Information about Bacalar
The town of Bacalar is located on the Yucatan Peninsula, a few hours away from the main destinations of the Caribbean region. In recent years more and more people are discovering this hidden gem and over time Bacalar has become a must-visit destination during your vacation in Mexico.
What makes Bacalar so special is actually its lagoon. “The Maldives of Mexico” or “The Lagoon of the Seven Shades of Turquoise”. The lagoon has many nicknames, because of its mesmerizing beauty of clear blue-turquoise waters, which you probably won’t see anywhere else.
The lagoon attracts many visitors, especially among those who want to disconnect a little from all the hustle and bustle of the main destinations and reach a place of a lot of peace and quiet in front of a breathtaking view.
The Weather in Bacalar:
In principle, the seasons in the Caribbean region are divided into two – the dry season and the rainy season.
The dry season – is from December to the end of May. However, in the months of December-January, the temperatures are a little low (especially at night). The best time to go to the Caribbean is from the beginning of March to the end of May. These months are also hot and this is also considered a less rainy season.
The wet season – is from June to November. In the summer months, from June to August. These are the hottest months of the year, but also the rainiest. The heat and rainy days gradually decrease from September to November. This is a very unpredictable period in terms of weather. There can be good days and days a little less sunny.
It is important to remember that this is an area with a tropical climate. Therefore the weather is unstable and it is very difficult to predict several months ahead. It is always recommended to check the forecast before arriving.
How to get to Bacalar Lagoon:
There are two main ways to get to Bacalar:
Renting a car: this is the most convenient and fastest way. The road to Bacalar is considered safe for travel. However, the ride can be a bit long and a bit boring. Be sure to refuel before leaving and leave in the early hours of the day.
ADO bus: this option may be longer, but it is the safest way to get to Bacalar. Please note (especially on the way back), that there is no designated stop for the collection bus. The driver will stop for you on the side of the road.
Trip length from the main cities to Bacalar:
• From Playa del Carmen to Bacalar – 4 hours
• From Tulum to Bacalar – 3 hours
• From Cancun to Bacalar – 5 hours
What to do in Bacalar:
• Sunrise SUP Tour: Perhaps the most talked about attraction in Bacalar is the SUP Lagoon Tour at dawn. You’ve never seen a sunrise like that in Bacalar! Definitely, an attraction that is worth the early arrival.
• Boat tour in the lagoon: The lagoon has several special places that can only be reached by boat. On the tour, you will visit places such as Los Pajeros (Island of the Birds) and Los Pirates Channel (Pirate Channel), and Cenote La Bruja, also known as Cenote Negra.
• Los Rápidos: The waterfalls of Bacalar (Los Rápidos), are located on Highway 307 between Bacalar Lagoon and the city of Chetumal (the state capital of Quintana Roo). The tour of the waterfalls is considered one of the most popular attractions to spend the day in. There you can also rent kayaks and sail in the Bacalar channel.
• Take a tour of downtown Bacalar: While not a very large area, there are several things to do and see in Bacalar’s downtown. Three of the top things to see are the Parroquia de San Joaquin, an 18th-century Spanish colonial church, the large, colorful Bacalar lettering sign, and the Fuerte San Felipe Bacalar (Historic Fort).
Click here to go to the full list – Recommended Attractions in Bacalar
Hotels in Bacalar:
Most of the hotels in Bacalar are around the lagoon itself. The second and recommended option is to sleep in one of the city’s hotels.
Recommended Hotels in Bacalar:
– Mia Bacalar
– Casa Shiva
– La Albarina
Click here to go to the full list – Recommended Hotels in Bacalar
Restaurants in Bacalar:
Looking to sit down and have a nice dinner? Even though it’s a small town, don’t underestimate Bacalar. When it comes to food, you can find a variety of delicious restaurants.
Click here to go to the full list – Recommended Restaurants in Bacalar
