Playa Las Coloradas, Pink beach and salt flats in Yucatan, Mexico.
Playa Las Coloradas is a beach and lagoon system in Yucatán with shallow waters tinted pink by salt and countless microorganisms. The water here is so densely saline that the color shifts between pale rose and deep magenta depending on sunlight and active salt extraction happening in the basins.
Salt harvesting at this location traces back to the Maya, who extracted it from coastal lagoons for trade and food preservation. This activity continues today, linking the modern salt industry to a practice thousands of years old.
Salt extraction has shaped the identity of the area for generations, connecting local communities to the water and the rhythms of harvest seasons. The work visible here represents knowledge passed down through families who have depended on these lagoons for their livelihoods.
Access to the lagoons is possible during daylight hours, but swimming in the pink waters is not permitted due to the high salt concentration which irritates skin. Wear sturdy shoes for walking on uneven paths, and bring sun protection since shade is limited in this open area.
The intensity of the pink color shifts with temperature, season, and active salt harvesting, making each visit reveal different shades. Summer months often show deeper hues because the combination of heat, algae growth, and concentrated salt reaches peak levels.
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