Las Coloradas & Río Lagartos Day Trip from Mérida with Pink Lakes

Summary

Pink salt pools, wild birds and quiet beaches from Mérida

You’ll walk beside surreal pink lakes at Las Coloradas, swim at untouched Cancunito beach, spot flamingos by boat in Río Lagartos Reserve, try a clay skin treatment on a wild shore, and share lunch overlooking the water—all with pickup from Mérida included. Expect surprises and small moments you’ll remember later.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the pink to be so… pink. When we finally got out of the van at Las Coloradas after that long drive from Mérida (honestly, bring snacks), the color hit me first—like strawberry milk under a hot sky. Our guide, Carlos, started explaining how the salt works with algae and sun to make that shade. I was half-listening, half-trying not to step in puddles while everyone took turns posing for photos. The air smelled kind of sweet and sharp at once—hard to describe unless you’ve been around salt flats before. We climbed up to the viewpoint and I just stood there for a second, squinting at those weirdly perfect lines of white and pink. Someone behind me said it looked fake. It didn’t.

Afterwards we drove out to Cancunito beach. No umbrellas or bars—just sand that squeaks under your feet and water so clear you can see your toes even when you’re knee-deep. There aren’t any bathrooms here (heads up), but nobody seemed to care much. I watched a couple of local kids chasing each other along the shore while our group tried to rinse off salt with more saltwater. Forty-five minutes felt too short but also just enough—I’m still finding sand in my backpack.

The boat ride through Río Lagartos was louder than I thought it’d be—so many birds yelling over each other. Flamingos everywhere, all legs and necks, plus a few crocodiles lurking by the reeds (our captain pointed them out with this little grin). The mud exfoliation thing was hilarious; we smeared it on like face masks at a sleepover and ended up looking like ghosts until we rinsed off in the lagoon. Lunch at Maleconcito after all that sun tasted better than it probably should have—fresh fish, cold Coke, everyone laughing about who had the worst mud mustache.

I keep thinking about that first glimpse of pink water and how quiet it felt for a second before everyone started talking again. If you’re curious about the Las Coloradas & Río Lagartos day trip from Mérida—just go hungry, wear light clothes, don’t expect everything to be neat or easy. That’s what made it stick with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Las Coloradas, Río Lagartos and Beach Tour

• Meet at first pickup point
• Pick up at Santa Ana park
• Pick up at Fiesta Americana hotel
• Stop to buy water and snacks
• Drive 3 hours to Las Coloradas
• Walk pink pools with guide
• Free time at Cancunito beach
• Boat tour in Río Lagartos Reserve
• Exfoliate skin with mud on beach
• Lunch at Maleconcito Gourmet restaurant
• Return drive to Mérida
• Drop off at Fiesta Americana hotel
• Drop off at Viajes Colibrí office

Top questions

How long is the Las Coloradas & Río Lagartos day trip from Mérida?

The tour lasts about 13 hours total, from 7am to 8pm including travel time.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Yes, lunch is included at Maleconcito restaurant in Río Lagartos; drinks are not included.

Are entry fees for Las Coloradas covered?

Yes, all entrance tickets and environmental taxes are included in your booking.

What wildlife can I see during the boat tour?

You can spot flamingos, crocodiles, eagles, seagulls and other regional birds during the boat ride.

Is swimming allowed at Cancunito beach?

Yes—you’ll have about 45 minutes of free time to swim or relax there.

Are there bathrooms or restaurants at Cancunito beach?

No facilities are available at Cancunito beach; plan accordingly.

Is transportation provided from Mérida hotels?

The tour includes pickup from select meeting points in Mérida; check your confirmation for details.

Should I bring anything special for this tour?

Bring comfortable clothes for walking, swimsuit and towel separately, sunscreen, hat or cap, sunglasses and mosquito repellent.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transportation from Mérida with pickup at designated points; all entry fees for Las Coloradas; environmental tax; guided walks through the pink pools; binoculars for bird watching on a two-hour boat tour in Río Lagartos; time to swim at Cancunito beach; a traditional lunch at Maleconcito restaurant (drinks not included); plus use of an onboard cooler for your snacks or drinks before heading back in the evening.