All about Las Coloradas in Yucatán, Mexico (2025 Guide)

Las Coloradas is a small fishing village on the north coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. It has around 2,000 inhabitants, a few streets, simple houses and huts, a handful of hotels and restaurants, and a small church.

The village is part of the municipality of Río Lagartos. The locals make their living from fishing and salt production. The salt mines here are among the largest in the region, producing about 700,000 tons of sea salt every year.

The Spanish word "Coloradas" means red or reddish, but when people talk about Las Coloradas, they usually mean the famous lagoon, officially known as "Las Coloradas Parque Turístico" (see below).

The small fishing village Las Coloradas itself isn’t particularly exciting. Sure, you could call it authentic, but well, you know what I mean.

The Pink Lagoon

What makes this part of the Las Coloradas special is the lagoon, where the water actually appears pink. It has become a popular spot for visitors, and there are tens of thousands of social media posts about it.

Why is the Water Pink?

The unusual color is caused by natural processes. Microorganisms, specific types of algae, and saltwater crustaceans produce beta-carotene, which gives the water its distinctive pink hue.

However, the intensity of the color varies depending on factors like salinity, sunlight, and weather conditions. Some visitors are disappointed when the color is only faintly visible.

Nature and Wildlife

The area is also home to flamingos, which get their color from feeding in the lagoons. The beach is stunning, with almost white sand that creates a striking contrast with the pink water of the lagoon and the deep blue of the sea.

Near the mangroves, you can observe local wildlife and plants. There are a few small farms where you can see crocodiles up close. And, like almost everywhere on the Yucatán Peninsula, you’ll find some beautiful cenotes in the surrounding area.

How to Capture Flamingos

If you want to take good photos of the flamingos or other animals, a zoom lens is essential. The boats keep a safe distance to avoid disturbing the birds, so without a decent zoom, your impressive flamingo shot might end up as just a pink blur.

On the other hand, an ultra-wide-angle lens (12-24mm full-frame) works well for capturing the landscapes. With an ultra-wide-angle lens, you should always include a subject in the foreground to create depth in the image.

As mentioned earlier, timing your visit is important, especially if birdwatching is a priority for you. The best time to see the most birds, including flamingos, is usually early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Further Tips

If you're planning a visit Las Coloradas, here are five important tips:

• Visit during midday for the best colors. The pink lakes are at their most vibrant when the sun is high, usually between 11 AM and 3 PM.

• Respect the rules and don’t enter the water. The lakes are part of a private salt production area, and swimming is strictly prohibited.

• Bring sun protection. There is almost no shade, so a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential.

• Use insect repellent. Mosquitoes can be a real nuisance, especially near the mangroves.

How to Get to Las Coloradas from Mérida

Public transportation to Las Coloradas is tricky, as there’s no direct connection from Mérida. You’ll need to take a bus from the Noreste terminal in Mérida to Tizimín and then switch to another bus heading to Las Coloradas.

Driving yourself can also be a bit of a hassle. The route takes you east on Highway 176 to Tizimín, then north on Highway 295 to Las Coloradas. A more convenient option is to book an organized tour.

Combine a Tour

The road to Las Coloradas passes by Río Lagartos (Reserva de la Biosfera Ría Lagartos), another well-known spot. The reserve is famous for its rich birdlife, with over 350 species recorded.

Since the two places are so close, many organized tours include both in a single trip. The Río Lagartos Biosphere Reserve is a great destination for nature and wildlife lovers, so combining it with Las Coloradas is a great option.

Image Source (lagoon): ©Walter Rodriguez, wikimedia commons, CC BY 2.0, Link

Image Source (village): ©Ricardo Pool, wikimedia commons, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

The pictures were modified (image improvements, size)