Bacalar is a picturesque village located in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. Well known for its picturesque lagoons, “7 Lagoon of Seven Colours”, Bacalar lagoons and many must visit landmarks. One of the natural wonders stretches approximately 42 kilometers of land areas and is mostly surrounded by lush jungle and quaint local homes. Areas always offer an incredible tranquil atmosphere to every backpacker distinct from the bustling tourist spots like Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
However, Bacalar is also a place where you can see rich history, with its origins dating back to the ancient Maya civilization under the Tales of Mexico. Once a town is home to the impressive Fort of San Felipe, built in the 18th century to defend against pirate attacks. If you are a travel enthusiast you can take activities, such as swimming, kayaking, and sailing in the warm, crystal-clear waters, as well as exploring nearby cenotes and natural wonders.
With its laid-back vibe, beautiful landscapes, and cultural heritage, Bacalar makes one of the attractive destinations for travelers seeking relaxation and adventure in a serene setting.
What to do in Bacalar, Mexico
You may think that what are the best places to visit in Mexico? Don’t worry. You will get lot of places not just visit but also to do travel activities.
1. Swim in the Bacalar Lagoon
Much awaited activities you can do here in Bacalar to explore the multi-colored body of waters. Waters of Bacalar lagoon are so clear, full arrays of lakes, blue over the sand and pops of green from both within and surrounding the water. The lagoon is famous for its striking shades of blue and is perfect for swimming. Throughout the shore of the lagoon you will spot diverse wildfires and flora and faunas as well as refreshing from its crystal-clear waters. Never miss to visit very cool historical monuments and tasty foods from nearby restaurants.
2. Visit the Cenote Azul
Cenote Azul is one of the natural wonders in the Bacalar, it is well deep cenote known for being great for swimming, snorkelling, and diving. Also called sinkhole, a deep blue pool surrounded by limestone rocks and lush green jungle vegetation. Surely its unique color and depth make it a picturesque spot to relax. Cenote Azul is around 90 meters deep making Mexico’s deepest and most underground freshwater pools. Its diverse wildfires and environments, submerged caves, and nearby landscapes make it one of the must visit places in Mexico.
3. Enjoy Boat Tour
Explore the lagoon by boat. Choosing a boat tour in Bacalar is an adventure that blends the joy of discovery with the pleasure of relaxation. Many tours offer stops at various points of interest, including cenotes and the famous “Pueblo Mágico.” A boat tour may vary in duration and cost but remember each boat tour opens up a comprehensive experience of the lagoons splendour. Here many companies offer amenities like snacks, drinks and light foods to people who are visiting here. Each tour blends with crystal clear water, hidden depths of lagoons and the beauty of Bacalar’s natural wonders.
4. Visit San Felipe Fort
Located in the middle of the Bacalar, a great historical fort, includes a small museum inside. Built in the 17th century, offers insights into the region’s history and stunning views of the lagoon from its vantage point. This really enjoyable things the way they are built and designed during colonial periods. It offers spectacular views of town and lake and also a great place to spot photography with nice selfies. Its museum is really a special one, covered from raw strife and suffering after Spanish conquest. Museum exhibits you to Indigenous Mayan people’s day to day activities and story of Bacalar.
5. Kayaking
Kayaking in Lake Bacalar is a really impressive thing you should not miss it. Rent a kayak to explore the lagoon at your own pace. Through kayaking you can easily feel a close feeling of seven colors named seven shades of blue that can be seen in the lagoon waters. It’s a peaceful way to enjoy the scenery or natural beauty and spot local wildlife. However the peaceful tranquility of the multi-colored lakes will make your tour more fruitful. Usually offers 6 hours of Kayaking trips starting from lake shores.
6. Visit the Pirate Channel
Pirate Channel is a route where you can sail up to the channel to reach town. Pirate Channel is also called ‘El Canal de los’, includes lush vegetation and tranquility. A natural channel is a perfect place for a quiet retreat. Channel having a great historical importance’s including numerous clashes between pirates and privateers. Today one of the must visit places in Bacalar and favorites among the visitors to admire the multiple shades of blue and green, swim and sulfur rich sands. Either through kayaking or paddle board or sailboat you can reach the Pirate Channel easily.
7. Try Local Cuisine
Make sure that Bacalar is a great place if you are a food lover, bounty of the sea. Seafood tacos are a fresh flavor of the coast, filling the range from the tender flesh of locally caught fish to the unique texture of octopus. Other dishes like freshest catch, tangy lime juice, crunch of fresh vegetables and other authentic Mexican cuisines. Taste the local flavors by visiting one of the many eateries. Try traditional dishes featuring fresh seafood and local ingredients in any one of the restaurants like El Taco Loco, Nixtamal, Los de Atlixco, and La Plyaita.
8. Relax at the Seven Colors Lagoon
Lagoon will exhibit travelers to 7 different colors and different shades of blue in Bacalar lagoon. Therefore it is known as “Laguna de los 7 colors”, this lagoon is a perfect spot for sunbathing and enjoying the tropical scenery. Most picturesque destination and one of the most fascinating ecosystems in Mexico. Lagoon has the most historical significance when Maya people say that their gods choose Bacalar for its beauty. The gods wanted to use it as a platter to try out different colors to apply.
9. Watch sunrise at lake
Wake up in the early morning and take an easy feat in Bacalar to see Sunrise in Bacalar. While you enjoy the sunset you better see and witness the sunrise over the lake. Choose a pier or Balneario and witness the world waking as the sun pops out behind the green and blue. Many people also take a dip before sunset in the sky and float around before the water is fully illuminated. Such a great place for backpackers to catch the sunrise around the lagoons.
10. Visit the Bacalar Ecological Park
Nestled in the heart of the Quintana Roo in the south eastern region of Mexico. This park offers Eco-tours, trails, and opportunities to learn about local flora and fauna. It expands 7000 square kilometers of areas including world famous “Laguna de los 7 colors”. It’s a great way to connect with nature. Make sure that there are plenty of awe inspiring natural beauties surrounded by the Ecological Park. Take a leisurely walk along the park’s impressive linear dock and indulge in refreshing dips in the pristine lagoons. It is an ideal destination for a large group to experience the joys of the lagoon while learning about the conservation and abundant stromatolite fossils found here.
How to get Bacalar, Mexico
1. By plane
Closest airport to Bacalar is situated in the city of Chetumal, just 40 km away from it. Capital city of Quintana Roo, is more likely to have arrived in the Bacalar lagoon via Cancun.
2. By Bus
Bus is a more convenient form of public transportation, especially for travelers, and buses are travelling through the country. You can reach Bacalar via ADO bus from Chetumal, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Cancun. You will see very few bus stations in Bacalar, usually buses will stop on the east side of the highway. It is just 15 minutes’ walk into town or an affordable taxi ride. ADO buses are quite more advanced and comfortable with A/C, washrooms and Wi-Fi.
3. By Car
If you have your own car or vehicle and are a solo traveler then it is better to choose to reach by car. The Yucatan peninsula region is the safest region in the country for tourists to travel by car. Roughly it will take 4 hours of journey and halfway between Cancun and Tulum. It is better to travel during the day time, follow road safety guidelines, take care of your belongings and watch speed bumps.
Each of these above activities lets you enjoy the uniqueness of the Bacalar place and experience the unique charm of Bacalar and enjoy its natural beauty. Never miss to enjoy the above things if you are fortunate to get a Bacalar travel journey.
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Q: Is Bacalar Mexico safe?
A: Yes, one of the safest place in the Mexico not even for male travelers even for female travelers too. You can expect very less number of pick pocketing, crimes and bag snatching.
