10 Best Things To Do In Bacalar, Mexico
One of the best places to visit in Mexico, there are lots of things to do in Bacalar.
Bacalar is a Mexican town in the state of Quintana Roo near Belize border. It is known for its beautiful lake called Laguna de Bacalar but there are also several things to do in Bacalar other than the lake.
I discovered Bacalar by accident while I was still living in Belize City. I used to shop in Mexico and would cross the border whenever I had a chance.
RELATED READ: 8 Best Hotels In Bacalar
As I spent the Easter weekend in Chetumal, I asked the hotel receptionist if there’s a place I could visit nearby.
She recommended that I visit Bacalar Lake which is only around 30 minutes from the city and upon seeing the pictures, I decided to go. I loved it and enjoyed my weekend in a place I didn’t even plan of going.
Bacalar is around 2.5 hours from Tulum, almost 3.5 hours from Playa Del Carmen, and around 4 hours away by car from Cancun if you are planning to take a day trip or a side trip when you’re in Quintana Roo.
Things you'll find in this article
- 10 Best Things To Do In Bacalar, Mexico
- 1. Visit Lake Bacalar
- 2. Explore Fort of San Felipe Bacalar
- 3. Cenote Cocalitos
- 4. Canal de Los Piratas
- 5. Sample the seafood
- 6. Visit the Church of San Joaquín
- 7. Enjoy the Swing at Los Aluxes
- 8. Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board
- 9. Kayak or Dive in the Cenote Negro
- 10. See the Sunrise
10 Best Things To Do In Bacalar, Mexico
So if you don’t know where to start yet, here are the best places to see and things to do in Bacalar, Mexico.
1. Visit Lake Bacalar
Laka Bacalar, also known as Laguna de Bacalar or the Lake of Seven Colors, is the second-largest natural body of freshwater in Mexico. It measures around 42 km long and 2 km wide and most of the activities in Bacalar can be found around this area.
The water in the lake has several shades of blue which gives the lake its name.
It is also a popular vacation spot for locals because of all the things that you can in and around the lagoon.
You can kayak, take a cruise, swim, watch the sunset, or have a picnic along the numerous picnic spots in the area.
2. Explore Fort of San Felipe Bacalar
The Fort of San Felipe in Bacalar was built in the 18th century as a fortress against invading English colonizers and pirates.
The construction began in 1725 as instructed by the Yucatan Governor Antonio de Figueroa y Silva and it was completed by 1733.
It is located in the center of the city and it’s surrounded by moats. The best thing to do inside the Fort of San Felipe is to watch the projected recreations of pirate attacks and learning more about the history of Bacalar.
Aside from the history of the place, you can also enjoy the murals, canons, and ancient navigational equipment scattered around the fort.
3. Cenote Cocalitos
View this post on Instagram
You can’t visit Mexico and not explore one of the over 6000 cenotes around the country.
And Bacalar is not an exemption. Cenote Cocalitos, also called Santuario de los Estromatolitos is a cenote in the Bacalar lagoon known for stromatolites.
Stromatolites are layered sedimentary rocks that look like columns and sheet-like and formed in shallow water through thousands of years process. And they can only be found in few places in the world.
These fossilized organisms are among the oldest life form on the planet. Stromatolites now appear as a specie of freshwater coral, which are among the most fascinating things to see in Bacalar.
The Bacalar Lagoon is one of the few places in the world that’s home to these ancient corals. Dive into the waters of Cocalitos and see them up close, it will be like looking into what life was like millions of years ago.
Its unique formations are what sets it apart from the other cenotes in Mexico.
4. Canal de Los Piratas
View this post on Instagram
5. Sample the seafood
Bacalar’s location which is close to the lagoon and the ocean means there’s plenty of seafood in its culinary offerings.
Some of the best places to visit in Bacalar for your seafood fix include Kai Pez, with its well-crafted dishes and pleasant atmosphere.
Another great option is El Manati, with its diverse menu of seafood dishes as well as vegetarian options. When eating at any restaurant in Bacalar remember that a 10% tip is expected.
6. Visit the Church of San Joaquín
View this post on Instagram
Located just half a block from Bacalar’s main square is the Church of San Joaquin. This is one of those Bacalar attractions that’s worth a visit when in you’re in town.
Built in the 18th century, this elegant church has beautiful rustic interiors that include a stunning vaulted ceiling.
This church is dedicated to San Joaquin, the father of the Blessed Virgin. He is also the patron saint of Bacalar and every July 15 and 16, fiestas are held in his honor.
These fiestas feature parades and Yucatán street dance performances where participants wear traditional costumes.
7. Enjoy the Swing at Los Aluxes
View this post on Instagram
Swing at Los Aluxes is easily one of the most iconic places in Bacalar. The gorgeous swings of this hotel and beach club are just picture perfect and make for a unique experience.
Make it part of your list of things to do in Bacalar and swing over the waters. With the wind on your face and the surrounding scenery, this is going to be quite an unforgettable experience.
8. Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board
Engaging in fun and exciting water sports such as kayaking or stand up paddle-boarding is one of the best things to do in Bacalar.
Most beaches and guesthouses here offer complimentary equipment rentals, so visitors can truly experience the area’s lagoons and cenotes.
This is one of the best ways to see and explore the area, where you’ll see all the colors change as you paddle through the waters.
9. Kayak or Dive in the Cenote Negro
View this post on Instagram
Cenote Negro is part of the Cenote de las Brujas (Witch Cenote), which is located inside the Bacalar lagoon.
This area is named after the belief that old witches used to perform rituals here. Go rent a kayak or if you’re daring enough, dive into the waters and see how the color changes from cool turquoise to inky black.
This dark part is where a limestone cavern has collapsed 90 meters deep. To get into this part, you may use a rope swing nearby where you can throw yourself into the water.
10. See the Sunrise
View this post on Instagram
Watch the Sunrise over the multicolored waters of Bacalar is one of the most unforgettable sights ever.
Set out early and walk towards the docks, maybe even rent a kayak and paddle your way into the horizon.
It will be like meeting the sun as it rises up and another day starts. Paddleboarding is another option if you’re after an Instagram-worthy sunrise photo.
Travel Tips And Resources
Travel Insurance: I never leave home without travel insurance. My personal opinion is if you can afford to travel, you can afford to buy a travel insurance. All things can happen while on the road and you can never be too sure. And it's something that you'll be glad to have when you need it. For my preferred travel insurance, I use Safety Wing.
Where To Stay: I personally use Booking.com for all my accommodations. Check out for their latest deals here.
Reading Resources: Check out our best reading resources here.
Similar Posts
Mexico in January : Weather, Things To Do And Travel Tips
When planning a trip to Mexico, one of the most pleasant times of the year to go is in January. Even though it’s the middle of the dry season, it isn’t quite as crowded as December or February, which are traditionally the busiest months for tourism because that’s when people visit for school vacations. One…
11 Best Things To Do In Akumal, Mexico
Akumal is part of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo and it used to be a quiet, sleepy town. Over the years though, this town in an area called the Riviera Maya slowly became known for its eco-adventure offerings and underwater ecosystems. Primarily known as the home of sea turtles, Akumal is now a must-visit…
11 Best Things To Do in Puerto Vallarta
Are you looking for the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta? Puerto Vallarta is often regarded as the friendliest city in the world. “Vallarta”, as locals refer to it, is a city in the Mexicanstate of Jalisco on the Pacific Coast in the Bay of Banderas (also known as the Bay of Flags). Located…
Best Hotels in Puerto Morelos
Are you looking for the best hotels in Puerto Morelos? For tourists who want to experience island hopping and see the beauty of white sand beaches, Mexico is a place to visit. Puerto Morelos, in particular, is one of the best places in Mexico that will allow tourists to appreciate the beauty of the country….
15 Best Beaches In Mexico That You Must Visit
Mexico is a favorite holiday destination for a lot of people due to its proximity to the United States and also because of its diverse landscapes. Also known for its amazing seaside resort towns, Mexico’s beaches are also one of the best in the world. Narrowing down the list of best beaches in Mexico is…
9 Best Things To Do In Valladolid, Mexico
Are you looking for the best things to do in Valladolid? Valladolid is the capital of the Yucatan state, which is one of the three states that make up the Yucatan Peninsula. It is located in the central part of the Yucatan, approximately 100 miles from Merida and Cancun, and is a popular tourist destination….