Thinking about a day trip that combines stunning scenery, wildlife encounters, and authentic Mexican charm? This tour from Mérida to Las Coloradas, Río Lagartos, and Playa Cancunito offers a balanced mix of natural beauty and adventure. It’s a popular choice for travelers eager to see the salt lakes’ surreal pink waters, spot flamingos and crocodiles, and enjoy some unspoiled beach time—all in one long but rewarding day.
What we love about this experience is how well-organized it is, with a clear itinerary that hits all the highlights, and the opportunity to see wildlife up close—especially during the boat tours. Plus, the delicious local food served at lunch makes the long day easier to bear. A possible drawback? The long drive, which can be tiring, especially if you’re not used to lengthy bus rides. Still, many say it’s worth every minute for the stunning views and memorable encounters.
This tour suits travelers who are comfortable with a full day on the road, appreciate nature and wildlife, and want a comprehensive experience without the hassle of planning. If you’re after a relaxed, authentic adventure with plenty of photo opportunities and expert guides, this trip definitely warrants a spot on your Mérida itinerary.
Key Points
- Authentic landscapes: Pink salt lakes and pristine beaches bring out some of the most surreal scenery in Yucatán.
- Wildlife encounters: Expect flamingos, crocodiles, and many bird species during boat rides and nature walks.
- Expert guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience, providing insights and support, especially for birdwatchers and photographers.
- Value for money: The $119.42 price covers transportation, guided tours, entrance fees, and a tasty lunch—making it a well-rounded option.
- Long but rewarding: The trip’s duration is around 13 hours, including travel time, so come prepared for a full day.
- Limited amenities at stops: The unspoiled Playa Cancunito has no bathrooms or restaurants, so plan accordingly.
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Contents
- Key Points
- In-Depth Review of the Tour Experience
- Starting Out: Punctual Pickup and Planning
- Stop 1: Las Coloradas – The Pink Salt Lakes
- Stop 2: Playa Cancunito – Pristine, Remote Beach
- Stop 3: Río Lagartos – Wildlife Paradise
- Lunch at Maleconcito Gourmet
- Wrap-up and Return Journey
- What the Reviews Say
- Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?
- FAQs
- Final Word
- Our Top Picks in Merida
- More Tours in Merida
- More Tour Reviews in Merida
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Merida we have recnetly reviewed
In-Depth Review of the Tour Experience
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Merida.
Starting Out: Punctual Pickup and Planning
The journey begins early at 7:00 am from Mérida, with pickups from Viajes Colibrí’s office, Santa Ana Park, and the Fiesta Americana hotel. The process is straightforward, and the ride is comfortable, with a cooler on board for your drinks, a thoughtful touch. The first leg of the trip takes approximately three hours—important to note that this can feel long, especially if you’re not a fan of bus rides. Several reviews mention the long drive as a drawback; however, most travelers agree the scenery, and the promise of what awaits makes it worthwhile.
We appreciated that the guide stops at a convenience store for water and snacks, which helps stave off hunger and keeps everyone refreshed. Arriving early and being prepared for the hours in transit is a smart move.
Stop 1: Las Coloradas – The Pink Salt Lakes
Las Coloradas is undoubtedly the main attraction. Once you arrive, a certified guide leads you through the paths crossing these surreal, pink-tinted salt pools. The sight of vivid pink waters contrasted with blue skies and white salt beds is truly striking—an Instagram favorite for good reason.
Travelers have raved about this stop. Diane_M calls it “great sites, hosts, driver, boat ride and food,” adding that they saw crocodiles, which “added to a perfect day.” The visit includes access to a viewpoint and photo support, so don’t forget your camera. Expect around 1.5 hours here—just enough time for a walk, photos, and soaking in the beauty without feeling rushed.
Some mention that the salt lakes are more vibrant during certain seasons, especially during the fishing season when the water’s color becomes more intense. It’s best to manage expectations — the lakes are still mesmerizing even if the pink isn’t as bright during some times of the year.
Stop 2: Playa Cancunito – Pristine, Remote Beach
Next, the tour stops at Playa Cancunito. This unspoiled beach offers a stark contrast to the salt lakes—a quiet stretch of sand and surf, rated as one of the most beautiful in Yucatán. A 45-minute window gives you time to swim, relax, and snap pictures of the clear waters and shells.
However, some reviews note the lack of amenities—no bathrooms, no restaurants, just the natural beauty. As LorenaP_T puts it, “make sure to bring extra clothes,” because there are bathrooms at the salt lakes but not at the beach. The waves can be choppy, especially on certain days, making swimming a bit lively but also fun.
This stop is perfect if you’re seeking solitude and natural scenery. It’s a quick, refreshing break from the bus ride, and many travelers cherish the peaceful vibe.
Stop 3: Río Lagartos – Wildlife Paradise
The highlight for wildlife lovers is the boat tour in Río Lagartos. In boats limited to six people, you’ll glide through the mangroves, spotting pink flamingos, crocodiles, eagles, and a variety of bird species. Binoculars are provided, which many reviewers appreciated—“the binoculars made a big difference,” says Reema_J.
The boat captains are skilled at finding the animals, and many describe this as the most memorable part of the day. Diane_M mentions crocodiles adding to the experience, while Vy_T highlights how their guides provided in-depth info about the birds and the environment.
A unique feature here is the mud bath, where you can exfoliate your skin in the mineral-rich mud, which many find rejuvenating. Be forewarned: the natural setting means no facilities, so bring your own water, and prepare for some splashing and wildlife spotting.
Lunch at Maleconcito Gourmet
After the boat ride, everyone gathers at the nearby dock for lunch at Maleconcito Gourmet. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes included in the tour, though drinks aren’t included. Reviewers consistently rave about the quality and flavor of the food—“delicious dishes,” “tasty and presented nicely,” and “great ceviche” are common compliments.
This meal is a nice break after a busy morning. It’s also an opportunity to relax and take in the local atmosphere. Just remember to bring pesos for anything extra, as some reviews mention.
Wrap-up and Return Journey
The tour concludes back at the original meeting point, with a roughly 2.5-hour drive back to Mérida. Many reviews describe the return as comfortable, with some noting the long hours but generally feeling the trip was worth it. The guides and drivers are praised for their friendliness and safety.
The overall experience is a full day, and the length is a key factor to consider. Travelers who prefer more relaxed, shorter excursions might find this a bit exhaustive, but the majority say the sights and wildlife make up for it.
What the Reviews Say
Authentic traveler feedback paints a mostly positive picture. Many praise the knowledgeable guides, who enhance the experience with detailed explanations and photo support. The scenery and wildlife sightings consistently receive high marks—flamingos, crocodiles, and birds are the stars of the show.
Of course, there are some critiques. A few mention discomfort during long bus rides and language issues, especially when local guides only speak Spanish. The beach stop also receives mixed reviews; some love the tranquility, others feel it’s a missed opportunity to spend more time there.
The tour maintains a solid 4.7-star rating, with nearly all travelers feeling it was a worthwhile adventure, especially considering the value for the included transportation, guided tours, entrance fees, and lunch.
Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?
This trip is best suited for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and photographers eager to capture the pink lakes and birdlife. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable with a long day on a bus, and if you enjoy guided experiences that provide insights into local ecosystems. Families with children used to full days might also find it a memorable outing, especially for the opportunity to see flamingos and crocodiles up close.
However, if you prefer shorter trips or are sensitive to long rides, you might want to consider alternatives or prepare for the journey ahead. Also, be aware of the limitations at stops without amenities—it’s all about enjoying raw, natural beauty.
FAQs
- What time does the tour start? The tour departs promptly at 7:00 am from Mérida, with pickups at different points beforehand.
- How long is the entire trip? The tour lasts approximately 13 hours, including travel time, sightseeing, and meals.
- Are the guides bilingual? Yes, the tour is offered in English and Spanish, but some reviews mention occasional language barriers with local guides.
- What should I bring? Pack comfortable walking clothes, a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, a hat, sunglasses, and some pesos for additional purchases.
- Is the transportation comfortable? The ride is generally comfortable, with a cooler for drinks, but some find the long drive tiring.
- Are meals included? Lunch at Maleconcito Gourmet is included, but drinks are not.
- What wildlife might I see? Expect flamingos, crocodiles, various birds, and possibly eagles and seagulls.
- Is there free time at the beach? Yes, about 45 minutes at Playa Cancunito, but no amenities are available there.
- What’s the best season to visit? Many reviews suggest January offers pleasant weather and fewer mosquitoes.
- Can I cancel the tour? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start.
Las Coloradas, Río Lagartos and Playa Cancunito Tour from Mérida
“Great sites, hosts, driver, boat ride and food! We saw several crocodiles which added to a perfect day!”
Final Word
This tour offers a fantastic introduction to some of Yucatán’s most captivating sights. It’s a chance to see pink salt lakes, wildlife-rich mangroves, and pristine beaches—all in one go. The value is clear, with a well-organized itinerary, expert guides, and delicious local food making the long day worthwhile.
Perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive, authentic experience that balances nature, wildlife, and local culture, this trip is a memorable way to spend a day exploring the coast of Yucatán. Just be ready for the travel time, pack comfortably, and bring your camera—you’ll want to remember this one.
