Day Trips to Las Coloradas from Cancún

Las Coloradas, known for their pink lakes, make a full outing from Cancún; the tours we describe run from 5 to 12 hours, depending on the format. We list 3 tours that make the trip in a day. Travellers have left more than 62 reviews on the tours we list here, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5. The trips on this page run from 5 to 13 hours.

Guided day trip with hotel pickup

The guided day trip runs about 12 hours by minibus with an English-speaking guide, and the hotel pickup and return transfer come with it. Rated 4.3, it also carries free cancellation up to 24 hours before the trip. It is the straightforward way to reach Las Coloradas from Cancún.

Multi-stop day trip through Ría Lagartos and Las Coloradas

Another 12-hour option is the multi-stop format, which pairs the lakes with a stop in Ría Lagartos. "Visit to Rio Lagartos and Coloradas", the listing notes; it adds a 3-course lunch and five drinks on board, from water to beer or soft drink. We would look at it first if you want lunch built into the day.

Table data is indicative and comes from the GuruWalk catalogue. Each activity's current details, including availability, are the ones shown on its listing when you book.

Trips differ in how the day is run and in what it adds: a minibus, a private car or a combination that brings lunch and drinks on board. We would pick by the kind of day you want first and by the hours second. Of the trips shown here, the one with the most reviews is "Las Coloradas Natural Park Trip", with more than 54 reviews and a rating of 4.3 out of 5.

An early start and an evening return

Most tours leave around 7:00 AM and return close to 7:30 PM, which makes for a full day between Cancún and Las Coloradas. The guided and multi-stop tours we describe run about 12 hours; we would keep the evening free.

Swimming is not allowed at the lakes

These lakes are active commercial salt-harvesting ponds, so you see them from walking paths and viewpoints rather than from the water. At Las Coloradas the stop is for looking, not for swimming.

When the water looks its pinkest

Natural salt production, high salinity and microorganisms give the lakes their pink colour, and it peaks in direct midday sunlight. During heavy rain, or in the salt harvest season from late July to August, the water can look more orange, brown or faded; we would not count on the same shade every week of the year.