Your ultimate guide to Bacalar starts here!
Bacalar is a quieter spot in Mexico and if your looking for less of tourist hot spot like Tulum and Playa Del Carmen then Bacalar is your place.
Bacalar is a special place as it is one of many few places in the world which is home to Stromatolites. Bacalar is also known as the Lagoon of Seven Colours. I'll be giving some recommendations on where to eat and stay if you're planning a future trip to this beautiful paradise.
Places to stay:
1. Pehaltun- Ginny was an amazing host who was so well connected with amazing food recommendations, as well as activities to do on the lake. Ginny treated us like one of the family. There are 5 dogs at the property, so if you're not a dog person then this is probably not the place for you. This place is only 4km away from town and Ginny dropped us in a couple of times or you can get a taxi which costs between 80-100 Pesos (£2.80-£3.50).
Furthermore, this property has its own private dock which you're able to jump off and there are free canoes and kayaks which you can use to paddle along the lake.
2. Stay with Steve and Lisa at their Off Grid Lake Front Property or their entire Bungalow which is located closer to the town of Bacalar. Originally, we were supposed to stay with Steve and Lisa, however Steve was unwell at the time. However, they were incredible hosts and put us in touch with Ginny and we were able to stay at Pehaltun. Furthermore, Steve and Lisa can take you out on the water to do either do some Wakeboarding, Waterskiing or Hydrofoiling.
Things to do in Bacalar:
1. Kayak or Canoe Lake Bacalar.
One of the best recommendations is to get up early in the morning and wait for the sunrise over the lake. You get more stunning sun rises than you do sunsets, so it's worth the early rise.
2. Wakeboarding
So I wanted to try some wakeboarding during my time here in Bacalar and it was one of the best ways to see the lake. I decided to go wakeboarding with Blaine from Handle It! Blaine was a fantastic instructor and I was up on the board on my 3rd go. I think Blaine had more fun laughing at my epic falls into the water and my occasional face planting. Blaine picked us right up from the dock at the place we were staying and he took us out on the water for almost 2 hours.
Blaine also showed us the Pirate Channel and some of the cenotes which are in the lake, so we really got the full tour.
Check Blaines page out by visiting his Instagram:@handleit.bacalar.wakeboard and give them a buzz on Whatsapp.
3. Sail around Lake Bacalar
We recommend doing a boat tour with Velendo Ando, who runs around 4 sail boat tours a day. They have private tours as well as romantic tours for couples. They visit the Pirate Channel, where you can swim and snorkel as well as appreciate the mangrove area.
They also take you to Cenote de la Bruja, also called black cenote. It's amazing to see the colour difference from turquoise blue to a deep blue almost black colour due to the depth of the cenote. If you have time I'd also recommend a visit to Cenote Azul if you've not yet done a cenote snorkel or dive. Last but certainly not least, they take you to do some bird watching on the Island of the Birds, locally declared a sanctuary.
Price of collective tour $650 Pesos per person (£23-25)
4. Chill in a hammock
One of the best things to do in Mexico and Bacalar is to take some time to enjoy your surroundings and chill in a hammock and read that book you've been desperate to finish.
Places to eat:
1. Boche De Leche
One of my favourite places I've eaten in Mexico. As well as having great food all round, their garlic bread is a must try. I know right doesn't sound very Mexican, but trust me you've got to try it!
Their Menu consisted of grilled fajitas skewers and steak was on the menu (one of the best and also one of the cheapest).
This place has a great vibe with servers who are travellers who pass through and work at this place, so it's very chill and a great international diversity.
Price for a meal for 2 including drinks and two courses ~$650 Pesos
Instagram: @bote.de.leche
2. Mango Y Chile
Mango Y Chile is a 100% plant based burger and taco joint. Even if you're not fussed on meat alternative burgers, these were some of the best burgers I've ever tasted. It was packed full and so filling and came with a side of fries.
What's so great about this place, it is 100% plastic free and they recycle everything. They're shakes are also delicious but are more of a yogurt consistency, so I'd recommend sharing one between 2 because they are so filling.
Classic burgers: $150 pesos (So cheap!)
Instagram: @mangoychile
3. Hotel Rancho Encantado
If you're close by to this hotel, I recommend either canoeing or kayaking to this place. They have an amazing dock with swings, so a great spot to take that perfect Instagram photo. You can pull up on the right side to the dock and pull in your boat and grab some lunch at the hotel. Really reasonable prices for their burgers, tacos, burritos and quesadillas.
Prices: $100-300 Pesos
Prices for cocktails $90 Pesos (Bargain)
Instagram: @ranchoencantadobacalar
Bacalar is definitely a place I'd love to go back to and certainly one of the best places I've travelled to. If you do decide to go to Bacalar on your next trip to Mexico, definitely check out some of these places and things to do. Any questions, please feel free to DM me at @beau.travels
@ranchoencantadobacalar
Kommentare