Las Coloradas: Explore Mexico’s Dazzling Pink Lakes
Las Coloradas — which is a collection of cotton candy pink lakes located in Mexico‘s Yucatan Peninsula — became Instagram famous once viewers realized that the vibrant pink hues that they were seeing were not created by a filter. Ancient Mayans knew that the salt which is naturally present in the Yucatan was worth its weight in gold. Modern salt miners have carried on the work started by the Mayans by creating man-made salt pools that appear pink due to an abundance of algae, brine shrimp, and bacteria.
ID 102761844 ©
Han Yin Chiu | Dreamstime.com
Las Coloradas have become so popular in recent years that access to the vibrant pools is currently restricted. Visitors can view the pink pools via a lookout point. There are several tour companies which allow visitors to explore the perimeter of the pools and learn about the history and unique ecosystem of the Barbie pink waters.
Swimming in the Las Coloradas pools is not allowed, but making the trek to see the pools is still very much worthwhile. Seeing robust clouds reflected in a swallow pink lake is a surreal experience that will leave a lasting impression. Las Coloradas is also a photography hotspot for those searching for a unique photo that is a conversation starter.
ID 90893865 ©
Jesse Kraft | Dreamstime.com
Located a short distance form Las Coloradas, the Rio Lagartos Biosphere is home to pink flamingos who get their distinctive coloring from snacking on brine shrimp in Las Coloradas. For a moderate fee, visitors can explore the Rio Lagartos Biosphere by boat. Expect to see an abundance of seabirds and a sly crocodile or two slowly floating by.
ID 90893854 ©
Jesse Kraft | Dreamstime.com
If you’re searching for accommodations in Yucatan, The Pina Coloradas Ecolodge offers comfortable, affordable rooms infused with the charm of an establishment owned by a family with a special love for Las Coloradas. The grandfather of the owners of Pina Coloradas worked as a salt miner in Las Coloradas and always invited his grandchildren to visit in the summer. The pink pools of Las Coloradas seemed magical to the owners of Pina Coloradas. The Ecolodge was founded so that visitors from around the world could enjoy the enchanting pink pools.
ID 90817836 ©
Jesse Kraft | Dreamstime.com
Tulum, Cancun, and other glitzy beach towns certainly come to mind when booking a trip to the Yucatan Peninsula. Las Coloradas may not be as glamorous as other parts of Yucatan, but the magic and mystery of colorful salt pools that have been a hot commodity since the time of the Mayans is well worth exploring.
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Las Coloradas Parque Turístico, Yucatán, Mexico
- Coordinates
- 21.6043517, -87.9916817
- Access
- The operator presents Las Coloradas Parque Turístico as a guided visit within an active saltworks. Its current routes are a guided safari, walking route, and bicycle route; book online or ask at the park. Follow the designated visitor route and staff instructions. Do not assume visitors may enter industrial ponds or the water; check posted rules on arrival.
- Admission
- Visits are paid guided tours, with prices varying by route/date through the operator’s booking page. The operator also says a separate community recovery contribution is payable in cash, but does not publish its amount on the current FAQ. Confirm the total and what the booking includes before travelling.
- Time needed
- The operator’s FAQ lists 90 minutes for the Safari, 30 or 60 minutes for walking and cycling options, but later on the same FAQ lists the walking route as 45 minutes. Plan roughly 30–90 minutes for the chosen tour and confirm its duration when booking; the FAQ’s walking-time figures conflict.
- Best season
- The operator says the salt ponds show pink tones year-round, which can intensify in the hotter spring and summer months. Yucatán’s tourism authority also cites March–August as a favorable period for strong sunlight and pink reflections. This is seasonal viewing guidance, not a guarantee of color on a given day.
- Opening hours
- The operator’s FAQ says the park is generally open daily 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., but hours can vary by season or tour. Check the selected tour’s live booking calendar and confirm same-day access.
- Location checked
- 2026-09-25
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-17
Location
Use the zoom buttons or pinch to zoom. Use arrow keys to pan when the map is focused.
Interactive map loads when in view.
Explorer Passport
Next badge: Trail Scout
Unlocked after exploring 5 different unusual places.
0 of 5 places explored
Discover more from Unusual Places
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
