Best of Bacalar

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Bacalar
In the far southeast of the Yucatan Peninsula, the tiny settlement of Bacalar perches along a crystal-clear lagoon of dazzling shades of blue. Located in a relatively remote part of Mexico (Cancun is about a five-hour drive north), the Laguna Bacalar draws only a handful of travelers, and the sleepy small-town vibe feels like the perfect antidote to the built-up resorts further north. Days are spent basking along the water, indulging in mouthwateringly fresh seafood, and paddling or sailing along the forest-lined shore.

Previous kimkim travelers have experienced the vibrant beauty of the lagoon on sailing adventures, with stops for swimming and snorkeling. You’ll also see first-hand why Bacalar is called the “laguna de siete colores” (lagoon of seven colors). As you pass over varying depths with light reflecting off the white-sand bottom, the water morphs into rich shades of blue, turquoise, indigo and aquamarine. A tour by kayak is another way to see the technicolor beauty, while also allowing you to visit rarely seen parts of the lagoon, accessible only to the smallest of watercraft.
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Take in the ancient Maya ruins and lie out on the pristine beaches of the Riviera Maya
Map of Riviera Maya Road Trip - 13 Days
Riviera Maya Road Trip - 13 Days

The Caribbean side of Mexico isn't known as the western Riviera for nothing—this stunning section of coast is lined with white-sand beaches home to towering hotels overlooking turquoise waters. More than that, it's filled with ancient Maya ruins, fairy-tale cenotes, and unspoiled nature reserves. You'll see all this and more as you spend 13 days on a self-drive tour around the region's natural highlights and resort towns—from Tulum to Playa del Carmen to Holbox Island.

Bacalar lagoon
Map of Highlights of Chiapas and Quintana Roo - 14 Days
Highlights of Chiapas and Quintana Roo - 14 Days

Take in the views from atop ancient Mayan pyramids and underneath waterfalls with this two-week trip through some of the region's top spots. You'll wander through complex Mayan ruins, along turquoise shores, and into jungles as you learn about Mexican history and ecosystems.

Explore ancient ruins in Tulum with the kids
Map of Family Adventure on Mexico's Costa Maya - 14 Days
Family Adventure on Mexico's Costa Maya - 14 Days

Mexico's Costa Maya region is an ideal destination for families, whether your kids are tiny, nearly grown, or somewhere in between. The combination of beautiful beaches, outdoor attractions, plentiful wildlife, delicious food, and fascinating culture will appeal to kids and adults alike. This two-week itinerary provides ample opportunities to relax and rejuvenate as well as get active and make the most of the destination—as you snorkel, kayak, cycle, and swim together along the spectacular Caribbean coast.

Experience the many shades of blue in Bacalar's lagoon
Map of Discover the Yucatán: Natural Treasures & Maya Heritage - 14 Days
Discover the Yucatán: Natural Treasures & Maya Heritage - 14 Days

This 14-day journey through the Yucatán Peninsula weaves nature, Maya culture, and ancient wonders into one memorable adventure. Start your exploration in Tulum, where pristine beaches meet well-preserved Maya ruins. Then head to the Lagoon of Seven Colors in Bacalar for a serene escape before immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Valladolid, with its colorful colonial charm and archaeological wonders. Finally, venture to Holbox, an island paradise packed with nature experiences.

Enjoy swims in cenotes, the Caribbean Sea, and Lake Bacalar during this active road trip
Map of Mexico's Natural Beauty & Ancient Marvels in the Yucatán - 14 Days
Mexico's Natural Beauty & Ancient Marvels in the Yucatán - 14 Days

This self-drive adventure takes you through Mexico's natural and ancient wonders. Based along the Yucatán Peninsula's northeastern coast, you'll split your time exploring coral reefs and ancient Maya ruins. Active travelers will enjoy archaeological parks, such as Ek' Balam, Cobá, and Chichén Itzá, touring a sustainable pearl farm, and sailing in Lake Bacalar. Round off your trip with an expedition to the Maya underworld along the Río Secreto and diving in the crystalline waters of Cozumel Island.

Relax in sun-kissedBacalar in the Yucatán
Map of Yucatán Road Trip: Tulum, Bacalar, Valladolid, Mérida, Holbox & Puerto Morelos - 12 Days
Yucatán Road Trip: Tulum, Bacalar, Valladolid, Mérida, Holbox & Puerto Morelos - 12 Days

Get ready for a 12-day road-trip adventure across Mexico's famed Yucatán Peninsula, known for its Caribbean beaches, underground cenotes, and ancient Maya ruins. You'll see all of it, starting at the fortress ruins in Tulum and then visiting biosphere reserves and exotic turquoise lakes. Next, you'll venture north to enjoy cultural exchanges in Indigenous communities, visit Spanish-colonial heritage cities, and descend into underground caves sacred to the Maya people.

Ancient Uxmal Ruins
Map of Nature & Maya Culture in the Yucatán - 13 Days
Nature & Maya Culture in the Yucatán - 13 Days

Spend 13 days enjoying the best of the Yucatán Peninsula on this whirlwind itinerary. Tour the famous ruins at Uxmal, Tulum, and Chichén Itzá, plus visit Spanish-colonial heritage towns like Izamal and Valladolid. Throughout the adventure, you'll also dive into turquoise cenote lagoons, immerse yourself in local Maya culture, and enjoy some "me" time on the white-sand beaches of Puerto Morelos and Holbox Island.

Bacalar Lagoon
Map of Nature & Mayan Life: Tulum, Bacalar, Merida, Holbox & More - 14 Days
Nature & Mayan Life: Tulum, Bacalar, Merida, Holbox & More - 14 Days

Two weeks is the perfect amount of time to see some of Mexico's best archaeological sites—including Chichén Itzá—while also leaving plenty of time for relaxation. You'll swim in beautiful cenotes, explore the colonial city of Merida, and experience Indigenous culture. End with a couple of days on Holbox Island, where sand, surf, and beautiful sunshine await.

See the turquoise waters of Laguna Bacalar by sailboat
Map of Best of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula: Cities, Culture & Coast - 14 Days
Best of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula: Cities, Culture & Coast - 14 Days

With two weeks to spare, you can discover Yucatán's white-sand beaches, ancient Maya ruins, and colorful colonial cities at a relaxed pace. This adventurous itinerary takes you counter-clockwise around the peninsula from Valladolid to Tulum, checking off the region's many UNESCO-listed archaeological sites, nature reserves, and historic centers along the way. Highlights include snorkeling off Isla Holbox, sampling regional gastronomy in Mérida, and climbing the Maya pyramid at Calakmul.

Campeche's fortified city was built to defend against frequent pirate raids in the 17th century
Map of Ultimate Yucatán Road Trip: History, Culture & Nature - 14 Days
Ultimate Yucatán Road Trip: History, Culture & Nature - 14 Days

Circle the entire Yucatán Peninsula on this self-drive adventure through the region's historic cities, archaeological sites, and nature reserves. Over two weeks, you'll explore the ruins of Chichén Itzá and Uxmal, spot monkeys and toucans in the jungles of Calakmul, follow an artisan route through the villages of Campeche, and paddle through the colorful lagoons of Bacalar. Your trip winds down on the coast, snorkeling through Cozumel's reefs and learning to cook with the locals near Playa del Carmen.

Bacalar Lagoon
Mayan Culture & Beaches of the Riviera Maya - 8 Days

Enjoy this getaway to the Riviera Maya with a mix of cultural experiences and relaxing on the beach. Base yourself in lively Playa del Carmen as you explore Mayan ruins, swim in picturesque cenotes, and enjoy the sun, sand, and sea along the white sandy coastline of the Yucatán Peninsula.

Yokdzonot Cenote in Yucatán
Map of Nature & Maya Culture in the Yucatán - 15 Days
Nature & Maya Culture in the Yucatán - 15 Days

Fifteen days in Mexico's Yucatán region is enough time to visit famous archaeological sites while also enjoying its famous white-sand beaches. Explore the ruins at Chichén Itzá, experience indigenous cultural traditions, and float in the turquoise waters of the Chemuyil cenotes—these are just a few of the highlights. You'll also venture to Holbox Island and enjoy its famous golden sunsets.

Enjoying the views
Nature & Mayan Life: Tulum, Bacalar, Merida, Holbox, & More - 16 Days

Explore the best of Mexico's offerings on this comprehensive 16-day trip. Swim in crystal clear cenotes and go sailing in the Bacalar Lagoon. Continue to Chunhuhub for a mystical bonfire experience, then spend a few days exploring the historical sites of Merida and Chichen Itza. End the trip on Holbox Island for several days of sun, beach, and surf.

Exploring the Cenotes
Explore the Mayan World: Tulum, Chichen Itza, Valladolid, Holbox Island, & More - 18 Days

Take eighteen relaxing days to drive through the Yucatan Peninsula as you explore the best that Mexico has to offer: colonial cities, indigenous communities, white-sand beaches, and ancient Mayan ruins. Start the trip in Tulum for a dip into a turquoise cenote, then head to Bacalar for a sail on the lagoon. End in Valladolid and Holbox Island for sunrise at Chichen Itza and a couple days on the beach.

Puerto Morelos
Explore the Mayan World: Tulum, Chichen Itza, Valladolid, Holbox Island, & More - 19 Days

Drive from city to beach on this nineteen-day immersive trip through the Yucatan Peninsula. From the colonial cities of Merida and Valladolid to the ancient Maya ruins of Chichen Itza and Uxmal, you'll explore the best that the region has to offer. Tour historic sites, sample local fare, relax on beaches, and more as you make your way through the jungles and roads of the area.

Scuba diving in the Yucatan
Explore the Mayan World: Tulum, Chichen Itza, Valladolid, Holbox Island, & More - 21 Days

Fully immerse yourself into Mexican history and culture on this comprehensive three-week trip. From the colonial cities of Merida and Valladolid to the ancient Mayan ruins of Uxmal and Chichen Itza, this trip covers millennia of history and leaves room for relaxation and food. End the trip on Holbox Island for some of Mexico's loveliest beaches and plenty of sunshine

Board a "trajinera" and cruise historic canals in the capital's neighborhood of Xochimilco
Map of Discover Mexico from the Capital to the Beach: Palenque, Nahá, Calakmul & Bacalar  - 15 Days
Discover Mexico from the Capital to the Beach: Palenque, Nahá, Calakmul & Bacalar - 15 Days

Get to the heart of Mexico's rich culture over 15 days, which will take you from the Spanish colonial plazas of the capital to the Caribbean beaches of the Yucatán Peninsula. It begins in Mexico City, where you'll visit museums, enjoy delicious street food, and tour historic enclaves like Coyoacán. Then immerse yourself in the Indigenous culture and ancient ruins of beautiful regions like Chiapas before finishing the trip by sailing around the lagoons of the Yucatán.

Other popular travel destinations in Mexico
Yucatán Peninsula · Mexico City · Valladolid · Oaxaca · Tulum · Mérida · Holbox · Puerto Morelos · Chiapas · San Cristobal de las Casas · Puebla · Playa del Carmen · Cholula · Palenque · Campeche · Cancún · Chunhuhub · Uxmal · Calakmul · San Miguel de Allende · Guadalajara · La Paz · Guanajuato · Morelia · Querétaro · Cabo San Lucas · Pisté · Los Cabos