Visit Las Coloradas Pink Lakes
Still to do
Bubblegum-pink lagoons beside white salt mountains, with flamingos feeding just down the coast on Mexico's Yucatán shore.
The adventure
Drive to the far north of the Yucatán peninsula, past mangroves and sleepy fishing villages, and the landscape suddenly turns pink. Las Coloradas is a working salt works, and its shallow evaporation ponds glow in shades from soft rose to almost neon, set against white heaps of salt and the turquoise Gulf of Mexico beyond.
The colour comes from tiny red algae, plankton and brine shrimp that thrive in the super-salty water, and it is strongest under a high, bright sun. A local guide leads you along the edges of the pools for photos. Then head to nearby Río Lagartos, where a boat trip through the mangroves of the biosphere reserve can bring you close to flocks of flamingos, crocodiles and herons, and a chance to try a mud bath.
Why it’s epic
- Lagoons coloured pink by red algae, plankton and brine shrimp in the salty water.
- Part of a working salt works that has operated here for decades.
- Río Lagartos Biosphere Reserve nearby, home to large flocks of American flamingos.
- An easy add-on to Valladolid, Chichén Itzá and the cenotes of the Yucatán.
What it is
Las Coloradas is known for its pink lagoons, coloured by algae and brine shrimp in the salt pans.
How to do it
It's about three hours' drive from Cancún or two from Valladolid. Local guides lead visits around the salt works.
Top tip
The colour is strongest on bright, sunny days around midday.
Need to know
- Swimming in the pink lagoons is not allowed, and visits are on foot with a guide along the edges.
- There's a small entry fee, paid on site, and very little shade, so bring water, sunscreen and a hat.
- The colour depends on the sun, salt levels and the time of year, so it can look paler on cloudy days.
Plan this trip
- Rough cost
- £750 to £2,000 per person, including flights from the UK
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Best time to go
- November to April
- Fly into
- CUN airport
The visit itself is cheap, so the cost is flights to Mexico, a hire car or tour and a night nearby.
Make it happen
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Why it’s on my list
Not done yet. If you’ve done it and have tips, tell me about it.
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