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9 Tips for Visiting Bacalar and Its Lagoon of Seven Colors
Bacalar is much more than its famous Lagoon of Seven Colors. This Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town), located in southern Quintana Roo, offers stunning landscapes, a peaceful atmosphere, delicious local cuisine, and a rich natural and cultural heritage worth exploring.
But before packing your bags, there are a few things you should know: When is the best time to visit? How do you get there? How many days should you stay? And what places are worth exploring beyond the lagoon?
In this guide, we share 9 essential tips for visiting Bacalar, based on our experience living and working in this beautiful corner of the Mexican Caribbean.
1) ¿ How to Get to Bacalar: Plane, Bus, Car, or Tren Maya?
Bacalar is located in southern Quintana Roo, approximately 30–40 minutes from Chetumal and 4–5 hours from Cancún by road.
There are several ways to get there:
From Cancún: You can take an ADO bus to Bacalar. If you're arriving at Cancún International Airport, check the available connections from the airport or the downtown bus terminal.
From Mexico City: You can look for flights to Chetumal International Airport. From there, you can continue to Bacalar by taxi, shuttle service, or rental car.
By car: An excellent option if you'd like to explore other destinations in southern Quintana Roo during your stay.
By Tren Maya: You can also reach the region using this railway service, which connects several destinations across the Yucatán Peninsula.
Our tip: Although the Tren Maya may offer attractive fares, be sure to compare the total travel time, schedules, and transportation options between the train station and your accommodation. Depending on your route, traveling by bus or car might be more convenient.
2) January to April: One of the Best Times to Visit Bacalar
If you're looking for pleasant temperatures and a lower chance of rain, January through April is usually an excellent time to visit.
During these months, Bacalar generally enjoys sunny days, milder temperatures, and favorable conditions for exploring the lagoon, strolling through town, and enjoying outdoor activities.
However, there's one important thing to keep in mind: this is one of the busiest tourist seasons, especially during holiday periods and Easter week.
We recommend booking your accommodation, tours, and activities well in advance to ensure better availability.
It's also worth remembering that strong winds and cold fronts can occasionally affect water activities, even on clear, sunny days.
3) September and October: Bacalar During the Rainy Season
Is Bacalar worth visiting during the rainy season? Absolutely!
September and October tend to be rainier months, but that doesn't mean it rains all day. There are still plenty of sunny days and beautiful moments to enjoy the lagoon.
In fact, some of Bacalar's most spectacular scenery appears when dark clouds fill the sky, creating a stunning contrast with the lagoon's turquoise waters. It's a natural spectacle well worth experiencing.
Plus, there are far fewer visitors, allowing you to enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere, and some accommodations offer more affordable rates.
Keep in mind, however, that this period also falls within the Atlantic hurricane season. It's important to check the weather forecast and remain flexible with your plans and activities.
4) May, June, and July: Hot Weather, Long Days, and a Lively Bacalar
If you're visiting Bacalar between May and July, get ready to experience the heat of the Mexican Caribbean.
Temperatures are usually high, and the humidity can make it feel even hotter. But this is also a time when Bacalar feels especially vibrant, with lush vegetation, long days, and a lively summer atmosphere.
To make the most of your visit, we recommend bringing lightweight clothing, a hat or cap, sunglasses, plenty of water, and mosquito repellent.
A local tip: Take advantage of the early morning hours to go for walks, explore outdoor attractions, or enjoy activities that require physical effort. During the hottest hours of the day, seek shade and stay hydrated.
Keep in mind that rainfall can also become more frequent during these months, especially from June onward.
5) Cash or Card? How to Pay in Bacalar
Although Bacalar has grown significantly and more restaurants, hotels, and businesses now accept credit and debit cards, carrying some cash is still a great idea.
Some small shops, food stalls, taxis, and local businesses may only accept cash.
Also, while ATMs are available, they can sometimes have long lines, experience technical issues, or run out of cash during busy tourist periods.
Our recommendation is to use both payment methods: pay by card whenever possible and keep some cash for small purchases, tips, transportation, and local businesses.
6) Getting Around Bacalar and How Many Days to Stay
One of the great things about Bacalar is that it's a small town that's easy to explore.
If you're staying near the town center, you can walk to restaurants, cafés, shops, and some public access points to the lagoon. You'll also find taxis, as well as bicycle and scooter rentals.
However, we recommend renting a car, especially if you'd like to explore the surrounding area.
Having your own vehicle makes it easier to visit places like Cenote Azul, Los Rápidos, Xul-Há, Chetumal, and several archaeological sites without relying on private transportation services or public transportation schedules.
And how many days should you stay?
Although some travelers visit Bacalar on a day trip, we believe it's much more worthwhile to spend at least two or three nights here.
This gives you enough time to sail on the lagoon, explore the town, enjoy the local cuisine, and discover nearby attractions without rushing.
7) Explore Beyond Bacalar: Discover the Surrounding Area
The Lagoon of Seven Colors is Bacalar's main attraction, but it would be a shame to visit this region without discovering some of its other hidden gems.
If you have time, we recommend exploring:
Xul-Há: A small town south of Bacalar, known for its beautiful scenery and places to enjoy the water.
Lol-Ha and Laguna Bonanza: Great alternatives for discovering different areas of the lagoon and spending a relaxing day by the water.
Cenote Azul: An impressive open-air cenote surrounded by lush vegetation, offering a completely different landscape.
Los Rápidos de Bacalar: A narrow channel where the flowing water creates a unique experience. It's important to respect protected areas and avoid touching the stromatolites.
Chetumal: The capital of Quintana Roo, where you can explore museums, enjoy regional cuisine, and experience the atmosphere of a border city.
And if you're interested in the history of the ancient Maya civilization, this region has so much more to offer.
You can visit the archaeological sites of Dzibanché, Oxtankah, Kohunlich, and Ichkabal, the latter having opened to the public in 2025. These fascinating places offer a glimpse into a part of Maya history that many travelers overlook.
Before heading out, check opening hours, access conditions, and road conditions, especially during the rainy season.
Our tip: Set aside at least one extra day to explore the surrounding area. Bacalar is an excellent base for discovering southern Quintana Roo.
8) Protect the Lagoon of Seven Colors: Responsible Tourism
Bacalar's beauty depends on an extraordinary and delicate ecosystem. Its waters, mangroves, and stromatolites need special protection.
During your visit, you can help preserve this beautiful place by following a few simple recommendations:
Avoid applying sunscreen, lotions, or insect repellent before entering the water, even if they're labeled biodegradable.
Never touch, step on, or sit on stromatolites.
Respect mangroves and protected natural areas.
Avoid single-use plastics and never leave trash behind.
Choose activities and tour operators that follow responsible environmental practices.
Remember that stromatolites are structures formed by microbial communities that have played a fundamental role in the history of life on our planet. Protecting them is a shared responsibility.
You can learn more in the Bacalar Good Practices Guide.
9) Where to Eat in Bacalar: Our Local Recommendations
One of the best ways to discover Bacalar is through its food.
In recent years, the town's food scene has grown tremendously. Today, you'll find everything from small eateries serving traditional Mexican dishes to cafés, international restaurants, and more sophisticated dining experiences.
As Bacalar locals, we love sharing the places we genuinely enjoy and recommend.
To discover our favorite spots, check out these articles:
You'll find recommendations for different tastes, occasions, and budgets.
Enjoy Bacalar at Your Own Pace
Bacalar is one of those destinations best enjoyed without rushing. Beyond its famous turquoise waters, you'll discover peaceful corners, a welcoming local community with plenty to share, and landscapes that change with the light, wind, and seasons.
Our final recommendation is simple: stay a few days, explore beyond the popular attractions, and take your time enjoying the lagoon.
We hope these tips help you plan your next trip to Bacalar!
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