Quintana Roo is the most Caribbean state in Mexico, located in the southeast of the country and better known for its resorts of Cancun and Riviera Maya. It is also home to Bakalar, the pearl of the entire coast. You will not find such a beautiful sea and such amazing landscapes anywhere else!
Bacalar is an ecological tourist center with attractions such as fortifications that protected from pirates, archaeological sites of the Mayan era, as well as the Lagoon of seven colors. This is a popular tourist destination for those who appreciate a quiet and secluded holiday in the bosom of nature. Here are 7 reasons why you should definitely visit Bacalar.
Bacalar Lagoon Sunrises and sunsets
The main attraction of Bacalar is the magnificent Lagoon of seven colors. Its name comes from the fact that the waters of the lagoon can have 7 different shades of blue at the same time, from crystal clear blue to turquoise. The colors form different depths of different parts of the lagoon and three underwater cenotes.
The best way to start your day is to enjoy the beauty of the rising sun over the lagoon. Then you can contemplate how the shades of the calm water surface of the lagoon change during the day, and at the end of the day watch the spectacular sunset.
Many places along the coast have private jetties that offer magnificent views of the lagoon. Public jetties are located at 14, 16 and 18 streets. You can take a boat ride or kayak. For the most daring, you can fly over the lagoon by parachute or go sailing. However, you will understand for yourself where you would like to watch the lagoon from when you arrive at the place and walk along the shore for a while.
Visit the cenotes
There are about 6,000 cenotes on the Yucatan Peninsula. These are underground cavities washed out by water flows in karst (calcareous) rocks. Cenotes are filled with crystal clear water, and they are always almost the same temperature. For the ancient Maya, cenotes were a source of water and were considered sacred places. Four cenotes are located near Bacalar.
The Cenote of Azul is one of the deepest on the Mayan Riviera. You can explore it by kayak, swim in it, or just relax in the shade of the vegetation on its banks. There are many restaurants nearby, making it a great place for a family holiday. Cocalitos Cenote is also family friendly, surrounded by greenery, restaurants, suitable for camping and offers guided tours of the surrounding area. The Esmeralda cenote gets its name from the emerald color of the water, and its depth reaches 70 meters. Finally, the Cenote de la Brujah, or Witch Cenote, is unique to the area, with its dark waters contrasting with the clear blue lagoon.
Spanish Fort
Bacalar has a long history. It was one of the first Mayan cities. Due to its strategic location in the central part of the Maya-controlled territories, it quickly became a center of trade, but did not flourish for long. When the Spanish arrived here in 1543, Bacalar was the first territory they captured. But the city (a Spanish settlement) was often attacked by pirates and was sacked in the early 1600s. Then the Spaniards decided to build Fort San Felipe here. You can visit the ruins of this fort, which are located in the city center near the central square. There is a museum in the fort, where a good collection of preserved artifacts is collected.
Zipline over the Mayan Jungle
For those who love new and exciting experiences, rather than just relaxing on the lagoon, Bacalar offers Tirolesas Kankin. This zipline allows you to enjoy the amazing beauty of the lagoon and the local wildlife almost from the sky. The entertainment can last from two to four hours, depending on how many lines you want to complete that day.
Go kayaking
There are many places around the lagoon where you can rent a kayak. Kayaking is a unique and exciting way to explore the beauty of this magnificent place, almost inside it. The water in the lagoon is very calm, and special kayaking skills are not needed just to operate the boat. In addition, you will be able to visit all the places where the water is seven different colors. Kayak rental costs start at $ 10. We especially recommend a kayak with a transparent bottom.
Visit the Mayan ruins
For those who want to travel back in time, the ruins of the Mayan city of Kohunlich are an ideal option. They are an hour’s drive from Bacalar. You will be able to see majestic buildings dating back to 200 BC, surrounded by a real tropical jungle. It’s amazing how well the ruins are preserved. And the surrounding jungle ruins are an amazing sight in themselves, where you can see and hear howler monkeys.
Try some local food
Mexican cuisine is known all over the world, and Bacalar offers many different dishes to suit all tastes. Since the city is located on the coast, you should try seafood. La Playita is a popular restaurant located right on the lagoon, with a relaxed atmosphere and a magnificent beachfront terrace. Mango y Chile should appeal to those who are obsessed with vegan dishes with a Mexican twist. It is located close to the fort, it is the perfect place for lunch. If you want to try fusion and local cuisine, visit Los Aluxes, a restaurant and hotel with a fantastic location and unique dishes.
In 2006, the Mexican government granted Bacalar the status of a Magical Town. Even if you’ve already seen the lagoon from all sides, there’s plenty to do in Bacalar. Although the city is located away from the main tourist routes, the program of visiting Bacalar will not be ordinary. However, first of all, Bacalar is a place for a relaxing holiday in the bosom of nature.
