Bacalar is a small town nestling quietly by the shores of a bright blue lagoon. Inhabited since the Mayans, it is a fascinating historic town full of churches, colonial-era fortifications and a blooming handicrafts scene. From scuba diving in the calm and iridescent waters of the Lake of the Seven Colours, checking out the local markets or exploring the stark and imposing complex of the Fort San Felipe, there's something for everyone. The best places to stay in Bacalar make the most of the town's picturesque positioning.
The waters of the lake are so clear and bright that people travel a long way just to see this site - it’s five hours drive from Cancún via Playa del Carmen and Tulum. It is said that the lake itself has seven shades, ranging from the pale, shallow colours to deep and dark cenotes or sinkholes. Surrounding the lake are rickety old fishermen's houses, vendors selling street food, gourmet restaurants and the occasional street musician. Scuba diving is a popular past time: the waters of the lake are clear and warm, and the lake itself teems with underwater caves, some at 300ft deep! The Mayans first inhabited the town, and the name Bacalar attests to this fact, roughly translating as "surrounded by reeds" in Mayan.
It was one of the first Mayan settlements colonised in the 16th century. Standing tall and grand above the town is the Fort of San Felipe, finally completed in the early 18th century, complete with walls and towers. Now it also houses an excellent museum that details the gruesome history of colonisation, boasting pre-colonial artefacts, Spanish maps and a variety of archaeological exhibits. The Church of San Joaquin is also a must-see, but for the real Bacalar experience, you must visit the local markets. The town is famous for its great array of craftsmanship: at the markets, you can find woodcarvings, dyed clothes, hand-embroidered "huipiles" and colourful hammocks.
Bacalar is a fantastic town to visit if you're a history buff, but it also offers calm and respite. Check out our collection of the best places to stay in Bacalar to find out more!
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Bacalar
A cool natural space in the centre of a Mexican paradise. Twelve chic rooms are simply but beautifully styled with light-earthy tones and artefacts made from natural materials. All have private terraces complete with hammock. Healthy breakfasts are served and it is just a short stroll to the lagoon.
Bacalar
An enchanting eco-lodge nestled amidst thick vegetation and overlooking Lake Bacalar. Chic cabins feature terracotta tiled floors, muslin draped beds, white washed walls and pops of turquoise. Plenty of hammocks, a spa and utter tranquility ensure a restful stay. A glorious hideaway.
Bacalar
A unique design hotel set just moments from the coast in historic Bacalar. The architecture craftily blends natural & minimalist aesthetics with polished concrete, wood, and thatch sitting in harmony amidst a tropical garden. There's an impossibly chic pool and a beach club nearby. A quiet hideaway.
Bacalar (Quintana Roo)
A holistic oasis primed for total relaxation set between lagoon and jungle. Thatched A-Frame rooms are simple but luxurious with a rustic minimalist style and private terrace. Siete restaurant highlights plant-based cuisine and there's a spa for a plethora of nature-based treatments. Sheer bliss!
