Bacalar Mexico looks like it is right off of a postcard!
Nestled in the southeastern part of the Yucatan Peninsula, only 4 hours south of Cancun is the beautiful Bacalar, Mexico. A hidden gem waiting to be discovered by travellers seeking to escape the usual Yucatan crowds.
Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbours like Tulum and Cancun, Bacalar offers a unique blend of natural beauty and tranquil vibes that make it an ideal destination for your next vacation.
Here’s why Bacalar, Mexico should top your list for your next Mexico vacation!
Bacalar Lagoon: The lagoon of 7 colours
The crown jewel of Bacalar is the stunning Bacalar Lagoon. Often referred to as the “Lagoon of Seven Colours” due to its mesmerizing hues of blue and turquoise.
This 42-kilometer-long freshwater lake is an absolute paradise. The clarity of the water and the varying shades of blue are a result of the white limestone bottom, which reflects sunlight in different ways.
The best way to appreciate Bacalar lagoon is on a boat trip. There are tours of all styles from budget booze cruises to private luxury yachts.
Escape the typical crowds of the Yucatan coastline
Unlike the bustling tourist hotspots of the Riviera Maya, Bacalar Mexico offers a more peaceful and laid-back atmosphere. The town itself is small and charming, with colourful buildings, friendly locals, and a slower pace of life.
Bacalar lagoon is perfect for those looking to unwind and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Imagine starting your day with a quiet sunrise over the lagoon, spending your afternoon in a hammock under swaying palm trees, and ending with a peaceful evening watching the stars.
Things to do in Bacalar, Mexico
Explore Bacalar lagoon on a boat trip
By far the best activity to do in Bacalar is to take a boat trip on Bacalar lagoon. The colours of Bacalar lagoon are something that need to be seen to be believed!
The best boat trips will include a few hours on the lagoon, visiting the key locations such as the Pirates Channel. These Bacalar boat trips give people a chance to see why Bacalar lagoon is called the lagoon of seven colours.
There are a range of styles of boats available from budget shared tours to sunset on a luxury private yacht.
Check out Bacalar lagoon boat tours on Viator.
Visit one of Bacalar’s cenotes
Bacalar is not just about the lagoon. It’s also home to some incredible cenotes! Cenotes are natural sinkholes that found all throughout the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico. Cenotes are filled with freshwater and are perfect for diving and snorkeling.
Cenote Azul is located just outside of Bacalar, Mexico. It is one of the deepest cenotes in the region, with crystal clear water that invites adventurers to explore its depths. The cenote is surrounded by lush vegetation, providing a picturesque place to relax.
Explore Bacalar’s history
Bacalar can trace its history back to Mayan civilizations. The town’s strategic location made it a trading hub in the pre-colonial era.
Visit the San Felipe Fort located right in the centre of town to get a glimpse into Bacalar’s maritime past. It was built in the 18th century to protect the area from pirate attacks! The fort now houses a museum that showcases artifacts and exhibits about the Bacalar’s history and the Mayan culture.
Walking through the fort with its panoramic views of the Bacalar lagoon is both educational and picturesque!
Spend the day at Los Rapidos
Any trip to Bacalar Mexico should include a day trip to Los Rapidos. Los Rapidos is a popular attraction on Bacalar lagoon. It is an area where the lagoon narrows creating a gentle current. There are wooden walkways along the lagoon where people jump into the water and float all the way back to the restaurant.
It is a unique day out and a relaxing way to enjoy the beauty of Bacalar lagoon.
Read more about Los Rapidos, Bacalar here.
Learn about stromatolites
One of the most intriguing natural phenomena you can witness in Bacalar is the stromatolites. Stromatolites are some of the oldest living fossils on Earth. They look like rocks under the water but these amazing structures pre-date all other life on Earth!
Bacalar lagoon’s shallow waters and limestone bed create an ideal environment for these ancient formations.
Snorkeling near the stromatolites is like taking a dive into the Earth’s early history. The stromatolites in Bacalar Mexico offer a rare opportunity to see life that has existed for billions of years.
Ecotourism and Sustainable Travel
Bacalar is an emerging hub for ecotourism, with many initiatives aimed at preserving its natural beauty and promoting sustainable travel.
Many local businesses are committed to eco-friendly practices, such as using renewable energy sources, minimizing waste, and supporting local conservation efforts.
By choosing to travel to Bacalar, you’re not only treating yourself to a beautiful vacation but also supporting a destination that values and protects its natural environment.
If you’re interested in supporting ecotourism in the area, consider staying at Mia Bacalar Luxury Resort and Spa.
Learn more about ecotourism in Bacalar Mexico.
Why visit Bacalar, Mexico? The food!
Mexican cuisine has to be some of the best in the world! Bacalar is no exception.
Bacalar’s culinary scene is a delightful mix of traditional Mexican flavors and fresh, local ingredients. Don’t miss the chance to try the local specialty, “marquesitas,” a crispy crepe filled with sweet or savory fillings, often sold as street food.
There is no shortage of taqueria’s in town that offer a more local approach. Be sure to try Taqueria MAD and Taqueria los dos carnales (my personal favourite!).
Fresh seafood is abundant, with many restaurants offering dishes that highlight the catch of the day. Enjoying a meal at a lakeside restaurant overlooking Bacalar lagoon’s shimmering lagoon is an experience that’s hard to beat.
Activities for adventure lovers
For those seeking adventure, Bacalar has plenty to offer. In addition to water sports on the lagoon, the surrounding jungle and countryside are perfect for hiking and biking.
Explore the nearby Rio Hondo, where you can go river rafting or take a boat tour to spot exotic wildlife. Bacalar is a bird watchers dream with an enormous variety of species that inhabit the region. The range of experiences on offer makes Bacalar a great destination for nature enthusiasts.
Getting to and from Bacalar, Mexico
Despite its relatively secluded feel, Bacalar is easily accessible. The town is approximately a three-hour drive from Cancun, making it a convenient addition to any Yucatan travel itinerary.
Most people will include a few days in Bacalar as part of a Yucatan trip and therefore fly into Cancun airport. If you want to come directly to Bacalar, the closest airport to Bacalar is Chetumal, only 35km/22 miles away.
Renting a car in the Yucatan pensinsula is safe and straight forward. The roads are relatively good and the drive itself offers scenic views of the Mexican countryside.
Check car rental options here.
Alternatively, there are buses and shuttles that connect Bacalar to other major destinations in the region. ADO bus is the largest bus company in Mexico and they offer fast and easy connections to Bacalar from other cities in the region.
You can book directly on the ADO website in Spanish. You can book in English through BusBud.
When is the best time of year to visit Bacalar?
Bacalar’s tropical climate means it’s a year-round destination.
The weather is warm and pleasant, with the dry season from November to April being particularly popular for visitors. Even during the rainy season, the showers are usually brief and followed by sunshine!
Bacalar Mexico is an ideal destination for your next vacation. So pack your bags, leave the crowds behind, and discover the magic of Bacalar!
Where to stay in Bacalar, Mexico
Bacalar has some great accommodation options for all budgets.
Best budget stay – For a budget stay in Bacalar Mexico, your best option is to go with a local guesthouse. Maruchita’s Rooms are well priced, well located, and most importantly have air-conditioning (many budget options don’t).
Best mid-range stay – We stayed at Casa Chukum for our time in Bacalar and couldn’t recommend it enough. The staff really made you feel at home and were so helpful with planning things to do. The rooms are lovely, the location is perfect and there is a great rooftop area to hang out.
Best luxury stay – Blue Palm Bacalar is one of the best hotels that is still walking distance to all the restaurants and bars in town. .
If you’re looking to escape and relax, and don’t care about having access to downtown conveniences – check out Puerto del Cielo Hotel Origen. It’s 3km from downtown, but is waterfront heaven.
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