Bacalar is a town in southern Mexico, on the shore of a long freshwater lagoon that people often call the Lake of Seven Colors. The water shifts between turquoise and deep sapphire depending on the light and the depth, and it is the main reason most visitors come.
What to do
- Kayak the lagoon and paddle through the cenotes, the deep natural pools that open into the water.
- Swim in the clear water, which is surrounded by lush jungle.
- Visit the Fort of San Felipe, a historic fort on the lagoon's edge.
The setting suits a slower kind of trip. Much of the appeal is simply being on the water, watching the colors change and the jungle come down to the shore. Days here tend to be spent outdoors, with the lagoon as the centre of each one.
Bacalar works well as a base for a relaxed stay rather than a packed itinerary. Plan for time in and on the water, and for a few quiet hours near the fort, which gives the town its historic thread. Visitors who enjoy nature, gentle paddling and swimming in fresh water will likely find it rewarding.
