All about Xtampú, Xcambó, pink lagoon in Yucatán (2025)

What I really wanted was to see that pink lagoon – or at least snap a photo of it. And I’m guessing I’m not the only one. Well, let’s just say it’s a bit more complicated than it looks… but keep reading.

There are three locations here, but they are all very close together and are ideal for a joint excursion. About 30km east of Progreso on the Emerald Coast is Xtampú just before Telchac Puerto, the next small harbour town.

Highway 27 from Progreso in the direction of Telchac Puerto leads past various small coastal villages and regions between the beach and the Laguna Rosada lagoon.

Opposite Xtampú and the Laguna Rosada you will find the "Zona Arqueologicá Xcambó" - the Mayan ruins of Xcambó.

Is It worth It?

The beach of Xcambó is comparable to the beaches of the neighbouring villages, the Laguna Rosa is smaller and less impressive compared to Las Coloradas, and the Xcambó excavation site is not very big either.

You might be thinking, "This doesn’t sound all that impressive"...

So, the trip from Mérida is not worth it to see just one of the things. But when you take the time to experience everything it has to offer, the journey truly becomes worth it. And with a bit of luck, you might even catch sight of a few flamingos gracefully flying by.

The Xtampú Region

Xtampú is a small area located between San Benito to the west and Telchac Puerto to the east. There are only a few roads and houses here. Most people refer to Telchac Puerto, the nearest small port town, which has a population of around 1,700.

Laguna Rosada

Alright, back to the pink lagoon – probably the main reason most people end up stopping here in the first place. You’ll find Laguna Rosada just outside Xtampú.

Depending on the time of day, the lagoon shimmers pink, similar to Las Coleradas, a well-known small fishing village on the north coast of the Yucatán Peninsula.

Like I said, it’s not a guaranteed show. The lagoon only turns pink when the sun’s high up – usually around 11 a.m. in summer – and the sky needs to be pretty clear for it to really pop.

To make things trickier, a while back they built a bridge and a canal that connects the lagoon to the sea. Since then, the seawater has been mixing in, and sadly, that seems to mess with the whole pink effect.

Las Salineras de Xtampú

At the lagoon there is also the saltwork "Las Salineras de Xtampú", here pink salt is extracted. This is another opportunity to see the pink water. However, not all year round, but typically in the dry season, which starts from November/December.

The Laguna Rosada and the saltworks are different things. In many travelogues on the internet, the information and pictures about this are unfortunately mixed up.

Xcambó Mayan Archaeological Zone

Xcambó originated during the Early Classic period between 350 and 550 A.D. as a trading post. In fact, it was the main and largest commercial port on the north coast during the Classic Period.

Probably about 6,000 people lived there at its height. In the 16th century, the Spanish built a church on the foundation of an old Mayan ruin. The foundation walls are still standing today. The old Mayan ruins next to the ruins of a Christian church is an unusual and interesting sight.

Mayan archaeological sites offer a fascinating journey into the heart of an ancient civilization that thrived for centuries. Walking among towering pyramids, intricate stone carvings, and ceremonial platforms, you can feel the echoes of a sophisticated society that excelled in astronomy, architecture, and art.

Iconic sites like Chichén Itzá, with its awe-inspiring El Castillo pyramid, and Uxmal, known for its beautifully ornate Puuc-style architecture, provide a glimpse into the ingenuity and spiritual depth of the Maya.

Some interesting figures about Mayan archaeological sites on the Yucatan Peninsula:

How to Get to Xtampú from Mérida?

You should use a car for the trip if possible. The journey by public transport is time-consuming and takes a long time and there are not a lot of departures for getting back. From Mérida, highway 166 heads northeast past Xcambó and Laguna Rosada directly to Xtampú.

Coming from Progreso on highway 27, a road branches off at the Salineras Xtampú, which leads from Xtampú to the Mayan ruins of Xcambó. From Xtampú, on the right side of the road, you will see a wooden hut and your entrance to the salt flats.

For a small fee, you can enter the salt works, see the salt production and the pink lakes. On the other side of the lagoon, the first turn-off on the right leads to a narrow road to Xcambó, which is only a few hundred metres further on.

The Emerald Coast

The Emerald Coast (Costa Esmeralda in Spanish) is a 98-kilometer stretch of coastline in northern Yucatán, named for its vibrant emerald-green waters. By car, it takes about half an hour from Mérida to the nearest beach.

Known for its peaceful beaches and charming fishing villages, it offers a tranquil escape from the busier Riviera Maya. Rich in wildlife, including flamingos and sea turtles, it’s a gem for nature lovers and those seeking relaxation.

Between Progreso and Xtampú are the coastal towns of Chicxulub and San Benito. Telchac Puerto and San Crisanto and others follow behind Xtampú. This means you can also use the trip for beach hopping and scouting out your favourite beach.

You can also take a look at our guide to the Emerald Coast.