From Mérida: Río Lagartos + Pink Lakes

Exploring the stunning natural beauty of the Río Lagartos and the captivating Pink Lakes from Mérida is an unforgettable experience. This full-day tour offers a unique opportunity to witness the vibrant colors and diverse wildlife of this remarkable region. With round-trip transportation, a guided tour of the salt ponds, and a scenic boat cruise, visitors can enjoy the captivating ecosystems. But what truly sets this adventure apart is the chance to indulge in a delicious riverside lunch, leaving one curious to uncover more about the hidden gems that await in this enchanting corner of Mexico.

Key Points

• Set out on a full-day tour from Mérida to explore the natural wonders of Río Lagartos and the Pink Lakes, including a boat cruise and guided tour.
• Discover the stunning pink hues of the Coloradas salt ponds and learn about the salt extraction process during a 1.5-hour guided tour.
• Spot vibrant pink flamingos and diverse wildlife during a 105-minute boat cruise on the Río Lagartos wetlands, a haven for migratory birds.
• Enjoy a lunch break at the Manglares restaurant along the Río Lagartos, offering fresh seafood and authentic Yucatecan cuisine.
• Benefit from a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours prior and the option to reserve and pay later, providing flexibility and savings.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

Starting from Mérida, this full-day tour combines visits to the stunning Río Lagartos and the iconic Pink Lakes, offering savings of up to 30% compared to the regular price.

Priced from $148.48 per person, the 9-hour tour includes round-trip transportation, a guided walk and exploration of the Coloradas salt ponds, a boat cruise on the Río Lagartos, and free time to enjoy the local amenities.

Participants can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour also allows you to reserve your spot and pay later, making it a convenient and cost-effective option for exploring these natural wonders.

Itinerary and Activities

The tour begins with pickup from Mérida, followed by a 3.5-hour van ride to the stunning Las Coloradas, home to the iconic pink lakes.

Visitors will enjoy a 1.5-hour guided tour and walk around the salt ponds.

The journey then continues to the Río Lagartos, where a 105-minute boat cruise allows for flamingo sightings and exploration of the extensive mangrove zones.

Lunch at the Manglares restaurant is available for an additional fee.

The return trip to Mérida takes another 3.5 hours, completing the 9-hour itinerary packed with immersive experiences in the region’s unique natural environments.

Highlights and Experiences

The boat ride on the Lizard River offers visitors the opportunity to spot the iconic flamingos that inhabit this region. During the tour, guests can observe the salt extraction process at Coloradas, known for its stunning pink waters. Plus, visitors can experience the Mayan Bath, where they can indulge in a clay mud treatment with exfoliating properties.

Highlights	Experiences
Boat ride on the Lizard River	Sighting of flamingos
Salt extraction in Coloradas	Visit to Mayan Bath for clay mud experience
Stunning pink waters	Exfoliating properties
Diverse flora and fauna	Important wetland for migratory birds

Flora and Fauna

Coloradas, part of a salt company, is renowned for its stunning pink waters and high diversity of flora and fauna.

The adjacent Río Lagartos wetlands provide an extensive mangrove ecosystem that’s home to a variety of mollusks, crustaceans, and fish species. This important habitat also serves as a stopover for migratory birds from the U.S. and Canada.

The diverse wildlife of the region includes:

• Flocks of vibrant pink flamingos
• Schools of unique marine creatures
• Thriving mangrove forests
• Vibrant wildflowers and plant life
• Numerous bird species, both resident and migratory

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Pickup and Transportation

The tour includes pickup from your hotel in Mérida, where you’ll be collected 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

The journey to the Rio Lagartos and Pink Lakes takes approximately 3.5 hours each way, with a van used for transportation.

Upon arrival at the Coloradas salt ponds, you’ll embark on a 1.5-hour guided tour and walk to explore the stunning pink waters.

After this, you’ll travel 30 minutes to Rio Lagartos, where you’ll enjoy a boat cruise along the Lizard River, spotting flamingos and other wildlife.

The return trip to Mérida also takes 3.5 hours.

Lunch and Dining

During the tour, participants enjoy a lunch break at the Manglares restaurant, located along the Rio Lagartos. The lunch is an additional fee, but provides a chance to sample local cuisine and take in the scenic riverside setting.

The restaurant offers:

• Fresh seafood dishes, including local fish and shrimp
• Authentic Yucatecan dishes like cochinita pibil and sopa de lima
• Vegetarian and gluten-free options
• Panoramic views of the mangroves and river
• Attentive service in a casual, open-air dining environment

After lunch, the tour resumes with a boat cruise along the Lizard River, providing more opportunities to spot wildlife like flamingos.

Important Information

A live tour guide is available throughout the tour to provide commentary in both Spanish and English.

Pickup from your hotel in Mérida is included, so you’ll want to wait in the lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

This tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users. Remember to bring your passport or ID card.

At the end of the tour, a gratuity of 15-20% for the guide is recommended.

With these essential details in mind, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy the stunning landscapes and fascinating wildlife of Río Lagartos and the Pink Lakes.

Booking and Cancellation

Booking this tour is straightforward. You can reserve your spot and pay later, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This tour from Mérida offers flexibility, allowing you to plan your trip with ease.

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior
• Reserve now and pay later, no upfront cost
• Duration of 9 hours, with pickup and drop-off in Mérida
• Guided tour and activities at Río Lagartos and the Pink Lakes
• Discounted pricing, with savings up to 30% available

With these booking options, you can secure your adventure to the stunning Río Lagartos and the vibrant Pink Lakes with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography During the Tour?

The tour allows for photography throughout the excursion, including at the Coloradas salt ponds and during the boat cruise on the Río Lagartos. There are no stated restrictions on taking photos during the guided activities.

Can Children Participate in the Tour Activities?

Yes, children can participate in the tour activities. The tour is suitable for all ages, and families are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the tour and its various activities.

Is the Boat Ride Suitable for People With Motion Sickness?

The boat ride on the Río Lagartos may not be suitable for those prone to motion sickness, as the waterways can be choppy. However, the tour operator provides life jackets, and the cruise duration is limited to 105 minutes.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks for the Tour?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks for the tour. However, a lunch at the Manglares restaurant is included in the itinerary, though it requires an additional fee. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any restrictions or recommendations.

Are There Any Safety Precautions for the Mayan Bath Experience?

The Mayan bath experience has safety precautions in place. Participants should follow the guide’s instructions and avoid ingesting the clay mud. Proper footwear is recommended to prevent slips on the wet surfaces.

Recap

This full-day tour from Mérida offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the stunning natural wonders of Río Lagartos and the Pink Lakes. Guests can expect breathtaking scenery, a guided tour of the Coloradas salt ponds, a boat cruise for wildlife sightings, and a delicious riverside lunch. With round-trip transportation and free cancellation, it’s an unforgettable way to take in the unique ecosystems of this remarkable region.

You can check if your dates are available here: