Holiday in Bacalar
City in Mexico — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇲🇽
Country
Mexico
Type
City
Best time to travel
November to April (dry season, fewer algae, clearest colors)
Budget/day
60-100€: Boutique hotel by the water, boat tour, restaurants
Getting there from Germany
Flight to Cancún (about 12h), then 5h bus/car to Bacalar. Alternatively, fly to Chetumal (1h away).
Deals for Bacalar:
What makes Bacalar special as a destination?
Bacalar is Mexico's best-kept secret — a small town on the 'Lagoon of Seven Colors', shimmering in endless shades of blue, turquoise, and emerald. The 55 km long freshwater lagoon over a limestone bed creates a color spectacle that rivals the sea. Bacalar is the relaxed counterpart to the touristy Riviera Maya — still quiet, still authentic, still affordable.
What are the top highlights in Bacalar?
The top highlights in Bacalar include Lagoon of Seven Colors, Cenote Azul, Canal de los Piratas, Fuerte San Felipe.
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Lagoon of Seven Colors
The freshwater lagoon shimmers in seven different shades of blue — best admired from a boat or kayak.
Cenote Azul
The deep blue cenote (90m deep!) at the edge of the lagoon is perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Canal de los Piratas
The narrow canal between mangroves with stromatolites (living rocks, billions of years old) is a natural wonder.
Fuerte San Felipe
The Spanish fortress from the 18th century on the lakeshore houses a small museum and offers lagoon panorama.
Hotels in Bacalar
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Reise-SIM für Bacalar
Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
When is the best time to visit Bacalar?
The best time to visit Bacalar is November to April (dry season, fewer algae, clearest colors). Hot and humid, 30-36°C, rainy season June-October, hurricane season In winter: Warm and dry, 24-32°C, perfect weather
Recommended travel time
November to April (dry season, fewer algae, clearest colors)
Summer
Hot and humid, 30-36°C, rainy season June-October, hurricane season
Winter
Warm and dry, 24-32°C, perfect weather
How much does a holiday in Bacalar cost?
Budget travellers: 25-40€: Hostel with lagoon access, street food tacos, kayak rental/day, mid-range: 60-100€: Boutique hotel by the water, boat tour, restaurants/day, luxury: 180€+: Overwater bungalow, private sailing tour, spa/day.
Average costs per person per day
Budget
25-40€: Hostel with lagoon access, street food tacos, kayak rental
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
60-100€: Boutique hotel by the water, boat tour, restaurants
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
180€+: Overwater bungalow, private sailing tour, spa
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
How do I get from Germany to Bacalar?
Flight to Cancún (about 12h), then 5h bus/car to Bacalar. Alternatively, fly to Chetumal (1h away).
Book a package holiday to Bacalar
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Compare package holidays nowWhat travel tips are there for Bacalar?
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Definitely book a hotel or hostel WITH lagoon access — that's half the experience!
Book a boat tour to the Canal de los Piratas — the stromatolites are 3.5 billion years old
Bacalar is still quiet — no comparison to Tulum or Playa del Carmen, but it's growing quickly
Avoid sunscreen while swimming — the lagoon is a sensitive ecosystem
What should you eat in Bacalar?
Typical specialities in Bacalar: Tacos al Pastor — Marinated pork from the spit with pineapple, the classic, Ceviche de Caracol — Sea snail ceviche with lime, habanero, and cilantro, regionally typical, Cochinita Pibil — Slowly cooked pork in achiote paste wrapped in banana leaves, a Yucatán specialty, Agua de Chaya — Refreshing drink made from the Maya superfood chaya leaf with lime.
These specialties you must try!
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