In this area of shrubby forest, Laguna Bacalar appears as a surprise. This crystalline lake, more than 60 km long, offers the possibility of camping, fishing, kayaking and literally walking with its shiny white sand bottom, just to mention a few. Bacalar is one of those hidden treasures that are worth to be visited, but, where to start? Be sure to read on to learn more about this Mexican paradise —and more than a few reasons to visit.
Its lake of seven colors
One of the first things, and attractive places, that all the people that live in Bacalar or that visit it, recommend by all means a visit to its seven colored lagoon.
There is a reason that is the most important about the other attractions of the city, is its fascinating beauty, the magnitude and colors are something to appreciate.
It has seven colors, seven from a palette of blues that will guide your eyes from its small pier to the infinity of its landscape.
What can you do at Bacalar Lagoon?
Kayak
A sunrise paddling gently through its waters when the sun is rising in the north, in a kayak of course, is a great adventure to live. As soon as the sun shines on the water of the Bacalar Lagoon you will be lost in its colors. Doesn’t that sound provocative?
Camping
Among the hostels in this city, there are some places to camp. Some of them offer a quite complete camping service, such as rooms for 2 or 5 people with all the comforts you need.
Others offer the space plus the use of common areas such as bathrooms, kitchen and others. Lovers of adventure and camping will take this option very seriously.
Fishing
The time you spend here should be as you want it, don’t you think? If you are a fishing lover, this place you should definitely visit. Many people practice this sport in its waters, we advise to do it always with responsibility to take care of its marine life.
Where to go in Bacalar?
El canal de los piratas
This famous channel is the natural division between Mexico and Belize. In its beginnings it was created as a way to facilitate the exchange between the Mayas of the north with the Mayas of Central America.
With the passage of time, it began to be a focus of attention for recognized pirates and corsairs, inevitably happening several attacks on the city to get their food, exotic bird feathers and of course, precious woods, which have been the greatest wealth of the area since several centuries ago.
Since these pirates could not access the sea – due to the fact that it is a lagoon —they did it by the Rio Hondo and its marshes in order to arrive where it was that they wanted to take.
You can visit this place of historical richness by boat, sailing boat or catamaran. Its waters are not very deep and are absolutely crystalline and of a unique blue.
Fort of San Felipe Neri
A few centuries ago, the, now, city of Bacalar was constantly attacked by pirates and corsairs who wanted to steal its precious products and precious woods. In the face of constant attacks, the inhabitants decided, in 1733, to create a fort —also known as the Castle of San Felipe, from which they could protect the city and prevent the looting of the treasures that these smugglers wanted so much to obtain.
Cenote Azul
The waters of the blue cenote are that type of marine body in which the sky and its clouds are reflected without any impediment. Its fresh waters and surrounding jungle will give you the privacy you desire when visiting it, even more so if you do so in the low season.
Diving and snorkeling practitioners have it as a number one reference due to the crystallinity of its waters, its fruitful marine life will give you an incredible experience as soon as you dive in it.
Bacalar Rapids
Are you up for an adventure in the rapids of Bacalar Lagoon? A trip in rapids has no comparison, speed and the unexpected are the order of the day when it comes to adventuring in them. If you want to live a different adventure, don’t lose the opportunity to let yourself go by them.
Los Cocalitos and its stromatolite formations
As a natural spa, it functions as a sanctuary for stromatolites, which are sedimentary formations millions of thousands of years old. These allow the water of this lagoon to remain as crystalline and colorful as it is.
It does not have the name of sanctuary for nothing, these stromatolites are formations created by microorganisms that allow the balance of the marine biosphere of the lagoon.
You can snorkel in this area as long as you follow the guidelines for its preservation.
Cenote Negro
The Cenote Negro due to its dark waters is also called Cenote de la Bruja. This is due to an ancient legend told by the native inhabitants of Bacalar. In these lands, those surrounding the cenote, lived an old Mayan woman who was categorized with the title of witch.
It had its home in what today is a school, but in order to build there, the old Mayan woman had to be evicted from her land, thus falling a spell and making anyone who stepped on her land commit suicide or fall into an incurable disease.
A very famous version among its inhabitants since it is a very well known reference and also because it is how it is known as a tourist destination.
This tourist attraction of enigmatic waters is also home to apnea tournaments due to its depth of approximately 15 meters. Its magnitude of about 115 meters makes it ideal if you want to dive and explore for a while while diving or snorkeling.
It is surrounded by lush trees and in low temperature seasons the fog contributes to increase that remote impression that is already well marked by its location and the color of its waters.
You can access it from the entrance of the school where it is built, by bicycle or car or, if your vehicle is a marine one, by sailboat, motorboat or catamaran directly from the lagoon since there is no separation between the cenote and the seven colored lagoon of Bacalar.
An ideal plan if you are in Bacalar in low seasons and want the privacy and immensity of this cenote to fully enjoy it.
Caste War Museum
Within its murals and exhibitions, more than 400 years of history are reflected. Years during which the Maya defended their culture, beliefs and lands from foreign attacks with the simple purpose of no longer having autonomy, thus imposing their economic, political and social models.
In every corner of the museum you can observe elements that contributed to the constant rebellion of the Mayas because of their deep-rooted culture, a warlike conflict that allowed the perseverance of so many traditions, places and above all their impressive culture, a site you should definitely visit if you want to know a little more about the brave and ancient Mayan people.
