Why are there pink lagoons in Yucatán? Discover the real reason.

Hey families! Planning a visit to Yucatán? Then you've probably heard of Las Coloradas, the place with stunning pink lagoons. Here are some interesting facts to enrich your experience.

The Secret of the Pink Lagoons:

Imagine a place where the sun shines intensely over vast lagoons with a high concentration of salt. As the sun gradually evaporates the water, it leaves behind a high concentration of salt, which in turn forms salt crystals, creating the perfect environment for two tiny creatures to paint the water pink: Dunaliella salina and Artemias.

Little Pink Magicians: Dunaliella salina and Artemias

In these lagoons, two secret protagonists add all the charm. Dunaliella salina, a microscopic algae, and the small Artemias, though not microscopic, are tiny crustaceans also known as brine shrimp. To enhance your visit to the Park, we have tanks where you can observe the Artemias through a magnifying glass.

Dunaliella salina is a microalgae that thrives in hypersaline environments, like the salty lagoons of Las Coloradas. This algae is photosynthetic, meaning it uses sunlight to produce its own food and, at the same time, releases pink pigments, contributing to the distinctive color of the lagoons.

Artemias also thrive in salty environments and feed on Dunaliella salina, hence adopting a reddish hue. As a fun fact, these Artemias are a staple in the diet of flamingos, which is why their feathers gradually take on that characteristic color, as they are born with white plumage.

So, the high salt concentration in these lagoons creates a perfect environment for Dunaliella and Artemias to become the artists of the color palette.

Let's Travel to Las Coloradas!

Las Coloradas Tourist Park has everything ready for the enjoyment of both young and old. For the convenience of families, we have prepared the Safari tour, which not only is the most extensive visit but also allows you to enjoy it comfortably from a seat on a Safari-style truck.

At Las Coloradas Tourist Park, nature reminds us that magic is everywhere, even in the small things we can't see with the naked eye! We hope you enjoy your next trip to Las Coloradas and that this mysterious pink world fascinates you as much as it does us!