Sightseeing Bacalar
Exploring Bacalar: A Guide to Sightseeing
🌐 Location: Bacalar is a picturesque town located in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico, about 3 hours south of Tulum.
🎉 Known For: Bacalar is famed for its stunning, turquoise-colored lake, often referred to as “Laguna de Seven Colors.” The lake’s unique hues result from the sunlight interacting with the minerals in the water.
🏙️ Historic Centre: Wander through Bacalar’s historic center, a charming area filled with colorful colonial buildings, traditional Yucatecan houses, and vibrant markets selling local handicrafts.
🏰 Fort San Felipe de la Barrera: Visit this 17th-century fortress, located on the shores of Laguna Bacalar. It was built by the Spanish to protect the town from pirate attacks and now serves as a museum showcasing the region’s history.
🚤 Boat Tour in Laguna de Seven Colors: Rent a kayak or hire a boat tour to explore the lake, marvel at its stunning colors, and discover the small islands dotting the water.
🌳 Cenotes: In addition to the lake, Bacalar has several nearby cenotes, such as Cenote Azul, Cenote Esmeralda, and Cenote Cristalino. These natural swimming holes offer refreshing dips amidst lush greenery.
🌃 Sunset Watching: Head to the Malecón (boardwalk) for a magical sunset over Laguna de Seven Colors—a perfect end to your day in Bacalar.
🛏️ Accommodation: There are various options for accommodation in Bacalar, ranging from budget hostels to luxury lakefront hotels and charming boutique properties.
🍲 Food: Try traditional Yucatecan dishes like cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork), sopa de lima (lime soup), and salbutes (fried corn tortillas topped with pickled red onion, tomato, and pulled chicken).
🚌 Transportation: The easiest way to reach Bacalar is by car or bus. If you’re traveling from Cancun or Playa del Carmen, consider booking a day tour that includes transportation, sightseeing, and lunch.