Bacalar México Authorscurlyadventures
DestinationsBacalarItinerary

Spots You Can’t Miss

Bacalar Lagoon
So Bacalar Lagoon is basically the main attraction. You’re going to probably want to take a boat tour because the top spots: canal de los piratas, isla de los pájaros, cenote esmeralda, etc are all here. This would be the first thing I’d do in Bacalar to acquaint yourself with the area and see all the top spots + learn about Bacalar in general. Then you can always visit your favorite spot on your own.
See More
Canal de los Piratas
This used to be a pirates hideout but is now known for the cool shipwreck and the shallow water
See More
Isla de los Pájaros
Next on your stop will likely be Isla de Los Pajaros! The water here is just so calm and clean. Seeing the shades of blue shift in front of you is just so unreal. We ended up coming back to this spot one day by kayak and it was so lovely.
See More
Cenote Esmeralda
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.
See More
Los Rápidos de Bacalar
Past the lagoon, you can’t get here by boat. 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.
See More
paz janzu
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.
See More

Beach/Swim Clubs

Cenote Cocalitos Beach Resort
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.
See More
Book
Itzae Beach Club Bacalar
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.
See More
Book
Our Habitas Bacalar
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.
See More
Book

More Things To Do

CAB COLECTIVO
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.
See More
Zócalo Park
This is park /plaza where all the shops are around. They’re worth a look and you’ll find amazing prices compared to other major cities. In the evening the snack trucks and the artisans with their tents around the park are the true gem. It’s also our favorite spot to go for something sweet after dinner.
See More
Ixchel Luxury Spa by MÍA Bacalar Luxury Resort and Spa
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
See More
The Yak Lake House
Yak Lake House is a hostel by the water and while it’s perfect for budget friendly travelers, it’s their activities that they offer throughout the week is why I added to our things to do. Even if you’re not staying at the Yak Lake House, you can still participate in their different activities .
See More
Book
Templo Madre Tierra
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.
See More

Where To Stay

Akalki - Sanctuary of Peace and Life & Eco Resort
There truly is no place like Bacalar and while there are a lot of places to stay in Bacalar, there truly is no place like Akalki. This eco retreat sits on the lagoon of seven colors away from all the other hotels. That means the water stays clearer without people stirring it up. The whole intention of Akalki is to connect with nature and yourself with free daily yoga classes and meals using ingredients straight from their garden! We chose an overwater bungalow. These offer the clearest entry into the water and it's crazy just how blue it always is. While the bungalows don't have ac even in the heat of the summer the breeze is strong and we still had fans. Despite that you still have one of the most plush beds, a full bathroom, and really strong Wifi. If you really need ac they do have cabanas. This place is truly like no other and still surprisingly a hidden gem to many people.
See More
Book
Kokoro Mio Santuario & Wellness
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!
See More
Book
CasaBakal
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.
See More
Book

Where To Eat

Café Tito Bacalar
This ended up being my favorite coffee shop! Really I was just addicted to their iced Nutella latte. They also do breakfast/dinner and really good pastries. Make sure to stay hi to the dog always chilling there. They also sell artisanal mazapán from one of the locals here so it’s a great foodie souvenir while supporting small
See More
Bacacrudo Cruderia Mazatleca
Im a huge aguachile fan! So when we found Bacacrudo I was so excited. 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!
See More