The Pink Lakes of Las Coloradas

Hidden away on the Northern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula is a magical place full of color. Entering the water is prohibited since this is a commercial salt production area. But you can book a tour from Rio Lagartos that will take you to a different location. You can float in the pink water there.

• What causes the water to turn pink?

Salty ocean water from the mangroves nearby floods onto hard flat salt plains, creating shallow lagoons. The sun then slowly evaporates this water, leaving fresh sea salt behind.

This area has been an important salt producing area for centuries. Salt was extremely important to the Maya for both nutritional needs as well as food preservation. It was mined here in the northern Yucatan then shipped by canoe to other parts of the Mayan empire.The man made reason for this pink water is the concentration of the micro organisms. This is a salt producing area. The sea water is pumped into man made holding ponds like the one below. The water is evaporated, leaving salt.

• How far is it from Playa del Carmen?

It takes 2-3 hours to get there depending on how much site seeing you do along the way. I encourage you to enjoy the trip and make stops along the way.

Our concierge desk at Xaman ha can help you book a tour or a car; whatever works best for you.

Rio Lagartos Flamingos & Las Coloradas Pink Lakes

Did you know that there is a place where you can see both flamingos in the wild AND pink lakes? It's in Mexico's Yucatan peninsula in the city of Rio Lagart...

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Review of Las Coloradas, Pink Lakes YUCATAN, Mexico (20)

It took approximately three hours to reach Las Coloradas from Playa del Carmen on the toll highway and it cost 238 pesos each way. We packed a cooler full of fruit and cold drinks for the drive because there are very few snack options along the way.

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