Meet Mexico's dreamy water town | Bacalar travel guide
In the southern part of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, there is a small town that looks like a dreamy water town - Bacalar. It has breathtaking natural scenery, profound historical and cultural heritage, and rich and diverse travel experiences. It is definitely a treasure travel destination that you cannot miss. Now, start your trip to Bacalar with this guide!
1. First impression of the town
Bacalar is located about 40 kilometers north of Chetumal, close to the border between Mexico and Belize. It is a small town full of tranquility and peace. There is no hustle and bustle of the big city here, only crystal clear lake water, dense mangroves and ancient ruins, as if time has slowed down.
2. Climate and Best Travel Time
Bacalar has a tropical climate with an average annual temperature between 25℃ - 30℃, which is warm and comfortable. The dry season is from November to April of the following year, with less rainfall and plenty of sunshine, making it the best time to travel. The weather is sunny during this period, which is very suitable for various water activities and exploring attractions; May to October is the rainy season. Although there is relatively more rainfall, it also makes the whole town full of vitality, and the cost of accommodation may be more affordable. If you don’t mind occasional rainfall, you can also enjoy a unique travel experience here. But no matter when you come, you must take sun protection measures, because the sun here is very strong☀️
3. Must-visit attractions
1. Bacalar Lagoon:
◦ This place is known as the "Seven Color Lake". The lake water will show a variety of colors from light blue to dark blue, to emerald green, etc. due to changes in the bottom soil, depth and light. It is beautiful like a dream and is the most famous attraction in Bacalar.
◦ You can choose to rent a kayak 🚣♀️ and slowly explore along the lakeshore, feel the breeze on your face, and appreciate the beauty of the lake up close. You can also discover some hidden corners in the lake and maybe encounter cute water birds.
◦ For those who like excitement, don’t miss the experience of diving in the lake. Dive into the clear water and feel the coolness and refreshment.
2. Fortaleza San Felipe:
◦ This castle, built in 1729, was originally built to defend against pirates and is now a museum. Standing on the castle, you can not only overlook the magnificent view of the entire Bacalar Lagoon, but also learn about the history of the town and the stories of pirates.
◦ The castle displays many historical relics of the resistance against pirates. Walking through it, it feels like traveling back to that legendary era.
3. Cenote Azul:
◦ This is a circular cenote with a diameter of more than 300 meters and a depth of 90 meters. Surrounded by lush tropical plants, it looks like a mysterious paradise.
◦ The water in the tiankeng is crystal clear, making it a great place for swimming and snorkeling. Diving into the water, you can also see various strange underwater creatures and ancient rocks.
4. Los Rapidos:
◦ It is part of the Bacalar Lagoon, which has narrow mangrove canals and gentle currents, perfect for boating and nature watching.
◦ Traveling through the canal, you will see many rare birds and the unique mangrove ecosystem, as if you have entered a wonderful natural world.
5. Pirates Canal (Canal de los Piratas):
◦ Legend has it that this was once the hiding place of Caribbean pirates, but now it has become a great place for tourists to experience the fun of adventure.
◦ Rent a boat and sail along the canal. There are abandoned buildings in the middle, and you can almost see the pirates there. You can also experience the unique mud mask here and give your skin a natural care.
4. Food Exploration
1. Tacos: This is a traditional Mexican food. In Bacalar, you can also taste tortillas with various fillings, such as barbecue, chicken, vegetables, etc., paired with special sauces, which have a rich taste and are unforgettable.
2. Fried Fish: As Bacalar is close to the water, fresh fish is a common sight on the table. The fried fish has a crispy skin, the fish meat is tender and juicy, and it tastes great when paired with local special seasonings.
3. Fruit Smoothies: In hot weather, a fresh fruit smoothie is perfect. The fruit smoothies here are made from fresh local fruits, with a delicate, sweet and delicious taste.
5. Tour route planning
1. One-day tour: Go to Bacalar Lagoon in the morning, rent a kayak and enjoy the beauty of the Seven Color Lake; taste local food at a restaurant by the lake at noon; visit Fort San Felipe in the afternoon to learn about the history of the town; swim in the Blue Sinkhole in the evening and enjoy the beautiful sunset.
2. Two-day tour: On the first day, visit Bacalar Lagoon, Fort San Felipe and the Blue Cenote; in the evening, stroll around the town and experience the local nightlife. The next day, go to Los Repos for boating and explore the mangroves; in the afternoon, go to the Pirate Canal to experience the fun of adventure and enjoy a mud bath.
6. Accommodation Recommendations
1. Lakeside resort hotel: Choose a resort hotel by the lake. You can see the beautiful lake view when you open the window, and you can also enjoy the sunshine and lake water directly on the hotel’s private beach. Hotels generally provide a variety of water sports facilities so that you can play at any time.
2. Characteristic B&B: Experiencing the local characteristic B&B is also a good choice, which can better experience the local life atmosphere. Many B&Bs are decorated in Mexican style, making them warm and comfortable.
7. Traffic Guide
1. Plane: You can fly to Cancun International Airport first, and then take a bus or rent a car to Bacalar, which takes about 5 hours.
2. Bus: There are buses to Bacalar from Cancun, Tulum and other places. ADO bus is a more comfortable and safe option. You can book tickets in advance on its official APP. However, the APP is only available in Spanish, so you can use translation tools when booking.
3. Rent a car: If you like to travel independently, renting a car is also a good idea. This way you can stop at the beautiful scenery along the way at any time and explore freely.
8. Notes
1. Safety issues: Although Bacalar is a relatively safe town, you should still pay attention to the safety of your personal belongings when traveling and avoid going to remote and unsafe places.
2. Health and Medical: Make sure you are fully vaccinated and purchase travel insurance before traveling to Bacalar. Pay attention to the hygiene of drinking water and food, try to choose bottled water and thoroughly cooked food, and be cautious when choosing food from roadside stalls.
3. Cultural respect: Respect local culture and customs, interact with local people politely, and dress appropriately when visiting religious places such as churches.
4. Currency and Payment: Mexico uses the Mexican Peso. Although credit cards can be used in some places, it is still recommended to carry some cash in case of emergency.
5. Language communication: Spanish is the main language used locally. Mastering some basic Spanish expressions will make your trip smoother. Of course, you can also use translation software.