Picture of Bacalar
Caption: Did we find the clearest water in Mexico?
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Caption: It’s super easy to get to Bacalar. Don’t let one train ride scare you from leaving Cancun
Video of Bacalar Lagoon
Caption: Top Tips For Visiting Bacalar:
🌊 Known as the Lagoon of 7 colors (you can see why)
🪨 Stromalites are the oldest living organism in the world! It’s what makes the water like this
🧴 No sunblock (even reef safe sunblock) it creates a layer that causes algae growth turning the water green. Bring hats and long sleeves. Wash off lotions, oils, makeup, hair products, etc
🚫 Don’t touch the stromalites or you’ll kill them
🚽 Don’t pee in the water
☀️ The best time to come is February until before rainy season. Becuase the rain causes algae to grow. You will see in our videos some of that algae becuase we when in December right after rainy season. Still unbelievably
gorgeous though. Don’t go to Bacalar without reading the tips below
Picture of Bacalar Lagoon
Caption: The stromalites are the oldest living creature in the world. They’re beautiful because they make this water beautiful but they’re also what creates the air we’re breathing.
I also feel so emotional in Bacalar thinking of how close I am to something so ancient and precious. I imagine I’m breathing in some of the purest air.
So let’s keep it protected. Let’s take care of it the way it’s taken care of us!
Video of Los Rápidos de Bacalar
Caption: One of the absolute BEST and unreal things to do in Bacalar! It’s even more magical in person.
It’s not a long float but it’s truly amazing. Maybe 30 minutes.
Along the sides you’ll see the stromalites. Make sure to only walk along the planks and not touch the stromalites.
🚕 Skip the tours and take a taxi for less than $15 (but make sure you have a plan back since signal goes out) or rent a scooter (probably my favorite option)
📝 The one thing I really hate about this place is that the staff here don’t do anything to prevent people from standing on them. So many people getting their picture on one. Be better than them.
Picture of Los Rápidos de Bacalar
Caption: Important to know when visiting.
To me it comes down to where you want to stay.
Staying in the center
Pros: access to restaurants, activities, things to do when the sun goes down or you’ve gotten too much sun
Cons: You’re not right on the clearest water (but you’re only a quick taxi or scooter ride away)
Staying Further Away
Pros: You’re right next to the water. These places tend to have included activities like yoga
Cons: You’re far from everything else. You’re kinda forced to eat their food which is more expensive or take a taxi to town
For us we like half and half. I want to spend some of my time waking up to that gorgeous water, but I also want to spend time experiencing the culture of the city.
Picture of Los Rápidos de Bacalar
Caption: It can kind a be confusing but all the popular spots you see on the guides: the cenotes, Isla de Los pájaros, the pirate canal, etc.
They’re all close to each other and can be seen in a couple of hours. Honestly its the best way to get acquainted and learn about the area.
After that in the next days you’ll want to hit up a beach club, maybe kayak to a spot with shallow water, or just anchor your boat. Each area is gorgeous so it’s hard to choose
Video of Canal de los Piratas
Caption: This used to be a pirates hideout but is now known for the cool shipwreck and the shallow water for swimming
Video of Isla de los Pájaros
Caption: Next on your stop will likely be Isla de Los Pajaros! The water here is just so calm and clean.
We ended up even kayaking here one day and it was beautiful!
Video of Cenote Esmeralda
Caption: Probably one of your last stops. Part of what makes it the lagoon of the 7 colors is the cenotes which are deep and dark.
The cenote itself isn’t for swimming, but the water right along the edge is so shallow so a lot of boats will set up here for swimming.
Video of Cenote Cocalitos Beach Resort
Caption: I feel bad for sharing this because we were so memorized we barely took videos and I feel like this doesn’t even do it justice.
Right next to cenote Esmeralda is the probably the most popular beach club and it makes sense. It’s got so much clear shallow water. Lots of hammocks and chairs and you can see the stromalites (don’t touch) right there.
Admission is super affordable.
Remember wash off all sunscreen, makeup, hair products etc before entering.
Video of Itzae Beach Club Bacalar
Caption: Also known as Club Muyal
It’s right next door from Cocolitos but I feel like this is the more local spot. It’s also smaller.
Your fees goes towards food and drinks which are super reasonably priced. The aguachile is so good, but be warned if you don’t like spicy.
We even got to rent out their clear kayak for a very small fee.
Video of Our Habitas Bacalar
Caption: This is a gorgeous resort on they more empty area I was talking about where I think the water gets even more blue. However, if you don’t want to spend the night here you can get a day pass for 850 pesos per person or about $40-$45 and all of that goes towards food and drink credit.
Unfortunately it’s first come first serve so you can’t book ahead of time. We didn’t have a problem when we went, but just to note.
What’s so cool is you have the nice plush day beds (something I feel like not many places by the water in Bacalar had).
They also have different activities (we had salsa & cinema night while we were there) + access to their SUPS, kayaks, and towels all included.
Picture of Our Habitas Bacalar
Caption: People come to Bacalar for the water but once you spend time walking around the town, it captures the heart too. There’s so much art. It’s small but has the perfect amount of things.
Food is decently priced and you’ll want to go shopping here! There’s a lot of local and Mayan artisans and you might even see them making the work in person.
Even just for other souvenirs, gifts are more reasonable lives than what you’ll see in Cancun, Tulum, etc.
Video of CAB COLECTIVO
Caption: One of my FAVORITE things to do in Bacalar. I feel like it’s another way of connecting with the heart of Bacalar. You connect with the people whose work captures the beauty of the Pueblo mágico.
There are two locations. One is in the city and one is near the water. The amount of different artwork that captures the lagoons beauty is insane and it makes the perfect souvenir.
Or what I really liked was their art classes. I did watercolor but they have ceramic, acrylics, embroidery, etc.
Tip: I wish they made them more easy to understand when they are, but I think if you go during slow season it just kind of depends. But if you send a message on ig or walk into the store they should help you. If one person tells you no, ask someone else 😅 when classes are booked more regularly there’s not this problem.
Video of CAB COLECTIVO
Caption: Now here’s the thing about Bacalar. You’re not always just going to find things on the map. We found this guy right next to Masa Madre and apparently he’s there every day.
That creamy chicken taco. We still talk about it a month later. Sorry I don’t have a better explanation but don’t miss these tacos!! Best tacos!!!!!
Video of paz janzu
Caption: Jokes aside this was one of the most relaxing things I’ve done.
The waters of Bacalar (the 7 lagoons) is crystal clear but it’s also fresh water that makes this therapy so popular in the area.
They say Janzu is like returning to the womb, and I get it now. I surrendered completely while she moved us through the water in slow, wave-like patterns, letting the water support you while every muscle unwinds. You completely let go and let the tension fades away.
Our guide @nature.elah was so incredible! She really cared about the experience. I can’t put it into full words but she was so connected to the experience and us.
Picture of Zócalo Park
Video of Zócalo Park
Caption: Every night the vendors line up like this. Elites, frappes, chips, and most importantly - marquesitas.
Marquesitas are one of the most popular treats right now. They’re like a crepe but crunchier and they have cheese inside. They’re cheese was not our favorite, but some places have cream cheese which we preferred. Still I recommend trying the savory version first just because it is such a unique pairing.
Video of Zócalo Park
Caption: Also every night in the same is something else you can’t miss.
There are local artisans including indigenous Mexicans everywhere and you’ll see them making the art.
If you’re unable to make this market, many items are sold in the stores around
Video of Ixchel Luxury Spa by MÍA Bacalar Luxury Resort and Spa
Caption: For how nice of a spa this is, I was really surprised at how affordable the hour pass is to enjoy all these different pools, saunas, etc.
If you book a treatment this experience is also included!
Note: the hotels here Mía Bacalar also has day passes but they seem to get booked out at least a week or two in advance
Video of Templo Madre Tierra
Caption: Templo Madre Tierra, located at Akalki Holistic Center in Bacalar, was designed as a sculptural space to honor the elements: earth, water, fire, and air as well as to celebrate a connection with nature. Its name, which means “Mother Earth,” reflects that purpose, with every curve and arch created by hand by local artists and artisans to tell a story.
Visitors can see the temple if you’re staying at Akalki for free or pay a fee to a visit.
It’s beautiful to see the intricate carvings and details and from the top you get the best view of the lagoon.
Picture of Bacacrudo Cruderia Mazatleca
Caption: Im a BIG aguachile fan. One of my favorite all time foods and this place is it!
Video of Bacacrudo Cruderia Mazatleca
Caption: I actually learned from the Mazatlán owner that aguachile is from Mazatlán.
Their traditional is phenomenal, but they also have Jamaica 🌺 (hibiscus), mango, negro, and other flavors. All so good!
Picture of Bacacrudo Cruderia Mazatleca
Video of Akalki - Sanctuary of Peace and Life & Eco Resort
Caption: It’s crazy that the water is that blue! Here we’re staying at Akalki which actually has overwater bungalows directly into the water
Video of Akalki - Sanctuary of Peace and Life & Eco Resort
Caption: A little bit more about the place we stayed!
Video of CasaBakal
Caption: We chose this place because of the overwater bungalow experience. It’s a small room with just a bed (but luckily ac)
Getting to wake up and just step out onto the water is just unreal.
Overall for us as amazing as this was, it was just a one night stay for us. The bathroom you use is the same as the restrooms in the restaurant so it’s weird. But I’m so glad we did it. Since there’s only one cabin with the overwater view you do have to get it ahead of time.
Video of Kokoro Mio Hotel & Wellness
Caption: Where do I even begin to explain Kokoro Mío?!
If you like wellness + golden retrievers this is the place.
Kokoro Mío is a pet friendly eco retreat in the forest where you can participate in so many wellness activities (yoga, temezcal, massages, etc) and also is home to 4 beautiful golden retrievers.
The food here is incredible and ask them about their mole tasting.
This a local couple owned retreat! You’ll see trees in the paths as they wanted to respect nature and just so many homey touches that come when you’re a small mom & pop hotel. But don’t worry, it’s still pretty luxurious.
This place is glamping. You’re in a treehouse yet you have ac, WiFi, and one of the softest beds ever. You might also get a couple bugs, but that’s okay.
This is a little outside of bacalar so plan on taking a taxi to town or having transportation. We also just choose to book a few nights here as a retreat and not leave!
