After your stay at Mahayana Tulum Beach Homes, there are amazing places to travel to in the Riviera Maya. A trip to Bacalar is a unique, off-the-radar gem in Mexico that poses to be an incredible adventure. As you leave Tulum for this trip, there is a mysterious quietness that welcomes you the moment that you head south out of Tulum Pueblo. As the businesses, gas stations and small, local homes taper off, you find yourself enveloped in nothing but green and the deep denseness of the Mayan jungle— a place that seems to be lost in time. There are a handful of abandoned hotels and villas— structures that sit like ghosts along the endless road and a few fruit stands selling bright yellow bananas, ripe mangos and pineapples by the bunch. This is the route to Bacalar.
Leaving Tulum The first time I travelled on this journey, I was surprised to see how underdeveloped the land was beyond our trendy tourist town. There is a quiet beauty in the long stretches of nothing and only a hint of the development that is sure to come. A few new hotels are starting to emerge South of Tulum. But for now, all is calm.
The Secret of Bacalar As you drive up to Bacalar's small, quaint village, you can hardly imagine that the town is becoming a new destination. There are small homes that freckle a network of streets and a few surprisingly alluring restaurants— offering anything from homemade tacos (served in someone’s backyard) to authentic Italian cuisine. But this is just the beginning.
As you venture deeper into of the village you can see it. A Laguna seems to glow with neon vivaciousness in the most brilliant shades of blue and green. Bacalar is named after Bacalar Lake or Laguna de Bacalar, one of Mexico's most beautiful natural wonders. Locals affectionately refer to the lake as “Lago de Los Siete Colores” or Lake of Seven Colors. Bacalar Lake is comprised of both freshwater and saltwater, which makes it the ideal place to take a dip or long swim. This mixture contributes to the intensity of the water’s shades. The vibrance of the blue is unbelievable. There are also several cenotes to explore within the lake itself. These cenotes vary in depth and contribute to the lake’s color variety. On the shore, you can see the beautifully dense mangrove that offers a rich, contrasting green infusion into the landscape-- an excellent contrast for photography enthusiasts. Many varieties of birds can be easily spotted along the shores and playing in the sky. A visit to Bacalar is the opposite of a busy tourist trap one can find in other parts of Riviera Maya. I have often travelled here with my family for a quiet night away and am always taken aback by how easy it is to feel like a local. The town is known for eco-tourism and you certainly feel a hippy vibe as you enter— people are friendly and a surprising expat community is eager to share their experiences and tips.
The Zocalo (public park in the town's centre) is newly redone, and many cute cafes and shops exist in the area. Balacar is a "Pueblo Magico," a designation given to Mexican towns that meet a high standard of beauty and culture. A large park with a public pool is and a public warf make accessing the water easier. There are no 'beaches,' so it is best to experience Lake Bacalar by getting out on the water or from a dock.
What to Do: Boat Tours: Arrive at the shores of Bacalar Lake, and you will not be far from a local offering guided tours. These are usually inexpensive and last 2-3 hours. Many boats include drinks and snacks and provide snorkel gear for just-below-the-surface exploration. If you prefer a private experience, the ultimate way to experience the area is a private charter and set sail on a catamaran or yacht. Keep in mind there are no boats permitted on the lake on Wednesdays - this day is reserved for birds and wildlife.
Kayaking + SUP: If you prefer exploring Bacalar Lake on your own, rent a kayak or paddleboard. The water is pretty calm, especially in the early mornings, and due to its natural chemical makeup, the view is crystal clear without too much seaweed or debris. The turquoise vibrance of the water is unlike anywhere else and is nice to enjoy at a slow pace.
Mayan Ruins: There are many lesser-known Mayan Ruins to discover, offering a more private and personal place to connect with history. Ruins in the area include Chacchoben, Dzibanche, Kohunlich, Becan, and Chicana.
Restaurants and Live Music: Madre Mesa is amazing for breakfast and pastries, with great Mayan flavours. Mango y Chile, conveniently located by the Fuerte de San Felipe de Bacalar—a historical forte with great views and rich pirate history—is a local staple with vegan options and the best home-cut fries in the area. Great new food spots are popping up all over town at a fraction of the price in Tulum. Many spots also offer live music.
The Important Bits: Bacalar is south of Tulum, just before Mexico’s border with Belize. We suggest taking the new Mayan Train from Tulum to Bacalar. The scenery is stunning, and the trains are brand new. It takes about 2.5 - 3 hours to get to Bacalar by train, bus, or rental car. It is best to spend at least 3 nights to experience the beauty of the place.
Mahayana Tulum Beach Homes is a collection of exclusive beachfront villas in Tulum, Mexico.
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