Is Bacalar Worth Visiting in 2024? Travel Guide + Tips

Is Bacalar Worth Visiting
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Are you considering a trip to Mexico and wondering if Bacalar is worth visiting? You’re in the right place!

Before planning your trip to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, you might want to know a little more about Bacalar and what it has to offer.

As a travel blogger that lives in nearby Playa del Carmen, I’ve spent much time in Bacalar. I can help you plan your upcoming trip by providing valuable insights about this special place in Mexico.

Throughout this blog post, I’ll highlight why Bacalar is worth visiting, the type of travelers Bacalar is best suited for, and discuss safety in Bacalar. 

I’ll also explain how to travel to Bacalar, all the best activities to do once you’re there, and some more travel tips for Bacalar.

Ready to find out more about the magic town of Bacalar? Let’s get started!

Is Bacalar Mexico Worth Visiting?

Yes, Bacalar is definitely worth visiting! Known as the “Maldives of Mexico,” this hidden gem in the state of Quintana Roo is a truly special place with stunning natural beauty.

Bacalar is home to the famous “Laguna de los Siete Colores” (Lagoon of Seven Colors), a picturesque body of water with crystal-clear turquoise waters that stretch for miles. 

And trust me when I say that Bacalar Lagoon is not your average icky brown lake–the water here is some of the clearest and most beautiful I’ve ever seen!

There are so many different ways to enjoy the lagoon from overwater swings, docks, and hammocks to boat tours, kayaking, and paddleboarding. 

Wooden swings and docks over the water at Bacalar Lagoon Mexico

And aside from the stunning lagoon, Bacalar’s designation as a “Pueblo Mágico” (Magic Town) also adds to its allure. 

This title is given to small towns in Mexico that are deemed to have special cultural or historical significance, and Bacalar certainly lives up to this reputation.

What I really love about Bacalar is its peaceful and laid-back atmosphere. While it’s a popular destination, it still retains a small-town feel, making it the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

So, if you’re looking for a tranquil and enchanting destination in Mexico full of natural beauty, Bacalar should definitely be on your list!

Me swinging on a wooden swing over the water in Bacalar Lagoon Mexico

Is Bacalar Safe to Visit?

Is Bacalar Mexico safe? Yes, Bacalar is very safe and is one of the safer towns in southern Mexico. 

Although it’s rising in popularity, it still sees less tourism and cartel violence than other regional hubs like Cancun and Playa del Carmen.

You don’t hear about petty crimes and other safety incidents as much from people traveling to Bacalar, and I’ve always felt completely safe walking around, at night or in the day, alone and with friends.

This might be because Bacalar is still a small town with a low local population and fewer tourists.

That being said, the U.S. Department of State travel advisory lists the state of Quintana Roo as a “Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution” due to crime.

While Bacalar resides in Quintana Roo, it sees much less of this crime than elsewhere. But you should still practice basic safety precautions, like when traveling in any foreign country.

🚨 Do you need travel insurance for Mexico? Yes! Most insurance plans in your home country will not cover incidents abroad. I recommend using Travel Insurance Master, which is a handy travel insurance marketplace where you can compare policies. Get a FREE quote by clicking here!

Me standing in the knee-deep clear water at Bacalar Lagoon with mangroves in the background

What is Bacalar Like?

Bacalar Lake is a long, narrow lagoon in southern Mexico near the Belize border. It’s about 300 ft (91 m) deep.

Thanks to the limestone bottom and depth of the lake, Bacalar is known for its crystal clear clarity and striking blue colors. 

You’ll find different shades of blue and turquoise, thus earning the nickname the “Lake of Seven Colors.”

Bacalar Town is the main town on Bacalar Lagoon, and the town center is just a few blocks uphill from the lake. 

Bacalar is a very small town, with one small central square right next to the Fuerte de San Felipe de Bacalar, or San Felipe Fort (an old fort built to defend the town from pirates).

The main attraction in Bacalar is the lake, and most activities are geared around it.

Canal de los Piratas at Bacalar Lagoon Mexico

Reasons to Visit Bacalar

Here are five reasons to visit Bacalar:

  1. Swim in the blue water: The main activity in Bacalar is the lagoon itself. The different colors of blue and turquoise and how they blend in the lagoon are like nothing you’ll see anywhere else in Mexico.

  1. Escape the hustle and bustle of nearby cities: Bacalar feels like a genuine escape from larger cities like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Mexico City. Even though there’s plenty to do, it’s much quieter and calmer.

  1. See stromatolites: These rock structures are some of the oldest living organisms on Earth and can only be found in a few places in the world, including Bacalar.

  1. Watch some incredible sunsets: One of the best places to watch sunsets in all of southern Mexico is sitting on a dock on Laguna Bacalar.

  1. Rich history: Compared to other popular tourist spots, like Cancun and Playa del Carmen, Bacalar has much more of a cultural presence. It has a fort with a history of pirates and it’s not too far from a few archeological sites and ancient Mayan ruins.
A wooden dock at Bacalar Lagoon Mexico surrounded by the water with pants and lily pads

Who is Bacalar best suited for?

Bacalar is perfect for those seeking a relaxed nature escape. There are enough activities to keep you busy but overall it’s a quiet and peaceful destination. 

It’s also ideal for those who appreciate off-the-beaten-path destinations. While it has gained popularity in recent years, Bacalar is still relatively undiscovered compared to other tourist hotspots in Mexico.

Bacalar is also a great place for solo travelers who will enjoy its lively hostels and numerous group tours, making it easy to meet other travelers. 

Plus, couples will find romantic lagoon front accommodations, while families will appreciate the safe atmosphere, and a range of land and water activities for all ages. 

Me standing in the water in Bacalar Lagoon covered in mud

Where is Bacalar Mexico?

Bacalar is a small lakefront town in southern Mexico, in the state of Quintana Roo, and very close to the Belize border.

Here are some travel times between Bacalar and other points of interest:

  • Bacalar to Cancun: 4.5 hours
  • Bacalar to Playa del Carmen: 3.5 hours
  • Bacalar to Tulum: 2.5 hours
  • Bacalar to Chetumal: 40 minutes
  • Bacalar to Mahahual : 1 hour
  • Bacalar to Belize City: 3 hours

How to Get to Bacalar Mexico

There are several different ways to get to Bacalar, depending on where you are traveling from and where you plan to travel afterward.

Fly into Chetumal International Airport (CTM)

Chetumal International Airport is technically the closest airport to Bacalar, but there are far fewer flights to Chetumal. 

This might be a good option if you’re flying domestically or simply want to spend more money for a much faster trip.

Chetumal International Airport is only about 30 minutes from Bacalar, and you can take a taxi or shared shuttle for a quick trip.

Fly into Tulum International Airport (TQO)

The new Tulum International Airport (TQO) opened in December 2023 and is now the closest major international airport to Bacalar, at about 2.5 hours away.

However, international flights to the new Tulum Airport will not start until March 2024.

From Tulum, you can either rent a car or take the ADO bus from downtown Tulum to Bacalar.

Fly into Cancun International Airport (CUN)

Another option to get to Bacalar is to fly into Cancun International Airport (CUN) and then take a bus or rent a car and drive there on your own. 

Cancun Airport is the largest airport in the region, with the most international flights. It’ll be much more affordable, and going from Cancun to Bacalar is pretty straightforward.

There are direct buses from Cancun to Bacalar, and the journey takes about 4.5 hours. However, you can easily break this up by stopping in Playa del Carmen and Tulum on the way.

ADO Bus to Bacalar

If you take a bus to Bacalar from anywhere else in Mexico, the ADO bus is the way to go.

ADO is the premier bus company in southern Mexico and connects all major towns and cities in Quintana Roo and the surrounding states.

You can take a bus from Cancun to Bacalar, Playa del Carmen to Bacalar, Tulum to Bacalar, and even Palenque to Bacalar.

An large red ADO Bus parked in the ADO bus terminal

From Belize

If you’re traveling to Mexico from Belize, Bacalar will likely be your first stop.

You can take a bus from Belize to Chetumal and then a shuttle from Chetumal to Bacalar. There are several local bus companies and tour agencies that offer this route.

There are also ferries from Belize to Chetumal. The ferries depart from Caye Caulker and San Pedro in Belize and bring you to Chetumal. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to Bacalar.

A wooden dock at Bacalar Lagoon with chairs and people surrounded by trees

Best Time to Visit Bacalar

The best time to visit Bacalar is from December through April when there’s little rain and a good chance of warm, sunny days.

Around the holidays, the main square gets decked out in Christmas decorations, making it an excellent place to spend the holidays.

The only negative of visiting in December and January is peak tourist season, meaning it’s slightly more crowded, and things are a little more expensive. That being said, it never gets too crowded here.

Hurricane season and rainy season are from June to November. It’s not necessarily a bad time to visit but you can expect more rain and storms during this time.

Me standing on a wooden dock in front of the water at Bacalar Lagoon

Best Things to Do in Bacalar

If you’re wondering what to see in Bacalar, here are some of the best things to do in Bacalar during your trip:

Take a Boat Tour Around the Lagoon

Bacalar Lake is approximately 30 miles (48 km) long and 1.25 miles (2 km) wide. While it’s narrow, and maybe at first glance doesn’t look all that big, it’s massive!

The best way to explore the lagoon is with a guided boat tour because they can take you on the best route to see most of the lagoon.

While both sail boats and motor boats are available, I’d recommend choosing a sailboat excursion as they are less damaging to the ecosystem in Bacalar.

These boat tours will take you around to all the major sites and some private tours will also take you to a small island called Mariscal Lagoon on the other side of the lagoon. 

The two are connected by the “Canal de los Piratas” (Pirates’ Channel), where real pirates traversed through.

A sailboat floating on the water at Bacalar Lagoon

Go Kayaking or Paddleboarding on the Lagoon

Another fun way to explore the lagoon is on a paddleboard or kayak tour. This is much more challenging but a lot of fun!

You can choose from sunrise tours or hourly rentals.  Being out on the water, paddling yourself around, is one of my favorite places in Bacalar.

Me wearing a life jacket and kayaking on Bacalar Lagoon

Visit the Bacalar Cenotes 

There are several large and impressive cenotes scattered around the lagoon, including Cenote Azul, Cenote Negro (Cenote de La Bruja), Cenote Cocalitos, and Cenote Esmeralda.

Some you can visit on the guided boat tour, some have a separate entrance fee, and some offer the opportunity to see stromatolites. 

A large body of water at Cenote Azul Bacalar surrounded by trees

Visit Los Rapidos

“Los Rapidos” (The Rapids) is a section of Bacalar surrounded by mangroves and stromatolites, where the lagoon gets narrow and the current gets stronger.

The scenery is beautiful here, and it’s really fun to float down the rapids, even though it can be a bit challenging!

There’s also a restaurant in the middle of Los Rapidos, where you order food and drinks and enjoy a lovely afternoon in nature.

Me sitting on a Unicorn float at Los Rapidos Bacalar

Explore the Town Center

While the lagoon is the main attraction, you shouldn’t miss spending some time in the town center. Different restaurants, shops, and bars surround a large square in the center.

A short raised boardwalk was recently built, and while it isn’t all that exciting, it’s a great place to walk and look down at the view below and beyond.

The park turns into a craft market in the evenings, where locals sell handmade crafts and trinkets. 

There are also usually some street vendors selling marquesitas (thin waffle rolls with stuffing of your choice) and Mexican churros.

Bacalar Town Square at night with shops and people walking around

Visit the San Felipe Fort

Right next to the main square, there’s the San Felipe Fort (or San Felipe Castle). The fort was built around 1725 to protect the town from British, French, Deutch, and African pirates.

You can walk around the fort for a small fee and learn more about this history. There’s also a small museum, murals, and several ancient artifacts on display. 

The San Felipe Fort in Bacalar Mexico with a cannon and trees

Watch the Sunset from the Docks

If you’re looking for the best place to watch the sunset, I’d strongly recommend one of the town docks on the lagoon.

Several public docks are right near the main square, but these often get crowded. If you want something more secluded, walk along the main road parallel to the lagoon.

This is where some of the best restaurants in Bacalar are located, and many of them have a private dock for customers where you can enjoy the sunset.

A wooden dock in Bacalar Mexico extending out over the water

Visit Nearby Mayan Ruins

There are several places within driving distance from Bacalar, so if you have the time, consider leaving town for a few hours to explore more of the region.

The Chacchoben Mayan Ruins are an archeological site just north of Bacalar. The ruins are buried in the jungle, where you’ll get to see howler monkeys swinging from the trees. 

They’re also less visited than other popular ruins, like Chichen Itza or the Tulum Ruins, so that you can enjoy more space and privacy.

Me standing in front of a large pyramid at the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins

Take a Day Trip to Mahahual

Located about an hour away from Bacalar, Mahahual is a small fishing village that’s become a popular destination for cruise ships.

Mahahual has a cute and colorful boardwalk lined with beach clubs, restaurants, and shops. It also has some of Mexico’s best snorkeling and scuba diving sites.

It is a very tiny town so it’s perfect just to spend the day there.

Me standing in front of the colorful Mahahual Mexico Sign

Where to Stay in Bacalar

There are many different styles for accommodations in Bacalar from small boutique hotels to lagoon front rentals to eco-friendly retreats.

You can basically choose to stay at a hotel in the town center to be near the action or you can choose to stay directly on the lagoon for easy access to the water.

If you don’t have a car, then I would recommend staying in the town center as you’ll have restaurants and the lagoon within walking distance. 

But if you do have a car, then I would highly suggest staying at a hotel directly on the lagoon. This will give you a chance to really unwind on a private slice of Bacalar lagoon in Mexico.

Here are some of the best hotels in Bacalar for all budgets:

A pool and lounge chairs at a hotel in Bacalar Mexico

Tips for Visiting Bacalar

Alright, are you excited for your trip to Bacalar now? Here are just a few more travel tips to help you prepare for your Bacalar trip:

  • Bring biodegradable sunscreen: The lively ecosystem of Bacalar Lagoon is sensitive. If you plan on swimming or spending time on Lake Bacalar, make sure to use biodegradable sunscreen to help protect the environment.

  • Stay on the lagoon if possible: If your budget allows, I would recommend staying directly on the lagoon to have direct access to the water.  Many lagoon front hotels have private docks and swings for guests to enjoy.

  • Go out to enjoy the live music: Bacalar isn’t as lively as Playa del Carmen or Cancun, but it has a good scene. There’s more of a mellow vibe and great live music on the weekends at the bars and restaurants in the center. Most places are within walking distance of one another.

  • Join a guided tour: There’s so much to see on the lagoon that it’s almost impossible to explore on your own. I’d recommend joining a guided lagoon tour on a sailboat or a paddle tour to make the most of your time here.

  • Don’t expect fast internet: Bacalar doesn’t have the most reliable internet in the Yucatan. It’s not the best place for strong internet access, but that’s okay if you’re just visiting to enjoy nature.
A wooden dock with lounge chairs over the water at Bacalar Lagoon Mexico

Visiting Bacalar: FAQs

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about visiting Bacalar Quintana Roo Mexico:

What is so great about Bacalar?

Bacalar is so special because of its stunning natural lagoon with bright turquoise water. The colors of the lagoon blend into one another and portray a stunning visual of blue and turquoise shades of water from the shore out to the center of the lagoon.

Can you swim in Bacalar?

Yes, you can absolutely swim in Bacalar lagoon. You can simply swim from the docks or book a guided boat tour, kayaking, or paddleboarding to enjoy the lagoon.

Is Bacalar or Holbox better?

Bacalar and Holbox are two completely different places and both incredible experiences. Holbox is an island off the Yucatan Peninsula and is best if you’re looking for incredible beaches. 

Bacalar is a small town in the south of Mexico on a freshwater lake and is best for those that enjoy water activities and want to truly unwind in nature.

Why do people visit Bacalar?

People visit Bacalar to see the colorful lagoon, explore the untouched jungle around it, and escape the hustle and bustle of other nearby cities.

How far is Bacalar from Cancun?

Bacalar is about 215 miles (345 km) from Cancun, and it takes approximately 4.5 hours to drive to Bacalar from Cancun. 

Is Bacalar safe for solo travelers?

Yes, Bacalar is safe for solo travelers. There are many solo travelers around Bacalar, making it an excellent spot to meet other people or to enjoy some downtime alone.

How many days is enough in Bacalar?

2-3 days is enough for Bacalar if you want to spend time on the lake, stroll through the downtown area, and have some time to relax.  However, if you plan some day trips from Bacalar, set aside 5 days here.

A wooden dock at Bacalar Lagoon with lounge chairs

Final Thoughts: Is Bacalar Worth Visiting for Tourists?

So, are you ready to visit Bacalar?! I hope this Bacalar travel guide has helped you make an informed decision. 

Bacalar is often called the “Maldives of Mexico” because of the crystal-clear, calm waters. It’s not a typical lake–it’s a colorful, vibrant lake with stunning turquoise water and beautiful views.

The main reason to visit Bacalar is the stunning lagoon but there are many other fun things to do like visiting Mayan Ruins, exploring cenotes, and seeing ancient stromatolites. 

While not as lively or action packed as nearby destinations like Cancun or Playa del Carmen, Bacalar is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle.

It’s honestly one of my favorite destinations in Mexico and definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for a relaxed nature escape.

If you do decide to visit Bacalar, you will more than likely leave relaxed and happy after just a few days!