Bacalar is rapidly turning into probably the greatest 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 Colours” that stretches 42 km lengthy within the Quintana Roo state. It has laid-back, sleepy vibes for these trying to chill out and provides boat excursions and cenotes for adventurers.
On this Bacalar Mexico journey information, you’ll study each single factor it’s good to know to plan your journey. We’ll cowl get to Bacalar, the place to remain, the very best 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 price visiting for its beautiful blue water alone, nevertheless, there may be a lot extra to it than that. For one, the lagoon is house to Stromatolites, that are basically 3.5 billion-year-old dwelling fossils. They’re lovely to have a look at and are a uncommon pure phenomenon not straightforward to search out elsewhere on the earth.
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 price testing.
When to Go to Bacalar
Bacalar is technically a year-round vacation spot, however the very best 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 enhance. 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 no less than three full days in Bacalar and probably much more if you wish to get pleasure from a extra relaxed tempo. I spent 5 full days in Bacalar and felt it was the right variety of days to see the whole lot with out feeling rushed.
Easy methods 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 will get to Bacalar in three other ways:
Attending to Bacalar by Bus
Taking the bus is the best and most reasonably priced solution 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 instances from common 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 received’t need to get off or change buses.
Playa del Carmen: 4 hours.
Tulum: 3 hours.
Belize Metropolis: 3 hours.
|| CHECK THE ADO SCHEDULE AND COST ON BUSBUS
Hiring a Automotive in Yucatan Peninsula
In case you are road-tripping across the Yucatan or favor extra flexibility in your transportation, you possibly can 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 site 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 automobiles for made-up offences to coerce vacationers into paying “fines.” My recommendation for this, and normally for travelling in Mexico, is to by no means carry important quantities of money on you. That is robust with Bacalar, as most locations solely settle for money. You can too insist you don’t have money instead and hope they go away you alone.
|| GET A COMPARISON QUOTE FOR CAR RENTAL IN YUCATAN
Easy methods 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 smart to fly from is Mexico Metropolis. A variety of worldwide flights join by way of Mexico Metropolis, so it might be price 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 obtainable 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 possibly can entry the water. There are three balnearios (public docks), however they’re sometimes busy. That’s why I extremely suggest staying at a resort or hostel that has its personal stretch of waterfront. Plus, the views are simply unbelievable!
The very 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 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 straightforward to ebook 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 evening, and so they actually have a tattoo artist on-site! You may select between hostel dorms or non-public rooms.
The Yak Home Hostal
Mid-Vary
CASA LAMAT ECO-HOTEL – This inexperienced haven sits on the shores of Bacalar lagoon with a personal deck, hammocks to chill out or kayaks to hire. Different services 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 akin to solar energy, recycling and compost bins, wastewater for the vegetation, no signle-use plastic – to call a number of! The lodging consists of resort 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 resort has clear and cozy rooms and exquisite cabanas. They’ve a number of out of doors seating areas the place you possibly can sit and benefit from the view over the lagoon from excessive up. There’s a lovely grassy spot to chill out 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 is just not dependable.
HOTEL SUR BACALAR – If you wish to keep in centro, Lodge Sur Bacalar is one other mid-range choice, however it isn’t on the waterfront. The resort 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 obtainable.
Casa Lamat in Bacalar
Luxurious Resorts
HOTEL CASA BAKAL – This resort is beautiful, with luxurious rooms and cabanas. A few of the cabanas even have their very own mini pool. The waterfront is very large. 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 lessons. They’re additionally solely a brief swim away from a sandbar. They’ve free kayaks and paddleboards obtainable.
OUR HABITAS BACALAR – Our Habitas is essentially the most luxurious resort 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 a lovely property 9 km exterior of city. On one aspect, 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 concentrate on 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 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 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.
Sundown Boat Tour in Bacalar
Swim in Cenote Azul
Cenote Azul is just not the kind of cenote many individuals consider. Relatively 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 mud low-cost entrance price, 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 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 resort has a tall tower on high of a hill with essentially the most spectacular view of the lagoon. The resort provides day passes if you wish to get pleasure from its waterfront and lounging services, however for those who simply need to go to the tower, it’s free. All you need to do is ask!
After I approached the doorway to the resort, 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 entering into.
Casa Árabe Tower Viewpoint
Lease a Bike
Bacalar is a small city however simply large enough that it’s not fully walkable. It’s, nevertheless, excellent for biking! You may hire a motorcycle from a number of totally different locations on the town after which get pleasure from a experience round city within the sunshine.
The very best place to hire a motorcycle is “Rental Bikes,” and you could find their location right here.
Take a Dawn Paddleboarding Tour
Sunrises over the brilliant 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 probably the most common 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 revel in fruit on the paddleboards and low out of a coconut cup. Even for those who go to these spots on a ship tour, it’s nonetheless price doing the paddleboard tour as effectively to expertise them on this distinctive means.
Lounge at Considered one of Bacalar’s Seashore Golf equipment
With out seashores on Bacalar’s waterfront, there are as a substitute a number of “beach” golf equipment. They’re non-public golf equipment that supply waterfront entry with their very own docks. Some can have hammocks, water slides, sunbeds with umbrellas, eating places, kayak leases, swimming pools, music, and extra.
The very 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 general allure. 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
Lots of 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 in-built 1733. In 1983, the fort was transformed right into a museum. San Felipe Fort is spectacular in itself, however it additionally has probably the greatest 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 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 lessons obtainable to the general public a number of instances every day and even provides ice bathtub 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’ll find the schedule for the lessons 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 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. The very 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 wonderful backyard eating. Plus, there’s free wifi that really works.
Chilaquiles, El Manati
Quesadillas, Mr Taco
Lunch and Dinner
Mr. Taco – By far, the very best place to eat tacos and a should when visiting Bacalar. Mr Taco is an inexpensive eats spot with genuine tacos stuffed along with your selection 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 thought for its ceviche and contemporary seafood. The meals is high notch, however the very best half is the gorgeous 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 embrace 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 is just not exempt. The nightlife in Bacalar is implausible – suppose waterfront events with neon face paint and hearth dancers. The very best nightlife spots on the town embrace:
Yak Lake Home Occasion – Yak Lake Home is among the finest hostels in Bacalar, and so they host a celebration each Wednesday evening. The social gathering is free for friends, or you possibly can pay an inexpensive cowl to get inside. The social gathering is correct by the water with a full DJ arrange, water weapons stuffed 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 stay music, dancing, scrumptious cocktails, and tacos! This an excellent 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 social gathering bar with loud music, okay meals, and wonderful vibes. The bar is open-air, and the bartenders are hilarious (some pour pictures 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, relationship again 3.5 billion years, and are the rationale we breathe oxygen in our ambiance right now. 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 massive rule that every one tour operators will inform you in Bacalar. Even reef-safe, biodegradable sunscreen is off-limits. The chemical substances in any sort of sunscreen alter the pH of the lagoon and may hurt the fragile stability that retains the stromatolites alive.
By no means contact the stromatolites – There are a number of spots in Bacalar the place you possibly can see the stromatolites up shut. Los Rapidos Lagoon is the preferred. 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 obtainable that don’t require a motor letting off pollution within the water.
Follow 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
Essential Suggestions for Visiting Bacalar
Issues to know earlier than visiting Bacalar
Convey 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 finest to have sufficient money on your complete keep to be secure.
The Lagoon Closes on Wednesdays – Each Wednesday, the lagoon closes for your entire day, that means no boat journeys or excursions are operating. Swimming continues to be allowed.
Don’t Depend on Good Wifi – The wifi state of affairs in Bacalar is just not as unhealthy because it was. You’ll find wifi in some eating places and plenty of inns. Nevertheless, it is not uncommon that the wifi connection shall be spotty or straight up not work. It’s finest to get an inexpensive sim card or e-sim if it’s good to keep related.
Are there Crocodiles in Bacalar Lagoon?
Sure, there are crocodiles within the Bacalar Lagoon. Nevertheless, you seemingly received’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 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 relatively than later to benefit from 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 no less than three full days to see Los Rapidos and Cenote Azul, take a yoga class by the water, and way more. Be sure 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 certain to have a unprecedented time!
PIN to save lots of your Journey Information to Bacalar Mexico
Disclosure: This put up comprises affiliate hyperlinks, which implies I’ll obtain a small fee for those who click on a hyperlink and buy one thing that I’ve really useful. It comes for free of charge to you. Thanks on your help.
