Travelers love visiting Cancun, but they also love visiting other destinations in the Mexican Caribbean, and one place in particular is getting more and more visitors.
Bacalar, a town south of other popular destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, is a fascinating destination that is expected to reach even higher occupancy numbers this winter.
If you’re looking for a destination for a winter vacation this year, read on to find out seven reasons why more travelers are visiting this fascinating destination south of Cancun.
The Lagoon Of Seven Colors
The most visited attraction in Bacalar is the Lagoon of Seven Colors.
This miracle of nature is a stunning lagoon with crystal clear water that appears to be different shades of blue and green.
The different shades of blue and green are caused by the water’s varying depths, the different types of soil underneath it, and the sunlight’s reflection on it.
You can swim in this mesmerizing lagoon, kayak, and paddleboard.
Nature
The Lagoon of Seven Colors may be the main natural attraction in Bacalar, but it certainly isn’t the only one.
The lagoon is surrounded by mangroves and forests that are home to all kinds of wildlife, particularly several different species of birds.
Bacalar is also home to its own water rapids that are similar to those you would find in river rafting hotspots, but slightly more gentle, which are a great way to take in the beauty of the destination’s nature.
Cenotes
You can’t talk about the nature in Bacalar without mentioning the cenotes that are in and around the town.
Cenotes are naturally formed swimming holes that were once limestone caves that caved in to form sinkholes, which fill with rainwater and groundwater.
Specifically, Cocalitos is very popular, and Cenote Azul is one of the most beautiful, and most popular, cenotes in the Riviera Maya.
Affordability
The Mexican Caribbean destinations that get the most attention, like Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, are also the most expensive to visit.
Bacalar, on the other hand, being the lesser-known destination that it is, is much more affordable to visit.
It’s not as commercialized as those other places and as a result, many things, like food, activities, and hotels, are less expensive.
The Laid-Back Atmosphere
Bacalar also isn’t as crowded or busy as the more well-known destinations in the Mexican Caribbean, so it’s more laid back.
Rather than tourists rushing around to get from one place to the next, you’ll find visitors leisurely taking in the surroundings, having a drink at a local cantina, or grabbing something to eat at a locally owned restaurant.
You’ll notice that the locals are much more relaxed as well.
Authenticity
In Bacalar, you won’t find the huge sprawling resorts, chain restaurants, and cheap souvenir stores like you will in busier destinations.
Instead, you’ll find locally owned establishments and shops selling authentic Mexican textiles, handicrafts, jewelry, and more.
All that combines to make the destination much more authentic, giving travelers a glimpse into what it’s really like to live in a Mexican town that hasn’t been taken over by tourism.
History And Culture
Last but not least, you’ll find that history and culture are much more preserved in Bacalar, which is likely why it was designated as one of Mexico’s Magic Towns.
The lack of commercialism means that the locals have been able to maintain their cultural heritage more than in places like Cancun.
There are often cultural festivals taking place, and there is still a fort standing, the Fort of San Felipe, that tells the story of Bacalar’s history, which is just one more reason to visit this fascinating destination.
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