The pink lagoon of Yucatan, Mexico: when nature becomes magic

Head to Mexico’s Yucatan to see life in the pink on the shores of this breathtaking lagoon!

It’s no secret that Mexico is a colorful country, but did you know that this is also true of its nature? Bordered by the Caribbean Sea, the Yucatan is one of the country’s most visited regions, notably for its impressive Mayan temples, magnificent cenotes and heavenly beaches.

However, some curious onlookers and photographers in search of spectacular images go there for an entirely different reason: to admire with their own eyes this incredibly pink, yet natural lagoon. « Magical » is the word generally used to describe this hidden lagoon on the Yucatan peninsula!

On the trail of the pink lagoon in Yucatan, Mexico

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This lagoon, just a few centimetres deep, is located in Las Coloradas, a village dedicated to fishing and the salt industry. Which explains why it’s surrounded by white salt mountains, contrasting with the color of its naturally… pink water!

The exploitation of its salt was already important to the Maya people of Mexico, long before Las Coloradas, close to the mangroves and salt plains, became one of the country’s largest salt refineries.

What lies behind the pink lagoon in Mexico’s Yucatan?

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The special feature of this lagoon at the tip of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is its natural pink color, which varies in intensity depending on the direction of the sun, and is set off by long stretches of white sand. And although it sounds crazy, there are no dyes or other chemicals in the lagoon’s salt water!

Its color, which gives it a very special beauty, actually comes from marine micro-organisms containing beta-carotene, a pink-orange pigment that is 100% natural. This pigment acts in the same way on the feathers of flamingos, which feed on Artemia salina shrimps, which are rich in it! Similar landscapes can also be seen in Namibia, Australia, Senegal and Bolivia.

During his trip into space in 2017, French astronaut Thomas Pesquet took a superb shot of the Las Coloradas salt flats and a section of the Ria Lagartos natural park from above, giving you an idea of the uniqueness of this magical place. This pink lagoon is a highly photogenic destination, far from the hustle and bustle, where you’ll have nothing to do but take the time to admire its dreamlike beauty.

How to get there

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How?

To visit the pink lagoon of the Yucatan, head for Mexico! The region’s most important international airport is Cancun, for which there are direct flights from France. The Ulysse flight comparator will be your best ally for finding the best flights at the best price!

Once in Mexico, renting a car is the easiest way to get to Las Coloradas. The pink lagoon is about a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Cancun (270 km), three hours from Mérida (230 km) or Tulum (220 km), and two hours from Valladolid (125 km). If you rent a car in one of these cities, you can easily reach Las Coloradas, via Tizimin (route 295), then the village of Rio Lagartos.

There are buses that can take you to Tizimin and then Rio Lagartos, but in addition to the long journey to this village, you’ll then need to hire a cab or boatman to reach the pink lagoon.

Alternatively, you could take the first bus to Chiquila, then a second to Las Coloradas, but again, the journey time is not insignificant (from 4h30 from Valladolid to 8h30 from Mérida). For buses, visit the official website of the ADO bus company, and take the Noreste bus company to Las Coloradas.

When?

Yucatan’s pink lagoon is accessible all year round, every day of the week. But to enjoy its incredible color, it’s best to go on a day when the sky is clear and the sun is at its highest, around midday.

At sunset, the lagoon merges with the sky and takes on a mystical dimension, offering a beautiful spectacle!

For sleeping

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On site

As Las Coloradas has no hotel infrastructure, the fishing village of Rio Lagartos, about a 15-minute drive from the pink lagoon, is the best alternative for accommodation. There are a few hotels offering rooms between €20 and €50 a night.

Don’t hesitate to check out the different offers on this hotel comparator and theAirbnb website, which also offers hotel rooms, to find the right accommodation for you!

Nearby addresses

If you’re planning to explore the lake and surrounding area over the course of the day, you can opt to spend the night in Valladolid, an old colonial town around two hours away.

Hotels are well developed in this charming town, known for its cenotes and colorful alleyways, both in the downtown area around the Parque Francisco Canton Rosado, and in the quieter, more out-of-the-way streets.

As in most Mexican cities, accommodation is very affordable: you can sleep in a hostel from €7 per night (dormitory bed), or in a hotel, guesthouse or Airbnb accommodation from €15 per night.

To eat in

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Take advantage of this seaside location to feast on fresh fish and seafood in one of the small, typical restaurants in the village of Las Coloradas, by the lagoon, or in Rio Lagartos. In Las Coloradas, we recommend the Cocina Dona Tati restaurant. In Rio Lagartos, here are our best addresses:

How much should you budget to visit the pink lagoon in Yucatan, Mexico?

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When discovering this pink lagoon, you’ll need to budget for car, bus, cab and boat hire, as well as accommodation and food.

You can also combine a visit to the lagoon and the park by hiring a guide or local fisherman for an average of €50 per boat(negotiable) at Rio Lagartos.

Alternatively, to tour the lagoon, you’ll be asked to pay an entrance fee of a few euros.

To take in my backpack

What are the essentials you need to have with you?

Cash, as you won’t find any ATMs for cash withdrawals in the vicinity.
Sunscreen, preferably organic so as not to harm the park’s sensitive ecosystem
Sunglasses
A hat or cap
A beach towel and bathing suit, if you plan to take a clay bath on the reserve (« Mayan spa »).
Protection against mosquitoes, especially if you’re planning a boat trip on the Ria Lagartos mangrove swamp.
A camera to remind you that you weren’t dreaming!

What I can discover in the region

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This Las Coloradas treasure borders Ria Lagartos, a 650 km2 natural park of beaches, mangroves, forests and dunes, declared a Special Biosphere Reserve in 1979.

It’s home to exceptional wildlife, including flamingos, crocodiles, turtles and many other bird species. The Ria Lagartos reserve, which can be visited by small boat, is well worth a visit if you decide to head for the pink lagoon.

The fishing village of Rio Lagartos, close to the park, is also well worth a visit for a taste of authentic Mexico!