Bacalar Mexico Resorts & More

Bacalar Mexico resorts provide a nice change of pace from the crowded nearby Yucatan Peninsula tourist towns. Lake Bacalar, also called the Lake of Seven Colors or the Lagoon of Seven Colors due to its peacock and cyan waters, is an often overlooked destination spot.

While Cancun and Tulum get most of the attention in this area of Mexico, Lake Bacalar lets you experience the beauty of the Yucatan Peninsula minus the large tourist crowds and spring breakers.

In addition to the natural beauty of this area, there is also much to do. Stay at one of the new eco-hotels and experience nature at its best.

Bacalar Mexico Resorts — A Little Bit of History of the Area

Laguna de Bacalar, the Lake of Seven Colors, has much history and legends to reveal.

The lake is actually 3.7 billion years old. There is much evidence here of the origin of life on our planet.

It has the largest freshwater microbialite reef (rocklike structures formed by microbes that produce carbonate minerals). Some of these microbialites are over 9,000 years old.

The lake also has stromatolites similar to coral and date way back to 3.5 billion years.

There are a couple of legends about how Lake Bacalar originated. The strictly scientific explanation states the colors may be due to sunlight breaking through at various angles, deeper pools, or different types of soil

The Maya believed their gods chose the area of Bacalar for its extreme beauty and used it as a palette to experiment with different colors.

There are many historical sites in this area. The Fortress de San Felipe Bacalar was constructed in 1729 to protect the inhabitants from pirates. During the Caste War of Yucatan, the fortress was used by the Spanish as an outpost and was seized by Maya rebels in 1859. The town of Bacalar was overrun by pirates in the 17th century.

A Few Facts About Lake Bacalar, Mexico

• Bacalar is of Mayan origin (bʼak halal) and means “surrounded by reeds”.
• Once a hidden treasure, now the lake is the destination point for adventure seekers
• The area is full of white sand beaches perfect for swimming or just relaxing
• There are many migratory birds in the area
• There are natural wells/sinkholes called cenotes in the area
• Boca de Agua is an eco-hotel with its own nature reserve
• Lake Bacalar is very long and narrow. It is a freshwater lake located near the Belize border in the state of Quintana Roo.
• It is the second-largest freshwater lake in Mexico. The largest is Lake Chapala.
• Because of its white limestone bottom, the water is very blue and extremely clear
• The lake is fed by underground rivers and the open pools are called cenotes
• The village of Bacalar, located on the western shore of the lake, has a population of about 11,000
• Bacalar has been designated by the Mexican government as one of Mexico’s most interesting and enchanting towns. The reason for this is its cultural, architectural, and historical significance.
• The lake is located an hour north of the Belize border in the southeastern part of the Yucatan Peninsula. It is about four (4) hours south of Cancun. It is also easy to access Playa del Carmen, Merida, and Tulum.
• Bacalar has a tropical climate with low rainfall and warm temperatures usually in the mid-80s during the day and low 70s in the evening. There is a rainy season September through November. January and February have the most ideal weather but that is when it is most crowded and the rates are a bit higher.
• The area doesn’t get many hurricanes but does have severe weather when one is close by. The hurricane season starts in May and peaks in September/October.
• Chetumal International Airport (CTM) is about forty-five (45) minutes away from Bacalar. It does require connecting flights from either Cancun, Mexico City, or Guadalajara Airports.
• Rental cars are available and there is a bus service as well.

Bacalar Mexico Resorts — Things to Do

• Cenote Esmerelda — it gets its name from its clear sparkling waters and is 230 feet (70 meters) deep. This cenote provides one of the best views of the lagoon. It is a great place for snorkeling and swimming in the blue-green water. There is a narrow gap or eye where the cenote meets the lagoon.
• Check out a Beach Club — unlike other parts of the Yucatan there are no long sandy beaches, but instead beach clubs where you can swing in the water or float on a hammock. Most clubs have onsite restaurants as well. Beach Club Blu and El Buho Hotel and Lagoon Club are two places to check out. Balneario Ejidal Magico Bacalar is the closest club to the town and it has many facilities including a bar, restaurant, tours, rentals, souvenir shop, water swings and hammocks, and changing rooms.
• Kayaking and Paddleboarding — this is a great place for these activities and rentals are available at the lake.
• Cenote Azul — this open-air cenote looks more like a lake than a cave. Great place to swim in the turquoise waters and there’s a restaurant on-site.
• El Encanto –this is one of the nicest private beaches in the area and is considered a hidden gem. It is a great place to take photos. Sunbathe on the wooden pier, do a little kayaking, and then have a bite to eat at a nearby restaurant.
• Bacalar Lagoon — taking a boat tour on the lagoon is a great way to see the area. The Pirates Channel, known as “Canal de los Piratas”, was a major trading channel of the Mayan Empire. There are many tour options available.
• Kohunlich Maya Ruins — there are Mayan ruins throughout the Yukatan, but Kohunlich is the closest site to Bacalar about an hour away. The Temple of Masks is a pyramid with human-like mask carvings. There are also historical tours available.
• Pirate’s Channel and Shipwreck — the channel connects Bacalar Lagoon with the Hondo River. This is a great place to swim or just relax on the sandbars. In the 1700s pirates used this channel to enter the lagoon. The channel is accessible by kayak or boat and an abandoned ship’s bow can be explored.
• The Cuisine — here you get a blend of contemporary and Mayan. There are a wide variety of restaurants in the area. Ixchel is great for breakfast. El Taco Loco is known for its tacos and shrimp ceviche. It has an extensive menu. La Playita is known for its great margaritas and fantastic views. It provides a gorgeous garden setting overlooking the lagoon. Great place for food and cocktails as well as swimming and kayaking. Nixtamal provides an upscale dining experience with excellent seafood and a great atmosphere,
• The Laguna Spa — massages. manicures, pedicures, and facials are available as well as aromatherapy treatments.
• Los Rapidos — this is a natural river near Bacalar. There is a riverside club located nearby where you can enjoy some food, drink, and great views. Great place to kayak and swim as well.
• Fort San Felipe — located behind the Bacalar square this 17th-century structure was built for protection from pirates. There’s a small museum in the fort with plenty of historical information on the area as well as info on the pirates.
• Music and Cocktails — Bacalar doesn’t have the late-night party atmosphere as in other parts of the Yucatan, but it does have live local music, events, and dancing. Galeon Pirata is a pirate-themed bar with plenty of drinks and music. La Catrina Bacalar is located right across from the lagoon with live music, dancing, and wood-fired pizza.
• Ziplining — a zipline park in the nearby jungle, Tirolesas Kan Kin Bacalar, will provide plenty of excitement and adventure. There are five (5) towers and nearly a mile (1.5 km) of zipline. Monkeys and other wildlife can be sighted while ziplining over the jungle and lagoon.
• Bacalar Mercado — this is the local market on the corner of C.28 and Av. 9. Locally sourced meats, fresh fruits, vegetables, juice bar, and handmade goods are available in this very lively marketplace. This is a great place to meet the locals.
• Sailing — the calm waters of the lagoon make it excellent for sailing. There are tours on traditional wooden sailboats where you can take in the natural beauty while hearing some stories and legends of the area.
• Birdwatching — this is a haven for an avian experience. There are several bird species here because of the area’s diverse habitats.
• Cultural Festivals — there are many festivals throughout the year celebrating history and tradition. Much music, dance, and rituals take place. These heartfelt celebrations go to the core of this community’s heritage.
• Local Workshops — this is a way to get immersed in the culture of this area as these workshops are experiences that provide hands-on opportunities to learn crafts and culinary skills from local experts. Much cultural exchange takes place.

Bacalar Mexico Resorts — Why Visit?

Lots of reasons to visit this area. The history and culture are fascinating as well as the sheer beauty of this part of Mexico.

In addition to Bacalar Mexico resorts, there are a variety of choices of accommodations in this area. Hotels., Airbnb, and hostels.

Here you will find a very relaxing atmosphere beyond the urbanization and technology of our modern era. The slow pace of life here creates an atmosphere of tranquility. There is also an opportunity to explore untouched nature by exploring the trails through the forests or taking a guided tour.

You’ll find more locals than tourists on the street sharing tales and laughter. It’s a great way to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday living.

It is also a very affordable place to visit as this authentic community has provided a comfortable setting without the high prices of commercialized tourism. Also, there are many eco-friendly accommodations.

The locals are friendly and take pride in their heritage and welcome guests to their community. This type of genuine hospitality adds to the charm and beauty of Bacalar.

Bacalar is an irresistible destination for many travelers and an ideal location to be put on one’s travel list.

Happy travels,

Joseph William

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