Las Coloradas, Cancunito Beach and Río Lagartos from Mérida
Traveler rating
4.2/5
Based on 12 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Las Coloradas, Cancunito Beach and Río Lagartos from Mérida worth booking?
Las Coloradas, Cancunito Beach and Río Lagartos from Mérida is a 12-hour experience in Merida, Mexico, from $160 per person. It scores 53 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 12 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 53 / 100
- Rating
- 4.2/5 (12)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $160 per person
Explore the stunning landscapes of Yucatán on this full-day tour. Visit Las Coloradas, famous for its pink salt flats where vivid hues—from orange to bright pink—create a dreamlike backdrop perfect for photos. Enjoy a guided walk through the salt pools and access the viewpoint. Then, relax at Cancunito Beach, a pristine, untouched beach ideal for swimming and photography. Next, discover the Río Lagartos Natural Reserve on a boat tour, home to flamingos, crocodiles, and diverse birds. Experience a traditional Mayan clay bath on a secluded beach, a natural outdoor spa amidst wild vegetation. Finish with a gourmet lunch at a beachfront restaurant in Río Lagartos, combining regional flavors with international cuisine. This tour blends nature, adventure, and local culture for a unique Yucatán experience.
What you get
About this experience
Explore the stunning landscapes of Yucatán on this full-day tour. Visit Las Coloradas, famous for its pink salt flats where vivid hues—from orange to bright pink—create a dreamlike backdrop perfect for photos. Enjoy a guided walk through the salt pools and access the viewpoint. Then, relax at Cancunito Beach, a pristine, untouched beach ideal for swimming and photography. Next, discover the Río Lagartos Natural Reserve on a boat tour, home to flamingos, crocodiles, and diverse birds. Experience a traditional Mayan clay bath on a secluded beach, a natural outdoor spa amidst wild vegetation. Finish with a gourmet lunch at a beachfront restaurant in Río Lagartos, combining regional flavors with international cuisine. This tour blends nature, adventure, and local culture for a unique Yucatán experience.
What's included
Included
- Modern, air-conditioned transportation
- Cooler with ice in the van
- Entrance fee and taxes at Las Coloradas
- Boat tour &Binoculars for birdwatching & Mayan mud bath
- Use of restaurant facilities (terrace, pool, restrooms, and showers)
- Lunch (one dish of your choice)
- Certified guide throughout the tour
Not included
- Drinks at restaurant are not included
What you'll see and do
Las Coloradas
Departure: 7:00 a.m. from Mérida7:45 – 10:45 a.m.: Mérida → Las Coloradas Onboard information about the tour and activities. 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.: Las Coloradas (Salt Production Area) 1.5-hour guided walk through the pink salt flats. Photo opportunities and access to the viewpoint. Entrance fees and taxes included. Note: Swimming in the pink water is not allowed. Restrooms available. 12:15 – 12:25 p.m.: Transfer to Cancunito Beach
225 minutes here · Admission included
Cancunito
12:25 – 1:10 p.m.: Cancunito Beach (Playa Platino) 45-minute visit to a pristine beach. Enjoy swimming, photography, and explore the surroundings. Observe marine birds and mangroves. Note: No restrooms or restaurants available. 1:10 – 1:30 p.m.: Transfer to Río Lagartos
75 minutes here · Admission included
Rio Lagartos
1:30 – 3:30 p.m.: Boat Tour in Río Lagartos Spot flamingos, crocodiles, and local/migratory birds. Experience a traditional “Mayan bath” with white clay and swim in a crystal-clear beach to rinse off. Boat capacity: maximum 6 people. 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.: Gourmet Lunch at El Maleconcito Restaurant 1.5 hours for lunch. Facilities: pool, restrooms, showers, and a bar.
210 minutes here
Merida
5:00 – 7:30 p.m.: Return Transfer to Mérida 7:30 – 8:00 p.m.: Arrival in Mérida Drop-off at the same meeting point as pick-up in the morning.
180 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Merida
Parque santa Ana
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Parque santa Ana
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 16 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Stap Travel Tours
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- We recommend that you bring sunscreen, comfortable clothes, swimsuit, a change of clothes, water, and cash.
- There is no pick up in hotels
- WHAT DISHES ARE AVAILABLE FOR MEAL? Fish Fillet or Chicken Breast ▪️Breaded ▪️Garlic Sauce ▪️Grilled ▪️With Butter ▪️Spicy Sauce ▪️Coconut Sauce ▪️To Bii Kay baked with spices and wrapped in hoja santa (Mexican pepperleaf). ▪️Tikin Xic OR Fettuccine Pasta Choose your sauce: ▪️Alfredo ▪️Pomodoro ▪️Butter And choose from: ▪️Chicken ▪️Shrimp ▪️Mushroom OR ▪️Shrimp Quesadillas ▪️Smoked Meat Tacos ▪️Tlalpeño Soup with shrimp or chicken ▪️Chicken Fajitas ▪️Fish Ceviche Vegetarian Options ▪️Maleconcito Bowl: salad with quinoa, cheese, olives, chickpeas, and hummus. ▪️Vegetable Fajitas Kids' Options: ▪️Fish Fingers with French Fries ▪️Chicken Nuggets with French Fries
- WHAT ARE THE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THIS TOUR? Wear light, comfortable clothing for the beach. Bring sneakers or closed-toe shoes for the hike in Las Coloradas, and separate sandals or water shoes for the rest of the tour. Wear your swimsuit and bring a towel. There are restrooms in Las Coloradas if you prefer to use them separately. Wear a hat or cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent. For Mexican citizens, bring identification (INE, driver's license, or passport; CURP for minors). Eat a good breakfast before the tour. At the start of the tour, we'll stop at a convenience store to buy anything you might need. You can also bring snacks for the hike.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 12 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
12 verified traveler reviews for Las Coloradas, Cancunito Beach and Río Lagartos from Mérida. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Nice experience with a great tour operator and helpful guide
There was some initial hiccups in the tour due to miscommunication between the tour operator and the tour guide where he wasn't informed that I don't understand or speak Spanish at all. But as soon as I told this to the tour operator, they were very nice to coordinate everything smoothly and the guide was also very accommodating and helpful for the rest of the tour. In fact, my booking was for a different pickup location but the tour operator was kind enough to pick and drop me from/to my hotel itself without any extra charges. The tour as such is standard - we see pink lagoon, then visit a private beach for swimming, followed by boat ride where we get to see lots of crocodiles, pelicans and even few pink flamingos (albeit from afar) which was the highlight of this tour and ending with a delicious complementary lunch. So overall a satisfactory experience.
Response from the operator: It's great to hear that despite some initial hiccups, you had a nice experience on the Ria Lagartos, Coloradas & Cancunito Beach tour from Merida. It's commendable that the tour operator was quick to address the miscommunication and ensure that everything ran smoothly thereafter. The fact that they accommodated your language needs and adjusted the pickup location without extra charges shows their commitment to customer satisfaction. The tour sounds quite enjoyable, especially with the opportunity to see the pink lagoon, visit a private beach, and take a boat ride to see crocodiles, pelicans, and even pink flamingos. Ending the tour with a delicious complementary lunch adds to the overall satisfaction. Thank you for sharing your experience, and I'm sure your feedback will be helpful for others considering this tour.
via Viator
Great tour!!
Great tour with lots to see! Delicious lunch as well. Overall a fun trip whether you're going with friends or family.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your positive feedback about the Ria Lagartos, Coloradas & Cancunito Beach tour from Merida! It's wonderful to hear that you had a great experience and enjoyed the variety of sights the tour had to offer. A delicious lunch certainly adds to the overall enjoyment of the trip. Whether traveling with friends or family, it sounds like this tour provided a memorable and enjoyable experience. Your recommendation is valuable for others considering this tour. Thank you again for sharing your review!
via Viator
Don't Book This Tour
As in the previous review, this isn't an English-speaking tour. When I asked the company to clarify, they lied and said it was. The guide can speak English but chooses not to - all descriptions are in Spanish. Even in Spanish, there is little guiding - it is more of a glorified shuttle service with no descriptions of the history or scenery. Viator and the company have both refused even a partial refund. Save your money and go somewhere else.
Response from the operator: I'm sorry to hear about your disappointing experience with the tour. It's frustrating when a tour doesn't meet your expectations, especially when there are communication issues and language barriers involved. Clear communication and accurate information about the tour, including the language spoken during the tour, are essential for ensuring a positive experience for all participants. It's unfortunate that the tour did not provide the English-speaking experience that was promised. Thank you for sharing your feedback, as it can help others make informed decisions when booking tours.
via Viator
Not actually an english language tour
Is advertised as an english language tour but it in no way is. The vast majority of the tour (and all "guided" parts) were in spanish and if you were lucky you got a little administrative stuff in english (like "buy some water here") but even that was limited and we found ourselves confused as to what was going on. Another person on the tour translated for us which was very kind but shouldnt have been necessary. Los Colorados was as beautiful as the pictures and did have (a seperately ticketed) english tour guide. One "interesting" event was that we stopped at a paid (not very nice) toilets and were told this was the last toilets for 2 hours and we should change into swim wear here. But two minutes later we arrived at Los Colorados which had much nicer free toilets. We felt a bit scammed by that. The boat tour was also only in spanish; the main tour guide told the boat guide it was the english language group but the boat driver didnt speak english so again it was translated by annother person on the tour. The tour itself was good though, getting very close to crocodiles, pelicans (actually landed on the boat), a raccoon, and flamingos and a black eagle. We also enjoyed a mayan mud bath. Food was average, but somehow managed to contaminate a vegetable fajita with small amounts of chicken. The events we went to were worth going to, but I'd suggest choosing a different operator.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience with the Ria Lagartos, Coloradas & Cancunito Beach tour from Merida. It's unfortunate to hear that the tour was not as advertised in terms of being an English language tour and that most of the guided parts were conducted in Spanish. Additionally, the confusion regarding the toilets and the language barrier during the boat tour are valid concerns. However, I'm glad to hear that despite these issues, you were still able to enjoy the beauty of Los Colorados, the boat tour, and the wildlife sightings during the trip. Your feedback about the tour operator and the need for better communication in multiple languages will surely be helpful for other travelers considering this tour.
via Viator
Excellent Tour to see the mangroves and the Coloradas
Excellent trip to get out of the city of Merida a little, the trip to the mangrove was spectacular, and with a lot of opportunity to experience the biodiversity of our country!
Response from the operator: ¡Gracias por compartir tu experiencia en el tour a Ría Lagartos, Coloradas y Cancunito Beach desde Mérida! Es genial escuchar que disfrutaste del viaje y pudiste experimentar la belleza y biodiversidad de los manglares y las Coloradas. Estos destinos naturales ofrecen una experiencia única y es fantástico saber que lo disfrutaste. ¡Esperamos que puedas seguir explorando y disfrutando de más aventuras en el futuro!
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Good to know
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Stap Travel Tours, who run 10 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 54.2.
See everything Stap Travel Tours runsWhy this scores 53
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Las Coloradas, Cancunito Beach and Río Lagartos from Mérida: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Merida.
How much does Las Coloradas, Cancunito Beach and Río Lagartos from Mérida cost?
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Prices start at $160 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Merida usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Las Coloradas, Cancunito Beach and Río Lagartos from Mérida take?
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Plan for about 12 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Merida is not rushed.
Is Las Coloradas, Cancunito Beach and Río Lagartos from Mérida worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 53 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 12 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Merida, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Las Coloradas, Cancunito Beach and Río Lagartos from Mérida?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Las Coloradas, Cancunito Beach and Río Lagartos from Mérida suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Las Coloradas, Cancunito Beach and Río Lagartos from Mérida?
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Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Merida can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Merida and add a light layer if any part of the 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Las Coloradas, Cancunito Beach and Río Lagartos from Mérida start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Merida within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Merida?
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On Outty we rank every Merida experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Chichen Itza, Private Cenote/Food Experience & the magic Izamal, From Merida: Chichen Itza Tour, Izamal, Cenote Ik Kil and Food, Chichen Itza Full Day Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Merida?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Merida?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Las Coloradas, Cancunito Beach and Río Lagartos from Mérida?
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Included: Modern, air-conditioned transportation; Cooler with ice in the van; Entrance fee and taxes at Las Coloradas; Boat tour &Binoculars for birdwatching & Mayan mud bath; and Use of restaurant facilities (terrace, pool, restrooms, and showers). Not included: Drinks at restaurant are not included. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Las Coloradas, Cancunito Beach and Río Lagartos from Mérida?
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Parque santa Ana Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Las Coloradas, Cancunito Beach and Río Lagartos from Mérida offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Las Coloradas, Cancunito Beach and Río Lagartos from Mérida?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Las Coloradas, Cancunito Beach and Río Lagartos from Mérida wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Las Coloradas, Cancunito Beach and Río Lagartos from Mérida if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Las Coloradas, Cancunito Beach and Río Lagartos from Mérida?
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Across 12 reviews averaging 4.2 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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