Is Bacalar Lagoon Worth Visiting? Yes! Here’s Why

Last updated on June 26, 2025

People have a lot of options when planning a trip to the Riveria Maya, Mexico. Bacalar Lagoon often gets overshadowed by popular tourist spots like Cancun, Cozumel, and Tulum, but this pueblo magico is slowly being discovered as Mexico’s premier destination.

One look at the gorgeous Laguna de Siete Colores, or Lake of Seven Colors, and it’s easy to see why you’d want to visit. Yet some people still wonder if Bacalar Lagoon is worth visiting.

After spending just over a week at Bacalar Lagoon, we fell in love with the Bacalr and want to show you why this town is 100% worth visiting!

1. It’s more authentic than other areas in the Riveria Maya

There’s no denying the beauty of the Riveria Maya. Its Caribbean blue waters and endless soft sand beaches are unparalleled! But you also can’t deny this region is touristy. We’ve traveled to 23 of Mexico’s 32 states and districts and of all the places we’ve visited, the Riveria Maya felt the least authentic.

From the hotels, attractions, restaurants, shopping, and beach clubs, everything felt catered to tourists.

Bacalar however, offered some reprieve from the all-inlusive stays and expensive beach clubs. It retained some unique charm and has the special designation of pueblo magico. It has a rustic feel, with mom-and-pop restaurants, wonderful markets, and the dog-filled streets we have come to love about Mexico.

Yes, you can find tourist-driven destinations there, but it’s not the only option for visitors. If you want authenticity while still having certain conveniences or luxury-style stays, then Bacalar Lagoon is the place for you.

Top 3 hotels in Bacalar

• Glamping Bufo Alvarius Sanctuary Bacalar ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.2 rating
• Hotel Rancho Encantado ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.0 rating
• Azul Nomeolvides ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.1 rating
  Explore all hotels >

2. It’s like the Maldives, but closer and cheaper

Many people compare Bacalar Lagoon to the Maldives due to its crystal-clear turquoise water and beautiful waterside bungalows. We try to avoid comparing one spot to the next because each destination is truly unique. But apples to apples, it’s a close comparison.

For those in Central and North America, a trip to Bacalar Lagoon is a fraction of the price of a trip to the Maldives. Accommodations and food are much cheaper here, and the distance for flying is far less than flying across the world to the Maldives.

The Maldives is still on our bucket list and don’t feel like this is a replacement in any way. But Bacalar Lagoon is a stunning tropical getaway that has similar bright blue waters like the Maldives.

Many restaurants and shops in Bacalar will accept credit cards. Just make sure the debit or credit card does not charge international fees. We love using travel credit cards because we earn points and miles as we spend to redeem for future travel. Certain travel cards even give us access to airport lounges along with other perks like car rental insurance and trip interruption.

✈️ Capital One Venture X has a great sign-up bonus right now and doesn’t have international fees when abroad. You can explore the current deal for the Capital One Venture X and other cards below.

3. It has great food

We’re foodies at heart, and food quality in the places we visit largely impacts our overall review of the destination. Luckily, Bacalar has a great food scene!

We were surprised at how many different cuisines were represented for such a small town. They had everything from Italian, American, and of course Mexican. You can go to trendy restaurants or find some cheaper eats at food trucks and small taco carts on the street.

La Playita is by far the most popular restaurant in Bacalar with nearly 10,000 reviews on Google. It’s also a beach club that gives you access to Bacalar Lagoon if your hotel or accommodation isn’t lakeside. However, here are some of the other restaurants we prefer in Bacalar:

• Waah Cocina offers a higher-end gastronomic experience with traditional Mexican ingredients.
• La Cabañita Grill & Cantina is a no-frills spot for Mexican food along with La Piña (order the huarache).
• Hijos del Cocho is a great spot for seafood and if you want more traditional food, you can find amazing cochinita pibil on Sunday mornings (super early) at the local market.

➡ Read Next: 17 Delicious Yucatan Dishes to Try on Your Mexico Vacation

4. Bacalar is home to unique activities

Bacalar Lagoon has more to offer visitors than swimming in its blue waters (although we highly encourage you to spend as much time on the lake as possible). However, one of the reasons we love Bacalar so much is because of all the cool things there are to do here.

You can swim in cenotes, visit a historic fort, float down natural rapids, or see the oldest living fossils in the world. If you want to learn more about the 10 top things to do in Bacalar, check out the blog post below.

➡ Read Next: 9 Bacalar Must Do Activities on Your Next Trip

5. It has epic hotels and unique lodging

We’re a sucker for a unique getaway. Eco-lodges, container homes in the forest, adorable a-frames in the mountains? Count us in! Thankfully, there are loads of gorgeous unique getaways, hotels, vacation rentals, and B&Bs along Bacalar Lake.

A few of our top picks for Bacalar Lagoon hotels and vacation rentals are above but there are plenty of other amazing spots to stay at that aren’t mentioned here. If you prefer to search for the perfect stay, you can use the map below.

Why visit Bacalar Lagoon?

By now it should be clear why Bacalar, Mexico should be on your travel bucket list. Its authenticity, stunning lake, unique activities, and great food are just a few of the reasons this is a top travel destination. I’d love to know if Bacalar was on your radar before reading this. If you’re looking for more Rivera Maya and Yucatan Peninsula content check out our posts below.

• Is Tulum Worth Visiting? No. Here’s Why
• 10 Things To Know Before Visiting Bacalar Lake, Mexico
• 18 Essential Merida, Mexico Things to Do You Can’t Miss