14 Top Things to Do in Bacalar Mexico: What to Do & How to Visit!

🦋 Got a few days planned in Bacalar, Mexico and looking for a list of the best things to do… well I’ll tell you what to prioritise & how to plan your visit!

The BEAUTIFUL Bacalar lagoon, there is something magical about it actually. We signed up for a work exchange in Bacalar and ended up staying there for more than a month. It suited us so much, that we even registered the kids in school there during that time. Consequently we got to know Bacalar very well, ticking off everything on our list of things to do!

Bacalar is a registered Pueblo Magico (Magic Town), and there’s no wonder why. Below I’ll explain what makes Bacalar worth a visit, what makes it special and I’ll tell you all about the ancient stromatolites. If you need details on the logistics such as getting to Bacalar, I’ll share the drive times, distances and methods of transport.

Most importantly… this list of things to do in Bacalar, highlights the obvious activities available to visitors, but also ALL the unique experiences that we absolutely loved! For a small place, there are certainly many things to do in Bacalar.

But as always, with the increasing number of visitors Bacalar receives, we ask you to be mindful. Support local small business where you can, tread lightly and leave no trace. Below I explain my top tips for visiting Bacalar town and lagoon, sustainably and responsibly.

Where is Bacalar?

Bacalar is a fresh water lake with the bluest of blues… it’s uncanny a lake can look so crystal coloured. Or is it?! There’s a reason Bacalar Lagoon is the colour it is, and below I explain the reason for why in more detail.

In terms of location, Bacalar is on the Yucatan Peninsula in the State of Quintana Roo of Mexico. It’s 3½ hours from Valladolid, just under 3 hours from Tulum Beach and just over 4 hours from Cancun. It’s also very near the northern border of Belize. Thus making it a logical stopover destination if you’re planning a road trip down the East Coast of the Yucatan Peninsula and on into Belize.

Driving distances to Bacalar

What Makes Bacalar Lagoon Unique?

The 42+ km (26 miles) Bacalar Lagoon is known as the ‘Lake of Seven Colours.’ The stunning crystal shades of blues through to green are incredible to see, swim and experience. But it’s what makes the Bacalar Lagoon this colour that makes it truly unique.

Bacalar Lagoon contains an ancient living organism called Stromatolites. These lime structures grow and appear almost like large plate-like coral. The stromatolites are billions of years old and are responsible for keeping the lagoon its beautiful blues. They can be found in other locations around the world, but not on this scale. Consequently the stromatolites of the Bacalar Lagoon are the best place in the world to witness them.

Of course, like all things nature related they are under serious threat from deforestation and pollution. But we’ll get into that further below in the section – how to visit Bacalar responsibly. For the meantime, just note that Bacalar and the stromatolites are indeed special and worthy of a visit. This BBC article shares further information on the subject.

When is the Best Time to Visit Bacalar?

The best time of the year to visit Bacalar is between the months of October to April. The busiest time of the year is from January to April with an increase in tourism.

In saying that, the crowds are nothing like the nearby neighbouring popular beach towns of Quintana Roo. We visited in January and February and found a very chilled and relaxed vibe throughout.

How Many Days in Bacalar?

With such a chilled vibe, you be forgiven for getting stuck and staying long-term in Bacalar like we did. If you’re slow travelling then this is always an option right!

However, if you’re restricted by a schedule or itinerary, 1 or 2 days would be enough. Simply skip the nearby day trips from my list below and prioritise the activities in and around the lagoon.

What is the Weather Like in Bacalar?

Bacalar is fortunate to have pleasant weather year-round, with temperatures ranging between 28°C (82°F) and 35°C (95°F). But expect warmer, humid temperatures, between June and October, as well as more rainfall.

How to Get to Bacalar?

There are multiple options for getting to Bacalar and we used a couple of these options, in our comings and going throughout our time there.

✈️ Fly

The nearest airport is in Chetumal (CTM), very near the Belize border, which operates mostly with domestic flights only. Alternatively fly into Cancun International Airport (CUN).

🚘 Rental car

Browse rental cars with Discover Rental from Chetumal or Cancun, with daily rentals as cheap as $20 USD a day. We rented a car from Chetumal Airport for a Yucatan road trip. And it has to be said, we enjoyed the freedom it gave us to go wherever we liked.

🚌 Bus

Take a bus to Bacalar, our preferred option for getting around. The comfortable ADO bus is one of the main transport providers across Mexico and stops in the middle of Bacalar. Also AU Autobuses Unidos (owned by ADO) and Mayab are two other options. We travelled with Mayab from Valladolid to Bacalar, given it saved us an hour journey time. Book ahead here with Busbud, a straight forward platform for booking bus tickets.

ADO Bus	Chetumal to Bacalar	30-40m
ADO Bus	Cancun to Bacalar	5h 30m
ADO Bus	Valladolid to Bacalar	5h (1 change)
Autobuses Mayab	Chetumal to Bacalar	30-40m
Autobuses Mayab	Cancun to Bacalar	5h 30m
Autobuses Mayab	Valladolid to Bacalar	4h 5m

🚐 Collective / colectivo

We also love a colectivo! The most cost effective method of public transport, used by all Mexicans in Mexico! Colectivo from the main road (Av. Insurgentes) Chetumal is a super easy and very convenient way to get to Bacalar.

🚂 Train

A new option is the Tren Maya with a stop 5km outside of town. See their timetable and ticket fees here for more. Expect a 50 MXN peso ride for taxis and 35 MXN peso ride for shared colectivos, arranged in collaboration by Tren Maya from the station to Bacalar town.

Sustainable & Responsible Tourism in Bacalar

Before we move onto our list of the very best things to do in Bacalar let’s take a quick look at how to visit responsibly. As mentioned above, the lake, while unique and beautiful in every way, is essentially at risk of dying. Therefore, before you go take note of these sustainable travel tips for Bacalar.

• Do not use suntan lotion before swimming, creams and sunblocks can have a detrimental effect on the stromatolites and lake.
• Do not stand on or touch the stromatolites, it’s best to admire them from a distance.
• Consider your accommodation and tour choices carefully. Look for sustainable and eco-hotels and tour companies who are making an effort to preserve and protect the Bacalar Lagoon.

14 Best Things to Do in Bacalar

Right now let’s get into it! Coming up we have our top 14 things to do in Bacalar, Mexico! Save it, share it, do whatever you like with it. Most of all, ENJOY and get in touch if you have any questions, or you think this post needs any updates.

Visit Eco-Parque on the Bacalar Lagoon

The most obvious thing to do is swim in the beautiful blue water of the Bacalar Lagoon. Experience the main reason that makes this town such a special one to visit. In my opinion one of the best places to swim in the lake is at the Eco-parque, to the northern end of town.

An 800m pier and elevated boardwalk connects in a giant square over the mangroves through a protected section of the lagoon. This provides an excellent platform and vantage point from which to experience the lake. This website shows some great drone images of the pier and explains its purpose in more detail.

The Eco-parque costs 50 MXN pesos to enter and when inside you can relax and sunbathe on the pier, swim in the lagoon and walk the loop boardwalk. Look for the large couple of resident crocodiles when walking the back section of the pier. Fortunately they stay put during the day in the mangroves!

⏰ Timings: 7 days a week, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
💰 Entrance Cost: 50 MXN pesos per person

Visit the Cenote Azul – Secret Entrance

There are several cenotes that connect to the Bacalar Lagoon, best seen from a drone. But one, Cenote Azul, is unconnected and a very peaceful place to visit if you have some time and are looking for unique things to do in Bacalar.

NOW! There is a secret free entrance known mostly to locals only. We circumnavigated Cenote Azul by road, trying to find it. To save you the time and hassle, we’ll tell you its hidden location! Accessed from the northern end of the cenote look for a small sign or entrance opposite the Azulea Bacalar Hotel and Spa.

From there it’s a short walk or scramble down to Cenote Azul, where you’ll likely find a handful of visitors chilling and swimming. It’s beautiful and shaded and the best part is it’s FREE to visit. A reminder to leave it as you found it!!!

The alternative is paying 25 MXN pesos and visiting via the western side and main entrance of Cenote Azul. There you’ll also find some swings and basic facilities.

⏰ Timings: Doesn’t close
💰 Entrance Cost: Free!

Los Rápidos de Bacalar

One of our family favourite spots to visit in Bacalar was Los Rápidos. More of a restaurant and hangout, it’s a busy place situated right on the edge of the Lagoon. At the southern end of the Bacalar Lake it narrows right down to a width of just a few metres. Naturally this creates a stronger current, hence the name the rapids, which runs through this channel heading north. In all honesty, it’s not a rapid, but sure creates for fun on a blowup ring or tube.

It can be tricky getting a table at the restaurant, especially in the afternoon when it’s busy. However if you walk the full length, you’ll no doubt find some space on the jetty. We loved the later afternoon vibes, when the sun was golden and blue of the water seemed electrified!

Order some lunch or a cocktail from the restaurant, hire a kayak, or put on a lifejacket walk to the end of the boardwalk and float down the rapids. Then simply climb out at the exit point, and repeat as many times as you like. Lockers are an extra 50 MXN pesos.

It’s also a great place to experience and see the Stromatolites as you float on past. BUT visit with caution and care, do not touch, walk on, or disturb the stromatolites in anyway.

Note on getting to Los Rápidos – the 20 minute taxi ride costs about 200 MXN pesos (one way) from Bacalar. It’s also a good idea to get the phone number of the taxi driver for the return pickup, as getting back can be more challenging.

⏰ Timings: 7 days a week, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
💰 Entrance Cost: 200 MXN pesos per person

Take a Boat Tour or Go Sailing

Okay actually, maybe this was my favourite thing to do in Bacalar! The best part for you, I’ll share the best tour to take, with our friend Fede!

SO as you know… we are all about encouraging sustainable tourism. As such, I suggest a sailing tour of the Bacalar Lagoon as human impact on the lagoon is kept to an absolute minimum. What’s more you’re experiencing Bacalar Lake the way it should be – peacefully, respectfully and authentically.

The Bacalar Lagoon is undoubtedly overrun with boat tours, jet skis and the likes. Join a group boat tour and you’ll be just another number, ticking off the sights, on the same route as all the others. Take a sailing tour, and you’ll be a small group, likely no more than 5 or 6 and you’ll see more unique hidden locations of the Bacalar Lagoon.

⛵️🏴‍☠️ Sailing is absolutely the best way to truly appreciate Bacalar Lagoon. If you want to experience sailing on Bacalar Lagoon with Fede, get in touch via his Instagram Pabacalar!

He’ll take you to the hidden spots on his Hobie, so you can swim in the most incredible blue water, with no-one else around. You might visit spots like the Canal de las Piratas (Pirates Channel) or Isla de los Pajaros (Parrot Island)… it all depends on the way the wind blows!

👇 Alternatively check out some of these sailing tours here for slightly larger groups.

Kayak or Paddle Board

Another great eco-opportunity to explore Bacalar, is by Kayak or paddle board. Take a tour or hire a board or kayak for a few hours. I would tend to lean more towards recommending the tour, as that way you’ll get the expert local knowledge. Guides will be able to show the highlights of the Bacalar Lagoon, while helping you realise the dos and dont’s.

You’ll potentially visit Isla de los Pajaros which is a short paddle from Bacalar, or one of the cenotes to the south. This is in fact a good way to visit Cenote Negro and Cenote Esmeralda. While you’re at, pull up to a restaurant pier and stop for a meal or drink. Sounds perfect doesn’t it!

Visit the Local Market – Mercado Municipal

The Mercado Municipal de Bacalar quickly became our local for the weekly supplies of fruit and vegetables, fresh tortillas, meat and eggs. It isn’t a big market by any means, but it IS super authentic and open every day from morning till 5:00pm. It’s a glimpse into Bacalar culture and routine, and the perfect place to strike up a conversation with a local!

It became something of a typical weekend routine for us, to get breakfast at La Bendición de Dios. Then head over the road to do our grocery shop. Also worth mentioning, across the road from the Mercado Municipal is the Fruteria y Abarrotes Darleny, where you can find extra supermarket supplies.

There is also another nearby market with some artisan shops in a newly constructed market complex. It’s a block over on the corner of Calle 30 and Avenida 11. It was lacking a bit of character unfortunately for us during our visit. But this may change with time.

Town Centre, Zócalo & the Bacalar Letters

Mexico does love a good town sign, and it would be foolish to miss a photo opportunity with the Bacalar sign. The ‘Letras Bacalar’ (Bacalar Letters) are located near the Zócalo town center.

The Zócalo is such a lovely place to just hang out. There’s always something happening and interesting people to meet. Vendors out selling their products, people watching, picnicking, that sort of thing. Occasionally you’ll find an event on at the Zócalo and if so, don’t miss it. This is traditional and authentic Mexico at its best!

⏰ Timings: Always open
💰 Entrance Cost: Free!

Visit the Fort San Felipe

From the Town Centre, shoot across to the Fort San Felipe for a glimpse into the region’s local history. Wander the small museum and learn about the arrival of the Spanish and the impact this had on the Mayan people and culture.

Then explore the fort for a slight view of the Bacalar Lagoon, there are a couple of view points, and some cannons. It’s a simple museum and facility, but worth a quick look.

⏰ Timings: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
💰 Entrance Cost: 110 MXN pesos foreigners; 55 MXN pesos residents; 30 MXN pesos children

Visit the Salamanca Mennonite Community for an Ice Cream

As you walk the streets of Bacalar, you may begin to notice the presence of the Mennonite people. The reason for this, outside Bacalar, around 10 km (6.2 miles) there is a thriving Mennonite Community. In the early 2000’s they purchased land and began clearing it to accommodate their growing community. This area is called Salamanca and is home to a people living life by horse and cart, speaking their own language, and working the land.

It’s quite alarming actually if you look at Salamanca on Google Maps and see the size of the area that has been cleared. What is immediately noticeable after driving through lush jungle, then emerging on a barren landscape, is the impact humans can have on changing a climate. Salamanca feels very dry and hot, almost like you’ve landed in the southern US. An experience very removed from authentic Mexico, but nonetheless a very intriguing place.

Don’t expect the community to open you with welcome arms either, the unsmiling locals keep themselves very distant. That said, I do recommend a drive out there simply to see and experience a different way of life in Mexico. While you’re there head to the main supply shop and get yourself their homemade ice cream. It’s creamy and sweet and 100% Mennonite made.

To learn more about the Mennonite way of life in Salamanca I recommend reading this article for some more insight.

Ichkabal Archaeological Ruins

Newly opened in 2025 are the Ichkabal Archaeological Ruins, just 45 minutes from Bacalar. Either rent a car or negotiate a return trip with a local taxi driver. These ruins are in dense jungle, made accessible in part by the introduction of the new Maya Tren now running through the area. As such the roads are mostly paved and the drive is easy.

Onsite you’ll discover a very newly renovated complex, but with ruins that are still under excavation and as a result very authentic feeling. Visitors can walk up the main stepped pyramid, one of largest in the region at 40m tall, providing incredible views over the surrounding jungle.

If you have a couple of hours to spare these ruins are certainly off the tourist trail, and worth a visit.

La Playita Restaurant & Beach Club

Literally eat the afternoon away at La Playita, a social club located on the water. The food is excellent and the setting is perfect. Surrounding by lush trees and perched over the picturesque Bacalar Lagoon, this place will stay with you long after you’ve left.

We loved the latin fusion cuisine as we sat at our lakeside table sipping our cervezas. It’s a great place for people watching and generally just soaking in the Bacalar vibes. The wooden decking and decor is rustic, but very trendy at the same time. Occasionally you’ll find they have live music, which further adds to the experience.

Bring swimmers if you fancy a dip, the pier leading straight out from the restaurant is open for guests to use. You’ll find visitors lying on the pier, or lounging in a colourful chair making the most of the afternoon sun!

⏰ Timings: Monday to Sunday, 12:00 to 11:00 pm
⭐️ Note: It gets very busy so best to book ahead

Janzu Water

Okay Bacalar was the first time I ever tried Janzu water therapy, and I can’t even begin to explain the experience. Perhaps it was the magic of the lake, or maybe where I was at in my life chapter, but it certainly shook me awake!

For those who don’t know, Janzu is a guided water therapy. Basically a therapist holds and supports you on the water surface, then moves you through a state of continuous flow. After a 30 minute session you don’t know whether you’re on or under the water, you don’t feel a need to breathe in the same way you normally do. It’s extremely comforting and in my case I found it released tension, ‘unblocking‘ something within me.

If you’re open to new experiences, then I highly recommend you try Janzu in Bacalar. It will change you!!

Day Trip to Mahahual

Just 1 hour and 20 minutes drive from Bacalar is the town and beautiful beach of Mahahual. We stayed with friends for 2 weeks and loved our time there, but also note that it’s a cruise ship port. Consequently, when the cruises come to town, things indeed get very busy. In saying that, there is a fun and chilled vibe all rolled into one.

Options within Mahahual include finding a beach lounger and sip a crazy cocktail, or swing in a hammock in the water, and hey might as well sip a cerveza while you’re there. Then rotate between snorkelling, swimming, eating, drinking and chilling. As you walk the beach or the beach road, you’ll find beach clubs one after the other, offering food, beverage and facility packages.

There are a number of dive centres in town and if you’re a diver I do recommend it. We did a beach dive, swimming out beyond the reef and the water visibility and sea life was amazing. The best time to snorkel beyond the reef is before or after low tide, and the best place to do it is at the northern end of town where the reef is closer to shore.

If you want to explore the peninsula south you can in fact drive all the way to Xcalak and beyond, bringing you super close to Belize. The drive is best done in a 4×4 and it takes just over an hour to get there. There’s not much to see in Xcalak itself, but boat tours can be arranged to take you snorkelling to see the resident dugong that feeds off the sea lettuce within the reef.

Day Trip to Chetumal & Oxtankah Ruins

Alternatively drive south from Bacalar to Chetumal, a stones throw from Belize. There is a small museum of Mayan culture, a lighthouse and museum and a beach promenade. Chetumal is also a great town to pick up any supplies you may be running low on, with a large Walmart offering a few home comforts.

While it’s not the prettiest of towns, you’ll find some good seafood restaurants and a visit to the Oxtankah Archaeological Ruins are certainly worth checking out!

The Oxtankah Archaeological Ruins, about 30 minutes north of Chetumal, are almost always quiet, very seldom will you bump into another visitor. The Mayan structures are largely untouched, giving you a true sense of history. Additionally unique, are the crumbling remains of a Spanish Chapel within the complex. Thus visually highlighting the arrival of the Spanish settlers. Overall it’s a small site, with the two main areas to wander through – the Plaza of the Columns, and Plaza of the Bees. Make sure you bring mosquito repellent, a hat and drinking water!

⏰ Timings: Monday to Sunday, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
💰 Cost: 75 MXN pesos (free for Mexican residents on Sunday)

Map of the Best Things to Do in Bacalar

There we have it! 14 awesome things to do in Bacalar, including a couple of nearby day trips for those planning to stay longer. To help you navigate Bacalar and find your way around our little list of things to do and places to visit, we’ve made this helpful little map. It’s interactive and can also be saved for your trip.

More on Bacalar & Mexico

Hey we hope this has helped you understand Bacalar a little better. We travelled and lived in Mexico for 6 months and spent a great deal of time researching and writing travel guides for you! Browse some of our other popular guides on Mexico below –

🌵Things to do in Valladolid, Mexico
💦 The best Cenotes in Valladolid
🚘 How to visit the Palenque Ruins
🐒 Off the beaten track in the Lacandon Jungle

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