Experience the magical hues of Bacalar Centro on Mexico's stunning Lake Bacalar. The historic San Felipe Fort overlooks the famous "Seven Colours Lagoon" while the lively main square buzzes with local charm. Colonial buildings with weathered facades line cobblestone streets leading to wooden docks. Travellers enjoy affordable adventures here compared to Tulum or Cancun. The waterfront promenade offers perfect sunset views across turquoise waters. Most attractions sit within a 10-minute walk of the central plaza. Kayak rentals and boat tours provide easy access to the crystal-clear lagoon.
Mario Villanueva Madrid borders the breathtaking Lake Bacalar, known for its seven distinct shades of blue. This peaceful residential area offers a genuine glimpse into authentic Mexican life, away from tourist crowds. The area strikes a perfect balance between lakeside beauty and local charm. Budget travellers will appreciate the affordable family-run guesthouses and local eateries serving delicious Yucatecan cuisine. Mornings bring the gentle sounds of cockerels and tropical birds. The crystalline waters provide perfect spots for swimming and snorkelling without the crowds found elsewhere in Bacalar.
The Magisterial area offers an authentic slice of Mexican life just minutes from Bacalar's stunning lake attractions. Local homes painted in soft pastels line unpaved streets where children play and cockerels crow at dawn. This quiet residential haven feels worlds away from tourist zones. Budget-friendly guesthouses and family rentals make this area ideal for travellers seeking value. Small family-run comedores serve delicious Yucatecan dishes at local prices. The famous Lake Bacalar with its magical cenotes is just a short drive away.
While there might not be top attractions in Luis Donaldo Colosio, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Laguna Bacalar Ecological Park and Fort of San Felipe.
Diego Rojas Zapata offers a peaceful slice of authentic Mexican life just minutes from Lake Bacalar's stunning blue waters. This residential area provides budget-friendly lodging in small guesthouses and family-run posadas. The unpaved streets and colourful concrete homes create a genuine local atmosphere far from tourist crowds. Visitors can easily reach the famous "Lake of Seven Colours" and attractions like Cenote Negro with a short walk. Morning birdsong and evening tranquility replace nightlife here. The neighborhood's simplicity and proximity to natural wonders make it perfect for travellers seeking both value and authenticity.
Discover the most popular places to visit in Bacalar
Laguna Bacalar Ecological Park
9.6/10 (1,148 reviews)
Traverse a kilometer-long pier through protected mangroves at Bacalar Ecopark, overlooking Mexico's "Lagoon of Seven Colours." Morning visits showcase vibrant views of the turquoise waters.
Cenote Cocalitos
9.2/10 (769 reviews)
Swim among stromatolites, some of Earth's oldest living organisms, in Cenote Cocalitos' turquoise waters. Relax afterwards in over-water hammocks with views across this unique ecological sanctuary.
Fort of San Felipe
9.0/10 (955 reviews)
This 18th-century fortress once defended Bacalar against pirates, now offering a glimpse into colonial Mexico. Explore its bastions and museum while enjoying panoramic views of the turquoise lagoon.
Photo by Juan Pablo Pantoja
Open Photo by Juan Pablo Pantoja
Cenote Azul
9.2/10 (94 reviews)
Plunge into Cenote Azul's crystal-clear waters, reaching depths of 90 metres in this expansive natural pool. Swim, snorkel, or enjoy lunch at the waterside restaurant while gazing across the stunning blue expanse.
Cenote Esmeralda
9.8/10 (95 reviews)
Dive into Cenote Esmeralda's crystal-clear turquoise waters, feeding Bacalar's famous Lagoon of Seven Colours. Morning visits offer serene swimming and exceptional underwater visibility in this natural Mexican sinkhole.
Cenote Negro
9.8/10 (130 reviews)
Plunge into Cenote Negro's mysterious dark waters, a striking contrast to Bacalar Lagoon's turquoise hues. Kayak through this natural sinkhole while learning about local legends that surround this 100-meter-deep wonder.
Municipal Spa of Bacalar
8.6/10 (255 reviews)
This public spa offers direct access to Bacalar's famous "Lagoon of Seven Colours" with its stunning blue hues. Bring water shoes for the slippery steps and eco-friendly sun cream to preserve the pristine waters.
Zócalo
9.6/10 (14 reviews)
You can find out about the history of Bacalar with a stop at Zócalo.
What to do in Bacalar
Bacalar: 3-hr Pontoon Boat Tour with Beach Club + Kayaks
"The good: the staff were super friendly and helpful; the breakfasts and desserts were great; and the location on the lagoon was perfect. The not-so-good: the resort pools need to be repaired (peeling floors) and the whole property could use an update and some TLC."
"I love this place! The view to the lagoon from the rooms is amazing. The place is clean and well maintained. Housekeepers and receptionists were nice and helpful. If you need transportation to different points in the area receptionist can call a 🚖 for you. Taxis charge $60 Mexican pesos to take you anywhere (Roughly $4dls) one way anywhere in Bacalar. As far as the downside the rooms are small, we were 4 people in one tiny 2 double bedroom and beds are a little to hard for me. Although they...
"Beautiful place! Would’ve given it 5 stars but what they did is not ok and not fair. They put the room out for a certain price for one night and when I changed it online to 3 nights it said they were fully booked for the other two nights. The next day I checked again and there weee rooms available but they had tripled the price. It was pricey enough as it is that is ridiculous and shouldn’t happen if they really want tourism to come back. The reason tourism is down I exactly for this reason."
"I stayed in Carolina for 6 days and we absolutely loved it! The staff was so nice, the dining area was incredible, and the waiters went above and beyond—they definitely deserve a raise! I traveled with three kids (ages 9, 6, and 2), and the water was perfect for them since it was very shallow. My husband had to work during our stay, but the staff also went above and beyond by setting up a large table for his computer to make his workspace much more comfortable. Additionally, tour bookings are...
"The best hotel in Bacalar. i have been coming to Akalki for over 14 years and never disappoints. Take note that the bungalow rooms on the water ( 1-4) do have air conditioning - the website ( expedia listing ) is not clear about that.
Make sure to take a tour to go visit the temple and take Akalki boat tour on the water with your captain Yan. Every morning there is a holistic experience of either sound healing, yoga , meditation - endulge in these experiences as well. The spa is also incredible...
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
You'll find cheap prices on Expedia for your Bacalar getaway. However, a range of factors like the length of stay, hotel choice and season will determine how much your holiday to Bacalar costs.
What are the cheapest months to go to Bacalar?
September, October and November are the best times to look for cheap Bacalar holiday packages. Travelling in quieter periods means you can usually find better prices on accommodation and flights.
How many days is enough for Bacalar?
Allow around 3 days for your Bacalar holiday to discover everything that makes this destination special. Explore key neighbourhoods, including Mario Villanueva Madrid and Bacalar Centro. Then tick off top sights such as Fort of San Felipe and Cenote Negro. With a clever itinerary, you can keep busy with room for some downtime too. Want to travel beyond Bacalar? Consider squeezing in a day trip or two.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Bacalar?
Bacalar has everything you need for the perfect break — watersports, underwater activities and nature are just the start. Whether you want to check out attractions like Laguna Bacalar Ecological Park and Cenote Cocalitos, or take the path less traveled, you'll have plenty to see and do on your Bacalar holiday.
How to find the best Bacalar package deals?
Begin your search for a Bacalar package deal by entering your destination and travel dates under our "Packages" tab. Then add a few filters, like "Property type" and "Popular locations," to tailor the results to your exact needs. You can also sort by "Package discount" and browse offers that come with big savings. If you don't find the perfect Bacalar package deal right away, simply switch up your dates and search again. Bear in mind that deals are only available for a limited time, so book early and get your Bacalar adventure underway.
Is it cheaper to book a Bacalar holiday as a package?
Expedia holiday packages are designed to help you keep more money in your pocket. Bundle your flight, hotel and car rental into one great-value price and enjoy significant savings. You'll usually score a better deal than booking each component individually. And you'll still have the freedom to create a personalised Bacalar holiday by choosing your preferred airline, accommodation type and car class.
When to book a holiday package to Bacalar?
If you're planning a spur-of-the-moment Bacalar trip, check out our last-minute deals that can be booked up to a week before you go. Prefer not to wait until the last minute? You can land incredible deals on your flights and hotels by booking well in advance.
How to plan a trip to Bacalar?
Pick your dates: The things you want to do in Bacalar and your favourite season will help you decide when to travel.
Set your budget: Factor in costs like flights, transportation and food when calculating how much to set aside for your trip to Bacalar. Then, choose a hotel that suits your budget, whether that's an affordable stay or a swankier getaway.
Decide how long to go away for: Now that you're more familiar with Bacalar, you can work out the ideal length of your break. Pull together a draft plan and allocate enough time to get through everything on your must-do list.
Bundle your airfare and accommodation: Once you've settled on your dates and duration, lock in the ideal Bacalar holiday package for you.