One of the most beautiful places in Mexico was definitely Bacalar. Lake Bacalar, to be more specific. What a picture that was! As if you were standing on the edge of a big, blue swimming pool. Or somewhere in the Maldives... But then including delicious Mexican food.

We finally had sun when we arrived in Bacalar. Maybe that's why we enjoyed this place even more and why it's a bit higher on our favorites list, but anyway this remains an amazing place and a must-visit when you're in Mexico.

Where is that then?

Bacalar is located in the south of Yucatan, near the border with Belize. That is also the reason why many people do not know it: it is quite far out of the way when you travel around Yucatan. People who travel from South America often know it, because you practically pass it from Belize, on the way to Tulum for example.

We came from Merida in the north of Yucatan and traveled with the ADO bus. The journey normally takes 5,5 hours but unfortunately we were on the road for about 7,5 hours. Well, that can always happen of course. Fortunately the ADO buses are very comfortable (but very very cold!) and there is a toilet on board the bus.

Overnight stay in Bacalar

If you are planning to travel to Mexico in January, make sure to book your hotels well in advance. It is high season and especially in the first week of January many hotels are fully booked because Americans and Mexicans are still on holiday. In Bacalar the supply (within our budget) is also not that great, so if you still want to find affordable accommodation, start looking in advance. We stayed in The Yak Lake House: 3 nights for €220,- Anything but cheap. This hostel (with private rooms) does have a beautiful location right on the lake, good reviews and exudes a lot of hipness. Also definitely a fantastic place if you travel alone, because they have an adult-only policy (yay, no children!) and they have an insanely cozy terrace with bar and music on the lake.

How long do you have to stay?

Before I started looking into Mexico, I had never heard of Bacalar, let alone had an idea how long you can be happy here. After reading blogs about this destination, we decided to stay here for 3 nights. More than this would really not be necessary. In itself, you can do and see everything in 4 days, but then really count on four whole days. We arrived in Bacalar in the evening on day 1 and we had already lost that day. In total, we had two whole days, and on day four we had to get on the bus again to the next destination. So ... advice: first check carefully what time you arrive and depart from Bacalar and make sure you have at least 3 whole days.

Swinging in the water at Los Cocalitos

When I saw pictures of the swing in the blue water I just thought: 'I have to go there!' And yes, ladies and gentlemen: been there, done that. This cool location is called Los Cocalitos, and from the center you can get here in ten minutes by taxi. The ride costs about 40 MXN (1,70 euros) and the entrance fee at Los Cocalitos is 25 MXN (1,00 euros). By the way, you don't pay the entrance fee at a cash register, but a man comes to you. Great!

Don't expect too much from this, because it's quite small-scale (but still awesome!) There is a grass field where you can put your towel, or you can sit at a picnic table in the shade. There is a small restaurant where you can get food and drinks, or you can bring your own lunch. You can do anything. If all goes well, the guy from just now will give you instructions about the 'stromatolites' in the water. These are living (!) stones that you are not allowed to touch, and it can be compared to coral. Touching = fatal. Otherwise no problem, you swim around it and don't come across it again.

Los Rapidos, floating in rapids

About 20 minutes drive from the center of Bacalar you will find Los Rapidos. A natural rapid of a few meters in which you let yourself float and can snorkel. Here again those 'stromatolites' and crystal clear water.

The taxi to this remote piece of entertainment costs about 100 MXN (4,50 euros). You can arrange with your taxi driver that he will pick you up at a certain time. This will make the driver happy (because: nice ride) and you don't have to wait another half hour until you are picked up if you have someone call at the reception. It is so remote that the taxi has to come from the center anyway.

Turn left at the hammocks

As you can see in the picture below, the trail is not very long. At the stairs you enter the water. At about the height of the inlet that you see at the top right of the picture, you have to turn left again onto the waterfront. There are hammocks in the water where you can relax and from there you can walk back to the restaurant. Make sure you really get out of the water at the hammocks and don't let yourself float further than that, otherwise you won't get back.

Rent a kayak and go

The lake is of course per-fect to discover for a few hours by kayak! Our hotel is located on the lake so from there we can go straight onto the water with a kayak. We pay about 100 MXN per hour (4,50 euros) and in total we are gone for four hours. In the morning you see little difference in the colors of the water, but the higher the sun rises during the day, the more beautiful the color difference becomes! On the sides you can moor in the shallow water and swim or just enjoy the view. Because it is really beautiful there.

If you don't have a hotel on the water where you can rent a kayak, you can go to Las Cocalitos. It is also possible to discover the lake for a day on a sailboat. This costs about 500-600 MXN per person and often you are with a maximum of 6 people on a boat including food and drinks. You can book a sailboat in the center or at your hotel.

Food and Drink in Bacalar

Bacalar has a nice center with many restaurants. From local and cheap to hip and expensive. These are at least a few nice addresses.

Mango and Chile
Avenida 3 Fuerte San Felipe | Between streets 22 and 24, Bacalar
A vegetarian restaurant with delicious burgers and a beautiful view of the lake. Get a spot on the terrace and enjoy the vegetarian burger, because it is really delicious! Fresh juice and it is good to stay here. If you come here for lunch you could also share 1 burger (including fries) together, because just like in all of Mexico the portion is way too big.

The beach
Av. Costera Esq. Calle 26, Bacalar
A super atmospheric restaurant to have lunch or dinner is La Playita. This restaurant is located on the water and is located between many trees and beautiful plants. The menu is also phenomenal, but not very cheap. Many vegetarian options and here too applies: share! The portions are large.

Fall in love 
77930, Calle 18 108, Centro, Bacalar
A great place to have lunch is Enamora in the center of Bacalar. You eat sandwiches with all kinds of great toppings and that is nice when you can't see quesadillas and tacos anymore.

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