Plizio Visual Lab

Bacalar

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
City
—°10
Bacalar (Mexico)
ℹ️

Practical info — Bacalar

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

Bacalar is famously known as the 'Lagoon of Seven Colors,' a name derived from the varying depths and white sandy bottoms that create seven distinct shades of blue and turquoise. Unlike most Caribbean destinations, this is a massive freshwater lagoon. One of its most unique features is the presence of stromatolites, rare living fossils that are among the oldest life forms on Earth and are strictly protected. The town itself holds the title of 'Pueblo Mágico' (Magic Town), reflecting its charm and history. Dominating the waterfront is the Fort of San Felipe, an 18th-century stone fortress built to defend against pirate raids. Today, it serves as a museum chronicling the region's pirate history. Nearby, the Cenote Azul has a deep-blue, open-air sinkhole excellent for swimming and surrounded by lush vegetation. For those seeking adventure, exploring the lagoon by kayak or sailboat is highly recommended, especially at sunrise. Popular spots include the 'Pirates' Channel' and 'Los Rapidos,' where a natural current carries swimmers through crystal-clear waters. Bacalar focuses on eco-tourism, offering many sustainable accommodations and a much quieter atmosphere than the northern Riviera Maya. Located in southern Quintana Roo near the border with Belize, Bacalar is best reached via Chetumal airport or by bus from Tulum. The optimal time to visit is from November to April. It is the well-suited destination for travelers who value nature, sustainable travel, and a peaceful escape from the modern world.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C232526282827272727252423
Rain mm6138333911820612217319020711976

Geography

Population
11,513 (2015)
Coordinates
18.67615, -88.38935

Facts

  • Nicknamed the Lagoon of Seven Colors
  • Home to rare living fossils called stromatolites
  • Historic San Felipe Fort protected it from pirates
  • It is a freshwater lagoon, not saltwater
  • Holds the 'Pueblo Mágico' status since 2006
  • Home to the 90-meter deep Cenote Azul
  • Popular for kayaking and sailing at sunrise
  • Located near the border with Belize

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Bacalar (10)

Emerald Cenote📍 landmark

An emerald-colored cenote with crystal-clear water near Bacalar Lagoon.

Birds Island🌿 nature

A small island in Bacalar Lagoon known for birdwatching.

What SUP📍 landmark

A stand-up paddleboard rental point on the shores of Bacalar Lagoon.

NAO Japanese Fusion🌿 nature

A natural area with a Japanese fusion restaurant on Bacalar Lagoon.

🕒 Mo-Su 09:30-22:30

Black Cenote🌿 nature

A dark-water cenote in the Bacalar region.

Public beach📍 landmark

A public sandy beach along the shore of Bacalar Lagoon.

Magical Spa🎡 recreation

A spa offering treatments with views of Bacalar Lagoon.

Bacalar Dany🏰 castle

A castle-like building near Bacalar Lagoon.

Balneario🎡 recreation

A recreational water park with pools and slides on Bacalar Lagoon.

Beach Club Blú🎡 recreation

Public bath on Bacalar Lagoon, suitable for families and relaxation.

Frequently asked questions

Bacalar: where is it located?
Bacalar is located in Mexico.
Bacalar: what is there to see?
Highlights include Emerald Cenote, Birds Island, What SUP.
Bacalar: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Bacalar: why is it worth visiting?
Bacalar is famously known as the 'Lagoon of Seven Colors,' a name derived from the varying depths and white sandy bottoms that create seven distinct shades of blue and turquoise.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
North America
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in North America
More places in Mexico →

Nearby cities

History & landmarks

More places