Discovering Bacalar: Mexico’s Lagoon of Seven Colors
We recently visited Bacalar after hearing about this somewhat hidden lagoon nearly a year ago. Often called the “Lagoon of Seven Colors,” Bacalar offers a quieter, more laid-back alternative to Mexico’s busier beach destinations. If you’re looking for clear turquoise water, slow mornings, and a relaxed atmosphere, this is the place.
Located about three hours south of Tulum, Bacalar feels worlds away from the crowds. The closest airport is Chetumal, a 40-minute drive from town. You can also get there via the Tren Maya, which is the route we took from Tulum, making the journey part of the adventure.
About Bacalar
What makes Bacalar special is its stunning freshwater lagoon, known as Laguna de Bacalar. Unlike the ocean, the lagoon is calm, warm, and perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or simply floating the day away.
You won’t find massive beach clubs or nonstop nightlife. It’s an ideal destination for anyone wanting to disconnect and recharge.
Where to Stay
We stayed at Hotel Amainah, a boutique property with stunning, unobstructed views of the lagoon. Unlike places like Cancun, Bacalar doesn’t have mega resorts or all inclusive hotels. Instead, you’ll find charming boutique hotels that feel much more intimate.
We spent three nights here, which felt like the perfect amount of time to fully unwind. We ended up booking directly through the hotel’s website and scored a great deal on a room with two queen beds instead of one king. Since we sleep on a queen at home, it didn’t bother us.
If you’re planning a trip, we highly recommend choosing a place with direct lagoon access. Being able to step right into the water whenever you want is completely worth it.
It’s also worth mentioning that Bacalar is fairly spread out, and because of the slight inclines, it’s not the most walkable destination. Where you stay matters less in terms of proximity to town and more in terms of lagoon views and access. Taxis are very affordable and easy to find, making it simple to get wherever you want to go without much hassle.
Things to Do in Bacalar
Take a Lagoon Boat Tour. One of the best ways to see Bacalar is by boat. Tours typically take you across Laguna de Bacalar, stopping at shallow swimming areas and cenotes within the lagoon. We booked a 4-hour boat tour on Viator with Amir Adven Tours for $54.60 per person (included open bar and snacks).
Visit Los Rápidos. This natural lazy river flows through ancient living rock formations, and you can gently float along the current. The cost is 200 pesos ($10 USD) per person, making it a budget-friendly activity, with lockers available for 50 pesos plus a 50 peso refundable deposit.
Kayak or Paddleboard at Sunrise. Renting a kayak or paddleboard lets you explore at your own pace. Our hotel offered free kayaks.
Explore Cenote Azul. Just outside town (and across the street from Hotel Amainah), Cenote Azul is a deep, open cenote perfect for swimming and relaxing. It’s known for its rich blue color and depth.
Where to Eat
Two restaurants really stood out for both the food and atmosphere, Nixtamal and La Playita.
Nixtamal offers a more elevated, modern take on Mexican cuisine with beautifully presented dishes and a cozy, intimate, and romantic vibe. The aguachile and lobster were absolutely incredible!
La Playita is set right on the lagoon, with a laid-back, open-air atmosphere, fresh seafood, and beautiful water views. The empanadas were amazing!
