Why Go to Bacalar
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Bacalar is a small lakeside town in southern Quintana Roo, famous for its Lagoon of Seven Colors, a long freshwater lagoon that shifts from pale turquoise to deep blue depending on depth and sunlight. It's one of the most beautiful places in Mexico, and it feels a world away from the big resort towns.
Days here are about the water: sailing and boat tours across the lagoon, swimming in Cenote Azul, floating through the channels at Los Rápidos and paddling at sunrise when the lagoon is like glass. The town has an 18th-century Spanish fort, a relaxed main square and a growing list of lagoon-front boutique hotels.
Bacalar is about four hours south of Cancun, so it pairs well with a stay in Tulum or Mahahual. Chetumal's airport is about 40 minutes away. I'll help you choose the right lagoon-front hotel and plan the drive or flights so the trip feels easy.
BEST FOR
Couples, nature lovers, paddlers, return visitors to Mexico and travelers who want a slower pace
BEST MONTHS
November–May
EXPLORE
The town sits on the western shore of the lagoon, with the fort and main square in the center. The Costera road runs along the water, with hotels stretching north and south of town.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Bacalar
North America › Caribbean Coast & Yucatán › Mexico › Quintana Roo
The Lagoon of Seven Colors and a slower side of Mexico
Lake
Nature
Wellness
Romance
Adventure
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Bacalar is best as part of a two-stop trip. Pair three or four nights here with a beach stay in Tulum or the Riviera Maya, and let me plan the drive in between.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Go in the morning when the water colors are brightest.
Lagoon Boat Tour
Visit the lagoon's highlights, including Cenote Negro, the Pirates' Channel and Cenote Esmeralda.
Book a small-group or private sail for the best experience.
Sailboat Tour
Quiet sail across the lagoon with swim stops in shallow white-sand areas.
Wear water shoes and protect the fragile lagoon floor.
Canal de los Piratas
Historic channel once used by pirates, with shallow, bright turquoise water.
Bring biodegradable sunscreen or skip it before swimming.
Cenote Azul
Huge, deep open cenote just south of town with a restaurant on its edge.
Go on a weekday to avoid local weekend crowds.
Los Rápidos
Gentle current flowing through mangroves where you can float with a life jacket.
A peaceful lagoon-front retreat with Bacalar's only overwater bungalows and a holistic spa.
Akalki Hotel y Centro Holístico
Lagoon front, south of town
Boutique · Luxury · Wellness
One of Bacalar's original hotels, with colorful casitas, a spa and a long pier into the lagoon.
Hotel Rancho Encantado
Lagoon front
Boutique · Family
An adults-only design hotel with a wellness focus and a beautiful lagoon setting.
Our Habitas Bacalar
Lagoon front
Adults-Only · Boutique · Luxury
A striking design hotel with treehouse-style rooms set in the jungle near the lagoon.
Boca de Agua Bacalar
Xul-Ha, south of town
Boutique · Luxury
A larger lagoon-front resort with a spa, pool and dock.
Mia Bacalar Luxury Resort & Spa
Lagoon front
Luxury · Family
An adults-only lagoon resort with a relaxed, romantic atmosphere.
Zelune Luxury Lagoon Resort
Lagoon front
Adults-Only · Boutique
A small, highly rated adults-only boutique hotel.
Amainah Bacalar Hotel Boutique
Lagoon front
Adults-Only · Boutique
A lagoon-front hotel with a spa and easy water access.
Azulea Bacalar Hotel & Spa
Lagoon front
Boutique
A long-running hotel with sweeping lagoon views and good value.
Hotel Laguna Bacalar
Near town
Value
A small, stylish hotel within walking distance of restaurants and the main square.
Casa Hormiga
Town center
Boutique · Value
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Bacalar
High 85°F · Low 70°F · Rain 4.3 in
Day of the Dead celebrations, and the dry season returns.
November through May brings the clearest water and the most reliable weather. Summer and fall are rainy and hurricane season can stir up the lagoon, making the colors less vivid.
Best Times to Visit Bacalar
WHEN TO GO
06
Taxis and Bikes
Taxis are inexpensive for short trips, and bikes work well around town.
05
Rental Cars
The easiest way to see the cenotes, ruins and Mahahual; drive in daylight.
04
ADO Buses
Comfortable buses connect Bacalar with Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Chetumal.
03
Tulum Airport
About two and a half hours away, a good option if you're combining Bacalar and Tulum.
02
Cancun Airport
About four hours away by car; most U.S. visitors fly in here and drive or transfer.
01
Chetumal Airport
The closest airport, about 40 minutes away, with connections through Mexico City.
Town is walkable, taxis are inexpensive and many hotels have kayaks. A rental car or booked tours make day trips to ruins, cenotes and Mahahual easy.
Getting Around Bacalar
GETTING AROUND
KEEP EXPLORING
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