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Nestled in the southeast corner of Mexico in Quintana Roo, lies the sleepy town of Bacalar. At the end of 2019, The New York Times called Bacalar the next Tulum. Soon, other significant publications started calling Bacalar Mexico’s next big thing. Bacalr is quickly gaining a reputation as the Maldives of Mexico. While I hope that it stays off the beaten track for a little longer, that may be hard to do. There are so many great reasons to visit Bacalar!
The Mexican government included Bacalar on its list of Pueblos Mágicos in 2006 to encourage tourism. The designation as a magic town is a recognition of Bacalar’s natural beauty, historical importance, and variety of activities. As the first Mayan city in the region, dating back to the pre-Columbian era, the Spaniards colonized Bacalar in 1523, making it the earliest Mayan city to succumb. In the 1600s, pirates frequently attacked after entering the lagoon through a canal.
Today, Bacalar is a little-known gem in the Yucatan Peninsula. Located about 3.5 hours south of the more popular Playa del Carmen, Bacalar flies under the radar. The natural beauty of the area, with its historical sites, renders Bacalar a fantastic place to relax on your Mexican vacation. Here are the things you need to know about Bacalar, including the best things to do in Bacalar and surrounding areas. And don’t forget to check out these travel tips for Mexico too!
Getting to Bacalar
First things first, how do you even get to Bacalar?
Visitors can drive from one of the two international airports. The closest airport to Bacalar is Belize City (2 ½ hour drive). Alternatively, fly into Cancun (4 ½ hour drive). You can also take a commuter flight from one of those cities to Chetumal (40 minutes drive). Tropic Air flies from Belize City. Aero Mexico and Volaris fly from Cancun (and other Mexican towns, including Mexico City).
Renting a car in Mexico is super easy. While we flew into Cancun and drove south, I would recommend flying into Belize City, taking a shuttle flight to Chetumal, and renting a car from there. Most major rental car companies have a counter at the Chetumal Airport, but experienced visitors find the best deals through local car rental companies.
Prefer to take public transportation? Traveling inside Mexico, the ADO bus offers multiple options. You can also take a Belizean bus leaving near the water terminal.
Please note that if you plan on crossing the Belize border, you’ll have to go through two immigration checkpoints, one for each country. There are fees associated with each.
Are you arriving on a cruise ship? The cruise port of Costa Maya (also known as Mahahual) is just over an hour away. Arrange day trips through your cruise company or online with local tour companies.
Best Things to do in Bacalar, Mexico
1. Bacalar Lagoon
The “Lake of Seven Colors” is the main attraction in Bacalar. The stunning lagoon’s nickname comes from all the water’s colors, varying in different shades from light greens to the deepest blues. This long and narrow lake provides several occasions for comparison with the Maldives. The best way to explore Lake Bacalar is on a boat tour where the guide explains the area’s history and various fauna and flora pointed out.
The boat trip will take you to various spots along the lake where you’ll get a deeper understanding of the area in warding off attacks from foreigners. Your tour will likely include a stop along the Canal de los Piratas, which pirates used to hide their bounties inland.
2. Bacalar Rapids
Stromatolites are one-cell organisms that carry out photosynthesis. These little guys help increase the amount of oxygen, just like plants. Bacalar is one of the few places in the world where stromatolites exist. The rapids, los rapidos in Spanish, are a stream of water on which guests float above the stromatolites, like a lazy river. One of the best things we did during our trip and so much fun!
3. Bird Island
As the sun sets over Bacalar Lagoon, thousands of area birds migrate to what is known as Bird Island. While bird watchers will appreciate the ability to study and identify birds, the experience is other-worldly and amazing.
4. Cenote Azul
This cenote (sinkhole) is filled by an underground source, making it a refreshing dip after a hot day. A restaurant serves as the main entrance. Due to the presence of ladders and ropes, this cenote is easily accessible to most. Divers can explore the underwater caves. Admission costs 120 pesos.
5. Cenote Negro (or Cenote de la Bruja)
The largest and deepest of Bacalar’s four cenotes, the name comes from the water’s color due to its depth. The cenote is not open to snorkelers and divers but is impressive to see up close.
6. Cenote Cocalitos
If you’re looking for swings and hammocks, stromatolite formations, and a beautiful setting, Cocalitos is a popular spot for those Instagram photos. It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the crystalline waters of Lake Bacalar. Admission is only 35 pesos, and there is no pressure to buy from a restaurant, unlike at Cenote Azul.
7. Cenote Esmeralda
The depth of this cenote located inside the Bacalar Lagoon creates a darker blue hue. The cenote is popular with divers but is equally appealing to snorkelers and swimmers.
8. Fuerte de San Felipe
You’ll find the Fuerte San Felipe in the small town of Bacalar. Constructed in the 18th century to defend against pirates, the San Felipe Fort now houses a museum. Learn about the local history while imagining what it must have been like in its heyday. Admission is only a few dollars.
PRO TIP: If you want your photo in front of the letters spelling out Bacalar, they’re located right outside the Fuerte de San Felipe.
9. Take a day trip to Mahahual
Since Bacalar does not have any beaches, if you absolutely must have a day at the beach, consider a day trip to nearby Mahahual. This small beach town set in the Caribbean is home to the cruise port known as Costa Maya, so avoid ship days if you can!
10. Explore Mayan Ruins of Kohunlich
About an hour outside of Bacalar is the active archaeological Mayan site of Kohunlich. The city was at its largest about 1000 years ago. The Temple of the Masks is undergoing preservation. Between the active digs and the noise of the jungle (howler monkeys included!), you’ll feel like you’re on the set of an Indiana Jones movie. The entrance fee is 80 pesos, making the Kohunlich ruins affordable for everyone.
11. Kayak or Stand Up Paddleboard on the Lagoon
One of the best ways to explore the Lagoon is to spend time on it. While boat tours are popular, go off-the-beaten-path and discover your favorite spots on a stand-up paddleboard or kayak. Many hotels include a kayak or paddleboard complimentary to their guests.
12. Explore the town
Visitors to the area often overlook the town of Bacalar. However, this Pueblo Magico deserves exploring. The 18th Century Fuerte de San Felipe is worth exploring. This small village features quaint little shops and fresh food markets.
13. Relax at a swim-up bar or on hammocks and swings
We enjoyed a short cool-down and reprieve from the heat by relaxing at Los Aluxes. While many locales now offer overwater swings, Los Aluxes is the original dream setting for your Instagram feed.
14. Enjoy a tall cool draft at Cerveceria Bacalar
The craft beer movement has spread to Bacalar. The brewery serves a little bit of everything: a lager, an IPA, a Hefeweizen, a porter, and a golden ale. Enjoy this idyllic setting on Bacalar Lagoon, where you can even take a dip in the waters if you like. Stay awhile and enjoy something from their restaurant, offering various types of grilled foods.
15. Zipline at Tirolesas Bacalar
Enjoy a zipline experience through Mayan jungles. Five lines connect former forest fire towers. One of the lines is close to the Bacalar Lagoon.
Best Places to Stay in Bacalar, Mexico
Eco-Friendly: Hotel Makaaba Eco-Boutique: Centrally located but NOT on the lagoon, this adults-only hotel is new and getting rave reviews. The pool and bar, in particular, receive high marks from guests. Each room includes a hammock to add to the relaxation experience.
Mid-range: Casa Bakal: Another adults-only hotel with a pool and is located right on Bacalar Lagoon. Room prices include kayak and paddleboard rentals.
A Bit Pricier: Hotel Casa Shiva: Located on the lagoon, you’ll have swings and a great dock. Each terrace has garden views. The breakfast is included in the price and receives high praise.
Best Places to Eat in Bacalar, Mexico
Macario Bacalar: Enjoy a cocktail with fabulous meal selections prepared by an up-and-coming chef. This charming and romantic setting is one of the best in the Yucatan peninsula, so make a point to stop by. The Tostada Macario gets rave reviews.
La Playita: Offering Latin Fusion Gastronomy, La Playita’s menu features fresh local food reflective of the surroundings. La Playita offers a relaxed atmosphere, whether you choose to sunbathe on the dock or relax in a hammock while listening to music.
Nixtamal: The setting of Nixtamal contributes to a unique sensory experience while eating. Dishes are prepared on outside grills and ovens. Whether you’re looking for seafood, steaks, or even vegetarian dishes, you’ll find them here and where local flavors blend into a fabulous experience.
Best Things to Bring With You to Bacalar, Mexico
- Reef-friendly sunscreen: Protect the delicate environment of the local waters by using reef-friendly sunscreen. Many cenotes will only allow you to use a mineral or reef-friendly sunscreen.
- Mosquito repellent: Particularly once the sun goes down, mosquitos come out in full-force, so be prepared.
- Mosquito bite treatment: You got bit? Mexican Preparation H contains an ingredient that will help diminish those awful bumps.
- Quick-dry towel: Even without a beach, you’ll be in and out of the water, so bring your towel!
- Water shoes: Some of the spots in the cenotes are slippery. You’ll also want to protect your feet.
- Bathing suit: This should be obvious but sometimes we forget the most obvious things.
- Water case for your phone: if you use your phone as your camera, don’t forget to protect it from your wet activities.
- Dry bag: since you’ll be in and out of the water, you’ll want something to keep your dry stuff dry.
Spend a few days in Bacalar!
If all you want to do is a boat tour of Bacalar Lagoon, a day trip may be sufficient. But a day trip means missing out on so much of what Bacalar has to offer!
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Happy travels!
Annick, The Common Traveler