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.
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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.
Floating through a lagoon
At Los Rapidos Lagoon, you can drift along the rapids of the canal. It can get busy here in the afternoon, so arriving early is recommended. You can easily take a taxi to Los Rapidos from the plaza in Bacalar. You can arrange the return trip on-site (usually for about the same price). There are plenty of shady spots to sit and hammocks in the water for relaxing. Life jackets are included in the entrance fee; you can wear them to float in the lagoon or lie down on them to paddle through it. You can also rent a canoe. Keep in mind that if you rent a canoe, you will have to paddle the same distance upstream as you came.
Canoeing at Laguna Bonanza
Laguna Bonanza is located a little further south than Los Rapidos. Here you can enjoy another wonderful swim in the crystal-clear water. There aren't many places to lie down, but it's often calm, so you'll have plenty of space. You can also canoe from here to Los Rapidos, allowing you to combine a visit to both places.
Stand-up paddleboarding across the lake to the Canal de Los Piratos
You can rent a stand-up paddleboard at several locations in Bacalar. We rented ours through our Airbnb host. A van took us to the Balneario del Fondo dock. From there, it's easy to get on your paddleboard. It's recommended to go early in the morning so you can watch the beautiful sunrise from the lake. It's wonderfully peaceful on the water then. From the dock, you can paddle all the way across to Canal de Los Piratas, where you'll find an abandoned pirate ship bar. This bar was once in use but is closed to protect the surrounding nature. Water sports are prohibited on Wednesdays to protect the lake, but swimming is still permitted.
Admire the seven colours of the lake during a sailing trip
There are several sailing trips available where you can spend several hours swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the beautiful water. Most trips last about three hours. The boat will anchor several times along the way, giving you time for swimming and snorkeling. During the trip, you'll also have a great opportunity to admire the lake's changing colors.
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!
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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.
