Bacalar 2025: What to do and how to get to this Mexican paradise

Bacalar is located on the Yucatan Peninsula, approximately 40 kilometers north of the city of Chetumal and approximately 4:30 hours from Cancun.

Bacalar is famous for its beautiful turquoise freshwater lagoon, called the Lagoon of 7 Shades of Blue, which stretches for over 70 kilometers long and 2 km wide.

It offers panoramic views and a spectacular atmosphere, ideal for spending a magnificent weekend with all family and friends.

It is a place in Mexico that is visited by many tourists from Cancun, Mérida, Valladolid, as well as travelers from all over the world.

Many families enjoy visiting this paradise, as there are different activities and attractions that you will only find here.

Instead of traveling to the most visited beaches, Bacalar is the perfect destination to break the routine and, although it does not have a beach, it offers incomparable tranquility and water activities you can do in your pond.

Get straight to the point and check the availability of the best hotels in Bacalar! Check out this quick selection that I've put together to make your life easier.

Hotels in Bacalar rated Fantastic or Exceptional

5 Star Hotels in Bacalar

4 star hotels in Bacalar

3 Star Hotels in Bacalar

Hotels facing Bacalar Lagoon

Wheelchair accessible hotels

Take the tours paying in 12 installments without paying IOF! Take a look at this list of 5 activities best rated and recommended by Brazilians who travel to Cancun and Riviera Maya.

Boat trip around Bacalar lagoon

Private sailing tour of Bacalar Lagoon

Sailing trip around Bacalar Lagoon

Calakmul Tour

Mahahual Tour

What to do in Bacalar?

Blue Cenote Bacalar1- Blue Cenote: Cenote Azul is an impressive place that many divers enjoy visiting. You can also enjoy an exquisite meal at its seafood restaurant, located next to Cenote Azul.

2- The Pirate Channel: You can’t miss the canal that connects Deep River to Bacalar Lagoon, known as “The Pirates’ Canal.” The tour includes a walk to the spring, where you can see the seven shades of crystal-clear water.

3 – The Island of Birds: A small island known within the lagoon that hosts several species of birds typical of the region.

4 - Catamaran or Sailboat Tours: Forget about motorboats; if you really want to experience the true beauty of this 7-colored lagoon in Mexico, we recommend a catamaran tour. It will be an unforgettable experience and will certainly make you want to come back again and again.

Bacalar Pirates Channel

5 – Txape Massages: If you are looking for rest and relaxation from the stress and chaos of everyday life, the best option is to enjoy a massage on the edge of the lagoon, while enjoying the tropical climate of this magical city in Mexico.

6 – Kan Kín Bacalar Zipline: Are you looking for pure adrenaline? Come and enjoy the beautiful landscapes from above, you will feel like flying over the jungle. An exciting and unforgettable experience!

7 – Lagoon of 7 colors: You can't imagine the wonder of admiring the 7 different shades of blue at the different depths of the lagoon. It is about 42 kilometers long; and although it is narrow, there is no excuse not to take a boat ride if you are a big fan, or perhaps for a more relaxed plan, opt for rowing.

7 Colors Lagoon

8 – Bacalar Rapids: They are not really fast, it is a river descent sport with safety equipment. It is an excellent activity in the waters that run at the ends of the lagoon, because the channel narrows. Go down carefully, as the current is deceptive.

9 – Fort of San Felipe Bacalar: If you are a history lover, you should not miss the Bacalar Fort; a museum in such a beautiful place. Since 1965, it has been a National Historic Site. The place holds an incredible history, with Mayans, Spanish and pirates from all over the world.

Fort San Felipe

10- Stromatolites: These are carbonate formations that accumulate and form rounded or columnar sheets; their formation takes millions of years. You will get close to the lagoon, but the area is protected. Do not go beyond the ropes that protect the area.

This is one of the few places in Mexico and the world where these structures occur. You cannot miss this natural wonder.

Maybe you want to see the Best Hotels in Tulum.

Best hotels in Bacalar

Bacalar offers a wide range of hotels, but if you want to stay in the best hotels in Bacalar, one of the most beautiful cities in Riviera Maya, I have selected the best options for you to plan your vacation in the Mexican Caribbean.

Most booked hotels in Bacalar

Bakal House

Bakal House– It offers a very good price and is located in one of the best parts of the Lagoon. It has beautiful cabins and also shared rooms. The breakfast is very good, there is a bar, massage service, kayaking included, tours organized by the hotel itself (with charge) and much more.

Hotel Treasury – Bacalar Highly recommended for families, close to the San Felipe Fort, the Othón P. Blanco Municipal Palace and Santa Rita.

Toto Blue Hotel Boutique – It is a hotel where you can feel at home, very close to the San Felipe Fort, the Mayan Culture Museum and the Chacchobén archaeological site.

Toto Blue Hotel Boutique

Hummingbird Villa – A three-star hotel, close to the Othón P. Blanco Municipal Palace and the Chacchobén ruins. It offers free Wi-Fi.

Hotel Pancho Villas Bacalar – It’s like a little paradise and is very close to the center, it’s ideal for families as it offers free cribs or children’s beds.

Where to eat in Bacalar?

Bacalar Beach

Pizzeria Betilla: An excellent Italian restaurant that offers a great experience thanks to its excellent prices. Here you will find dishes such as pizzas and pastas prepared on the spot. It is located 200 meters from the Zocalo Park.

The Bacalar Manatee: Located 200 meters from the San Felipe Bacalar fort and 400 meters from the lagoon shore, the “El Manatí Bacalar” restaurant offers natural and healthy options with a local concept.

Mango and Chile: Here you can enjoy great views of the Bacalar lagoon while trying the best specialties, such as burgers, fries and smoothies prepared on the spot. Also located near the San Felipe Fort.

The Playita: Located on the shore of the lagoon, this restaurant offers seafood specialties and delicious cocktails that you can enjoy while enjoying the beautiful views of the Bacalar lagoon.

Kai Pez: The restaurant is open from 08:00 to 22:00. Here you can enjoy a rich variety of cocktails, ceviches and the best of the Bacalar lagoon.

See also the Best Hotels in Cancun.

Where is Bacalar?

Bacalar, located in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico, is situated at a considerable distance from some of the main tourist cities in the region. Let's check the approximate distances from Bacalar to Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen:

How to get to Bacalar?

By car or bus:

If you are traveling from Cancun:

You will only have to take federal highway 307, in the direction of Tulum. It will take approximately 4 hours to get there if you drive at the speed limit.

The ADO truck departs directly to Bacalar exclusively from the central terminal of Cancun and has hourly departures. Prices vary depending on the class of bus and time availability.

If you are traveling from Valladolid, Yucatan;

Valladolid is approximately 266 kilometers from Bacalar and you can also get there by taking federal highway 295 until you reach Carrillo Puerto and then taking federal highway 307 in the direction of Chetumal. The trip will take approximately 3 hours.

If you are traveling from Merida, Yucatan;

You will also find departures from the ADO terminal, although there are only three departures during the day, so we recommend that you book your tickets in advance and at a convenient time to ensure you arrive on time at the terminal.

It will take you approximately 4 hours to reach your destination. If you plan to drive, you should take federal highway 184 until you reach the town of Polyuc, then highway 293 to San Pedro Santos and finally highway number 307 towards Chetumal.

From the rest of the republic:

If you are traveling from any other part of the republic and are looking for flights to Bacalar, you should know that it is recommended to travel to Chetumal airport.

Once you arrive, you can take a taxi or ADO truck to get to Bacalar. Buses to Bacalar are the cheapest option, depending on the time you choose.

See also the Best Hotels in Playa del Carmen.

Consultancy with personalized itinerary in Cancun and Riviera Maya

An important tip is about creating a personalized itinerary for your trip. There are several places that sell tours and we always do a lot of research before buying. On the last trip, we discovered a sensational agency, which is Brazilian and all tours are available upon request.

It is worth remembering that the agency does not only sell tours, the service includes specialized advice where tours are tailored to your profile; It is ideal for those who want to create a personalized trip with exclusive itineraries. and constant monitoring at the destination.

Are ideal for those who want to choose the best tour options, the best suppliers and the best way to get to know a place, It can be for tours or even for those who are going to rent a car. With them, we make much better use of our time!

You can check their references: they are the number 1 agency on TripAdvisor in Cancun, they have won the seal for years in a row and are among the best in the world!

Your optimized trip to Cancun and Riviera Maya

Specializing exclusively in Cancun and the surrounding area, They assist you in planning and throughout your trip. From tips on what to visit, which tour is ideal for your profile, even hotel advice, if you haven't yet chosen where to stay. All of this based on the same itinerary, as well as financial planning so you can enjoy your trip without worries and no negative surprises.

The service is really excellent, personalized, in Portuguese, and they help with everything. They pick you up at the airport (depending on the package purchased) to welcome you, accompany you to the hotel, and are available for any unforeseen circumstances. Whether it's a medical emergency, missing a ride, anything at all, you can call them!

All the tours we took were excellent, with a great structure and everything was trustworthy. It was much better than buying from foreign websites or in Cancun. If you want to live a unique, personalized experience, with support and everything organized without worrying about the details, just access their website. They provide services via video call, which is very personalized! When registering on the website, fill out all the steps until you schedule your appointment. It's quick and I guarantee it will be worth it.

How to use your cell phone in Bacalar

Having a good connection in Cancun is essential for sharing moments, using maps and researching attractions. Our partners offer the best international roaming plans, ensuring that you are always connected with quality and without surprises on your bill.

Best Travel Insurance for Bacalar

Traveling with peace of mind is essential. Therefore, we recommend our readers' travel insurance, which guarantee comprehensive coverage for any eventuality in Bacalar, from medical care to luggage problems. Be sure to check it out and travel protected!

If you have any questions or want to know more tips about Playa del Carmen, just leave your comment here. If you prefer, you can write directly to Mexico Guide Instagram which I will answer with great pleasure.

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