Bacalar - The Maldives of Mexico
While there is lots to keep you busy in and around Tulum, Mexico, for those seeking an adventure nearby we have to recommend the up and coming natural beauty of Bacalar with its Lagoon of Seven Colors.
Bacalar is a hidden gem of a town in southeastern Mexico near the Belize border known as the Maldives of Mexico. It’s situated on Lake Bacalar, also called the Lagoon of Seven Colors due to its blue and turquoise hues. If you’re visiting the Yucatan or Quintana Roo provinces of Mexico’s caribbean coast then consider Bacalar a must-visit. Here’s why!
Bacalar is called the Maldives of Mexico, and for good reason.
Located just three hours from Tulum, it’s one of our family’s favourite weekend getaway spots. Fuerte de San Felipe is an 18th-century fort that now houses a piracy museum displaying colonial-era weapons and artifacts. The colonial San Joaquín Parish Church has a vaulted ceiling architect lovers and photographers will be sure to want to snap. To the south is Cenote Azul, a small, deep lake with underwater caves unlike anything else in the world.
Feeling intrigued? Here’s some helpful information if you’re planning to visit Bacalar ↓
🚘 How to get there - if you’re coming from Cancun/Playa del Carmen/Tulum, the easiest way to get to Bacalar is by rental car. The roads are easy to navigate and it’s good to have a car while you’re in Bacalar as well. Alternately, take the ADO low-cost, high-quality bus service. You can book ADO bus tickets in advance online and experience an air-conditioned, carefree trip to Bacalar. Taxis are available in town to take you to your accomodations.
☁️ Where to stay - we often stay at Casa Bakal right on the lagoon, @casabakal and always love it! 10/10 recommend
🍽️ Where to eat - @balik.restaurante has incredible food and drinks and an amazing vibe. Check out La Playita too
✨ Must do activities - kayaking in the lagoon, swim in Cenote Azul, and float down Los Rápidos! More about that below…
Number One Experience in Bacalar - the natural lazy river
📍Los Rápidos, Bacalar, Mexico 🇲🇽
Full info below
- Entrance fee is 150 Mexican Pesos ($7.50 US)
- Open from 10 AM - 6 PM
- There’s free parking outside the entrance
- It’s probably the coolest lazy river you’ll ever float down
- There’s a restaurant on site with an epic view
- You can rent kayaks, lockers, and paddle boards
- Don’t step on the stromatolites, the white stones on the side of the river which are living and delicate like coral.
Bacalar is truly an amazing place and so underrated! Don’t miss it 😉