Bacalar

Bacalar is the Magical Town of the Lagoon of Seven Colors, in southern Quintana Roo, very close to Chetumal. SECTUR describes it as a lagoon of many hues, and the municipality presents it as the Lagoon of Seven Colors near the state capital.

Bacalar stands out for its fresh water, turquoise tones, cenotes in and around the lagoon, San Felipe Fort and a slower pace than the big Caribbean beach resorts. Its beauty calls for conservation: the lagoon contains sensitive ecosystems such as microbialites and stromatolites, so avoid touching formations, using harmful sunscreen or entering restricted areas.

🌡️ ClimateTropical savanna

👥 Population12,527

📅 Designated2006

⛰️ Altitude11 m

Customs & Gastronomy

Laguna de los Siete ColoresCenotesFuerte pirata

Gallery

What this place offers

📍

Laguna de Bacalar

Aguas de siete tonos de azul sobre fondo de estromatolitos.

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Fuerte de San Felipe

Fortaleza del s. XVIII contra los piratas.

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Cenote Azul

Cenote abierto de gran profundidad.

How to get to Bacalar

✈️ Nearest airport: Chetumal (CTM), about 20 km in a straight line.
🚗 From Mérida: about 284 km in a straight line.
🚗 From Cancún: about 320 km in a straight line.

When to visit Bacalar

Warm all year: the dry season (November to April) is the most comfortable time to visit; summer brings afternoon rain.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Bacalar?

Bacalar is a Magical Town in the state of Quintana Roo, 11 meters above sea level. It is about 284 km in a straight line from Mérida and 320 km from Cancún.

What is the closest airport to Bacalar?

The closest commercial airport is Chetumal (CTM), about 20 km in a straight line.

When is the best time to visit Bacalar?

Warm all year: the dry season (November to April) is the most comfortable time to visit; summer brings afternoon rain.

What to do in Bacalar?

Don't miss: Laguna de Bacalar, Fuerte de San Felipe and Cenote Azul.

Since when has Bacalar been a Magical Town?

Bacalar was designated a Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) in 2006.

Which Magical Towns are near Bacalar?

The closest are Tekax, Yucatán (194 km), Tulum, Quintana Roo (196 km) and Maní, Yucatán (217 km).