Lake Bacalar is known as the “lake of seven colors” for its incredible variety of blue shadows. Lake Bacalar is 50 kilometers long and 2 kilometers wide. The lake is a sweet water lake. It is located in a beautiful setting of Mangrove forests. Certainly it is a perfect place to spend the day swimming or kayaking. Windsurfing, water skiing, rowing or bird watching are other favorites. Along the lake side you will find a lot of little restaurants. Enjoy one of their local dishes.
What to do around Mahahual – Lake Bacalar
Magical City Bacalar
Gaspar Pacheco, a Spanish conquistador, is the founder of Santiago de Bacalar in 1545. During the 17th century pirates often attacked the town. In 1729 the “Fortress de San Felipe Bacalar” was completed to protect the inhabitants. Well worth a visit!
The Mexican ministry of tourism started its “Magical towns program“ in 2001. In short, the objective is to promote villages who offer visitors a magical experience. Bacalar recieved the label “Pueblo Magico” in 2006. Without doubt Bacalar earned this name because of their beautiful lagoon. In 2012 Mexico counted already with 83 “Magical towns”. Among others are Valladolid, Izamal and San Christobal de las Casas. We recomend to visit them on a round trip on the Yucatan Peninsula.
Cenote Azul
Leave Bacalar in the direction of Chetumal. After that you will see a sign after 5 km indicating “Cenote Azul”. This beautiful deep water cavern is supposedly 150 meters deep in the middle. As a result the water is very clear. Therefore it is a good alternative for diving when the Caribbean sea is too rough. There is a good open air restaurant on the side. From the restaurant you have a beautiful view over the Cenote. Admire all people who jump from the roof of the restaurant into the crystal clear water.
Other tours at Lake Bacalar
There are several tour operators organizing kayak, bicicle and jungle walks around Lake Bacalar. Above all we highly recommend Active Nature ! Combine a visit to Lake Bacalar with a visit to the Mayan temples of Chacchoben. A perfect day trip !
