The Mexican Caribbean is known for several things. Beautiful white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise water, stunning nature, luxurious hotels and resorts, and fascinating Mayan ruins.
Its coast spans from Cancun all the way down to a little town called Bacalar.
This breathtakingly beautiful destination south of Cancun is worth visiting anyway, but it also just opened a new archeological site and there’s a hotel to follow soon.
This is why there’s even more reason now to make the journey south to Bacalar.
The Opening Of The Ichkabal Ruins
Quintana Roo is the state where many of the most prized destinations in the Mexican Caribbean are located, including the town of Bacalar.
The state’s governor, Mara Lezama, recently announced the opening of the Ichkabal archeological site in the town of Bacalar after the signing of an agreement that allowed the opening to move forward.
Now, tourists can visit the nearly 300-acre site to learn about Mayan history and culture.
The Ichkabal Villas Project
To foster growth in tourism and to make it even easier to enjoy the newly opened Ichkabal ruins, a new hotel project has been approved as well.
The Ichkabal Villas will consist of 32 villas, a clubhouse, and other amenities.
According to reports, it’s going to be “a sustainable hotel complex that seeks to integrate harmoniously with the natural and cultural environment of Bacalar.”
The Magical Town Of Bacalar
If you’ve never heard of a “Magic Town,” you’ll know exactly what one is when you visit Bacalar.
Magic Towns are cities and towns in Mexico that have something unique and exceptional to offer in the way of history, culture, or nature.
Bacalar has a little bit of all three, so it’s no surprise that it was given this prestigious designation way back in 2006, only five years after the program began.
Where Is Bacalar?
Bacalar is very close to the most southern end of the Mexican Caribbean coast, not far from the border, just 4.5 hours from Belize.
It’s also about the same distance from Cancun.
Although it’s tucked in a little from the Mexican Caribbean coast, it’s still a great place to visit when vacationing in the Mexican Caribbean region.
Getting To Bacalar On The Maya Train
For those visiting Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or one of several other Mexican Caribbean vacation destinations it became even easier to visit Bacalar as of last year.
Travelers can hop aboard the Maya Train in any of those destinations to make the journey to this magical town.
From Cancun, tickets cost about $77 and go down the further south you depart from.
Other Things To See In Bacalar
While this new archeological site is reason enough to visit Bacalar, the destination has another claim to fame that draws tourists from far and wide.
The Bacalar Lagoon, also known as the Lagoon of Seven Colors, has been the main attraction for travelers visiting Bacalar, and for good reason.
This unique attraction is a breathtaking natural wonder where visitors can swim, kayak, paddleboard, and more.
Where To Stay If You Want To Visit Bacalar Right Now
If you want to visit Bacalar before the new hotel is complete, you’ll find plenty of great lodging options.
It’s a very different vibe from most of the other Mexican Caribbean destinations.
You’ll find more boutique-like and eco-resort-type options rather than the sprawling all-inclusives that are popular in places like Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
One option that you can book right now, Our Habitas Bacalar, sits right on the Lagoon of Seven Colors and was recently voted one of the best hotels in the Mexican Caribbean by Conde Nast.
It’s the perfect starting point to explore all that Bacalar has to offer while waiting for the newest hotel to be completed.
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