From Mérida: Ria Lagartos, Coloradas, & Cancunito Beach Tour

Traveling through the Yucatan Peninsula offers countless opportunities to encounter striking landscapes and fascinating wildlife. This particular tour from Mérida, which covers Las Coloradas, Cancunito Beach, and the Ria Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, promises a full day of natural wonders. While it’s a popular choice for lovers of scenery and nature, it’s worth knowing what you’re signing up for — the good, the not-so-great, and everything in between.

We love the idea of visiting Las Coloradas’ famous pink lake—the surreal hues alone are worth the trip—and relaxing at Cancunito Beach with its clear waters and soft sands. The chance to explore Ria Lagartos’ mangroves and see flamingos up close is another highlight. However, some reviews mention organization hiccups and limited time at certain stops, which can impact the overall experience. Still, if you enjoy scenic day trips with opportunities for wildlife and great photos, this tour could suit you.

Key Points

• Stunning landscapes with pink lakes and pristine beaches.
• Wildlife encounters including flamingos and birdwatching.
• Guided insights enhance understanding of local ecology.
• Timing and organization may vary, affecting experience.
• Cost reflects transportation, guided tours, and some entrance fees.
• Not ideal for travelers seeking a leisurely, unhurried pace.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Analyzing the Tour Experience

This 12-hour journey from Mérida aims to showcase the natural beauty of the Yucatan with a carefully curated itinerary. For those planning a day out, it’s important to recognize that this is a full-on excursion with early pickup, multiple stops, and a fair amount of travel. The total price of $115 per person includes transportation, a bilingual guide, boat rides, and a meal — making it a reasonably priced option for those eager to explore beyond the city.

Transportation & Group Size

The tour begins with roundtrip transportation from the meeting point at OK MAGUEY in Mérida. While specifics on the vehicle aren’t detailed, group sizes tend to be moderate, which can mean a more intimate experience but also more variable comfort depending on the vehicle. The drive from Mérida to Cancunito Beach, Las Coloradas, and Ria Lagartos takes about three hours, so expect some long stretches on the bus but also plenty of scenic views along the way.

The Day’s Itinerary

Cancunito Beach – Relax and Swim

The first stop is Cancunito Beach, a quiet stretch of coast known for its turquoise waters and soft sands. With about an hour allocated, you’ll have time to dip your toes, take photos, or just soak in the peaceful environment. Reviewers mention this as a highlight; the beach is visually stunning and perfect for unwinding after the early start.

Las Coloradas – The Pink Lake

Next up is Las Coloradas, a highlight for many travelers. The lake gets its distinctive pink hue from salt evaporation ponds and the presence of algae and microorganisms. During the visit, you’ll enjoy a photo stop and a brief walk around the salt flats. The scenery is surreal — a true photo opportunity that’s worth the visit. Notably, the cost to access Las Coloradas is not included in the tour price and is an additional $24 USD per person. Some visitors find this expense justified by the stunning views, while others feel it slightly detracts from the overall value.

A point to note, according to a review, is that the guide spoke only in Spanish despite the booking being in English, which might make non-Spanish speakers feel a little left out. The overall atmosphere is tranquil, with some travelers commenting on how peaceful it is to walk amidst the salt flats and flamingos.

Ria Lagartos Biosphere Reserve – Wildlife & Mud Baths

The final major stop is Ria Lagartos, a UNESCO-protected reserve with a network of mangroves, estuaries, and abundant birdlife. Here, your group will take a long-tail boat ride lasting about two hours, during which you’ll likely see flamingos, herons, and pelicans. A highlight for many is the opportunity to see flamingos up close and learn about the area’s ecological importance.

Plus, there’s the chance for a mud bath, which is reputed to be good for the skin and offers a fun, somewhat quirky experience. A review mentions that the boat guide was “good” and that the flamingos were numerous, confirming the wildlife viewing as a top draw.

Food & Refreshments

Lunch is included in the tour and takes place at a local restaurant. But reviewers note that the quality of the food, especially the fish, was disappointing — described as “inedible” by some, with fish tasting muddy or bland. Drinks are not included, so it’s wise to carry cash if you want beverages with your meal.

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Overall Value & Experience

The tour offers a comprehensive view of the Yucatan’s natural features within a single day. The combination of scenic lakes, beaches, and wildlife encounters makes it attractive, especially for first-time visitors.

However, reviews point out some organizational issues — such as limited time at each stop, feeding pelicans to attract them for photos, and language barriers during the tour. Some travelers felt the timing was rushed, particularly at Ria Lagartos, where the boat ride and bird-watching seem to pass quickly.

Despite these, many agree that the guides were knowledgeable and the views, especially at Coloradas and Ria Lagartos, were unforgettable. The cost of $115 is reasonable given the inclusion of transport, a guide, boat rides, and a meal, but some may wish for longer at each stop or more flexible arrangements.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for nature lovers and photographers eager to capture the surreal pink lakes and vibrant birdlife. It works well for travelers who don’t mind a packed schedule and want a guided day trip that covers some of the Yucatan’s most emblematic sights.

If you’re someone who prefers a slow-paced, relaxing day with ample free time, this might feel a bit rushed. Plus, those who value culinary quality might be disappointed by the restaurant stop.

In The Sum Up

This tour from Mérida provides a great snapshot of Yucatan’s natural beauty. You’ll see the iconic Las Coloradas pink lake, relax at Cancunito Beach, and explore the flora and fauna of Ria Lagartos, all with the convenience of transportation and guided insights. While some organization aspects could be improved, the stunning scenery and wildlife make it worthwhile for many travelers.

It’s an excellent option for those who want a full-day adventure that packs in multiple highlights, especially if you’re eager to see flamingos, capture one-of-a-kind photos, and explore protected ecosystems. If you’re prepared for a busy schedule and keep your expectations balanced, this tour offers an enriching taste of the Yucatan’s natural treasures.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes roundtrip transportation from the meeting point, a bilingual guide, a boat ride on Ria Lagartos, and lunch at a restaurant.

How much does access to Las Coloradas cost?
Access to Las Coloradas is an additional $24 USD per person and is paid directly on-site.

How long is the boat ride at Ria Lagartos?
The boat ride lasts approximately two hours, providing ample opportunity to see flamingos and other bird species.

Is there free time at the beaches?
Yes, you get about an hour at Cancunito Beach to swim, relax, or take photos. The time at other stops may be limited.

Are drinks provided during lunch?
No, drinks are not included, so it’s advisable to bring cash for beverages.

What should I bring?
Bring beachwear, sunscreen, cash for extra expenses, and possibly a camera for photos.

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?
The tour is generally suitable for most ages, but it’s not recommended for those over 95 years old or for travelers with mobility issues due to the active nature of boat rides and walking.

Will the tour be in English?
Yes, the guide is bilingual, speaking both Spanish and English, although some reviews mention that guides may speak only in Spanish at times.

What happens if the minimum number of participants isn’t met?
You will be offered an alternative date or a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

How long before the tour should I arrive?
It’s best to arrive early at the Tours Sol Turquesa office in Mérida for check-in and to ensure timely departure.

This full-day tour offers a balanced mix of scenic beauty, wildlife, and local culture for those eager to explore Yucatan’s most photogenic sites, provided you’re comfortable with a busy schedule and some organizational quirks.

You can check availability for your dates here: