Imagine a place so surreal, so dreamlike, that it seems ripped straight from the pages of a fantasy novel—where the waters blush in shades of cotton-candy pink, and flocks of flamingos strut like nature’s own VIP guests. Welcome to Las Coloradas, Mexico’s impossibly pink paradise… or is it just another Instagram illusion?
For years, social media has fuelled a feverish obsession with these bubblegum-hued salt lakes, turning them into a must-see attraction. But here’s the catch: the Las Coloradas of today is not the untouched wonderland the internet once promised. Regulations have tightened, fences have gone up, and stepping foot in the water is strictly forbidden. What was once a hidden gem has transformed into a tightly controlled tourist attraction. The question now is—does it still hold the magic, or has it become just another overhyped disappointment?
How the Lakes Became Pink (No, It’s Not Magic or Photoshop)
Las Coloradas sits on the Yucatán Peninsula, a small fishing village turned global curiosity thanks to its fluorescent pink lakes. The secret behind their dazzling colour? Tiny organisms—red algae, plankton, and brine shrimp—thrive in the highly salty water, creating a mesmerising pink effect. As the sun evaporates the water, these creatures become more concentrated, making the lakes appear even brighter.
Here’s where it gets even wilder: the flamingos that frequent these lakes owe their signature blush-coloured feathers to the same microscopic creatures. Without their pink-hued diet, these birds would be plain white—just like tourists when they realise they can’t actually swim in the lakes.
While this natural phenomenon has been occurring for centuries, today’s pink lakes aren’t just a quirk of nature. They exist thanks to industrial-scale salt production. The lakes are part of a massive salt mining operation that dates back to ancient Mayan times when salt was as valuable as gold. The difference? Back then, the Maya weren’t charging tourists an entrance fee to look at it.
The Harsh Reality of Visiting Las Coloradas
Once upon a time, you could stroll freely along the shores, feel the crunch of crystallised salt underfoot, and—if you dared—dip a toe into the surreal pink waters. Those days are over. The explosion of Instagram fame has brought hordes of tourists, and with them, a wave of new rules designed to protect the fragile ecosystem (and the salt company’s bottom line).
Here’s what awaits visitors today:
- Entry is now restricted—A visitor centre has been built, and you can only enter with an official guide. No more aimless wandering.
- No swimming, no touching, no fun?—Dipping a foot in the water is strictly off-limits. So, those dreamy floating-in-pink-water photos? Old news.
- Drones are banned—After one unfortunate crash into the water, authorities shut down aerial photography for good.
- Big cameras? Forget it—Only phone photography is allowed. Show up with a professional camera, and security will kindly remind you that this is a tourist attraction, not a photoshoot.
- 75 to 400 pesos to enter—Depending on whether you take the basic walking tour or opt for the “flamingo experience” (which is essentially a guy on a motorbike leading you to a spot where the birds might be).
What used to be an untouched natural wonder now feels like a carefully managed theme park, complete with overpriced guided walks and barricades ensuring you don’t get too close to the magic.
Flamingos: The Bonus Feature (But With a Catch)
Flamingos are the unofficial mascots of Las Coloradas, and yes, they are very real. But don’t expect them to be conveniently posing for your selfie next to the pink waters. They actually feed in the blue-green ponds further down the road, away from the Instagram-famous pink pools.
Want to see them? You’ll need to hire a guide on a motorbike, who will escort you down a dirt road to the flamingo hangout. The birds keep their distance, and unless you’re packing serious zoom-lens power, they’ll look like tiny pink dots in your photos. Still, it’s a breathtaking sight—just not quite the flamingo fairytale most visitors imagine.
Is It Still Worth Visiting?
So, should you pack your bags and head to Las Coloradas? The answer depends on your expectations.
Yes, if…
- You’re already travelling through the Yucatán and want to witness a genuinely rare natural phenomenon.
- You’re content with looking (not touching) and snapping a few Instagram-worthy photos.
- You’re curious about the salt mining process and its fascinating Mayan history.
No, if…
- You’re expecting an interactive experience where you can swim or wade in the pink waters.
- You hate feeling like a tourist in a highly controlled environment.
- You have to go far out of your way to visit—because realistically, you’ll spend more time driving than at the lakes themselves.
Las Coloradas is still stunning. It’s still rare. It’s still one of the most unique places on Earth. But the raw, unfiltered magic of discovering an untouched pink paradise? That part is long gone.
