Bacalar is a synonym of magic, sun, white fine sands and turquoise waters full of freedom and joy.
Legend has it that pirates used to hide their treasures in the jungle where this Magical Town (Pueblo Mágico) is set.
The seven colors lagoon where you will have a unique snorkeling experience is the main attraction in Bacalar.
This lagoon is part of a system of lagoons that connect with Chetumal, a most amazing bay where one can go diving, practice kayaking, and camp.
There is also a Sailing Club that offers marine wildlife watching tours.
Upon entering the town, we face the Fuerte de San Felipe dating back to the XVIII century, when it was built to protect the village from pirate attacks and from the British army all of whom wanted to gain access to the forests rich in fine woods and tree bark for textile dyeing.
The fort used to have a drawbridge and a moat, which instead of water was full of stakes.
Today, the fort houses a Piracy Museum with a permanent exhibit of items such as weapons, documents and other interesting items that describe why this area was so alluring to pirates.
Take a while to visit the San Joaquin Parrish, the House of Culture, and then stroll around in the main square.
February is the month for the Bacalar Carnival, which fills the streets and the air with colorful folklore, batucada, and joyful rhythmic celebration.
August sees the San Joaquin festivities in honor of the patron saint with open air dances, motor boat and jet ski races, and a delicious feast of local and Yucateca cuisines which will fascinate your palate with some exotic Mayan ingredients that you may have never tried before.

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Don’t miss the archeological site Kan-K’in (on the Chetumal-Cancún road).
The Cenote Route will take you to the fantastic Cenote Azul (Blue Cenote) 3 km from Bacalar, and the Emerald Cenote (Cenote Esmeralda) inside the lagoon and by the hotel strip; it is so magical and exciting to dive and swim among the roots and trunks that intertwine in labyrinths between rock formations and gaps.
Both Cenotes are very deep and you must go with a guide in order to be safe.
Become a temporary pirate –or at least experience what they did- in the Pirate Route, where you will tour the whole bay to reach a flat beach of sulfur sand.
Go treasure hunting for some handicrafts at the markets where you will find everything, from a tiny seashell to beautiful hand woven textiles dyed with tree barks and colorful hammocks.
Thus, you are invited to plunge into the mysterious depth of the Cenotes, to relax in the clear, warm water of the lagoon, to immerse yourself in its fantastic history, or simply disengage yourself from the frantic city life.
Enhance your trip with this nearby destination: Chetumal (40km away, it is a diving paradise where you can also swim, snorkel, go deep sea fishing –among other water sports-, or experience ecotourism and venture into the jungle).
Things to do and see: Snorkel, diving, kayaking, swimming, paddle, sailing, camping, trekking; visit the cenotes, and lagoons, the archeological sites, museums, and temples; and enjoy it cuisine, festivities and folklore.
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