Thanks to nature, many of the dream landscapes come true, like in Las Coloradas, Yucatan with its beautiful pink lakes.
Can you imagine the stunning view of pink lakes under the blue sky? It is a fact that you will want to capture the moment in a photograph and share it on your social networks.
This paradisiacal place located in the Yucatan Peninsula is home to one of the most beautiful views in the world, and that has made more than one person wonder: why is the water in Las Coloradas pink?
To answer this question, in this article we will tell you what makes its waters pink, how to get there and everything you need to know to make your visit unforgettable.
So, what is it that gives this paradise its characteristic pink color? We can summarize it in two main factors: the high salinity in the lakes and the presence of microorganisms called halobacteria.
In general, the region's weather is semi-dry, temperate, and with little rain, also has vegetation that grows from the sand dunes and the mangroves that play an important role, as well as the soil, which is of the lithosol type.
We can also mention the confluence of saltwater from the sea and the laminar drainage of the peninsula's water table.
Each element of this environment is combined and results in a wide variety of pink tones since the color in the pools is not uniform. This is where the sun's rays come in.
As we mentioned before, the presence of microorganisms in the water together with the high concentration of salt causes the water to take on pink, brown, red, and even green tones.
These microorganisms, called halobacteria or extreme halophiles, have pink/reddish membranes that pigment the water and are activated by sunlight. This causes that the stronger the sun's rays, the greater the intensity of the color in the water.
It is important to mention that these halophiles only live in saline environments, that is, they are found in water saturated with salt, therefore, this phenomenon does not occur anywhere.
Although this effect is maintained thanks to the intervention of man, it is still a sight worth admiring. We refer to the fact that the high salinity is maintained thanks to the care of the staff of the Yucatan Salt Industry.
This industry belongs to Grupo Roche, a company in charge of producing the number one salt in Mexico: Sal Sol.
This is important because due to the special care that this industry puts into the production and harvesting of salt, it not only gives us a spectacular view and the best quality sea salt, but it is also part of a program for the conservation of the environment. The environment in collaboration with other government entities and individuals.
The salt company has focused on respecting the ecological environment through the construction of an infrastructure that allows it to operate in a sustainable manner, as well as the development and implementation of clean energy.
But how does the salt pan help maintain the pink color of the water? Well, there is the Biology and Aquaculture Laboratory in Las Coloradas, which is in charge of carrying out the work related to the evaluation and management of the microbiological component of the salt lagoons, of the cultivation of artemia salina.
Artemia salina allows the improvement of the quality of the salt production brines, so it is constantly being monitored that the number and composition of these microorganisms is adequate, which indirectly allows the pools to continue maintaining their beautiful pink tones. .
In addition, since salt is produced by the effect of solar evaporation, the salt crystals that form on the surface of the pools reflect the sunlight with greater intensity at the time when it is highest in the sky.
This is one of the most frequently asked questions, and the answer may be disappointing, because the bright pink color of the water will make more than one want to swim in its fantasy waters to get the most Instagrammable photos, however, swimming is not recommended in these waters.
Some tourists take risks to get the best photos in the water, but this can be harmful to health, because the high levels of salinity can cause lacerations and damage the skin.
As we mentioned, salt crystals form on the surface of the pools that can cause injuries such as cutting the skin or falling, since they are slippery. In addition, the temperature inside the water is higher, which can cause irritation or burns.
Not only that, taking into account that the pools are part of the salt mine where the salt that millions of Mexicans consume every day is extracted, contaminating the water must be avoided.
So, in order to maintain the good quality of the water, not disturb the mangroves and take care of your health, the guides and staff in charge of the area do not allow any visitor to enter the water, but not for that you will not be able to get the best photos and videos for your social networks.
Now that you know why the pink lagoons of Yucatan have this unique color, we will tell you a little more about what you can do during your visit and how to get there.
Las Coloradas, Yucatán although it is best known for its salt mines and pink lakes, it is actually a small fishing village located in the municipality of Río Lagartos on the north coast of the Yucatán Peninsula and near San Felipe.
Although it is one of the most visited towns, it only has a little over 1,000 inhabitants.
The tourist park —which receives the same name— is privately owned and, as we mentioned, belongs to Grupo Roche.
In addition, this magical place is part of the Ría Lagartos Natural Park, which is a protected area located on the border between Yucatán and Quintana Roo. It is located approximately 250 kilometers from Mérida and 150 kilometers from Cancún.
It is located approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes from the Yucatecan capital, we recommend you take travel allowances for the road such as water to stay hydrated, some snacks and good music.
Due to its proximity to the Riviera Maya, many tourists who visit that tourist area decide to go to Las Coloradas, where the sand is also very white and the sea invites you to take a dip.
To get to Las Coloradas you can do it by car, take a taxi or one of the tours organized by travel agencies and hotels in the area.
For those who depart from the capital there are two routes:
If you are in Cancun, the best option is to go to Valladolid, and from there to Tizimín and then to Río Lagartos.
We recommend leaving early to be able to enjoy all the attractions along the way and find the lagoons at their pinkest point of the day for the best views.
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If you are not going on a tour or in your own vehicle, an economical and simple option is to take the bus.
You must go to the Northeast bus terminal located at Calle 60 x 68 y 70 in the center of Mérida. Here you must buy your ticket to Tizimín, which is a $200 MXN single ticket and $340 MXN round ticket. We must mention that these prices can change so, before deciding to make the trip, check the terminal site.
Once in Tizimín, you shouldn’t worry, because just one block away is the taxi terminal for Las Coloradas.
If you are in Cancun, the road is the same, from the bus terminal you just have to go to Tizimín.
The best season to find the lagoons as a beautiful mosaic of pink and red colors is between the months between March and August.
The reason is very simple, the heat and the sun make the pools look more beautiful, plus you can cool off in the sea after taking one of the tours offered in the park.
Not only that, they are also the best months to see the pink flamingos, which are a protected species and for which we collaborate in their protection and conservation.
We want to make your visit something special and unforgettable, so here are some recommendations to make your stay as pleasant as possible.
It’s always hot in the Yucatan, so having refreshing drinks is vital, especially in an area where there is almost no access to convenience stores. Bring your own thermos with water or a hydrating drink, and a light snack to keep your stomach safe.
The tour requires spending a lot of time under the sun's rays at the hottest hour, we recommend using biodegradable sunscreen, to protect your skin and not affect the environment.
The fact that you cannot bathe in the pink lagoons does not mean that you cannot wear a swimsuit to take some beautiful photos, however, remember to wear protective clothing to avoid burns. Wear a hat or cap and sunglasses to protect yourself from UV rays.
To avoid accidents and enjoy the ride, the recommendations of the tourist guides and park staff should not be ignored.
They will indicate the best places to take the best photos and all the information you need to know about salt production, about the flora and fauna of the area such as pink flamingos, sea turtles, and mangroves.
For example, with the walkthrough a crystallizer you will be able to see the point where the crystals are formed, which are later harvested and transformed into the table salt that we consume on a daily basis.
As an important measure to take care of the lagoons and mangroves, take a disposable bag where you can deposit your garbage and take it with you outside the park to place it where it belongs at the end of your visit.
Remember that this is a protected area and that many species depend on the care we provide them.
We know that you will want to take a lot of photos, so bring your cell phone with enough charge, a camera, and all the accessories you may need such as a selfie stick, a waterproof protector for your equipment, and a power bank with a full battery.
Las Coloradas is an incredible place that you can visit as one of the main tourist attractions in Yucatan.
How not to want to know a paradise on earth where white sand divides the blue sea and pink lagoons? The peace and tranquility that this place inspires are unmatched.
The best part is that you don't have to worry about a thing, this tourist park has guided tours so you don't miss any detail and you can enjoy the landscape without restrictions.
Don’t think it twice and contact us to make your reservation and experience an unforgettable tour, either with an incredible safari tour in the heart of the salt mine or a bike tour admiring the beautiful landscape and feeling the sea breeze caressing your skin.
Las Coloradas, Yucatan are waiting for you.
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