer is simple: Las Coloradas is pink thanks to biology. The high salinity levels create the perfect conditions for the proliferation of halobacteria and the microalga Dunaliella salina.
This ecosystem of microorganisms generates reddish and orange pigments that protect them from solar radiation. Added to this is the presence of Artemia salina, crustaceans that feed on these algae and are also a food source for flamingos. This explains why the flamingos' plumage also has this color. Las Coloradas creates an ecosystem connected by color.
Getting to Las Coloradas requires a little patience, as it's located in a remote area of the peninsula. The best options for getting there are:
From Valladolid: This is the fastest option. It takes 1 hour and 45 minutes. It's a quiet road and allows you to combine your visit with a nearby cenote.
From Mérida: The journey takes about 3 hours. You'll need to take the highway towards Motul and follow the signs to Tizimín and then Río Lagartos.
From Cancún or Riviera Maya: The journey takes about 3.5-4 hours. The easiest option is to rent a car to avoid layovers.
Route Tip: Before arriving at Las Coloradas, you'll need to pass through the town of Río Lagartos. Ideally, you should stop there and book a tour. This is the easiest way to access the area.
The most famous thing about Las Coloradas is undoubtedly the photo. Even so, there are tours that offer the complete experience:
Walk through the pools: A tour to understand the salt extraction process and the best angles for your photos.
Photo safari: Taking advantage of your visit, there are tours to capture the wildlife, especially during bird nesting season.
Lookout point: In Las Coloradas, there's a wooden structure that allows you to climb a few meters. From up there, the contrast between the pink water and the green of the mangroves is more evident.
Las Coloradas doesn't always have that intense pink color. To ensure the color contrast, two things are needed: sun and dry weather.
The best time to visit Las Coloradas is between March and August. During these months, the sun shines brightly and there are few clouds, which intensifies the vibrant colors. If you go on a cloudy day or after rain, the color will likely be orange or brown instead of pink. The ideal time to visit is between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
Yes. A few years ago, access was free, but due to vandalism and neglect of the ecosystem, the local community now offers guided tours. This has benefited local employment.
The dry seasons (spring and summer) are the best. This also coincides with the peak flamingo season in the area.
No. The salinity level is so high that you could burn your skin or irritate your eyes. Additionally, sweat and bacteria from humans can compromise the quality of the salt.
After a long day on the road, in the extreme heat and salt air, your body craves a luxurious break. Grand Park Royal Cancun is the perfect complement to your trip through the Mexican Caribbean.
When you stay here, you can enjoy an All-inclusive resort experience. Imagine arriving and your only concern being whether to choose between a gourmet dinner or a toast overlooking the sea. What truly sets this hotel apart is its exclusivity: it boasts a private beach with privileged access and architecture that respects the natural environment. Book your vacation with Park Royal. We'd be delighted to welcome you to our facilities.
What exactly are Las Coloradas? A phenomenon to experience firsthand
Contrary to what many believe, Las Coloradas isn't a lake or an ordinary beach; it's an active salt flat. The area is part of the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, a space with great biodiversity in the state of Yucatán.
What appear to be pink pools are actually evaporation ponds. The evaporation process is quite curious: seawater is pumped into these shallow water cavities, and the sun evaporates the water, leaving salt behind. It's a practical and simple way to collect the mineral.
Visual experience: Why is the water pink?
The million-dollar question: Why is the water pink? Well, the answer is simple: Las Coloradas is pink thanks to biology. The high salinity levels create the perfect conditions for the proliferation of halobacteria and the microalga Dunaliella salina.
This ecosystem of microorganisms generates reddish and orange pigments that protect them from solar radiation. Added to this is the presence of Artemia salina, crustaceans that feed on these algae and are also a food source for flamingos. This explains why the flamingos' plumage also has this color. Las Coloradas creates an ecosystem connected by color.
Your Route to Paradise: How to Get to Las Coloradas?
Getting to Las Coloradas requires a little patience, as it's located in a remote area of the peninsula. The best options for getting there are:
From Valladolid: This is the fastest option. It takes 1 hour and 45 minutes. It's a quiet road and allows you to combine your visit with a nearby cenote.
From Mérida: The journey takes about 3 hours. You'll need to take the highway towards Motul and follow the signs to Tizimín and then Río Lagartos.
From Cancún or Riviera Maya: The journey takes about 3.5-4 hours. The easiest option is to rent a car to avoid layovers.
Route Tip: Before arriving at Las Coloradas, you'll need to pass through the town of Río Lagartos. Ideally, you should stop there and book a tour. This is the easiest way to access the area.
More Than Salt: What to See and Do in Las Coloradas?
The most famous thing about Las Coloradas is undoubtedly the photo. Even so, there are tours that offer the complete experience:
Walk through the pools: A tour to understand the salt extraction process and the best angles for your photos.
Photo safari: Taking advantage of your visit, there are tours to capture the wildlife, especially during bird nesting season.
Lookout point: In Las Coloradas, there's a wooden structure that allows you to climb a few meters. From up there, the contrast between the pink water and the green of the mangroves is more evident.
Light and color: The best season to capture the Yucatán Peninsula
Las Coloradas doesn't always have that intense pink color. To ensure the color contrast, two things are needed: sun and dry weather.
The best time to visit Las Coloradas is between March and August. During these months, the sun shines brightly and there are few clouds, which intensifies the vibrant colors. If you go on a cloudy day or after rain, the color will likely be orange or brown instead of pink. The ideal time to visit is between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
Everything you need to know about Las Coloradas (FAQs)
Is it mandatory to hire a guide to enter?
Yes. A few years ago, access was free, but due to vandalism and neglect of the ecosystem, the local community now offers guided tours. This has benefited local employment.
What is the best time of year to visit?
The dry seasons (spring and summer) are the best. This also coincides with the peak flamingo season in the area.
Can you swim in the waters of Las Coloradas?
No. The salinity level is so high that you could burn your skin or irritate your eyes. Additionally, sweat and bacteria from humans can compromise the quality of the salt.
Grand Park Royal Cancun: Your All-Inclusive Retreat After Exploring Las Coloradas
After a long day on the road, in the extreme heat and salt air, your body craves a luxurious break. Grand Park Royal Cancun is the perfect complement to your trip through the Mexican Caribbean.
When you stay here, you can enjoy an All-inclusive resort experience. Imagine arriving and your only concern being whether to choose between a gourmet dinner or a toast overlooking the sea. What truly sets this hotel apart is its exclusivity: it boasts a private beach with privileged access and architecture that respects the natural environment. Book your vacation with Park Royal. We'd be delighted to welcome you to our facilities.
