Tour Las Coloradas! Amazing Pink Lake Round Transportation from Tulum

Discovering Las Coloradas and Ria Lagartos: A Practical Review of the Tulum Day Trip

Travelers often seek out unique sights and authentic experiences when exploring the Yucatán Peninsula, and this Las Coloradas Pink Lake tour from Tulum offers just that. While the journey promises to showcase one of the most striking natural phenomena—its vivid pink lake—and the chance to see local wildlife, the experience does come with some considerations.

What we love about this tour is the opportunity to witness a surreal landscape, the knowledgeable guides who bring the environment to life, and the variety of activities like swimming and wildlife spotting. However, some travelers have found the meeting logistics slightly confusing, and the overall value depends on your expectations for a full-day excursion.

This tour is ideal for nature lovers, photographers, or those wanting a guided adventure outside of Tulum’s usual hotspots. If you’re after a mix of visual spectacle and wildlife encounters, this trip could be a great fit. Just keep in mind that the itinerary’s timing and the nature of included extras might influence your overall experience.

Good To Know

• Vivid Pink Lake: One of the few places in the world with such a striking water hue, caused by microorganisms.
• Wildlife Sightings: Expect flamingos, crocodiles, and mangroves in their natural habitat.
• Comfortable Transport: Round-trip transportation from Tulum makes logistics easier, with a meeting point at Súper Akí.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Guides provide insight into the biodiversity and natural phenomena of the area.
• Full-Day Experience: Approximately 12 hours, including travel, stops, and a box lunch.
• Additional Costs: Be prepared for a government fee of $27 per person, not included in the price.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Out: Early Morning Pickup from Tulum

The tour begins early at 7:30 am (though some reviews mention an earlier start at 7:00 am), at the Súper Akí in Tulum. The pickup involves gathering groups into smaller vehicles before everyone is transferred to the main bus. This process, while efficient, might require some patience as it involves timing coordination. Travelers have noted that being aware of the exact meeting point and start time is crucial—some reviews mention confusion about the exact hour, so double-check your confirmation.

The Highlight: Las Coloradas Pink Lake

Your first stop is Las Coloradas, a place that looks like it belongs on another planet. The pink hue of the water is caused by halobacteria that produce a pigment thriving in the salt-saturated environment. Expect to spend about three hours here, giving you ample time to walk around, take photos, and soak in the scenery.

While the admission fee is included, the limited time means you’ll need to be selective with your shots. Many visitors note that the landscape is breathtaking and ideal for photos, especially during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon.

A review mentions, “You get to see the things they say you will see, so that’s of course absolutely awesome,” which suggests the site lives up to expectations. However, some travelers might find only a brief window to explore, so arriving early helps maximize those photo opportunities.

Ria Lagartos: Wildlife and Relaxation

Next, the tour heads to Ria Lagartos, a biodiversity hotspot and designated biosphere reserve. The visit lasts about two hours, focusing on seeing flamingos, crocodiles, and the lush mangroves. The area is significant enough to be recognized by the Ramsar Convention, highlighting its ecological importance.

Here, you can enjoy swimming in the lagoon, experience a Mayan mud bath, or simply observe the wildlife in their natural habitat. Many reviews highlight the guides’ knowledge of the flora and fauna, making the experience more engaging. One reviewer states, “The guides know the area well and highlight the importance of conservation,” indicating the quality of the guiding.

While the admission to the reserve is free, the tour includes a box lunch, with options such as a sandwich, juice, and fruit, plus a choice of one main dish. Travelers may want to bring extra snacks or beverages if they prefer more variety.

Logistics and Additional Costs

The overall cost of $128 per person includes transportation, entry fees, guides, and meals. However, be aware of the government fee of $27 per person, payable on-site, which adds to the overall expense. The inclusion of round transportation from Tulum makes the trip more accessible, especially as parking at these sites is limited or non-existent.

What Travelers Say

One reviewer notes, “The trip is not 100% as advertised,” especially regarding the meeting time—so confirming the exact pickup hour and place is essential. Others have praised the friendly, bilingual guides who make the day more enjoyable and educational.

While some found the tour a bit rushed, most appreciated the stunning views and the opportunity to learn about the area’s biodiversity. The group size, with a maximum of 50 travelers, tends to keep things manageable but might mean some waiting during transitions.

Practical Considerations and Tips

• Bring swimwear, towels, and extra clothes if you plan to swim or want to change after the mud bath.
• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suited for walking and outdoor activities.
• Use biodegradable sunscreen to protect the environment while enjoying the sunshine.
• Confirm the meeting time and location ahead of the tour day to avoid confusion.
• Expect to pay a government fee of $27, so factor this into your budget.
• The full-day duration (around 12 hours) means you should prepare for a long but rewarding outing.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for nature enthusiasts eager to see the iconic pink lake and observe local wildlife. It’s ideal for photographers wanting unique landscape shots and for those interested in ecological conservation.

If you prefer guided excursions with educational insights and don’t mind an early start, this trip offers good value. However, travelers seeking a luxury or highly flexible experience might find it somewhat structured, with limited time at each stop.

Final Thoughts

The Las Coloradas Pink Lake tour from Tulum offers a memorable look at one of the Yucatán’s most striking natural sights, paired with wildlife encounters at Ria Lagartos. While the trip’s logistics and timing could be tighter, the stunning vistas and knowledgeable guides make it worth considering.

For travelers who enjoy visual wonders and want to learn about the region’s biodiversity in a guided setting, this tour provides a solid, well-rounded experience. Be prepared for an early start, extra costs, and a full day of exploring, and you’ll likely come away with incredible photos and new appreciation for this unique part of Mexico.

FAQ

What is the meeting point for the tour?
The tour starts at Súper Akí in Tulum, with pickup at 7:30 am. Confirm your exact pickup time to avoid missing the bus.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience runs about 12 hours, including transportation, stops, and meals.

Is the transportation comfortable?
Yes, travelers are transported in smaller vehicles to the main bus, making the transfer manageable and comfortable.

Are meals included?
A box lunch with a sandwich, juice, and fruit is included, and you can choose one main dish for lunch. Beverages at the restaurant are not included.

What about entrance fees?
Entry to Las Coloradas is included, but there is a government fee of $27 per person for the reserve, payable on-site.

Is swimming available?
Yes, you can swim at Ria Lagartos, enjoy the mud bath, or relax, depending on your preference.

Are guides knowledgeable?
According to reviews, guides are bilingual and well-informed, sharing insights about the area’s natural features and conservation efforts.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance, allowing for flexible planning in case of weather or schedule changes.

To sum it up, this tour offers a well-organized way to see the distinctive pink lake and explore the vibrant ecosystem of Ria Lagartos. While it has some logistical nuances, the visual spectacle and wildlife encounters make it a worthwhile addition to anyone’s Tulum itinerary—especially if you love photography and learning about nature.