31. Dezember 2022
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Mexico – is a fascinating country with a magical culture, delicious food, and tropical beaches. In this article, we want to suggest you an alternative
Bacalar: Explore the Lagoon of 7 Blues
What a dream! Bacalar was our Nr. 1 place in our 2-weeks journey around Yucatan and also one of the highlights in the whole country. Bacalar’s natural wonders and peaceful ambiance make it a heaven for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and those seeking respite from bustling city life. It’s not a hidden gem anymore, as it attracts crowds of tourists from all over the world every year, but it still has a laid back charm. In this ultimate travel guide we will tell you all you need to visit this small village with its breathtaking lagoon. So, let’s dive right in and explore the enchanting beauty of Bacalar!
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1. Basic Information about Bacalar
Located in the southeastern part of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, Bacalar is a small town on the border to Belize. This picturesque town is nestled on the shores of a stunning lagoon, which is often referred to as the „Lagoon of Seven Colors„. This is due to the striking shades of blue and turquoise that adorn its crystal-clear waters.
Bacalar is easily accessible by air and road. The nearest international airport is Cancún International Airport, and from there, you can take a taxi or arrange a private transfer. But this is very expensive. We recommend renting a car or taking the bus. It’s a scenic road trip and usually takes around 4 hours. Alternatively, you can fly into Chetumal which is only 20 minutes away from Bacalar. A good and more budget-friendly option is to take the next ADO bus from Cancun.
The best time to visit Bacalar is during the dry season, which typically runs from November to April. During this time, the weather is pleasant, with warm temperatures and lower chances of rain. However, Bacalar’s beauty can be enjoyed year-round, so it ultimately depends on your preferences and availability. We visited in October 2021 which was good, but we were a bit unlucky on the day we took the boat trip on the lagoon.
If you wanna know more about when to travel to Mexico and what you need to consider in terms of visa or security you can check this here.
2. Where to Stay and in Eat in Bacalar
Bacalar has good accommodation options for every budget. We stayed at the newly opened (Sep. ’21) Che Hostel. They have dorms, private rooms, parties, and activities to get to know fellow travelers. Another option for a hostel is Yak Lake House. It was fully booked, when we were in Bacalar and the advantage to Che is that it is directly at the lagoon.
If you have more budget to spend we can highly recommend Blue Palm Bacalar Hotel where friends of ours stayed. It’s a beautiful hotel with a lagoon-shaped pool in the garden and the owners can help you out with anything. Other good hotels include the Hotel CasaBakal (nice lakefront bungalows, more upscale), the Bacalari – Adults only (nice bright rooms), teki-sha home & suites (green garden and very good reviews) or the Pucté Bacalar (lakefront, more expensive).
And here’s your guide to the best restaurants and places to eat in Bacalar: Bote de Leche is a small restaurant with awesome food, go to Mi Burrito for the best burrito in town and the chef is such a lovely guy to talk to, and to keep your taco score ongoing (we had over 100 together in 6 weeks) you should go to Xoloitzcuintle Taco Bar. If you are looking for a fun night out go to I Scream Bar – it is the party place in this small town.
3. The Legend of Bacalar
Legend has it that Bacalar was once a Mayan city, serving as an important trading hub and a strategic military fortress. It is believed that the Mayans settled in Bacalar as early as the 3rd century AD. The town’s name, „Bacalar,“ is derived from the Mayan words „b’ak halal,“ which mean „surrounded by reeds.“ This name perfectly encapsulates the town’s unique geographical setting, as it is bordered by dense vegetation and mangroves, adding to its natural charm.
4. Bacalar Lagoon
The jewel is the Bacalar Lagoon or also Lake Bacalar. It is a true paradise for nature enthusiasts and the reason why every traveler comes to this small town. With its shallow waters, abundant marine life, and stunning shades of blue, the lagoon offers a host of activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and boat tours. As you navigate through the labyrinthine channels of the lagoon, you’ll witness the magical interplay of sunlight and water, creating a captivating spectacle.
You may wonder: why is this lagoon so blue and how does it appear in this different shades? The water in the lagoon contains a minimal amount of organic material, making it ideal for oligotrophic organisms to thrive there. This unique characteristic is the reason the lagoon looks so spectacular in the sun. In English, Lake Bacalar is often referred to as the Lagoon of Seven Colors, while its original Mayan name, Siyan Ka’an Bakjalal, roughly translates to „place surrounded by reeds where the sky is born“.
5. The Cenotes
Lagoon Bacalar is fed from underwater rivers under the Yucatan and Quintana Roo area through different limestone pools, called cenotes. One of them is Cenotes Cocalitos which is 60m deep and the entrance fee is 50 Pesos (3$). We went to Balneario Cocalitos.
They call themselves a beach club but we would rather say that it’s a public bath or better a good access to the Cenote Cocalitos. Anyway, they have all the necessary facilities including a restaurant where you can eat a snack, and hammocks and swings in the water to relax and enjoy the lake. Unfortunately, Google reviews say that this Cenote is currently closed.
Near Cocalitos, there are the Azul and Esmeralda cenotes. Cenote Azul stands out as one of the Riviera Maya’s deepest cenotes, reaching a depth of 90 meters. It is surrounded by vegetation and the turquoise color of the lagoon. You best visit this one on a boat trip around Lake Bacalar.
Another nice place to enjoy the lagoon is Beach Club Blu. We got it recommended and wanted to enjoy the day there before we headed back to Tulum, but unfortunately it was raining so we had to take an early ride.
6. Los Rapidos
A cool venue is the Los Rapidos a bit outside of the town. You can float in the crystal-clear waters with the help of natural rapids and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. It is best described as a narrow channel between two sections of the lake. Don’t come here on the weekend because it will get crowded as many families visit this place. Admission is 200 Mexican Pesos (around 10€/11$) for adults, which we thought was a little bit expensive.
7. Conclusion
Bacalar is a hidden gem that captures the essence of natural beauty and cultural heritage. With its breathtaking lagoon, fascinating cenotes, and chilled vibe Bacalar offers an unforgettable travel experience for every budget. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or a deeper connection with nature, this destination has it all.
As you plan your trip, remember to embrace sustainable tourism practices and support the local community. Respect the delicate ecosystem, immerse yourself in the local culture, and create memories that will last a lifetime. So that this natural beauty will stay beautiful as long as possible.
Pack your bags, and allow the magic of this captivating destination to leave an indelible mark on your heart. If you’re also interested in visiting the „real“ Mexico, be sure to read our blog post about 5 places you can’t miss!
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