Bacalar Mexico: 11 Best Things To Do
By Gillian – Published 9 Sept 2026
Discover the Lagoon of 7 Colours in Bacalar with our guide of best 11 things to do – sunset cruise, Los Rápidos, street art, food and more.
Bacalar is a bohemian paradise on a 42km long fresh water lake in Quintana Roo state, Mexico.
The lake changes colours in all the shades of blue that you can imagine, so the lake is known as the Laguna de los Siete Colores (Lagoon of Seven Colours) and the ‘Maldives of Mexico’.
It is one of the 177 Pueblo Mágico towns in Mexico, recognised for its distinctive cultural, historical, architectural and natural attractions.
Bacalar has a relaxed laid back, eco-conscious, authentic, tranquil charm as there are no mega-resorts or major hotel chains and some great places to eat.
Distance signs at Lake Bacalar. But why would you leave?
Getting To Bacalar
By plane to Chetumal International Airport (CTM) then
- By taxi – take a 30 minute taxi drive to Bacalar.
By plane to Canún Airport (CUN) then
- By train – take the high-speed Maya Tren to Bacalar. Takes 4.5 hours. Book in advance, cost USD $45-85.
- By bus – take 30 minute ADO shuttle from arrivals terminal to Cancun Downtown ADO Station. Transfer to a south bound bus to Bacalar. Cost USD $35-45. Takes around 6 hours.
- By car rental – hire a car at the airport and drive straight down Highway 307. Takes around 4.5 hours.
From Tulum or Playa del Carmen
- By bus – take a direct 4 hour ADO bus.
We came from Caye Caulker, Belize on the ferry to Chetumal and shared a taxi to Bacalar with 2 passengers we had just met.
Where To Next?
After Bacalar there are many options, but we went to Tulum by ADO bus which took 2 hours 50 minutes.
Wearing our rash vests all day, as in and out of waterfalls, at Roberto Barrios Cascadas, Mexico
How Many Days in Bacalar?
We spent 6 days in Bacalar, mainly so we could go to the Neon Party. But 3 or 4 days is probably enough depending upon which days you are there.
Pro Tip – On Wednesdays Bacalar Lagoon is closed to motorised boats and all commercial water tours. But swimming is permitted. This is to give the fragile ecosystem a weekly break.
Pro Tip – chemical sunscreens are banned in the lagoon. Even ‘reef-safe’ or biodegradable sunscreens are frowned upon. We often wear rash vests to protect our skin when swimming, snorkelling or canoeing. They rinse and dry out quickly, like swimsuits. I even have swimming leggings too as I burn easily in the sun.
Where To Stay
We stayed at The Yak House Hostel, which was in the centre of Bacalar and had a great spot with access right on the lake.
It was expensive for the private room but included many free activities which we took part in and we really liked the place, so it was worth it. The location was excellent and we could walk to many bars and restaurants.
When To Visit
We visited in March and the weather was perfect as the dry season is from December to April.
Pro Tip – As Bacalar is a fresh water lake, it is not affected by sargassum seaweed, which looks and smells unpleasant. It can hit Mexico’s beaches between May and October.
Try and check locally what the situation is, as climate change has been affecting the typical timings of these natural events.
Sunset cruise on Lagoon of 7 Colours in Bacalar, Mexico
11 Best Things To Do in Bacalar:
1. Take a Laguna Cruise
The main thing in Bacalar is the lake, so take a cruise on it. We booked a Sunset Cruise leaving at 4pm through our hostel which was very enjoyable. As there were only six passengers we were able to fit on the sail boat, rather than the motor boat, which I prefer because it is quieter.
6,000 Cenotes
The whole of the Yucatán area is full of cenotes (pronounced suh-NO-tay). There are as many as 6,000 in the area and they are often considered sacred by the Maya.
A cenote is basically a sink hole that has formed inland when the porous limestone bedrock collapses and fills with groundwater, so the water is fresh not salty.
Sometimes they are singular and surrounded by land, or they can be tunnels or caves. But many cenotes near each other may collapse and form a lagoon as happened in Bacalar.
El Cenote Negro
We sail towards El Cenote de la Bruja (The Cenote of the Witch), so called because legend says a Mayan Witch lived on its shores. It is more commonly known as El Cenote Negro because the water is so dark due to its 90m depth.
The circular rim is quite visible as the water changes from bright blue to deep navy. This is part of the reason Bacalar Lagoon is known as the Lagoon of 7 Colours and it is quite remarkable to see.
Silt Floor
Then we get our chance to swim in it. I waded through the chest high water towards the sink hole with dive booties on my feet because I dislike the feeling of silt.
Colder and Harder to Swim
Swimming in the dark blue water of the cenote is hard because there is less bouancy and it’s so deep. The temperature drops noticeably and I shivered as I dived deeper but there was nothing to see. It was dark and empty.
Cenote Esmeralda
Next we sailed to Cenote Esmeralda, a 70m deep open cenote which was less dramatic than El Cenote Negro.
Isla de los Pájaros
We sail the short distance to the Isla de los Pájaros (The Island of Birds) in the middle of the lake. While I laze on the boat with everyone else, Graham swims to the barrier surrounding the nature reserve, so he can get a better look at the birds. I think he is a twitcher in training.
El Canal de los Piratas
Bacalar was the first Maya city in the region and was inhabited centuries before the Spanish conquistadors arrived. It was repeatedly raided by pirates in the seventeenth century who came through a narrow canal called El Canal de Los Piratas Bacalar. The guide points to it when we pass.
Sunset
The colours in the sky change so we turn around and sail back to enjoy the sunset at its best, feeling quite relaxed.
People floating in the channel at Los Rapidos, Bacalar
2. Float Down Los Rápidos and See How Life Began
Los Rápidos is a natural lazy current through a channel lined with unusual rock formations called stromatolites.
You can canoe down the channel, or wear a life jacket and float down it as we did. There was no time restriction and you could float down as many times as you wanted.
It was a pleasant gentle experience and an opportunity to see something quite rare.
Getting There
We shared a short taxi ride to Los Rápidos with friends from the hostel. It is on the opposite side of the lake to Bacalar town.
Lockers and Life Jackets
Lockers, life jackets, toilets and a restaurant were available. When we walked along the wooden jetty upstream, the sunlight reflecting on the water was blinding. I wished I had worn my sunglasses but then I might have lost them.
Current Strongest in the Middle
As it is a natural channel, the ground is uneven but worn smooth by the water.
Walk along the wooden path as far as you wish, then use the small jetties to enter the water. They are to minimise damage to the stromatolites.
Tentatively I lowered myself into the thigh high water and swam towards the middle where the current was strongest.
A canoe and people floating along Los Rapidos in Bacalar
First – with Jackets
We floated down three times. First, with the life jackets, although Graham took his lifejacket off and sat on it like a seat. It was relaxing just bobbing along gently in the current.
Second – with Snorkels and Mask
The second time, we used our own snorkel and mask to keep our faces in the water and observe the stromatolites and a few fish.
We often bring our mask and snorkel on backpacking trips. The water was a wonderful shade of aqua and very clear so the visibility was excellent.
Billions of Living Organisms
The stromatolites are under the water and look like beige and white layered rock formations (a bit like cauliflower) but are in fact colonies of billions of microscopic organisms, mainly photosynthetic cyanbacteria (blue-green algae). They are living organisms and in that sense they are similar to coral.
Made Complex Life Possible
But now we get to the really cool stuff. Stromatolites are one of the earliest forms of life on the planet dating back 3.5 billion years in the fossil record. By pumping oxygen into our atmosphere they made complex life possible.
The stromatolites at Los Rapidos have grown millimetre by millimetre and are 12,000 years old! That’s why it’s so important not to damage them.
Third – to Video
The third time we floated down, we wanted some pictures to help us remember the occasion, so Graham volunteered to float down while holding his phone out of the water.
I’m glad he did it rather than me as I couldn’t have held my arm up for that long. A couple of times he clung onto me for a little rest. Well, we are dive buddies so we have to support each other in the water.
Walk along the boardwalk at Ecoparque in Bacalar
3. Visit the Ecoparque
A ten-minute walk further along the lake from the hostel was the Ecoparque. Entrance fee was 20 pesos each and supports local projects. It combines a garden, education signs and easy access to the lagoon.
Walk Over Tree Canopy
For about 30 minutes you can stroll the well maintained boardwalk. It started at ground level but gradually the earth sloped away and we were quickly in the tree canopy which gave a new perspective.
Crocodiles
Later, the boardwalk took us over a muddy brown swampy area which looked like perfect crocodile territory – but we didn’t see any. Bacalar has native Morelet’s crocodiles but they stay in the quiet parts of the lagoon near the mangroves and so are rarely seen by visitors.
Swim
Then the water changed when we had passed over the mangrove and became this amazing aqua. You could spend hours lazing and swimming. When we went swimming, I accidently face planted myself in the lagoon, much to Graham’s amusement.
I should have used one of the wooden ladders along the board walk for a more graceful entrance.
The fresh water of the lagoon is chest height near the boardwalk and gradually deepens.
Fuerte de San Felipe de Bacalar
4. Tour Fuerte de San Felipe
Learn about the local pirate history from this 18th century fort in the centre of Bacalar town.
Built by the Spanish, this stone fortress complete with deep moat was used to defend the town and its valuable logwood trade from frequent attacks by English, French and Dutch pirates.
It also offers good panoramic views of the lagoon.
Street art in Bacalar
5. Explore Bacalar Street Art
Wander the back streets of Bacalar and you will see world class street art and some cool bars.
Public murals commissioned for past Bakalarte festivals and federal art projects depict local Mayan legends and marine ecology.
- Self-guided tour starting at the Zocalo Park and wander through Avenidas 3, 5 and 7 between Calle 12 and 30.
- Guided Bike Tour is offered by Discover Bacalar Colours by Bike.
- Meet the Artists at Cab Colectivo an independent artist co-operative on Avenida 5 (corner of Calle 18).
Having fun at the Neon Party at The Yak House in Bacalar
6. Go To the Neon Party
Each Wednesday night, The Yak House hosts a party beside the lake until 2.30 am.
It’s open to non-guests too but quite frankly with 2 techno DJs performing you aren’t getting any sleep that night until it’s over. We had a blast and it was one of the reasons we stayed there.
7. Eat at Mr Taco and La Burguesia del Pueblo
Generally the food was really good every where in Mexico but in Bacalar 2 places stood out for us for dinner.
Mr Taco was a tiny place in the main square with a big customer base. You had to wait for a seat and then leave the moment you finished eating. There was a wide range of classic and unusual flavours available including vegetarian options. Now Mr Taco has expanded and moved to bigger premises two blocks from the main square so getting a seat should be easier now. Hopefully the food is just as good as it was.
La Burguesia del Pueblo specialises in burgers. We avoid fast food but these burgers were artisanal and tasted it. Mine was the Mexa which included local chorizo, avocado and manchego cheese.
Did you know? Chorizo from Mexico tastes different to Spanish chorizo. In Mexico, chorizo is seasoned heavily with local native chilies and spices. It is raw and cooked fresh as part of the meal, giving it a soft, moist texture unlike Spanish chorizo which is a hard, ready to eat dry-cured sausage that has been smoked with paprika.
Live music and dancing at La Catrina, Bacalar, Mexico
8. Live Music and Dancing at La Catrina
Just across the road from The Yak House was La Catrina, a bar and restaurant which had live music and salsa dancing.
We didn’t really know what we were doing but locals kindly showed us the moves.
In my head, I was Shakira, Beyoncé and Rihanna all rolled into one – but probably not in reality. I danced my heart out and let go and I think that is probably the essence of what salsa dancing is all about. It was liberating and enormous fun.
Pro Tip – check out the lacatrinabacalar page on Instagram for what’s on. It’s closed on Wednesdays.
Mojito class in Bacalar
9. Take a Mojito Class
Always keen to learn something new, we took the Mojito class at the hostel.
It was beautifully lit with fairy lights and all the ingredients and looked magical. Normally on a March evening, I’d be at home watching TV.
We learnt how to make a regular mojito and a passion fruit mojito. Graham got ‘told off’ for trying to drink his too soon. The host wanted everyone to taste at the same time so we could say a classic Mexican toast.
Classic Mexican Toast
‘Arriba, a bajó, a centro, al dentro, salud.’
‘Up, down, centre, inside, health’ along with the accompanying gestures.
My first mojito was my favourite – only one spoonful of sugar and heavy on the rum!
Relaxed painting afternoon in Bacalar
10. Spend an Afternoon Painting
The hostel offered a relaxed afternoon of painting on the Sunday. I hadn’t picked up an artist’s paintbrush in quite a few years and spent a mellow couple of hours painting abstract seaweed, which was where my mind had drifted to.
Buying a Marquesita in Bacalar
11. Eat a Marquesita
Every evening we saw people walking along the street while eating a marquesita so we had to try one.
Also called a queso de bola (ball cheese), they are sold on street corners and are a dessert native to the Yucatán, Mexico.
Strawberry, Banana or Kiwi
The vendor said strawberry was the best.
He poured thin batter onto the circular waffle plate to cook. It is flipped over and covered in Nutella chocolate and hazelnut spread, grated edam cheese, chopped fresh strawberries and then even more cheese. Traditionally, condensed milk or cajeta (goat’s milk caramel) may be spread on it.
20 cm Long
The end is folded and it is rolled into a tube shape about twenty centimetres long and a little extra cheese and strawberries added to the top. A napkin is wrapped around the base and we are presented with our dessert.
Salty and Sweet
The grated edam cheese is unexpected and seemed bizarre – at first. It tasted good. Sweet but not too sweet and had a touch of salty in it from the cheese.
As we eat, I ponder the flavours and then it hits me – it is the same ingredients as a cheesecake. I enjoy the marquesita but am glad we are sharing because it is so big.
Final Thoughts
Bacalar was a great place to visit as it had a strong mix of activities. We loved the bohemian vibe about the place as well as the lagoon and its stunning shifting colours – a thesaurus hasn’t enough words for the shades of blue.
The weather was perfect for us and there were so many ways to spend time enjoying the lagoon. You could swim, snorkel, sail, or even paddle board on it. Even the fact that the lagoon was closed on Wednesdays was positive as it makes the tourism more sustainable.
Then after spending our days exploring the unique experiences and geological wonders of the stromatolites and sink holes we ate delicious food each night, listening to the deafening chorus of thousands of birds (Great-tailed Grackles or Zanates to the locals) settling in to roost at sunset on Zócalo Parque and then went dancing until midnight. Bacalar had everything.