![Best Things to Do + EAT [2022]](https://k7g2e5d2.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Bacalar-seven-color-lagoon.jpg "Best Things to Do + EAT [2022]")
If you’re touring all through the Yucatan and in search of a spot that’s off the overwhelmed path, make your technique to Laguna Bacalar, Mexico!
In this text, I’m going to stroll you thru a couple of of the most effective issues to do in Bacalar in addition to share a couple of of it’s finest stored secrets and techniques on the place to eat, the place to remain, when to go, and find out how to finest get there.
I can even share an in depth information about transportation and the preferred seaside bars that will help you take advantage of out of your time.
Located only a quick automobile experience away from widespread spots like Playa del Carmen and Tulum, Laguna de Bacalar, Mexico is a type of journeys that you just need to add to your Mexico bucket listing. It is true by the Mexico Belize border and is among the prettiest locations in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.
Also generally known as Laguna de Siete Colores (lagoon of seven colours), this place is one in every of our favourite locations to go to after we had been residing in Mexico for a 12 months. Its title was given to it because of the a number of shades of blue that you may see if you go to the lagoon.
Bacalar was additionally named to be part of the Pueblos Mágicos (magic city) and is one in every of three within the Quintana Roo State (Tulum and Isla Mujeres are the others).
While the remainder of Mexico might be crowded and touristy, Bacalar nonetheless has that laid again off-the-beaten path allure, making it good for a weekend getaway!
Where is Laguna Bacalar Located?
Located proper by the border of Belize, Laguna Bacalar is within the southeastern a part of Mexico in Quintana Roo State. It is a well-liked vacation spot that lots of people go to whereas exploring the Yucatan Peninsula.
If you look out throughout its turquoise blue waters, you’ll really feel such as you’re chilling on the shores of the Caribbean. In all honesty, after I first noticed lake Bacalar, I couldn’t consider it because it regarded precisely just like the ocean.
Unlike different Mexican cities that expats and foreigners flock to, Bacalar Lagoon doesn’t have seashores. Instead, it has an unbelievable lagoon with turquoise water.
Most folks say the Bacalar lagoon seems to be identical to the ocean, so you continue to get that tremendous Mexican shoreline feeling! You can sit on the lagoon’s shores and be amazed by the pure blue water.
Enjoying the beautiful waters by Bacalar Lagoon.
✨Travelling Mexico? Have a Local Experience!✨
Avoid cookie-cutter excursions made for mass tourism. When travelling Mexico, we love occurring native Airbnb Experiences!
Click the button beneath to seek out native experiences in Cancun, Mexico City, Tulum and extra.
Laguna Bacalar Things to Do Highlights
History of Laguna de Bacalar
Bacalar hasn’t all the time been a vacationer city. Despite its rising fame in the previous few many years, Bacalar remains to be a lot much less identified than locations like Cancun and Cozumel.
Laguna Bacalar, Mexico nonetheless has a standard Mexican city really feel together with some vacationer points of interest and delightful pure historical past. It’s a pleasant place to calm down away from the bigger resort cities in Yucatán.
✨The 1 Thing We Never Leave Home Without…✨
Coming from somebody who has been touring the world for the final 8 years AND has been within the hospital 2x, journey insurance coverage is one thing everybody NEEDS to get. Get a quote beneath!
How to Get to Bacalar, Mexico
While there are many methods to go to Bacalar, Mexico, the most typical methods are by way of a automobile (rental or personal driver). We love renting vehicles whereas in Mexico! The roads are very simple to drive and the Yucatan Peninsula feels very secure!
Alternatively, you may as well decide to take an ADO bus which is the primary bus community right here in Mexico. They have each day buses working each hour from the main cities akin to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Chetumal.
While the primary bus station in Bacalar is on the sting of the primary freeway, you’ll be able to catch a fast taxi or decide to stroll for quarter-hour to the middle of city. Here’s some fast information on how lengthy it takes to get to Bacalar from widespread spots round Mexico:
- Cancun to Bacalar – 4 hours quarter-hour | 345 KM
- Playa del Carmen (PDC) to Bacalar – 3 hours quarter-hour | 279 KM
- Tulum to Bacalar- 2 hours half-hour | 215 KM
Due to its location and relying on the place you’re coming from, there are various other ways to get to Laguna Bacalar. The best choice for you depends upon the place you’re ranging from! Here are our prime recommendations to make touring to Bacalar a lot simpler.
Private Shuttle
This is among the finest selections irrespective of the place your place to begin is. It might be one of many dearer choices although. A personal shuttle can choose you up from any airport or lodge. Private shuttles are sometimes extra snug and fewer crowded than public transport.
If you don’t have a driver’s license or are apprehensive about driving in Mexico, personal shuttles are an ideal alternative!
Driving to Bacalar
We discovered that renting a automobile was the quickest alternative for attending to Lake Bacalar, Mexico. Car rental locations are simple to seek out in main cities like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. If you fly into the Cancun Airport International Airport, you may as well discover automobile rental locations proper outdoors the worldwide terminal.
Don’t fear about driving within the Yucatan! The roads are extraordinarily effectively labeled and it’s nearly not possible to get misplaced.
ADO Bus to Bacalar
If you’re on a finances, the ADO bus is the right technique to get round Mexico. You can both guide your ticket on-line or on the bus station. The buses are tremendous snug and have air-con!
Flight to Chetumal
Flying into Bacalar is by far the least handy alternative because the airport is much away and flights are costly. Flights are additionally scarce, so driving or taking the bus would truly take you much less time than flying.
You would want to fly to Chetumal International Airport which is a brief 45 minute drive from Bacalar. If you’re doing this route, you’ll be able to decide to take this shuttle from Chetumal to Bacalar. We don’t actually suggest this route until you’re flying from Mexico City as not a number of locations hook up with Chetumal.
To provide you with an thought of how a lot transport will price, click on on the buttons beneath for a full quote.
Things to Do in Lake Bacalar, Mexico
Go Sailing on the Laguna de Bacalar
Hands down, among the best issues to do whereas in Bacalar is to guide Bacalar boat tour. Most boat excursions run twice a day, supplying you with the choice to do a visit within the morning or the afternoon. Most crusing journeys will take you round the most effective elements of the lagoon, visiting the next spots alongside the best way:
- El Canal de Los Piratas
- Cenote Negro
- Bird Island
Book Here: You can decide to hitch a small group tour or get a personal catamaran for six folks. Going on a Bacalar boat tour is a MUST-do so be sure you guide it prematurely.
Insider Tip: If you’re renting a personal boat and need to keep away from the crowds, communicate to your boat captain about doubtlessly crusing to different spots throughout the lagoon. Ours took us to the northern aspect and we didn’t see a single boat!
Eat Tacos at Barbanegra Bacalar
Tacos is sort of a faith right here in Mexico and good tacos are plentiful and straightforward to seek out. However, in case you’re trying to dine in a spot with a phenomenal setting, head on over to Barbanegra Bacalar for some scrumptious cocktails and low-cost distinctive tacos.
The tacos right here had been scrumptious and had been a number of the finest in Bacalar, Mexico!
Sunset or Sunrise Kayak in Lake Bacalar
Some folks say that you may’t go to Bacalar with out hopping on a kayak across the lagoon. While there are kayak excursions that you may be part of, the lagoon is usually all the time flat, supplying you with good kayaking circumstances. With that in thoughts, you don’t actually need a tour to get pleasure from kayaking round Bacalar Lagoon.
There are loads of kayaks out there for lease or in case you’re fortunate, your lodge / Airbnb ought to even have some free ones that you should use. Spend your morning or afternoon paddling across the lagoon, taking the 7 shades of blue that Bacalar is thought for.
If you need to take it to the following stage, these clear kayaks are fairly superb!
Visit the Mayan Ruins of Kuhunlich
While this place isn’t precisely in Bacalar lagoon, in case you’re in search of a enjoyable journey, a go to to the Mayan City of Kohunlich is well worth the journey. Located solely an hour away from Bacalar Lagoon, you’ll be able to see spectacular buildings dated again to 200BC.
The metropolis itself was elaborately deliberate with raised platforms and pyramids, citadels, courtyards and plazas. It even has a rudimentary drainage into emptying into cisterns and an unlimited reservoir to gather rainwater. The web site itself is fairly spectacular in case you get pleasure from visiting historic Mayan Ruins.
Eat Dinner or Lunch at La Playita
If you’re in search of a phenomenal setting for both lunch or dinner, head on over to La Playita which is situated proper by the Fort within the middle of city. They have essentially the most superb view for eating and is a good spot for both lunch or dinner.
The meals is scrumptious and so are the cocktails! If you head there through the day, they’ve a big dock space which you should use to swim across the lagoon.
Visit the Cenotes in Laguna Bacalar
Known as pure freshwater sinkholes, cenotes are one of many predominant attracts of why folks go to the Yucatan Peninsula. Even inside Bacalar lagoon itself, there are tons of close by cenotes which you’ll be able to simply discover. The finest cenotes in Bacalar which can be value visiting are:
- Cenote Esmeralda
- Cenote Azul
- Cenote Cocalitos
- Cenote la Bruja
If you’re in search of a preferred cenote to discover, Cenote Azul is an efficient alternative to go to. The cenote itself is over 90-meters deep and might be explored by way of scuba diving. Aside from that, Cenote Cocalitos is one other nice possibility.
This place is a well-known sanctuary of stromatolites that are flat, round stone-like formations which can be made by micro organism. It is essential to not contact or harm these whereas swimming within the waters.
There are tons of caves and caverns underwater, making it a really perfect playground for underwater fanatics. Cenote Azul is so deep and darkish blue that it typically resembles being in a giant lake. Although there are many Bacalar excursions to select from, we suggest this native Bacalar Cenotes tour.
Related: Tulum Cenotes and Playa del Carmen Cenotes
Play Around on a Paddleboard
Another enjoyable exercise in Bacalar is paddle boarding. Not solely is it a good way to see the sights however it’s additionally an excellent exercise!
We performed round a paddle board throughout an especially windy day, making the in any other case flat waters fairly uneven which simply total added some enjoyable issue.
If you like to hitch a tour, this paddleboard dawn tour is the right technique to begin your morning. (Costs round $30 per particular person for a 3 hour tour) Alternatively, you may as well simply lease a paddleboard and DIY.
Visit Fort San Felipe
Located proper within the city sq. is a stone fortress, it’s fairly onerous to overlook visiting this widespread historic landmark. Although it isn’t very giant, it does provide fairly superior panoramic views of Bacalar Lagoon in addition to the pirate channel.
Built within the 18th century as a Mexican stronghold towards English colonizers and rogue pirates, the fort is a good place to go to for individuals who get pleasure from historical past.
Visit the Canal de Los Piratas
If you’re doing any boat tour in Laguna de Bacalar, you must make it possible for it takes you to the well-known Canal de Los Piratas. The shade of the waters listed below are fairly unreal and the assorted leap off factors make it a enjoyable place to spend the day.
Relax by the Lagoon
While all the opposite actions I beneficial are all value doing, the one which tops my listing is simply spending time enjoyable by the lagoon. There are many superior trip leases in Bacalar which have personal docks with hammocks and seaside chairs, supplying you with the last word vantage level to get pleasure from this peaceable place.
Grab a chilly cerveza, a guide, and spend limitless hours chilling and relaxing- belief me, you’ll be able to’t go mistaken with this combo!
If you’re in search of much more issues to do then I like to recommend you learn our full information to Bacalar excursions.
Laguna Bacalar Balnearios (Beach Clubs)
Although it’s not truly on the seaside, Bacalar has tons of seaside golf equipment / bars regionally known as balnearios. They are situated proper on the lake and you’ll put your toes within the water whereas having fun with a couple of drinks and Mexican meals.
Some balnearios are fancier than others. You’ll discover some with a easy bar and some chairs whereas others have hammocks, day beds, and loos.
In my opinion, no journey to Bacalar is full with out having fun with the lagoon from a balneario. Here are my prime picks so that you can select from!
Balneario Cocalitos
Cocalitos is among the hottest balnearios and likewise one of many ones that will get essentially the most crowded! There’s a small entrance to the lagoon the place you’ll be able to go swimming or you’ll be able to lounge within the grass. You’ll discover the picturesque Bacalar swings right here the place you’ll be able to swing over the water.
Bacalar Beach Club
This seaside membership is the place to go in case you’re in search of one thing slightly extra luxurious. They have a pool and sizzling tub if you need a break from swimming within the lagoon. They even have an enormous bar that serves cocktails and gourmand meals. Once you’re completed consuming, you’ll be able to seize a spot on one of many cushioned lounge chairs and gaze out on the lagoon.
Balneario Municipal El Aserradero
For a right down to earth and free balneario, take a look at Municipal El Aserradero. It’s a small public pier the place you’ll be able to calm down. There aren’t many facilities or loos, however the view of the lagoon is gorgeous.
Club Playa Kin Ha Colors
For a small and fewer crowded Balneario, head to Kin Ha Colors. They have a small seaside and lagoon space the place you’ll be able to swim. If you need to kayak or canoe, you lease one from the reception. They don’t have a restaurant on-site, however they will herald suppliers that cook dinner close by to take orders after which deliver the meals to you as soon as it’s completed.
Balneario Laguna Bonanza
If you need to swim with the locals, Laguna Bonanza is a good place to get away from vacationers and calm down. It’s very secluded with out many facilities. You can lease small tables and cabanas although. Beautiful mangroves and stromatolite formations encompass the water.
Balneario Lol-Ha
Lol-Ha connects to Lake Bacalar fairly than being immediately on it. Since it’s a small river emptying into the lagoon, you’ll see that the water is a phenomenal inexperienced shade as an alternative of blue. If you’re a assured swimmer, you’ll be able to swim to the lagoon.
If you’d fairly not swim, you’ll be able to lease a kayak and a life jacket. They have a small restaurant, however it’s solely open on weekends. Instead, you’ll be able to deliver your personal meals and lease a picnic desk.
Getting Around Bacalar
As quickly as you get to Bacalar, whereas the primary city and eating places are concentrated within the city space, the inns occur to be unfold everywhere in the lagoon. If you’re taking the bus, it’s best to examine forward of time the place your lodge is situated as transportation might be a problem.
Most inns can have bicycles which you’ll be able to lease for a few {dollars} a day. If not, you’ll be able to all the time get the variety of an area taxi to drive you round. Taxis right here price round $50 MX per journey which isn’t too dangerous in any respect.
Want extra recommendations on Traveling to Mexico? Take a take a look at our Mexico Travel Guide
Best Time to Go to Bacalar
Although Laguna de Bacalar is a good place to go to all-year spherical, December to April are often the most effective instances of the 12 months to go. Last 12 months, after we had been residing in Mexico, the Yucatan Region has a reasonably dangerous hurricane season (June to September) which might typically lengthen all the best way to Bacalar, inflicting a number of flooding.
In the summer season months, temperatures can attain as excessive as 33℃ in Bacalar. The coldest it often will get in winter-time in Bacalar is round 19℃. However, even through the shoulder seasons, don’t be afraid to plan a visit here- simply be sure you examine the climate beforehand!
Where to Eat in Bacalar
While I already talked about a couple of locations to eat in Bacalar above, a couple of notable mentions that you need to make time to take a look at are. We went to most of those locations throughout our time in Bacalar and all of them serve scrumptious meals which can be value trying out:
- Nao– Great sushi and cocktail bar
- Mango Y Chile– Fantastic vegan burger and falafels
- Enamora Bacalar– Nice spot for breakfast or lunch
- Pizzeria Bertilla– Known for his or her Italian Pizzas
- Botte de Leche– Fab spot with nice meals
Is Bacalar Safe?
Personally, we discovered Bacalar to be tremendous secure. It is a small sleepy city and the locals had been very good. However, with that being mentioned, on the danger of sounding like your dad and mom, be sure you get journey insurance coverage earlier than hitting the highway.
Trust us, it’s a type of stuff you don’t need to depart residence with out. We suggest both World Nomads or Safety Wing, relying on the kind of traveler you’re.
Where to Stay in Bacalar
While in Bacalar, there isn’t a scarcity of locations to remain from lovely bungalow model inns to beautiful trip leases and Airbnbs. Here are a few our prime suggestions on Bacalar inns to remain in:
Budget Friendly Hotels in Bacalar
Royal Palm Bacalar This place is an efficient possibility for these in search of one thing that’s each finances pleasant whereas nonetheless having the ability to get pleasure from superior views. When you keep right here, the lodge enables you to entry a close-by property with a personal dock and hut proper by the lagoon. Room charges begin at $60 an evening.
The Yak Lake House Hostel For those that need to keep in a enjoyable hostel, our advice is the Yak Lake House which has each dorms and personal rooms. The hostel is situated proper by the sting of the lagoon and has loads of chairs and solar loungers proper by the dock. Dorm rooms begin at $22 an evening.
Mid-Range Hotels in Bacalar
Hotel Rancho Encantado If you’re in search of an superior mid-range lodge to remain at, we suggest spending a couple of nights at Hotel Rancho Encantado. It has an on-site restaurant which serves lovely meals in addition to breakfast included within the room price, this place has rustic model bungalows, good for a weekend escape. Double Suites begin at $158 an evening.
Hotel Casa Bakal Located proper by the entrance of the lagoon, this lodge in Bacalar gives adult-only lodging and an on-site bar and delightful swimming pool. All rooms include a breakfast which you’ll be able to take whereas gazing out on the lagoon. Rooms begin at $126 an evening.
Luxury Hotels in Bacalar
La Albarina Offering lovely suites with lagoon views, this place is our prime advice for locations to remain in Bacalar in case you’re in search of one thing a bit extra upscale. Aside from the rooms being completely beautiful, the hammocks and solar loungers throughout the property advanced are the right place to calm down and unwind.
If you’re touring as a big group or household and need to get one thing a bit extra personal, take a look at this text we’ve got on the finest trip leases in Bacalar.
FAQ on Laguna Bacalar
Still have some questions on visiting Bacalar? Here are the solutions to essentially the most requested questions!
The reply to this depends upon what sort of vacation you’re wanting. Lake Bacalar is far smaller than different Yucatán vacationer cities and lacks a celebration and nightlife scene.
With the gorgeous lagoon and historic Mayan ruins, Bacalar is extra value visiting for individuals who need to discover Mexico’s historical past and spend time in nature.
If you need extra of a celebration scene, we suggest visiting Cancun and Playa del Carmen. You may spend a couple of days in Bacalar earlier than or after these different cities to get the most effective of each worlds. We personally LOVE it right here and assume it is among the finest elements of the Mexican Caribbean.
Yes! You can swim in Laguna Bacalar, Mexico and you need to carve outing in your schedule to be sure you accomplish that. It’s a preferred place amongst locals and vacationers for swimming, diving, and snorkeling.
You can snorkel with your personal gear or lease gear from one of many close by retailers. Kayaking on the lake can be an possibility. Some of the resorts provide kayaks at no cost to company, so make sure that to ask your lodge earlier than renting a kayak from an area store.
If you need to spend extra time on the lagoon, you may as well take a ship tour. Most boat excursions embrace a information, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks.
You ought to goal to spend no less than 2 days in Bacalar, however spending 3 or 4 days is even higher. If you could have restricted time within the Yucatan, 2 days is sufficient to discover the lagoon and a number of the historic websites just like the Fuerte de San Felipe de Bacalar.
If you add on an additional day or two, you should have extra time to discover different websites just like the cenotes. You may guide a tour or two with extra time, leaving loads of time to calm down and benefit from the peaceable surroundings.
Bacalar nightlife has restricted choices in comparison with different cities within the Yucatan, however there are nonetheless a couple of issues you’ll be able to plan to do in Bacalar at night time. One of the preferred selections is the Galeon Pirata Bar.
Here, you’ll be able to get pleasure from a cocktail or beer whereas consuming a recent pizza. Every night time in addition they have reveals starting from stand-up comedians to bop reveals to magic occasions.
Another widespread spot within the evenings is Damajuana Bacalar. They have a number of the finest cocktails within the space in addition to mezcal tastings.
The names Bacalar Lagoon, Laguna de Bacalar, Laguna Bacalar and Bacalar Lake are used interchangeably. The physique of water is definitely a lake although, not a lagoon. It’s the second largest freshwater lake in Mexico.
Holbox and Bacalar every have one thing totally different to supply vacationers. Bacalar is perhaps a better option for vacationers who primarily need to spend their time swimming and snorkeling. The lake and the various cenotes provide loads of alternatives to spend time within the water.
Holbox is on the seaside, not like Bacalar. For those that need to spend time within the sand or in ocean water, Holbox is the higher alternative. Holbox can be barely extra touristy with extra nightlife selections and rooftop bars.
Bacalar Lake is known as the Lake of Seven Colors. The lagoon has seven totally different shades of blue starting from turquoise to indigo to violet. The seven colours are finest seen from an aerial view although.
You may not catch all of the shades when you’re standing close to the water. The turquoise hues seen from the shores are breathtaking although.
So whether or not you’re planning to go to Bacalar for a couple of days or a week-long journey, this spot within the Yucatan Peninsula is a hidden gem that’s value including to your itinerary!
Between the various scrumptious locations to eat and beautiful seven shades of blue lagoon, Bacalar is a should go to in my books. Hopefully this text helps you propose out your journey, supplying you with tons of concepts on the most effective issues to do in Bacalar.
Traveling Mexico? Check Our More of These Resources
Inspired? Pin it!
