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Bacalar Tourists May Have To Pay To Access This Iconic Attraction Soon After New Law 

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Bacalar, a beautiful destination about 4.5 hours south of Cancun, is home to an enchanting lagoon with the brightest aqua-blue crystal-clear water you’ve ever seen.   

The Bacalar Lagoon has always been free to visit, but now Bacalar tourists may have to pay to access this iconic attraction after a new law is enacted. 

Woman Laying in a Hammock in Bacalar Lagoon in Mexico

Details On The New Law 

On October 10th it was published in a state journal that a law would be enacted that would allow the federal government, through the city, to charge fees to property and business owners on the shores of the Bacalar Lagoon.   

The law includes the allowance to charge anyone who uses the surrounding land, and tourists will likely fall into that category, either directly or indirectly.   

The agreement to allow this unprecedented action to become law was signed on October 2 and began on October 11.   

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The Amazing Bacalar Lagoon 

Bacalar Lagoon is a saltwater lake that was formed from ocean waves.   

It varies in depth, which resulted in the lagoon appearing to be multiple different colors.   

This led to it being referred to as the Lagoon of Seven Colors, or Laguna de Siete Colores.”   

Since then, certain phenomena have affected the lagoon and have resulted in fewer colors, but the lagoon is still some mesmerizing shades of aqua and blue.   

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How To Get To Bacalar Lagoon 

For now, the best way to get to Bacalar is by flying into Cancun Airport and then securing transportation from the airport to Bacalar.   

This can cost anywhere from around $25 for an ADO bus to a few hundred dollars for a taxi or private transportation.   

Once the Tulum Airport and the Maya Train are complete, it will be even easier and quicker to get to Bacalar.   

Once in Bacalar, if you don’t rent a car to get there, you can take a taxi to get around. 

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What You Need To Know About Visiting The Lagoon 

One of the most popular spots in the Bacalar Lagoon is Cenote Cocalitos.   

The water here is shallow, and there are overwater swings you can use if you happen across one that is empty.   

There are hotels and private properties surrounding the lagoon, so there are only a few places to get into the water unless you are staying at one of these places. 

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Things To Do While You’re There 

Boat tours are available to explore the different areas of the lagoon and are a great way to see it all.   

The next best way to explore the Bacalar Lagoon is by kayak or paddleboard.   

Spending some time at the “outdoor pool” is a must too, a fantastic place to swim with a restaurant and some shops around it. 

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Where To Stay In Bacalar  

While you won’t find any big all-inclusives in Bacalar, there are plenty of hotels and hostels.   

There are a number of hotels right on the lagoon, with amazing views and access to the water.   

Some of these hotels are as little as $65 a night, a great deal for such breathtaking views.   

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More Things To Do In Bacalar 

The lagoon may be the best reason to visit Bacalar, but it’s not the only reason.   

You’ll find street art throughout the town, a laid-back main square, some charming restaurants, an old fort to visit, and even a museum where you can get a little history lesson.   

You’ll want at least a couple of days in Bacalar so that you can enjoy all it has to offer, including the lagoon, which will be well worth whatever price you might have to pay to see it. 

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