Bacalar is shortly changing into among the best locations to go to in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. The city is usually in comparison with the Maldives due to its shockingly blue water and lagoon-side inns.
The city will get its fame from its “Lagoon of Seven Colors” 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 that you must know to plan your journey. We’ll cowl the best way to get to Bacalar, the place to remain, one of the best issues to do, the place to eat, and the small sensible particulars that make or break your journey.
Why Go to Bacalar Lagoon?
Bacalar Lagoon is value visiting for its beautiful blue water alone, nevertheless, there’s a lot extra to it than that. For one, the lagoon is house to Stromatolites, that are basically 3.5 billion-year-old residing fossils. They’re stunning to have a look at and are a uncommon pure phenomenon not simple to seek out elsewhere on this planet.
In case you are a water-lover like me, Bacalar will really feel like paradise. You may 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 plenty of eating places value testing.
When to Go to Bacalar
Bacalar is technically a year-round vacation spot, however one of the best climate circumstances 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 circumstances 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 less than a day or two and, in doing so, miss out on some unimaginable issues to do there. I like to recommend spending a minimum of 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 the whole lot with out feeling rushed.
The right way to 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 may get to Bacalar in three alternative ways:
Attending to Bacalar by Bus
Taking the bus is the simplest and most inexpensive strategy to get to Bacalar from elsewhere in Mexico or Belize. I like to recommend Mexico’s ADO buses – they’re comfy, handy, and convey you on to Bacalar from most different locations within the Yucatan.
The bus occasions from standard locations like Cancun are:
- Cancun: 6 hours. This consists of stops alongside the best way to choose up passengers from Playa del Carmen and Tulum, however you gained’t must 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
In case you are 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 secure and straightforward. The roads are in good situation (simply be careful for potholes), they observe related 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 chance of police bribes. Police usually look to tug over rental autos for made-up offences to coerce vacationers into paying “fines.” My recommendation for this, and basically 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 as well insist you don’t have money instead and hope they go away you alone.
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The right way to 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 whole lot of worldwide flights join by means of Mexico Metropolis, so it could possibly 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 it is best to 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 advocate staying at a lodge or hostel that has its personal stretch of waterfront. Plus, the views are simply unimaginable!
One of the best locations to remain in Bacalar embody:
Finances Possibility:
- THE YAK LAKE HOUSE HOSTAL – The Yak Lake Home is a celebration hostel and one of many solely finances 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 guide excursions by means 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 partaking, the hostel hosts a well-known celebration each Wednesday evening, and so they actually have a tattoo artist on-site! You may select between hostel dorms or non-public rooms.
Mid-Vary
- CASA LAMAT ECO-HOTEL – This inexperienced haven sits on the shores of Bacalar lagoon with a personal deck, hammocks to loosen up or kayaks to hire. Different services embody a restuarant, therapeutic massage parlour and dawn yoga. The gardens develop herbs and have Mayan-inflenced statues and mosaics. The proprietor is keen about sustainability and has many programs in place resembling solar energy, recycling and compost bins, wastewater for the vegetation, no signle-use plastic – to call just a few! 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 unimaginable mid-range choice in Bacalar, this lodge has clear and cozy rooms and delightful cabanas. They’ve just a few 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 stunning 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 might 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, Resort 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.
Luxurious Accommodations
- HOTEL CASA BAKAL – This lodge is beautiful, with luxurious rooms and cabanas. A number 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. Resort CasaBakal has complimentary breakfast, an on-site restaurant, a spa, and yoga lessons. 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 prepared to pay a reasonably penny for essentially the most premium expertise. They’re thought of a holistic eco-resort. They’re constructed on an exquisite property 9 km outdoors of city. On one facet, you’ll see the beautiful pure lagoon, and on the opposite, a lush jungle. They’ve beautiful hangout areas constructed on the water, a restaurant constructed into the jungle treetops, spa companies with a deal with different 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 edges, and the water flows gently downstream, leading to a soothing float.
Los Rapidos is accessed by means 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.
Take a Boat Tour on Bacalar Lagoon
One of the best ways to discover the lagoon is by taking a ship tour. The boat excursions deliver 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 supply sundown journeys, sailboat excursions, meals, drinks, and extra.
Swim in Cenote Azul
Cenote Azul just isn’t the kind of cenote many individuals consider. Quite 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 charge, a platform to sunbathe and bounce off, a swing within the water, and peaceable shaded areas. I spent over three hours right here simply floating on my again below the timber.
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 prime 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 services, however in case you simply need to go to the tower, it’s free. All you must do is ask!
Once I approached the doorway to the lodge, a workers member greeted me. I defined that I simply needed to climb to the highest of the tower to see the view, and so they had no downside with me getting into.
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 may hire a motorcycle from just a few totally 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 motorcycle is “Rental Bikes,” and yow will discover their location right here.
Take a Dawn Paddleboarding Tour
Sunrises over the intense blue lagoon are insane. The oranges and pinks replicate 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 vital standard 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 observe 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 in case you go to these spots on a ship tour, it’s nonetheless value doing the paddleboard tour as properly to expertise them on this distinctive manner.
Lounge at Considered one of Bacalar’s Seaside Golf equipment
With out seashores on Bacalar’s waterfront, there are as a substitute a number of “seaside” golf equipment. They’re non-public golf equipment that supply 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 Seaside Membership for its fancy facilities, and Seaside Membership Blu for its general attraction. Balneario Municipal el Aserradero is a free public model with a easy pier that gives dock entry to swim.
See the San Felipe Fort
Tons of of years in the past, Bacalar was below 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, but it surely additionally has among the best views of Bacalar Lagoon.
Take a Lagoon Entrance Yoga Class
Bacalar’s sleepy seaside city vibes are excellent for enjoyable holidays. Add a yoga class at Mizu Yoga’s waterfront out of doors studio, and also you’ll be in rest 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 intense blue water of the lagoon whereas in downward canine.
Mizu has lessons accessible to the general public a number of occasions day by day and even provides ice tub plunges and breathwork lessons. In addition they have a restaurant on-site and lagoon entry if you wish to spend a number of hours there.
You could find the schedule for the lessons on their Instagram web page.
Attempt a Marquesitas in Bacalar’s city sq.
Marquesitas are a Mexican dessert that resembles a crunchy crepe with varied candy toppings inside. The marquesita stand within the city’s centre sq. is a must-try. You may select your individual toppings mixture – I went for nutella, banana, and nuts! After grabbing your deal with, folks watch within the sq. when you eat.
The place to Eat in Bacalar
For such a small city, Bacalar has a stunning 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 have 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 wonderful backyard eating. Plus, there’s free wifi that truly works.
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Chilaquiles, El Manati
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Quesadillas, Mr Taco
Lunch and Dinner
- Mr. Taco – By far, one of the best place to eat tacos and a should when visiting Bacalar. Mr Taco is an inexpensive eats spot with genuine tacos stuffed together with your alternative of fish, hen, pastor, shrimp, and veggie choices. The place is festive with stay 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 prime notch, however one of the best 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 ambiance and repair are extremely reviewed, and so they 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 ambiance 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 embody grilled lobster tail and a surprising salmon Xocolatl.
Nightlife and Leisure
There’s all the time a celebration to be present in Mexico, and the tiny city of Bacalar just isn’t exempt. The nightlife in Bacalar is unbelievable – suppose waterfront events with neon face paint and fireplace dancers. One of the best nightlife spots on the town embody:
- Yak Lake Home Get together – Yak Lake Home is without doubt one of the greatest hostels in Bacalar, and so they host a celebration each Wednesday evening. The celebration is free for company, or you’ll be able to pay an affordable cowl to get inside. The celebration 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 celebration was as soon as in a lifetime.
- La Catrina – La Catrina has stay music, dancing, scrumptious cocktails, and tacos! This an awesome genuine spot to dive into Mexican tradition with Latin and salsa music and locals becoming a member of on the dance flooring.
- I Scream Bar Bacalar – A loopy celebration 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 faux strip routines).
Sustainability in Bacalar
Bacalar Lagoon is a fragile freshwater ecosystem that’s house to stromatolites and plenty of different aquatic species. Stromatolites are the oldest life-form on earth, courting again 3.5 billion years, and are the explanation we breathe oxygen in our ambiance immediately. Us travellers must do our half in defending the lagoon. Listed here are some steps to take as a accountable vacationer to take action:
- Don’t put on sunscreen – This can be a large rule that every 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 might hurt the fragile steadiness that retains the stromatolites alive.
- By no means contact the stromatolites – There are just a few 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.
- Stick 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).
Essential Suggestions for Visiting Bacalar
Issues to know earlier than visiting Bacalar
- Deliver 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, but it surely’s greatest to have sufficient money to your total keep to be secure.
- The Lagoon Closes on Wednesdays – Each Wednesday, the lagoon closes for the whole day, that means no boat journeys or excursions are working. Swimming remains to be allowed.
- Don’t Rely on Good Wifi – The wifi state of affairs in Bacalar just isn’t as unhealthy because it was. You could find wifi in some eating places and plenty of inns. Nevertheless, it’s common that the wifi connection will likely be spotty or straight up not work. It’s greatest to get an inexpensive sim card or e-sim if that you must keep linked.
Are there Crocodiles in Bacalar Lagoon?
Sure, there are crocodiles within the Bacalar Lagoon. Nevertheless, you probably gained’t come throughout them in any respect in your time there. The crocodiles keep on with the mangrove areas of the lagoon, that are removed from the place folks swim. They’re so few that almost all of holiday makers 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 an area close to the mangroves and he was not involved in any respect, so I wasn’t both!
Ultimate Ideas
Bacalar is without doubt one of the most unimaginable locations to go to in not simply the Yucatan however all of Mexico. As an up-and-coming vacation spot, I extremely advocate visiting sooner somewhat than later to make the most of this nonetheless off-the-beaten path spot.
As a recap, be certain that to remain on the waterfront in case you can. I extremely advocate staying for a minimum of three full days to see Los Rapidos and Cenote Azul, take a yoga class by the water, and far more. Ensure to deliver money, plan your journey round Wednesday closures, and do your half to maintain the delicate ecosystem of the lagoon secure. By following this entire journey information to Bacalar, you’re positive to have a unprecedented time!
PIN to avoid wasting your Journey Information to Bacalar Mexico
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