Bacalar: Lagoon, Culture and Discovery

Bacalar lies beside the Laguna de los Siete Colores, whose varying shades of blue give it its name. The distinctive landscape and the many ways to enjoy the water shape the character of the town. At the same time, historic buildings, murals and cultural venues tell the story of Bacalar’s past and present. If you’re looking for a vacation rental for your trip, you might consider whether you’d most like to experience the lagoon, discover the local culture or combine the two.

The Lagoon and Water Activities

The Laguna de los Siete Colores offers opportunities for swimming, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and boat trips. There are different ways to spend time in and on the water: you can choose an activity in the water or explore the lagoon on a trip. Its shades of blue are a striking feature of the landscape. The activity you have in mind for your stay may help determine your choice of destination and accommodation.

Los Rápidos de Bacalar is also near Bacalar, in a channel between the Laguna de Bacalar and the Laguna de Xul-Ha. Various water activities are offered there. Another way to discover the area’s waterways is the Canal de Los Piratas, also called the Ruta de los Piratas. It connects the Río Hondo with the Laguna de Bacalar and can be reached by kayak or pontoon boat. These places and options differ in their described locations and forms: the lagoon offers various water activities, activities are offered in the channel at Los Rápidos, and the Canal de Los Piratas can be reached by kayak or pontoon boat.

Historical Traces and Culture

The Casa de la Cultura Bacalar is housed in a building converted for cultural purposes in 1990. Before that, it was the home of the merchant Sr. Conde and a grocery store. The house was one of the few colonial homes in Bacalar’s first historic center. Its former use and subsequent conversion give the Casa de la Cultura a distinctive historical dimension. The venue hosts artistic and cultural activities.

Another important building in the center is the Parroquia San Joaquín. The church dates back to the 18th century and is dedicated to the town’s patron saint. Inside, murals tell the story of the Caste War. The building thus brings together a religious dedication and a historical subject. The Ruta de sus 100 murales is also among the attractions through which Bacalar is represented as a Pueblo Mágico tourism destination. Those interested in history and visual art will find a range of cultural aspects to consider when planning their trip.

The Casa Internacional del Escritor de Bacalar opened in 1990 and is run by the Instituto de la Cultura y las Artes de Quintana Roo. It provides a space for writers, poets and other artists from the region, Mexico and abroad. The programs mentioned include reading courses, book presentations, cultural events and virtual forums. The house complements the historic sites with a glimpse into literary and artistic work. The Fiestas de San Joaquín are dedicated to Bacalar’s patron saint and are celebrated in July and August.

Plaza Principal and Choosing Where to Stay

Plaza Principal has a palapa, benches and paths. Stalls selling handicrafts and local food line its sides. The square thus offers places to sit and stroll, as well as showcasing local crafts and cuisine. Together with the cultural sites and the lagoon, it reveals different sides of Bacalar. When choosing a vacation rental, you can weigh your interests: water activities, cultural discoveries or a mix of both. The experiences described offer different points to consider when planning your trip, without implying any particular features of an accommodation.

More destinations in this selection: Akumal, Majahual, Estero Franco, Xcalak, José María Morelos, San Miguel De Cozumel, Chunyaxché, Chacalal.

For the broader travel overview: Quintana Roo.