The Mexican Caribbean has incredible wonders, among them, Bacalar, a jewel of nature that until a few years ago was one of the best kept secrets of the beautiful Yucatan Peninsula. Bacalar, is undoubtedly a gift for the eyes, which you cannot miss; and that will surely make you fall in love and leave you wanting to return.
Unlike other cities in the area, such as its sister cities, Playa del Carmen or Cancun; Bacalar has been considered, for many centuries, an “earthly paradise” and a place where you can breathe all the tranquility and peace that a colorful town like this can offer you.
If you are ready to get to know this small, but fascinating corner of Mexico, continue with us and learn some tips that will help you fully enjoy your trip. So pack your bags and let’s get started!
Where is Bacalar?
Bacalar has been part of the magical towns of Mexico since 2007 and is located exactly 40 km from the capital of Quintana Roo, Chetumal; south of it. This town is known for being one of the tourist destinations with the greatest visual appeal and the greatest natural conservation in the entire area.
How to get to Bacalar?
Thanks to its privileged location, getting to Bacalar is very easy from various points in Quintana Roo; In addition, this wonderful place can be accessed by investing a few hours of travel.
One of the greatest benefits of Bacalar is that it has an airport very close; So, if your main destination is to visit this place, the ideal is that you take a direct flight to Chetumal and then you can take ground transportation to Bacalar.
This magical town has a road in excellent condition and sufficiently lit, which will make your journey an incredible experience.
How to get from Chetumal to Bacalar
Bacalar is approximately 30 minutes from Chetumal and to be able to move from one place to another you will only have one route available; therefore, the trip is usually very fast and very simple to carry out.
Among the options you have to reach your destination, you can take a taxi directly from the airport. These taxis are reliable, safe and very comfortable; In addition, it will only take you between 30 – 35 minutes to arrive and you can share it with a maximum of 3 people.
Also, among your options, you can take one of the taxis that are outside the airport; however, the only thing that differentiates this option from the one mentioned above is that in order to get them, you will have to walk approximately 5 minutes. Although these taxis are not authorized by the airport, they will take you the same route and have excellent service.
Another of the options that travelers most often use are the well-known ADO buses. In order to use this service, you must go to the ADO bus terminal, which is located near Plaza las Américas, on Insurgentes Avenue or buy through their website.
The cost of the transfer in these units is very accessible; and to take a bus that takes you directly to Bacalar from Chetumal, you must pay between 40 and 55 MXN for each person, at any of its schedules. Also, ADO offers different discounts if you buy your tickets through their website.
Also, you should take into account that one of your options is to take the public bus, although it is a bit more tedious if you come with luggage; however, you can use it on the route that starts from Mercado Nuevo, in the center of Chetumal.
How to get to Bacalar from Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is another of the most visited tourist destinations in Mexico, and if you find yourself in this place and want to go to Bacalar, you can do it in different ways, but; Mainly, keep in mind that the approximate travel time is 3 hours and a half without unforeseen events.
One of the best known ways to get to Bacalar from Playa del Carmen is by own or rented car; Although, there are 274 km of travel and there is no highway, the road is in optimal conditions to be traveled. During your trip you will pass through some towns, where you can refuel, stretch your legs, take nice pictures and buy some snacks.
Your second option is to do it by bus, this is known to be one of the cheapest ways and also one of the fastest. ADO buses are one of the safest and most comfortable ways, and the journey can take between 3 and a half or 4 hours.
If what you are looking for is an exclusive trip for you and your family, taking a taxi is one of your best options. The journey can take about 4 hours; although, the cost may be a little higher than the previous ones, they will be able to travel with total privacy.
An incredible option if you travel with many people is to hire a tour that takes you directly to the Bacalar Lagoon; However, you must take into account that this type of tour only takes you to the Laguna de los 7 Colores and sometimes one more cenote. Some travel packages to Bacalar include this fun service.
How much does a trip to Bacalar cost?
Any traveler who has visited Bacalar on some of his trips will recommend this place to you with closed eyes. Its beauty is capable of capturing you from the first moment you visit it; however, something that every traveler must take into account is the investment in each of their trips.
Keep in mind that although this is one of the cheapest places to visit in Quintana Roo, the costs of this trip vary depending on many factors; For example, where do you start from, where do you stay or what kind of trip do you want to have; Well, there are those who decide to visit it in backpacker mode and those who want to have a total luxury vacation.
Regardless of what your vacation idea is, what is certain is that Bacalar has what it takes to meet all your expectations. The ideal when traveling to Bacalar is to have a tourist package that offers you from the flight to daily adventures.
The prices of the packages to Bacalar start at USD 1,300; As we mentioned before, this price can change as a result of what your vacation package contains, the number of people traveling and the date on which you decide to start your adventure.
An average backpacker can spend between USD 380 and USD 400, a traveler between USD 1,500 and USD 2,000; the VIP traveler who wants to have a luxurious vacation without skimping on expenses, can make an investment of between USD 3,000 and USD 3,800 approximately. This, without counting the emergency expenses that can happen on any trip you decide to undertake.
When to travel to Bacalar?
Thanks to its persistent tropical climate, you can visit Bacalar at any time of the year; however, it is important that you keep in mind that there are some months that are a little more attractive to visit this place.
Between March and December, they are ideal months; because during these months there are very few rains and the heat is not as intense as in the months of January and February; In addition, they are in high season and it is very possible that you will get many tourists in all areas and prices that are a little higher.
This does not mean that it is not advisable to travel on any other date of the year. Quintana Roo has the climatic particularity, in which the rains last very little; the day can dawn very cloudy and after a 20-minute rain the sun comes out again with all its splendor.
How long should you spend in Bacalar?
This totally depends on each traveler; Well, there are many tours that depart from various points in the Riviera Maya or Cancun, which will allow you to spend a full day in the place. However, most of these tours are limited to just taking you to the Laguna de los Siete Colores.
Many of the visitors recommend investing a minimum of 3 days in the town, to be able to carry out various activities that the lagoon offers; In addition, you can enjoy the various restaurants in the area and visit some tourist sites full of history, which will make you fall in love with the place.
What to do in Bacalar?
Because Bacalar is a well-known place for tourism, there are many activities to do; The best thing about it is that regardless of the age of the people who travel to this friendly town, there is an activity to have a great time.
Although it is known above all for the Laguna de los Siete Colores, there are many activities to do within this magical town; from a moment of relaxation with your family or partner, to fun activities full of adrenaline, some of them are:
Bacalar Lagoon
One of the main reasons why tourists make trips to Bacalar is for its very famous “Laguna de los Siete Colores” or “Laguna Arcoíris”, a beautiful site whose appeal is based on the different shades that its crystal clear waters give us. throughout the year; and that they are the result of the incredible combination of the underwater flora and the coral diversity of the place.
The Bacalar Lagoon is extensive, once in it, you can enjoy different activities; like going to the spa, touring the place, eating delicious food, among others. Regardless of the activity of your choice, Laguna de Bacalar has no waste.
Cenote Cocalitos
It is an open type cenote; therefore, it is easy to believe that it is part of the lagoon, even though it is not. This place has very calm and shallow waters; In addition, it has swings at the height of the water that are ideal for taking incredible photographs and having fun.
Near the cenote there is a small but very delicious restaurant with very affordable prices; however, you can enter with food and just buy the drinks on the premises, if you want to save a little money during your stay in Bacalar.
The Rapids
It is a completely recreational area, located in the narrowest area of the entire lagoon. The site owes its name to the current of the river that directly connects the Xul-Ha area with Bacalar.
The rapids are a stretch of 700 meters, which although they have a current fast enough to be a recreational activity, the route is not dangerous. It is ideal to visit it with the family and rent a kayak.
Access to this area of Laguna de Bacalar includes umbrellas, palapas, hammocks and chairs; although, they do not let you access with food. It is best not to go during central hours due to the crowds that you can find.
Kan Kin Zip Lines
The Kan Kin Bacalar zip lines are the ideal place for those who want to combine a bit of adventure during their vacations; Well, these zip lines will allow you to release all the adrenaline throughout the entire circuit.
This fun zip line will allow you to fly over the entire jungle with an incredible view of the Laguna de los Siete Colores; In total there are 5 incredible jumps, among which you can spend a super fun day full of a lot of adrenaline.
Ecological park and pier
Really this is a place that is outside the Laguna de Siete Colores de Bacalar; however, it belongs to the magical town. This ecological park is a small area with trees, right in front of the lagoon.
In the place, there are several benches where you can sit and spend a quiet and pleasant time; In addition to a beautiful jetty, it is also known by locals as a “pedestrian walkway”. This pier is an incredible place to take beautiful photographs, take a nice walk with the family or a romantic walk with your partner; Best of all, access to the place is completely free.
Hotels in Bacalar
Bacalar has a wide variety of lodgings that can be adapted to any of the needs of its visitors. This place has gained a great boom for several years; For this reason, it has tried not to be left behind in terms of its hotel offer.
Between 5-star hotels, motels, boutique or transit rooms; here you will find somewhere that makes you feel completely comfortable and also makes you feel totally relaxed.
There are two great lodging options in Bacalar and they are basically divided into: Staying in the town or in front of the 7-color Lagoon; any of these places offers you a good location, because this place is very small.
Each of the zones has a different benefit; If you want to stay in the center of Bacalar, you will be close to all the entertainment options and you will find among your options, these hotels:
- The Yak Lake House Hostel.
- Toto Blue Boutique Hotel.
- The Oak Hotel.
- Sun Ha Hotel
- Urban Bacalar Hotel by MIJ
If you decide on a hotel that is located on the shore of Laguna Arcoíris, we guarantee impressive views and have the best places in many of the attractions of the place; In addition, many of the hotels located offer excellent activities for each of the days that you are in the facilities, some of your options are:
- Rancho Encantado Eco-resort & Spa.
- Akalki Holistic Center.
- Hotel Laguna Bcalar.
- Villa Ecotoucan.
- La Albarina, five star hotel.
Restaurants in Bacalar
We are all aware of how extensive and striking Mexican gastronomy is, and as travelers say “to know a place, you must know its food” and, definitely, Bacalar has incredible restaurants that will make your taste buds dance with every bite.
If there is something that makes Bacalar stand out above the rest of the towns in Quintana Roo, it is that they have a very extensive restaurant menu. So, if you have any preferences regarding the foods you want to try; this will not be an impediment during your stay in this wonderful magical town.
But remember, you cannot leave Bacalar without trying some typical dishes of the area, or letting yourself be enchanted by the colors and mixtures of flavors of Mexican culture. Visit the local restaurants and learn a little more about their culture; yes, do not forget to ask for the recipe if any of the dishes fascinates you.
We will mention some of the restaurants that cannot be missing from your list of things to do during your visit to Bacalar; Likewise, we invite you to take a small gastronomic route, until you discover which one is the best, I assure you that the competition will be very even. Start by visiting:
- La Playita, specializing in seafood.
- Taco, typical Mexican food.
- La Piña, typical Mexican food and vegan menu.
- Pizzeria Bertilla and Luciano.
- Mango y Chile, vegan burgers.
- Nao Bacalar, Japanese food.
- Enamora Bacalar, fusion cuisine.
- Barbanegra Bacalar, typical Mexican food.
- Montefuego, Latin American food.
- Taco Loco Bacalar, fish and ceviches.
Conclusion
Bacalar is a magical town worth knowing, a place that remains a jewel and which dazzles all its visitors. You can’t stay away, you can’t afford not to visit this charming place in Mexico.
Tags: travel guide Bacalar, bacalar travel guide, bacalar guia turistica, travel guide book, bacalar adventure tours, tripadvisor bacalar, trivago bacalar, things to do in bacalar, tripadvisor bacalar restaurants, bacalar sailing, bacalar what to do, bacalar travel tips, bacalar tripadvisor, bacalar tours, bacalar excursiones, bacalar kayak