Crystal clear mint-green waters and swinging hammocks hanging above the water – Lake Bacalar is the sort of modern-day paradise every traveler dreams of.
Lake Bacalar is known for its 7-color lagoon, a stunning freshwater lagoon with amazingly beautiful turquoise waters and countless opportunities to cool off in the intense Mexican sun.
Bacalar Lake or Bacalar lagoon is only a 2-hour drive from Tulum, but with its laid-back, calming atmosphere, the town tends to attract curious travelers looking for less conventional places. Officially named Pueblo Mágico (Magic Town) in 2006, Bacalar is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful sites in the Yucatan peninsula.
If you are looking for a tourist destination Mexican little known then Bacalar lake is the perfect choice for you!
What's special about traveling to Lake Bacalar Mexico?
If you've ever researched the Yucatán, you've heard of cenotes—basically sinkholes, formed by the area's porous limestone bedrock, filled with fresh groundwater. Cenotes have been of considerable importance here for millennia - they provided the Mayans with a steady source of drinking water and were used in religious ceremonies, including those involving sacrifices. human.
The Bacalar Lagoon is actually a bunch of cenotes that have collapsed together and form a 26-mile-long lagoon (possibly the largest freshwater lake in Mexico!). It has seven vibrant colors thanks to its white sandy bottom and crystal clear water at different depths.
Relax on the lagoon in Bacalar @karykaryalvarez
You'll see all sorts of blues in the water: from light turquoise to deep blue and indigo. So why is it so green? The reason is because of the different depths of water in the lagoon. The shallow part has clear mint juice; while the deepest points have dark blue water.
Lake Bacalar is a lagoon, i.e. a saltwater lake formed by ocean waves. That means lagoons are always found near the sea. There are almost 2 million lakes around the world, but there are very few lagoons, making them quite unique!
Lake Bacalar has many areas with different colors @silvianel
To protect the lagoon and its vibrant colors during your visit, there are a few rules you must follow while in the water, most importantly, don't wear sunscreen (even reef-safe ones). or biodegradable!), as it can negatively affect the pH balance of the water and damage its fragile ecosystem.
Beautiful lagoon in Mexico seen from above @slowlyanywhere
The town of Bacalar is small and easily walkable. But the lagoon itself is huge and you will need to take a boat or kayak to explore its different parts. Almost every motel/hotel offers kayak rental or free use.
Lake Bacalar is very colorful @thatsmarbear
Although Lake Bacalar Mexico is a year-round destination, the best time to visit is from January to March, when temperatures are a bit more pleasant and there are fewer crowds. Avoid the August to October hurricane season and December peak season when prices are higher. The rainy season lasts from June to November, with the rainiest months in September and October.
Lake Bacalar has plenty of accommodation, but it's still quite rural and the infrastructure is pretty basic. Even luxury hotels may not have good WiFi, and most guesthouses don't serve breakfast.
