About the Bacalar Area

  Laguna Bacalar

When people first see Laguna Bacalar, whether with their own eyes or in photos, their first response is usually somewhere along the lines of "there’s no way that’s freshwater, it’s obviously some inlet of the Caribbean!"  

Lake Bacalar's varying shades of blue, from turquoise to sapphire, are generally associated only with a few lucky saltwater destinations like the Bahamas or the Polynesian Islands of the South Pacific.  But it’s true!  Lake Bacalar is 100% fresh, clean water.  Lake Bacalar is a geological anomaly:  a freshwater lake fed by a series of giant underground springs (called cenotes) and each day replenished with millions of gallons of limestone-filtered, crystal clear water.   The water is so clear it takes on various hues of blue depending on the depth…  hence it’s nickname “the lake of seven colors”.

Lake Bacalar is a water lover's dream, whether for you this means sailing, waterskiing, swimming or kayaking.  For some people this simply means lying in a hammock at the end of your pier, Corona in hand, mesmerized by the shimmering colors and wondering how a place of such unreal beauty actually exists!

The area around Laguna Bacalar is also rish in history, from Mayan ruins (large and small; some excavated, others untouched), to a restored 18th century stone fort in the middle of town complete with moat and cannons... the whole area is a history buff's dream.  The town of Bacalar was recently awarded "Pueblo Magico", or "Magic Town" status by the Mexican government, recognizing the town's unique beauty and history (and winning millions of dollars in federal funds for safekeeping of the town's historic value as well as infrastructure improvements). 

A stone's throw from Belize, Bacalar is a great location for people who love to explore... it's an easy drive to Chetumal, Cancun, Merida, the Costa Maya, Belize, Guatemala, and many spectacular Mayan Ruins.

  Costa Maya

Sandwiched between the giant Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve to the north and Belize to the south is the Costa Maya (Mayan Coast), a 60 mile stretch of white sand beaches, virgin jungle, gorgeous palm plantations, and some of the most pristine coral formations in the world.  This jewel at the southern end of the Mexican Caribbean is a far cry from the mega resorts of Cancun and Playa del Carmen; peace and tranquility are the draw for people who live or vacation here. 

The Costa Maya was inhabited only by a few local fishing families until the 1990s when a handful of exploring scuba divers and fishermen discovered the world-class diving, snorkeling, and fishing... and never left.  These pioneers started the first small hotels and also the first diving/fishing services on the coast.  Since then, hundreds of adventurous people, foreigners and Mexicans alike, have fallen in love with the tranquil beauty of the Costa Maya and now call it home.      

The Costa Maya is no longer a purely “roughing it” destination:  within the last few years the area has become “connected” to the modern world thanks to massive government investment in infrastructure including new paved roads, electricity, fiber optic lines, and cell phone service.

  Chetumal

Chetumal is the state capitol of Quintana Roo (Quintana Roo being the Mexican State comprising the entire Mexican Caribbean from Cancun in the north to the border with Belize in the south).   Chetumal is a small but modern capitol city with tree-lined avenues and a beautiful bayfront promenade dotted with monuments, parks, open air bars, and restaurants. 

Chetumal is a friendly, safe, and economical city... a great capital city to have at your doorstep.     Many international chain stores have recently opened in Chetumal, including Sam's Club, Liverpool, and Office Depot.