Río Lagartos y Las Coloradas Private Tour from Merida

This private tour from Mérida heads to the northeastern coast of Yucatán to visit Río Lagartos and Las Coloradas, with a swim at a cenote to finish. Las Coloradas lies inside the Río Lagartos biosphere reserve, about 250 km from Mérida, so expect a long day on the road.

Las Coloradas is a small fishing village known for having the largest salt mine in Mexico. Its pink color comes from a high concentration of salt, microorganisms and the sun, and the intensity changes with the position of the sun’s rays, so you can see a range of tones from yellow and orange to pink. The itinerary allots about 90 minutes to this stop.

The longest block, about 240 minutes, is the boat ride through the mangroves of the Río Lagartos Biosphere Reserve. The area is a nest for many birds and marine species, including the pink flamingo, and the source describes it as a sanctuary these birds have chosen to nest and raise their young.

To finish, you have a traditional Yucatecan lunch beside Cenote Saamal, at Selva Maya Hacienda in Valladolid, for about 60 minutes, with time to swim. The tour is private, so the pace is set with your own group. It is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and specialized infant seats are available.

The price includes private transportation, lunch, all fees and taxes and an on-board cooler with beers, sodas and bottled water. Gratuities (optional) and extra drinks at lunch are not included. Pickup is available from vacation rentals and haciendas, but not from hotels located in Cancún and the Riviera Maya, so check your accommodation when you book. The source gives no total duration, so ask about departure and return times before confirming.