Bacalar is shortly turning into among the best locations to go to in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. The city is commonly in comparison with the Maldives due to its shockingly blue water and lagoon-side accommodations.
The city will get its fame from its “Lagoon of Seven Colours” that stretches 42 km lengthy within the Quintana Roo state. It has laid-back, sleepy vibes for these trying to loosen up and provides boat excursions and cenotes for adventurers.
On this Bacalar Mexico journey information, you’ll study each single factor it’s essential to know to plan your journey. We’ll cowl tips on how to get to Bacalar, the place to remain, the perfect issues to do, the place to eat, and the small sensible particulars that make or break your journey.
Laguna Bacalar Mexico
Why Go to Bacalar Lagoon?
Bacalar Lagoon is value visiting for its gorgeous blue water alone, nevertheless, there’s a lot extra to it than that. For one, the lagoon is residence to Stromatolites, that are basically 3.5 billion-year-old dwelling fossils. They’re lovely to take a look at and are a uncommon pure phenomenon not simple to search out elsewhere on the earth.
If you’re a water-lover like me, Bacalar will really feel like paradise. You’ll be able to tour the lagoon by catamaran, sailboat, paddleboard, or kayak. There are additionally close by cenotes, lazy rivers to drift in, and seaside golf equipment.
The city of Bacalar itself can be quaint. The central sq. has patios to sit down on, marquesitas stands, and lots of eating places value trying out.
When to Go to Bacalar
Bacalar is technically a year-round vacation spot, however the perfect climate situations are between November and April. That is the dry season, the place it’s uncommon to expertise rain, and the temperatures vary from 25 levels celsius into the early 30s.
In Could, the temperature and humidity begin to improve. Between June and October, it’s monsoon season with frequent rain. The wet situations and cloud cowl can take away from the lagoon’s vibrant colors.
How Many Days to Spend in Bacalar
Many individuals go to Bacalar for under a day or two and, in doing so, miss out on some unbelievable issues to do there. I like to recommend spending at the very least three full days in Bacalar and probably much more if you wish to take pleasure in a extra relaxed tempo. I spent 5 full days in Bacalar and felt it was the proper variety of days to see every little thing with out feeling rushed.
How one can Get to Bacalar
Bacalar Lagoon is south of Cancun and the Maya Riviera, nearly touching the border of Belize. It’s about 5 hours from Cancun and three hours from Belize Metropolis. Regardless of the space, Bacalar is straightforward to get to.
You will get to Bacalar in three other ways:
Attending to Bacalar by Bus
Taking the bus is the simplest and most reasonably priced method to get to Bacalar from elsewhere in Mexico or Belize. I like to recommend Mexico’s ADO buses – they’re snug, handy, and convey you on to Bacalar from most different locations within the Yucatan.
The bus occasions from in style locations like Cancun are:
Cancun: 6 hours. This contains stops alongside the way in which to choose up passengers from Playa del Carmen and Tulum, however you received’t should get off or change buses.
Playa del Carmen: 4 hours.
Tulum: 3 hours.
Belize Metropolis: 3 hours.
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Hiring a Automotive in Yucatan Peninsula
If you’re road-tripping across the Yucatan or favor extra flexibility in your transportation, you’ll be able to hire a automotive to get to Bacalar. Driving within the Yucatan is taken into account comparatively protected and simple. The roads are in good situation (simply be careful for potholes), they observe comparable visitors legal guidelines to elsewhere in North America and Europe, and also you don’t want a world driver’s allow.
The one factor to be careful for when driving within the Yucatan is the danger of police bribes. Police usually look to drag over rental automobiles for made-up offences to coerce vacationers into paying “fines.” My recommendation for this, and usually for travelling in Mexico, is to by no means carry vital quantities of money on you. That is powerful with Bacalar, as most locations solely settle for money. You may also insist you don’t have money as a substitute and hope they depart you alone.
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How one can attain Bacalar by aircraft
The closest airport to Bacalar is in Chetumal, Mexico. It’s 45-minute taxi experience from Bacalar. Flights into Chetumal are very restricted. The one place it is sensible to fly from is Mexico Metropolis. A number of worldwide flights join by way of Mexico Metropolis, so it might be value it. I like to recommend reserving your flight into Mexico Metropolis individually from the flight to Chetumal as a result of it usually reduces the fares. There is just one flight per day accessible between the 2 cities.
The second closest airports are Cancun Airport or the brand new Tulum Airport, the place you’d then take a bus or rental automotive from there.
The place to Keep in Bacalar
Wherever you select to remain in Bacalar Lagoon, the ONE criterion you must search for is being on the waterfront. Whereas Bacalar is all about water actions, there aren’t any true seashores the place you’ll be able to entry the water. There are three balnearios (public docks), however they’re sometimes busy. That’s why I extremely suggest staying at a lodge or hostel that has its personal stretch of waterfront. Plus, the views are simply unbelievable!
One of the best locations to remain in Bacalar embrace:
Finances Possibility:
THE YAK LAKE HOUSE HOSTAL – The Yak Lake Home is a celebration hostel and one of many solely funds choices on the water. Their out of doors area on the water has tables, solar loungers, a bar, and ping pong tables. A tour firm runs from their dock, so it’s simple to e-book excursions by way of the hostel and makes the early begin for dawn paddle boarding excursions simpler (which is a must-do exercise). The workers are nice at participating, the hostel hosts a well-known social gathering each Wednesday night time, they usually actually have a tattoo artist on-site! You’ll be able to select between hostel dorms or personal rooms.
The Yak Home Hostal
Mid-Vary
CASA LAMAT ECO-HOTEL – This inexperienced haven sits on the shores of Bacalar lagoon with a non-public deck, hammocks to loosen up or kayaks to hire. Different amenities embrace a restuarant, therapeutic massage parlour and dawn yoga. The gardens develop herbs and have Mayan-inflenced statues and mosaics. The proprietor is captivated with sustainability and has many methods in place resembling solar energy, recycling and compost bins, wastewater for the crops, no signle-use plastic – to call a number of! The lodging consists of lodge rooms and rustic cabanas, all with mosquito nets. It takes round quarter-hour to stroll to the centre.
BACALAR MY LOVE – An unbelievable mid-range choice in Bacalar, this lodge has clear and comfy rooms and exquisite cabanas. They’ve a number of out of doors seating areas the place you’ll be able to sit and benefit from the view over the lagoon from excessive up. There’s a lovely grassy spot to loosen up by the water with a dock to go swimming from. Bacalar My Love additionally has a tour desk and kayak leases. They’re barely out of city, a bit too far to stroll (about 40 minutes), however they supply bike leases and may name taxis for you. The wifi is free throughout the property however just isn’t dependable.
HOTEL SUR BACALAR – If you wish to keep in centro, Lodge Sur Bacalar is one other mid-range choice, however it’s not on the waterfront. The lodge itself is gorgeous, with a contemporary design and clear rooms. They’ve a big pool deck with solar loungers and a rooftop hangout area with hammocks and views of the lagoon. In addition they have a tour desk and bike leases accessible.
Casa Lamat in Bacalar
Luxurious Motels
HOTEL CASA BAKAL – This lodge is gorgeous, with luxurious rooms and cabanas. A few of the cabanas even have their very own mini pool. The waterfront is huge. It has a number of docks and a piece with a big pool with solar loungers proper by the water. Lodge CasaBakal has complimentary breakfast, an on-site restaurant, a spa, and yoga courses. They’re additionally solely a brief swim away from a sandbar. They’ve free kayaks and paddleboards accessible.
OUR HABITAS BACALAR – Our Habitas is essentially the most luxurious lodge in Bacalar for these keen to pay a fairly penny for essentially the most premium expertise. They’re thought-about a holistic eco-resort. They’re constructed on a good looking property 9 km outdoors of city. On one facet, you’ll see the gorgeous pure lagoon, and on the opposite, a lush jungle. They’ve gorgeous hangout areas constructed on the water, a restaurant constructed into the jungle treetops, spa companies with a deal with various medicines, and stellar customer support.
What to Do in Bacalar
Float on a Pure Lazy River at Los Rapidos
Los Rapidos was the attraction that put Bacalar on my radar. The river shines an emerald inexperienced in some spots and good blue in others. Stromatolites line the perimeters, and the water flows gently downstream, leading to a soothing float.
Los Rapidos is accessed by way of a restaurant, the place you pay entry. You’ll obtain a life jacket, and there’s a boardwalk to stroll upstream earlier than floating again down. There are hammocks within the water, spots to sit down within the solar, and the choice to purchase food and drinks.
Los Rapidos in Bacalar Mexico
Take a Boat Tour on Bacalar Lagoon
One of the simplest ways to discover the lagoon is by taking a ship tour. The boat excursions convey you to key spots within the lagoon, just like the Pirates Channel for swimming, Cenote Negro, Cenote Esmeralda, and the island of birds. The excursions final about 2 – 3 hours.
Whereas most excursions cowl the identical spots, some will provide sundown journeys, sailboat excursions, meals, drinks, and extra.
Sundown Boat Tour in Bacalar
Swim in Cenote Azul
Cenote Azul just isn’t the kind of cenote many individuals consider. Somewhat than a sunken swimming gap within the floor, it resembles a big lake with thick inexperienced forest lining the water’s edge.
Cenote Azul has a dust low-cost entrance payment, a platform to sunbathe and leap off, a swing within the water, and peaceable shaded areas. I spent over three hours right here simply floating on my again underneath the timber.
Cenote Azul
Climb to the Prime of Casa Arabe Tower for the Finest View Over Bacalar Lagoon
A hidden gem in Bacalar, Casa Arabe lodge has a tall tower on high of a hill with essentially the most spectacular view of the lagoon. The lodge provides day passes if you wish to take pleasure in its waterfront and lounging amenities, however for those who simply need to go to the tower, it’s free. All it’s a must to do is ask!
After I approached the doorway to the lodge, a workers member greeted me. I defined that I simply wished to climb to the highest of the tower to see the view, they usually had no drawback with me entering into.
Casa Árabe Tower Viewpoint
Hire a Bike
Bacalar is a small city however simply sufficiently big that it’s not utterly walkable. It’s, nevertheless, excellent for biking! You’ll be able to hire a motorbike from a number of completely different locations on the town after which take pleasure in a experience round city within the sunshine.
One of the best place to hire a motorbike is “Rental Bikes,” and you will discover their location right here.
Take a Dawn Paddleboarding Tour
Sunrises over the brilliant blue lagoon are insane. The oranges and pinks mirror completely on the water’s floor, turning the lake into an ideal portray. With that being the case, dawn paddleboard excursions are one of the in style issues to do when visiting Bacalar.
The excursions begin at 6 am the place you’ll paddle out into the lagoon at nighttime with a information earlier than stopping at Cenote Negro to look at the dawn. From there, you’ll paddle to the Pirates channel and luxuriate in fruit on the paddleboards and occasional out of a coconut cup. Even for those who go to these spots on a ship tour, it’s nonetheless value doing the paddleboard tour as effectively to expertise them on this distinctive approach.
Lounge at Certainly one of Bacalar’s Seashore Golf equipment
With out seashores on Bacalar’s waterfront, there are as an alternative a number of “beach” golf equipment. They’re personal golf equipment that provide waterfront entry with their very own docks. Some may have hammocks, water slides, sunbeds with umbrellas, eating places, kayak leases, swimming pools, music, and extra.
One of the best seaside golf equipment in Bacalar are Balneario Ejidal Magico Bacalar for its water slides, Bacalar Seashore Membership for its fancy facilities, and Seashore Membership Blu for its total appeal. Balneario Municipal el Aserradero is a free public model with a easy pier that gives dock entry to swim.
Bacalar Seashore Membership
See the San Felipe Fort
A whole bunch of years in the past, Bacalar was underneath fixed menace of pirate assaults. After a number of assaults that left the city sacked, the San Felipe Fort was inbuilt 1733. In 1983, the fort was transformed right into a museum. San Felipe Fort is spectacular in itself, however it additionally has among the best views of Bacalar Lagoon.
Take a Lagoon Entrance Yoga Class
Bacalar’s sleepy seaside city vibes are excellent for stress-free holidays. Add a yoga class at Mizu Yoga’s waterfront out of doors studio, and also you’ll be in leisure heaven! Mizu Yoga’s out of doors studio is constructed surrounded by greenery, with canvas and palm leaves stretching excessive because the roof. You’ll have a view of the brilliant blue water of the lagoon whereas in downward canine.
Mizu has courses accessible to the general public a number of occasions day by day and even provides ice bathtub plunges and breathwork courses. In addition they have a restaurant on-site and lagoon entry if you wish to spend a number of hours there.
Yow will discover the schedule for the courses on their Instagram web page.
Strive a Marquesitas in Bacalar’s city sq.
Marquesitas are a Mexican dessert that resembles a crunchy crepe with numerous candy toppings inside. The marquesita stand within the city’s centre sq. is a must-try. You’ll be able to select your personal toppings mixture – I went for nutella, banana, and nuts! After grabbing your deal with, folks watch within the sq. whilst you eat.
The place to Eat in Bacalar
For such a small city, Bacalar has a shocking variety of scrumptious eating places and cafes. One of the best eating places in Bacalar are:
Breakfast
El Manati Bacalar – El Manati comes extremely reviewed as a breakfast spot in Bacalar, and ended up being a repeat go to for me. Their chilaquiles and smoothies had been my favorite, and the setting is quaint on a backyard patio.
Picaflor Bacalar – Picaflor was my favorite breakfast restaurant on the town, providing health-focused meals. They bake their bread in-house, so the French toast with fruit was heavenly. They’ve freshly pressed juice and beautiful backyard eating. Plus, there’s free wifi that really works.
Chilaquiles, El Manati
Quesadillas, Mr Taco
Lunch and Dinner
Mr. Taco – By far, the perfect place to eat tacos and a should when visiting Bacalar. Mr Taco is an inexpensive eats spot with genuine tacos crammed along with your selection of fish, hen, pastor, shrimp, and veggie choices. The place is festive with dwell music on weekends vibrant streamers hanging from the open-air roof, and tons of individuals.
La Playita – Proper on the waterfront, La Playita is understood for its ceviche and contemporary seafood. The meals is high notch, however the perfect half is the attractive out of doors atmosphere in a jungle oasis by the water.
Finisterre Bacalar – One of many fancier choices in Bacalar, Finisterre has scrumptious Italian meals. The environment and repair are extremely reviewed, they usually have a rooftop patio with views over the lagoon.
Mango and Chile – This vegan restaurant has yummy meals, starting from veggie burgers and tacos to scrumptious smoothies. The upstairs terrace has a view of Bacalar Lagoon and the atmosphere is nice with music.
Nixtamal – This upscale restaurant with a jungle environment is a should for food-lovers. They’re among the many priciest eating choices in Bacalar, however the meals displays why. Two of their hottest dishes embrace grilled lobster tail and a shocking salmon Xocolatl.
Nightlife and Leisure
There’s at all times a celebration to be present in Mexico, and the tiny city of Bacalar just isn’t exempt. The nightlife in Bacalar is incredible – suppose waterfront events with neon face paint and fireplace dancers. One of the best nightlife spots on the town embrace:
Yak Lake Home Occasion – Yak Lake Home is among the greatest hostels in Bacalar, they usually host a celebration each Wednesday night time. The social gathering is free for visitors, or you’ll be able to pay an affordable cowl to get inside. The social gathering is correct by the water with a full DJ arrange, water weapons crammed with tequila, a neon face portray station, and fire-dancers stealing the present. I stayed on the Yak, and the social gathering was as soon as in a lifetime.
La Catrina – La Catrina has dwell music, dancing, scrumptious cocktails, and tacos! This an amazing genuine spot to dive into Mexican tradition with Latin and salsa music and locals becoming a member of on the dance ground.
I Scream Bar Bacalar – A loopy social gathering bar with loud music, okay meals, and superb vibes. The bar is open-air, and the bartenders are hilarious (some pour photographs in your mouth, others placed on pretend strip routines).
Sustainability in Bacalar
Bacalar Lagoon is a fragile freshwater ecosystem that’s residence to stromatolites and lots of different aquatic species. Stromatolites are the oldest life-form on earth, relationship again 3.5 billion years, and are the explanation we breathe oxygen in our environment in the present day. Us travellers must do our half in defending the lagoon. Listed below are some steps to take as a accountable vacationer to take action:
Don’t put on sunscreen – This can be a large rule that each one tour operators will let you know in Bacalar. Even reef-safe, biodegradable sunscreen is off-limits. The chemical compounds in any sort of sunscreen alter the pH of the lagoon and may hurt the fragile steadiness that retains the stromatolites alive.
By no means contact the stromatolites – There are a number of spots in Bacalar the place you’ll be able to see the stromatolites up shut. Los Rapidos Lagoon is the most well-liked. Don’t contact them, stumble upon them with kayaks, or stroll on them.
Go for sailboat excursions or paddle boarding/kayaking to scale back emissions – Sailboats depend on wind energy and are an effective way to keep away from air pollution within the lagoon. There are a number of excursions accessible that don’t require a motor letting off pollution within the water.
Keep on with designated swimming areas – Stromatolites will usually be roped off if they’re close to a swimming spot in Bacalar (though this sadly isn’t the case at Los Rapidos).
Stromatolites in Bacalar Lagoon
Necessary Suggestions for Visiting Bacalar
Issues to know earlier than visiting Bacalar
Carry Money – Most eating places and retailers solely settle for money in Bacalar. There are two ATMs on the town, however they’re unreliable. More often than not, they’re out of money. Most lodging will settle for playing cards, however test with them earlier than you arrive. I did discover some eating places that accepted bank cards, however it’s greatest to have sufficient money on your whole keep to be protected.
The Lagoon Closes on Wednesdays – Each Wednesday, the lagoon closes for your complete day, that means no boat journeys or excursions are operating. Swimming remains to be allowed.
Don’t Rely on Good Wifi – The wifi scenario in Bacalar just isn’t as dangerous because it was once. Yow will discover wifi in some eating places and lots of accommodations. Nevertheless, it is not uncommon that the wifi connection can be spotty or straight up not work. It’s greatest to get an inexpensive sim card or e-sim if it’s essential to keep related.
Are there Crocodiles in Bacalar Lagoon?
Sure, there are crocodiles within the Bacalar Lagoon. Nevertheless, you probably received’t come throughout them in any respect in your time there. The crocodiles persist with the mangrove areas of the lagoon, that are removed from the place folks swim. They’re so few that almost all of tourists by no means see a crocodile when touring round, even close to the mangrove areas. This isn’t an element that forestalls folks from having fun with the lagoon. I went paddle boarding with a neighborhood close to the mangroves and he was not involved in any respect, so I wasn’t both!
Last Ideas
Bacalar is among the most unbelievable locations to go to in not simply the Yucatan however all of Mexico. As an up-and-coming vacation spot, I extremely suggest visiting sooner quite than later to reap the benefits of this nonetheless off-the-beaten path spot.
As a recap, make sure that to remain on the waterfront for those who can. I extremely suggest staying for at the very least three full days to see Los Rapidos and Cenote Azul, take a yoga class by the water, and way more. Be sure that to convey money, plan your journey round Wednesday closures, and do your half to maintain the delicate ecosystem of the lagoon protected. By following this whole journey information to Bacalar, you might be certain to have a rare time!
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