Río Lagartos and Las Coloradas are among the most photographed places in the Yucatán, and they reward the long drive. The fishing town of Río Lagartos sits on the north coast, at the edge of a biosphere reserve that protects a labyrinth of lagoons, mangroves and mudflats, and is one of the best places in Mexico to see flamingos. Boat captains take small groups out through the channels, pointing out flocks of flamingos feeding in the shallows, along with herons, egrets, ibises, pelicans and, with luck, the crocodiles that gave the town its name, which means Alligator River. A short drive away, the industrial salt works at Las Coloradas produce one of the strangest landscapes in the country. The evaporation ponds range from pale rose to a vivid, almost artificial pink, a colour caused by salt-loving microorganisms and tiny crustaceans that thrive in the brine. Together the two stops give you a day of wildlife and a few of the most surreal photographs you will take in Mexico. It is a long day, because the coast lies roughly three hours from Mérida in each direction, so most visitors book a guided trip with transport rather than driving, and leave early in the morning. It suits nature lovers, photographers and anyone who has already seen the pyramids and wants a very different side of the peninsula.
The boat trip
The Río Lagartos outing usually lasts an hour or two and is run from the waterfront by local captains. Flamingos are the headline, and they are most numerous in the cooler months, though the area offers birdwatching all year. Your boat may also stop at a spot known for natural mud that visitors sometimes use for a quick skin treatment, a mangrove channel or a sandbar, depending on the day and the captain.
Bring binoculars, a hat and plenty of sun protection, because there is little shade on the water, and expect a bumpy, splashy ride in a small boat.
Las Coloradas
The pink ponds are part of a working salt operation, so access is controlled and the rules change from time to time. In general you can see and photograph the lagoons from designated viewpoints, but swimming in them is not normally permitted, so do not plan on it. The colour is strongest in the middle of a sunny day, when the light hits the water at its brightest, and the glare is intense, so sunglasses are essential. Some tours add a beach stop on the coast for a swim afterwards.
Planning the day
The distance from Mérida is substantial, roughly three hours each way by road, so the day is long and the departure early. Choose a guided trip if you do not want to drive that far, and carry water, snacks, cash for tips and a change of clothes. Many tours include a seafood lunch in the town.
If your trip is short and you have already booked the Celestún flamingo day on the west coast, this is the alternative for travellers who want a second wildlife outing or who are heading east towards Valladolid and Cancún, since the two sights sit on the way.
What to expect
The experience
A guided full-day trip with a boat ride through the Río Lagartos reserve for flamingos and birds, and a stop at the pink salt lagoons of Las Coloradas.
Best time
A clear, sunny day for the strongest pink colour; the cooler months from November to March are best for flamingos and for comfort.
How long
A full day, with about three hours of driving each way from Mérida and one to two hours on the water.
Tips
Leave early, bring sun protection, sunglasses, binoculars, water and cash, and do not plan on swimming in the pink ponds.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Nature lovers and photographers who want flamingos and one of Mexico's most surreal landscapes.
- Families
- Children enjoy the boat and the pink water, but the day is long, so bring snacks and entertainment for the drive.
- Couples
- A photogenic adventure with a seafood lunch on the coast, best for those who like early starts.
- Pair with
- A night in Valladolid, Ek Balam or a beach stop on the way to the Caribbean coast.
- Time needed
- A full day, usually ten to twelve hours door to door.
Good questions
Why are the lagoons at Las Coloradas pink?+
The colour comes from salt-loving microorganisms and tiny crustaceans that thrive in the very salty water of the evaporation ponds, and it is strongest on sunny days.
Can you swim in the pink lagoons?+
Generally no. The ponds are part of a working salt operation, and access is for viewing and photography only, so check the current rules on the day.
When is the best time to see flamingos at Río Lagartos?+
Flamingos are present for much of the year and are most numerous in the cooler months, though numbers and locations vary from day to day.
How far is it from Mérida?+
Roughly three hours each way by road, so it is a long day and most visitors take a guided trip with transport.
What should I bring?+
Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, binoculars, water, snacks and some cash for tips, plus a change of clothes if you plan to visit a beach.
