Bacalar, Mexico: A Pueblo Mágico Where Nature Paints in Seven Colors

An hour away from Chetumal, the capital of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, is the small, historic town of Bacalar. It’s not as popular, or well-known, as the more touristy cities in the Yucatan Peninsula, but there are plenty of things to do in Bacalar to keep you busy throughout your stay.

Most people head to this idyllic town of Bacalar, Mexico, to experience The Lagoon of Seven Colours, but that’s just the beginning—there are plenty of things to do in Bacalar beyond the lagoon. From Mayan roots to laid-back vibes, Bacalar is where you go to get away from the crowds of Cancun, Tulum, and the Riviera Maya.

Whether you’re planning your first visit to Bacalar, Mexico, or seeking new adventures, this guide covers everything from the town’s history to its cenotes to its culinary scene, and a whole lot more. Keep reading to find out why Bacalar deserves a spot on your Mexican travel itineraries.

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The Pueblo Magico That is Bacalar

The Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) program was launched in 2001 with the purpose of certifying towns that provided a distinctive cultural or historical significance to the country. A town can also be named a pueblo mágico if they contain unique natural landscapes that can’t be found anywhere else in the country.

Pueblo mágicos are smaller towns that are less commercialized than major cities so there’s a better chance of visitors getting a unique and memorable Mexican experience. The program is very important to these small towns as it brings attention to them and often leads to higher levels of visitors.

The rich Mayan heritage, and colonial history allowed Bacalar to be named a Pueblo Magico in 2006. Of course having the breathtaking beauty of its lagoon – a natural wonder that can’t be found anywhere else in Mexico – didn’t hurt either.

A Very Brief History of Bacalar

Bacalar itself has a very rich history. Founded by the Mayans around 415 AD. In the 16th century the Spanish arrived and conquered the city, the first of their conquests in the region. Bacalar’s position on the banks of the lagoon was both a curse and a blessing, as its strategic location made it a target for pirates and led to the construction of the Fortress de San Felipe Bacalar in 1729.

Its days of protecting the town are long gone but the Fort of San Felipe is still standing strong. Nowadays it serves as a popular tourist attraction for visitors to take in amazing views of the Lagoon Of Seven Colours, and learn about the history of Bacalar from pre-Hispanic times to the early 20th century at it’s in-house museum.

The Laguna de los Siete Colores: Bacalarʼs Shimmering Heart

Water activities such as boating, sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding and swimming are the reasons why so many people head to Bacalar, Mexico. The lagoon itself is very long and the colours of the lake shifts from pale turquoise to deep indigo as the day progresses.

Why Is It Called the Lagoon of Seven Colours?

The mineral-rich limestone and varying depths of the water throughout the lagoon creates a place with a very unique geology. As the angle of the sun shifts throughout the day, it reflects off the lagoon’s bottom and the underwater vegetation which in turn produces different shades of blue. There are also many cenotes in the lagoon itself which helps to create distinct bands of colour.

Cloudy days aren’t the best days for visiting the lagoon and experiencing its colours but they can be a respite from the scorching heat during the hot summer months. Regardless of the weather, (except for hurricanes and tropical storms) there’s a lot of things to do in Bacalar both in, and out of the water.

How Do Canadians Get to Bacalar

It takes a bit of planning to get to get to Bacalar as there isn’t an airport within the town itself.

Canadian visitors need to be strategic with their travel planning as there are no direct flights to Bacalar. Getting there requires flying from Canadian airports like Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver to a U.S. airport, or in Mexico City. From either one of these stops there are direct connections to either Cancun, or the newer airport in Tulum. Upon landing you’d need to arrange ground transportation to Bacalar.

On my recent visit, I flew from Toronto to Atlanta, and then hopped on a direct connection from Atlanta to  Aeropuerto Internacional de Tulum Felipe Carrillo Puerto in Tulum. From there we had a two and a half hour drive to Bacalar.

If you don’t have a ride arranged you can grab a taxi (the most expensive option), rent a car, hop on an ADO Bus, or take the new Maya Tren to Bacalar. The Tren Maya, is a 1554 km long railroad that circles the peninsula and connects five states in total: The three states in the Yucatan Peninsula(Yucatán, Campeche, Quintana Roo), Chiapas, and Tobasco. This railway should definitely be a huge boost to tourism in the Yucatan Peninsula but only time will tell.

What To Expect As A First-Time Visitor To Bacalar

Bacalar makes you slow down and connect with its unique nature. It’s a compact, and easily navigable by foot or by bike. You definitely do not need a car here. In many on the hotels you’ll find people speaking English but it would be beneficial, and more importantly, appreciated, if you can learn a few Spanish phrases for your stay in Bacalar.

You’ll spend most of your time in Bacalar either in, or near the water. You’ll enjoy fresh air, you’ll interact with friendly locals, and you’ll enjoy a sense of calm that’s hard to find in busier destinations. Don’t expect sandy shores along the lagoon as it’s mostly limestone with some grassy areas, but don’t let this worry you as the clear and inviting water more than makes up for the lack of sand.

Where to Stay: Unique Hotels in Bacalar

From budget hostels to family friendly hotels to chic boutique hotels, Bacalar has unique accommodations to satisfy almost every taste and budget. Many are located right on the lagoon and most have private docks with comfortable loungers and hammocks. They often offer kayaks and paddleboards to their guests and all come with unbeatable sunrise views..

Here are three of the best hotels in Bacalar, Mexico, that are right on the water.

Amainah Bacalar Hotel

If you want to wake up right on the lagoon, Amainah Bacalar Hotel is a great pick. The hotel is adults-only, and all sixteen rooms have private balconies that face the water so guests are treated to the stunning sunrises that Bacalar is famous for. Some rooms come with a small plunge pool on the balconies that’s perfect for two people. The hotel has an amazing culinary program and also has its own kayaks for guests to explore the lagoon. Friendly staff are all around and more than happy to help with everything from dinner reservations to local trips.

Amaranto Bacalar Hotel Boutique

Amaranto Bacalar Hotel Boutique is small, known for the views, and is also right next door to Amainah. Each room overlooks the Lagoon of Seven Colours. There is also a private dock with lounge chairs where you can jump straight into the water or take a kayak out to the nearby Cenote Cocalitos. The vibe is relaxed and personal, with a quiet pool and lots of little corners to unwind. It’s a good fit with a homey atmosphere and easy access to the water. Another selling point for both Amaranto Bacalar Hotel and Amainah Bacalar Hotel is that both are within a ten minute walk to Cenote Azul, Bacalar.

Our Habitas Bacalar

Our Habitas Bacalar is for you if you like nature and a bit of adventure, but still require a comfy bed, and a real toilet. The rooms are stylish, tented cabins set between the jungle and the lagoon. Guests feel close to nature but still have all the essentials. At Habitas they focus a lot on wellness, with yoga classes, meditation, and even traditional Temazcal ceremonies. You can paddleboard or kayak right from their dock. Siete, the on-site restaurant, serves fresh, local food with a creative twist. In 2024, Our Habitas Bacalar received a Michelin key which is the award for exceptional hotels the world over.

Things to Do in Bacalar

Of course Bacalar offers up a lovely slice of Mexican life and while it is a small town, it’s packed with activities for every kind of traveler.

1. Explore the Lagoon of Seven Colours– Spend a day kayaking, swimming, or, paddleboarding in the lagoon. If you plan on kayaking then sunrise or sunset may the best times to be in the water for a truly unique experience.
2. Visit the cenotes in Bacalar – From Cenote Azul to Cenote Negro, to Esmeralda, and Cocalitos: Each one of these offer a unique swimming and sightseeing experience.
3. Discover Los Rapidos de Bacalar – This is a must for adventure seekers. Los Rapidos de Bacalar is a narrow, flowing section of the lagoon where you can float downstream, swim, or relax at a riverside restaurant. The water doesn’t move too fast but it’s especially clear, and you can observe more of the rare stromatolites.
4. Step back in time at the Fort of San Felipe – At this stone fortress visitors can learn all about Bacalarʼs local history, the Mayan culture, it’s pirate-plagued past, and the regionʼs infamous buccaneers.
5. Enjoy Bacalarʼs Pueblo Mágico Vibe – Bacalar was named a pueblo mágico in 2006. To soak up the vibes you need to stroll the colorful streets, shop for handicrafts, and soak up the relaxed pace of life. The central park of the town is always a hub of activity with vendors selling crafts and local treats. The Bacalar sign can also be found there so make sure you stop for photos.
6. Enjoy local eats – As mentioned before Bacalar is a small town but it does have a very vibrant food scene. From small mom and pop shops to gourmet restaurants at the hotels around town to noteworthy restaurants like Nixtamal where dinner is a whole sensory experience.

Where to Eat in Bacalar: From Street Food to Nixtamal

If you’re anything like me then you love to seek out local eats whenever you travel and this is one of the top things to do in Bacalar. In this small town you’ll find mouth-watering dishes being served from colourful family run restaurants to lagoon-front restaurants. It doesn’t really matter if you’re grabbing fresh ceviche at a casual spot or enjoying brunch from a hotel restaurant, service is always top notch and you’ll always be warmly welcomed. Most menus are made up of local ingredients and sustainable practices, so you can feel good about what’s on your plate while at a restaurant in Bacalar.

If you have to only eat at one restaurant make sure you head over to Nixtamal as it’s easily considered one of the best restaurants in Bacalar. The ambiance is set as soon as you enter the compound. To the left of the entrance is an open fire pit that has been going since the restaurant opened in 2017 and right behind that is an open air kitchen. Nixtamal specializes in wood-fired and charcoal-grilled dishes that blend Mexican tradition with modern creativity.

The are a couple of dining areas in the restaurant, one is open aired and set in a beautiful, and romantic, garden underneath mature trees, while the indoor dining area is a sort of studio where local art decorates the walls, and musicians come to serenade diners.

The most popular dishes on the menu at Nixtamal are their seafood dishes —think grilled lobster tail, passionfruit ceviche, and their signature Salmon Xocolatl. Yes, salmon with chocolate, not a combination I’d ever think of but the flavour on the fish from the charcoal pairs nicely with the dark chocolate. Nixtamal serves up delicious food, a romantic setting with excellent cocktails, and friendly, attentive service. All of this combines for a memorable evening out. If you’re making a list of things to do in Bacalar, be sure to save a night for dinner at Nixtamal—you won’t regret it.

Cenotes in Bacalar: Natureʼs Hidden Pools

The Yucatán Peninsula is famous for its cenotes – natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear groundwater – and Bacalar is no exception. In Bacalar, the cenotes are either open-air, or, are located in the lagoon itself. Make it a point to visit as many of the ones below as possible.

Cenote Azul

Just a short drive outside of town you’ll find Bacalar’s Cenote Azul. This cenote is the largest, and also one of the deepest cenotes in Mexico at over 90 metres deep. This circular freshwater pool with impossibly blue water is certainly the most famous cenote in Bacalar. Because of the varying depths of the water visitors can swim, snorkel, and even scuba dive here at Cenote Azul.

Cenote Negro (Black Cenote)

Cenote Negro is actually located in the lagoon itself. The best way to get to it is via boat, or kayak. Peering over the side of the boat I was struck by the dramatic shift in colour as water goes from turquoise to almost pitch black as the bottom of the lagoon suddenly falls away. It reminded me of a trip to St. Lucia we took many years ago. I was  snorkeling and saw the bottom of the ocean basically disappear. Needless to say I turned right around and headed right back to the safety of the boat.

Cenote Cocalitos

Cenote Cocalitos is another cenote that has shallow areas perfect for swimming, but also has areas that reaches to depths of around 30 metres. This cenote is also known for its concentration of stromatolites. At first glance you’d be forgiven for thinking that these are just mushroom shaped rock formations but they’re actually living fossils that are billions of years old.

The stromatolites play a very important role in the lagoon as they produce oxygen and help balance the chemical makeup of this fragile ecosystem. I think it’s safe to say that if these were removed the lagoon would die. The people of Bacalar knows this and they take every precaution they can to ensure that the stromatolites stay healthy. The lagoon is closed to everything but swimming on Wednesdays to give the lagoon a day to rest, and you’re not allowed in the water if you’re wearing sunscreen.

Wrapping Up: Your Bacalar, Mexico, Adventure Awaits

Bacalar, Mexico is the kind of place that gets under your skin in the best way. There’s just something about the slow pace, the ever-changing blues of the Lagoon of Seven Colours, and the warmth of this Pueblo Mágico that makes you want to linger. With so many things to do in Bacalar – whether you’re kayaking at sunrise, floating down Los Rapidos, or sampling delicious eats by the water – you’ll find yourself making mental notes for your next visit before you’ve even left. It’s a destination that invites you to relax, explore, and fall in love with the quieter side of the Yucatán.

Huge thanks to Mexican Caribbean Travel for hosting me on this trip. I was NOT compensated for this article and all opinions expressed are completely my own.