Las Coloradas, which means 'blush red' in Spanish, is a tiny Mexican fishing village with a population of no more than 1000 people. This village is famous for its salt mines and its stunning pink lakes.

The water in these lakes appears pink because of special algae, plankton, and shrimp that thrive in the salty water. It's a unique sight you won't want to miss!

Keep in mind, though, that there's an entrance fee to visit the area. Some locals might offer to guide you around for a fee, but don't pay more than 100 Pesos (about 4 euros) for both the entrance and the tour. The quality of the tour can vary depending on the guide, so if they do a good job, consider giving them a little extra tip.

Just a heads up: swimming in the water isn't allowed, but you might spot flamingos hanging out nearby, especially depending on the season. Las Coloradas is part of the Río Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, which is a protected area home to a variety of wildlife, including flamingos, crocodiles, sea turtles, jaguars, and many seabirds.

If you're really keen on seeing flamingos, consider taking a boat trip to Río Lagartos. However, if you're short on time, driving all the way to Las Coloradas might not be the best idea. It's about a 1 hour and 50-minute drive from Valladolid, 3 hours from Mérida, or 3 hours from Chiquilá (Holbox), but the route from Chiquilá offers some beautiful countryside views!

And remember, there are two Las Coloradas in Mexico, so make sure you're heading to the right one.

Valladolid ← →  Las Coloradas:  1h 50 min, 123 km
Mérida ← →  Las Coloradas: 3h, 233 km
Chiquilá (Holbox) ← →  Las Coloradas: 3h, 200 km but through the beautiful countryside!