Travel bucket list idea:
Laguna Bacalar [swimming & kayaking]
Quintana Roo, Mexico
Last updated: 19 April, 2024
This beautiful freshwater lake, set in tropical forest and wild orchid meadows, was called ‘the place where the sky is born’, by the Maya. Its brilliant blue, chalky waters – which are fed by a series of giant cenotes – look like a cloud-filled sky. There’s wonderful kayaking and swimming here.
The lake is home to one of the world’s largest numbers of stromatolites, coral-like organisms found in only a handful of places and regarded by biologists as one of the earliest lifeforms on earth.
The best way to explore Bacalar is by kayak. Kayakers should head to the far eastern shore of the lake, where the orchid meadows begin, and to the lake’s southern extremities where there is wonderful shallow-water swimming.
While you’re there
There are a series of spectacular, little-visited Maya cities set in the rainforest near Bacalar. The best are at Dzibanche, Kinichna and Kohunlich, all set in wildlife-filled rainforest parks.
The Mayan Cultural Museum in nearby Chetumal town is also a must-see, with precious artefacts and state-of-the-art exhibits offering real insight into Maya life and culture.
Logistics
Price: Free
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 8+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
Bacalar is 210 km south of Tulum (3-4 hours’ drive). Numerous daily buses run between Cancun and Chetumal, stopping at Bacalar town from where it is straightforward to organise hotels. There are simple restaurants in Bacalar town.
If you want to stay the night, Botadero Paraiso is a rustic, but beautifully-located camp set in orchid-filled forest on the lakeshore. They also offer conservation-orientated kayak trips, visits to ruins and forest walks.
Rancho Encantado is an authentic lakeside hotel and the ideal base for exploring the area. They can also organise trips on and around the lake.
When to do it
The lagoon can be visited all year round. Kayaking and swimming can be done anytime.
The weather in the Mayan Riviera is generally good all year round, and the water is always warm enough for swimming.
