Pink water awaits tourists at Las Coloradas
IAN STALKER
Do Mexican lakes look pretty in pink?
Rocco Bova says tourists believe that’s the case.
Bova is with Las Coloradas Touristic Park in the coastal area north of Merida, Yucatan, with his attraction having water bodies that have a clearly pinkish hue.
“At Las Coloradas there are over 35 lakes of salt water, each one of a different shade, going from green, to orange to pink,” Bova reports, adding salt farming is carried out in the area. “Only the last 15, which are closer to pink in colour, are ready for salt farming (a local economic activity) and where the salt concentration is in the right amount.”
And Bova adds that tourists who visit will easily be able to see water with a very unusual colouring.
“Imagine the pink colour of the flamingos’ feathers,” he says. “This is as pink as the wáter gets. But the shades of pink change, depending on the concentration of this natural pigment, the sun, wind and clouds. It’s all a natural activity that together and in the right conditions, provides the pink hue to the water.”
“Las Coloradas is one of the most pristine natural spots in Yucatan and a unique place to enjoy the only pink lakes in Mexico, spot some of the rarest birds in the world and the unique wildlife of Mexico. Beside learning about the making of sea salt and learning how to take care of the environment.”
Las Coloradas actually attracts the very birds whose colour enables them to blend in easily with much of their surroundings, Bova points out.
“Where the water is too pink, there are no flamingos as the water is too salty and therefore no nutrition for the birds,” he continues. “But throughout the areas and during the seasons, tourists can see hundreds of flamingos in Las Coloradas. In fact, the area where flamingos nest and migrate, starts in Celestun and ends in Las Coloradas. It spans over 300 km.”
Las Coloradas is actually home to more than 380 species of birds, 58 species of mammals, and 95 species of reptiles, with exotic creatures including spider monkeys, coatis, raccoons, jaguars, and turtles.
Tourists visiting Las Coloradas Touristic Park go on tours with trained guides. They can’t wander by themselves as they’re in a protected area and also because the sea salt farm found there, which gives access to visit the pink lakes, is private property.
Las Coloradas is easily accessible by road from both Cancun and Merida, about two and half hours from each location. There are other nearby attractions, such as the beach of Cancunito, cenotes, and the colonial cities of Tizimin or Valladolid.
“In fact many visitors leave very early Cancun to visit Chichen Itza, then come to Rio Lagartos and finish their tour at Las Coloradas,” Bova reports.
More information can be found at www.lascoloradas.com.mx.
