From Cancun: Rio Lagartos y Las Coloradas Tour

If you’re planning a day trip from Cancun to take in some of Yucatan’s most stunning natural sights, the Rio Lagartos and Las Coloradas tour offers a fascinating glimpse into these lesser-known gems. We’ve looked into what this experience entails, its highlights, and what travelers are saying — to help you decide if it’s worth your time and money.

This tour is perfect for those craving an adventure among wildlife, colorful landscapes, and cultural moments like a traditional Mayan bath. We particularly appreciate its natural beauty and expert guides, but it’s worth noting that some find the long travel times and organization issues a bit challenging.

One possible consideration is the length of the day — at around 13 hours, it’s quite a commitment, especially if you prefer shorter excursions or have limited stamina for long bus rides. Still, if you’re eager for a full immersion into Yucatan’s less touristy spots, this trip definitely has its charms.

This tour suits adventurers, wildlife lovers, and anyone wanting an authentic taste of Yucatan’s natural world. Keep reading for our detailed breakdown of what to expect, the pros and cons, and helpful tips to make the most of your experience.

Key Points

• Beautifully Unique Sights: Witness the famous pink waters of Las Coloradas and the diverse ecosystem of Rio Lagartos.
• Wildlife Encounters: Spot flamingos, herons, eagles, and crocodiles with the help of a knowledgeable guide.
• Comfortable Transport: Travel in air-conditioned first-class vehicles, though some reviews mention cramped spaces and long journeys.
• Authentic Experiences: Enjoy a Mayan Bath and a locally inspired a la carte meal with options for different dietary preferences.
• Long Day, But Worth It: Expect a 13-hour round-trip, so prepare for a full day of sightseeing and travel.
• Mixed Reviews on Organization: Some travelers experienced delays and logistical issues, but most still appreciated the natural beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Starting with Comfort and Guides

Your day begins with a pickup in Cancun in a first-class vehicle equipped with air conditioning. The tour is led by a certified bilingual guide, who is usually knowledgeable and friendly, helping to make the long ride more engaging. As one reviewer points out, the guide’s explanations were helpful, especially when it came to understanding the salt harvesting process at Las Coloradas or spotting birds in Rio Lagartos.

Las Coloradas: The Pink Waters

One of the standout moments is visiting Las Coloradas, famous for its vivid pink hues. This coloration results from high salt concentrations and microorganisms thriving in the brine, creating a surreal view. It’s a remarkable photo opportunity, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet.

Travelers have expressed mixed feelings about this stop. Many find the views breathtaking, saying it’s “very pretty,” but note that weather conditions can affect your experience. For example, during a rainy day, the reflection and colors may not be as vibrant—something you could encounter, as one traveler noted the cruise in the rain.

Rio Lagartos: Wildlife and a Boat Tour

Next up: the biodiverse Rio Lagartos biosphere reserve. This area boasts mangroves, lagoons, and a variety of wildlife. A boat tour is included, and it’s your best chance to see flamingos, herons, cormorants, pelicans, and even crocodiles. The boat ride also offers views of waterholes and birdwatching opportunities, which many found enjoyable and rewarding.

Several reviews praise the knowledgeable guides who pointed out wildlife and shared insights about the ecosystem. One reviewer mentioned they appreciated the guide’s effort to spot the flamingos and provide context. However, it’s worth noting that the boat ride can be affected by weather and water conditions, so your experience might vary.

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Mayan Bath and Beach Relaxation

After the boat tour, you’ll have a chance to unwind with a Mayan Bath — a traditional herbal or mud bath believed to have health benefits. This moment of relaxation is a great way to break up the day and connect with local traditions.

Following this, you can enjoy some free time on pristine beaches. The opportunity to relax, sunbathe, or take a quick dip is highly appreciated by travelers looking to unwind after the busy morning.

Lunch and Return

Your day wraps up with an a la carte meal featuring options like fish, chicken, or vegetarian dishes. Most reviews agree that the food is tasty and satisfying, though drinks are not included, so you might want to bring some cash or drinks yourself.

In the late afternoon or early evening, you’ll start the journey back to Cancun. Due to the long travel times—around 3 hours each way—expect a full day of riding. Some guests felt that the long transfer could be taxing, especially with stops for pickup and organization issues, but most agreed that the sights made it worthwhile.

Transportation and Group Size

You’ll travel in a small group of no more than 12 people, which is ideal for getting personalized attention and avoiding the chaos of large tours. According to reviews, the van can sometimes feel cramped, especially during the lengthy ride, and air conditioning might stop working temporarily.

Traveling in air-conditioned vehicles helps counteract the daytime heat, but keep in mind the overall experience can be affected by the vehicle quality and the number of stops. Several travelers noted delays caused by multiple pickups, which extended the travel time considerably.

Pros and Cons Based on Traveler Feedback

What We Love

• The stunning visuals of Las Coloradas’ pink waters, which offer fantastic photo opportunities.
• The chance to see flamingos and other wildlife up close in their natural habitat, thanks to the boat tour.
• The guided commentary helps enrich the experience, making the trip informative and engaging.
• Unique cultural experience with a Mayan Bath — a relaxing and authentic touch.

Considerations

• The long travel time—up to 6 hours round-trip—can be exhausting, especially with stops and delays.
• Some travelers experienced organization issues, like delays or crowded vans, which can detract from the overall enjoyment.
• Weather conditions can impact the scenery and boat ride, so be prepared for rain or cloud cover.
• It’s best suited for adventurous travelers willing to spend a full day on the road and in transit.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal if you’re eager to see Yucatan’s natural wonders without venturing far into the jungle or ruins. It’s well-suited for nature enthusiasts, wildlife watchers, and those curious about local traditions like the Mayan Bath.

Travelers who don’t mind long days and potentially cramped transportation will find this trip rewarding, especially given the chance to witness pink waters and flamingos in a tranquil setting. However, if you prefer shorter excursions or have mobility concerns, this might be a lengthy commitment.

Final Thoughts

The Rio Lagartos and Las Coloradas tour offers a chance to experience some of Yucatan’s most eye-catching landscapes and wildlife. While the long journey and logistical hiccups can be a downside, the natural beauty and the chance for authentic encounters are hard to beat.

For those wishing to step away from crowded tourist spots and see a more untouched side of Mexico, this tour provides a memorable day—especially if you’re prepared for the travel time and variable weather.

In the end, it’s a solid choice for adventurers, bird lovers, and anyone keen to explore Yucatan’s unique ecosystems away from the crowds.

FAQ

How long is the total tour?
The entire day lasts approximately 13 hours, including transportation, sightseeing, and breaks.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes transportation in air-conditioned first-class vehicles, a bilingual guide, a boat tour of Rio Lagartos, visits to Las Coloradas and a Mayan Bath, and an a la carte meal with options for fish, chicken, or vegetarian dishes. Drinks during transportation and the boat are also included.

Are drinks included?
Water is provided during transportation and the boat ride, but additional drinks are not included in the meal.

Is there an extra fee I should be aware of?
Yes, there is a $25 USD payment dock fee per person that you need to pay locally.

What is the group size?
The tour group is limited to 12 participants, making for a more intimate experience.

What should I bring?
Bring cash for the dock fee, sunglasses, sunblock, a hat, and possibly a raincoat if the weather forecast predicts rain. Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking and boat rides.

In essence, this tour offers a rare peek into the vibrant and tranquil corners of Yucatan, perfect for travelers eager to combine wildlife, nature, and cultural experiences. Just be prepared for the long haul, and you’ll find it well worth the journey.

You can check availability for your dates here: