Bacalar
Mexico · Quintana Roo · 10 m
Description
Bacalar is a tranquil town in the south of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo and a unique destination where nature, history, and a slower pace of life come together. The town is best known for the Laguna de los Siete Colores, an extraordinary freshwater lagoon whose waters shimmer in a variety of shades of blue and turquoise depending on depth and sunlight. Fed by cenotes and underground springs, the lagoon is home to rare stromatolites and defines Bacalar’s natural and peaceful atmosphere. The town combines colonial heritage, represented by the historic Fuerte de San Felipe built during the pirate era, with sustainable tourism, water activities, and a relaxed charm away from the busier coastal resorts of the Mexican Caribbean. Bacalar is considered one of the most remarkable natural destinations in southern Quintana Roo and a tranquil alternative to the region’s famous beach destinations.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 2 to 5 days (optimal 3 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: December – March
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Lagoon of Seven Colors (Laguna de los Siete Colores)
- Los Rápidos
- Canal de los Piratas
- Lagoon sailing
- Lagoon kayaking
- Lagoon boat tour
- Cenote Azul
- Cenote Cocalitos & stromatolites
- Cenote Negro (Cenote de la Bruja)
- Cenote Esmeralda
- Stromatolites of Bacalar Lagoon
- San Felipe Fort (Fuerte de San Felipe)
- Museum of Piracy at San Felipe Fort
- Bacalar Pueblo Mágico center
- San Joaquín Parish Church
- Bacalar waterfront & public docks
- Lakeside swings & docks
- Bacalar lagoon sunrise
- Chacchoben archaeological site(Day trip)
- Kohunlich archaeological site(Day trip)
- Bird watching around Bacalar Lagoon
- Stand-up paddling on Bacalar Lagoon
- Balneario Ecológico de Bacalar
- Balneario Municipal El Aserradero
- Isla de los Pájaros
- Sac-Ha lagoon area
- Dzibanché archaeological site(Day trip)
Getting there
- Train stations:
- Bacalar