Bacalar
The 'Lake of Seven Colors' — a stunning final Mexico stop on the route south to Belize.
Photo by Liz Aguayo on Unsplash
Bacalar is the Yucatán Peninsula's best-kept secret — a small town on the shores of Lake Bacalar, famous for its extraordinary range of turquoise and blue hues caused by the varying depths and white sand bottom of the lagoon. It sits near the Belize border and makes a perfect final overnight stop before crossing into Belize, or an unhurried rest day between the Tulum–Chetumal stretch. The nearby ruins of Chacchoben are small but beautifully restored.
Nearby Maya Archaeological Sites
Sites most commonly visited from Bacalar
Town Highlights
- Lake Bacalar — 'Lake of Seven Colors', one of the most beautiful lakes in Mexico
- Fort San Felipe — 18th-century Spanish fort defending against pirate raids
- Kayaking and sailing on the lagoon
- Excellent cenote swimming at the Canal de los Piratas
Getting to Bacalar
ADO bus from Cancún (4 hr), Tulum (2 hr), or Chetumal (1 hr). Bacalar town is 3 km from the lake — taxis and moto-taxis connect the two.
Getting to the Sites
Chacchoben ruins: 1 hr south by bus or taxi (50 km). Tulum ruins: 2 hr north. Bacalar is primarily a rest stop, not a ruins base.
Best base for
Ideal overnight stop between Tulum and the Belize border (Chetumal), 1 hr from Bacalar
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