Visit Bacalar: the lake of seven colors
Central AmericaBacalar is located in eastern Mexico, in the state of Quintana Roo. It's also called "the Maldives of Mexico" or "the lake of seven colors." And indeed, the water here is beautiful! In this blog post, I'll tell you all about what you can do in this unique place.
How to get there?
It certainly depends on where you're traveling from, but Bacalar is easily accessible by ADO bus or taxi. If you're traveling from another location in Mexico, you can reach the city by ADO bus.
If you're coming from Caye Caulker (Belize), it's convenient to take a shuttle service to Bacalar via Belize City for a smooth border crossing. We used the Atlanta Express shuttle service, and it was a great experience. It's also possible to take a boat directly from Caye Caulker to Chetumal and then travel to Bacalar by taxi or bus.
Where to stay?
Che Bacalar Hostel & Bar
This cozy hostel has a pool and looks fairly new. It's not the cheapest hostel in Bacalar, but we've heard good things about it from other travelers. It's more of a party hostel, but in the dorms, there's little noise.
View on Google Maps
Mecate Hostel by Xibalba
This hostel is located right in the center of Bacalar. The rooms are clean and tidy, and there's a restaurant and a courtyard.
View on Google MapsThings to do in Bacalar
Swimming in the beautiful clear blue water
There are several swimming spots in Bacalar where you can enjoy the lake's beautiful, blue waters, such as the Balneario Ejidal Mágico Bacalar or the Balneario Municipal El Aserradero. At these spots, you can relax on the grass, sit in a restaurant, or take shelter in one of the huts. Most swimming spots are paid, but there's also a free option at Balneario del Fondo. You can swim at the jetty there, and it's also possible to walk around the jetty and admire the stunning view of the lake.
Relax and float in the Bacalar lagoon
Los Rápidos is one of the most unique spots around Bacalar. Here, you can do something truly special: literally drift along the gentle currents of the canal. It can get particularly busy in the afternoon, so it's recommended to leave early in the morning. From the central square in Bacalar, you can easily take a taxi to Los Rápidos. You can arrange the return trip on-site, usually for the same price as the outward journey.
Once you arrive, you'll find plenty of shady seating and hammocks in the water, perfect for completely unwinding. Life jackets are included in the entrance fee and can be used to float through the lagoon or to paddle while lying down. Besides floating, you can also rent a canoe. Keep in mind that you'll have to paddle back to the starting point against the current afterward.
Canoeing at Laguna Bonanza
Laguna Bonanza is located a little further south than Los Rápidos and is a wonderful place to relax. The water is crystal clear and perfect for a refreshing dip. Although there aren't many places to lie down, the tranquil atmosphere makes it very relaxing, and you often have plenty of space to enjoy the scenery.
Another great feature is that you can rent canoes at Laguna Bonanza. This way, you can take a trip to Los Rápidos, making it easy to combine a visit to both locations. Along the way, you can spot various birds and enjoy the view of the lush shores.
SUP across the lake to the Canal de Los Piratos
In Bacalar, you can rent a SUP board at many different locations. We rented ours through our Airbnb host and began our wonderful SUP tour at the dock at Balneario del Fondo. From there, it's easy to get on the water. From the dock, you can paddle all the way to the other side, towards the unique Canal de Los Piratas, where you'll find an abandoned pirate ship bar. Although this bar was once in use, it's now closed to protect the surrounding nature.
It's recommended to go SUPing early in the morning. Not only is it wonderfully calm on the water then, but you also have the chance to see the beautiful sunrise over the lake. Good to know: on Wednesdays, water sports are not permitted on the lake, but swimming is still permitted. This keeps the lake calm and protected for everyone.
Admire the seven colours of the lake during a sailing trip
In Bacalar, you can book various sailing trips, ideal for those who want to enjoy the beautiful lake for a few hours. Most tours last about three hours and offer plenty of opportunities for swimming and exploring the colorful underwater world while snorkeling.
While sailing, you'll also have a good chance to admire the beautiful color variations of the water, from deep blue to bright turquoise, so you can truly see the seven colors of the lake. This makes it a perfect activity on the lake that you absolutely cannot miss during your visit to Bacalar.
Eating and drinking in Bacalar
El Manatí Bacalar
El Manatí is located behind Bacalar's main square. You can dine indoors or outdoors, but it's recommended. This beautiful courtyard is reached by walking through a shop selling art and local products. Plenty of quiet spots have been created where you can enjoy a meal in the shade. Brunch here is highly recommended!
View on Google Maps
Picaflor Bacalar
Picaflor is a great place for coffee, breakfast, or lunch. They sell smoothies, pancakes, egg dishes, and fruit, among other things. If you walk a little further, there's also a lovely courtyard garden. The internet is also good here.
View on Google MapsWhether you prefer swimming, floating, SUPing or sailing, you can do it all on the enchanting Lake Bacalar!
Useful information
Official language: Spanish
Currency: Mexican peso ($), divided into 100 centavos (¢)
Area: 7,161 km²
Best time to visit: Between January and March or October and December. This is when you have the best chance of sunshine and the least chance of rain. Many activities in Bacalar take place on or around the water, so good weather is a must for a visit.
