02 Jun Planning a Trip to the Pink Lake in Mexico, Las Coloradas

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Las Coloradas Pink Lake in Mexico

Ever seen a beautiful place on Instagram that you’re 100% certain is not real at all? A place tarnished by photoshop that will only lead to disappointment? You might think that the pink lake in Mexico fits in this category . But it doesn’t! Well, sort of… 

The appearance of the pink lake in Mexico, known as Las Coloradas Pink Lake, does live up the appearance you see online. The flamingo colored water is a natural phenomena of which salt and algae are responsible. So the bright pink color you see in photos, is just as vibrant in person!

But, there’s still a catch to visiting Las Coloradas. So before you jump on a plane to Mexico to soak and swim in the pink lake, read on!

What You Need to Know Before Visiting

When I first started researching Las Coloradas Pink Lake, I had come across pictures and videos of people swimming in the rosy water, floating on innertubes, and driving along the sand roads in between the pink pools making for an incredible drone shot. I can’t lie, I was totally looking forward to these experiences and photo opportunities.

However, when I arrived the entire place was fenced off and there was only one entrance I could find. At this entrance, the experience was very limited. You had to pay a tour guide to walk you out out to the pink lake, to a small designated area where you could only gaze at the lake and take photos. However no swimming in the lake or even touching the water was allowed. 

Absolutely sure that I had seen videos of people swimming here, before settling for this experience, I circled the property looking for another unknown entrance. Without luck, I didn’t find one. Now from looking online, I realize this tour guide and fenced off situation is a new addition because of the growing popularity of Las Coloradas. Although disappointed, this makes sense and I can only hope that it’s for preservation purposes, to protect from overtourism, and that it’s benefiting the locals.

Planning a visit to Las Coloradas Pink Lake in Mexico

Is it Worth It?

So given the new circumstances, do I recommend visiting the pink lake? Well, it depends.

If you have a whole trip planned through Mexico, like my 9 Day Road Trip Through Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, and you have the time and flexibility to go see the pink lake, then absolutely! For me, seeing a pink lake was on my bucket list and the experience was still fun! It was surreal to see the colors and it was a unique experience. Although more time was spent driving than at the lake itself, the drive from Valladolid was not bad and my boyfriend and I didn’t mind a roadtrip. Additionally, it’s an opportunity to support locals by paying the tour guides and honestly, my guide was a big reason my experience was so great! He was incredibly nice, funny and even taught some Spanish!

However, under some circumstances I do not think visiting the pink lake is worth it. Here are some:

1. I would not come to Mexico only to see the pink lake (which shouldn’t be problem to plan more activites, there’s so much else to see and do in Mexico!)

2. If my trip to Mexico was limited in time and I had to pick and choose activites, I probably wouldn’t pick this one since it’s just gazing at the lake. I would prefer something more adventurous/active not purely sightseeing.

3. If you have to put in a lot of effort to get there, I wouldn’t go. Because you can only look at the lake and take pictures, you don’t spend much time there. So if you have to drive really far, it might not be worth it. I also would add that I don’t think spending the night in Rio Lagartos (where the pink lake is) would be worth it.

This is just my opinion, and it’s subjective to each person. It’s more important that if you go you just understand the circumstances. If you are thinking of still visiting the Pink Lake in Mexico, read on to learn details about getting there and where to stay during your trip!

Las Coloradas Pink Lake in Mexico

Getting There

Las Coloradas Pink Lake is on the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. It is 1 hour and 40 minutes from Valladolid, 3 hours from Cancun, 3 hours from Tulum, and 4 hours from Playa del Carmen.

Ways to Get There

Way of transportation is by tour bus or car. My personal recommendation is to rent a car like in my Yucatan Peninsula Road Trip guide. Not only is it potentially cheaper, but it’s much more fun and allows you flexibility within your own trip. 

However, if you would rather a tour,  buses leave from Tulum, Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Keep in mind, this will be a rather long bus ride, and I’ve read tours don’t always take you to the prime pink spot. So given the information I mentioned before, that you can only look at the lake and take photos of it, this might be where you want to weigh pros vs. cons of even going if taking a bus is the only way. But if you’re still really set on the idea, you can book from here: getyourguide.com.

RENTING A CAR

Renting a car from Cancun airport is very easy. There are a lot of companies at the airport to choose from, or you can book ahead online which is what I recommend. I booked through rentalcars.com and got a car through MEX for $35 USD a day. You can also rent from discovercars.com. Cars are typically between $15-40 USD a day, depending on what time of year you rent them, etc. Make sure and NOT book insurance online, but rather directly through the rental company at the airport when you pick up the car.

HOW TO GET TO THE LAKE

If you’re renting a car, when putting in directions to google maps be sure to type in Las Coloradas Pink Lake (not just Las Coloradas). Be sure to fill up your gas tank as there are no stations between Valladolid and the pink lake. At the entrance there is parking and you’ll see the tour guide stand immediately. When I visited there was also a bunch of people pointing us in the right direction. 

ENTRANCE FEE

Entrance fee with our guide was about about $5 USD. Bring cash, no cards accepted.

Las Coloradas Pink Lake in Mexico

Where to Stay

Near the coast where Las Colorados Pink Lake resides, there’s not much at all; 20 minutes away is Rio Lagartos where you can find some hotels. However, because your visit to Las Colorados will not take long, I don’t believe it is worth it to find accommodation all the way out there. The best option is to stay in Valladolid, where there’s so much to do, and take a day trip out to the pink lake from there. 

Valladolid has a lot of hotels and even hostels, with plenty of nicer and/or cheap accommodations available depending on your needs. You can find rooms on booking.com , hostelworld.com , or airbnb.com , most for under $100 USD and many for under $50 USD. I stayed in Valladolid for several days and split my time between El Zaguan Colonial Hotel and Hotel Zentik, both of which  were comfortable, welcoming and had delicious food! 

For more things to do and tips for traveling Mexico, check out related blog posts and the Mexico destinations page!

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