Cancun, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Akumal, and Tulum are just some of the well-known places to visit on the Caribbean coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. On the other hand, the small village of Bacalar is a great place to find peace and quiet away from the crowds and high-rise resorts. This real Mexican town has a beauty and atmosphere that can’t be found anywhere else in the area. It’s hidden on the quiet beaches of Laguna Bacalar (Lake Bacalar). In this article, we’ll show you around Bacalar and talk about its interesting history, peaceful surroundings, and unique things to do.
Authentic Charm in a Calm Village
As soon as you walk into Bacalar, you can feel the calm atmosphere and real Mexican culture. Bacalar, unlike the crowded resort areas, is still mostly visited by Mexicans. This gives tourists a real taste of Mexican culture. The fact that they don’t take U.S. money and don’t use English very often adds to the real Mexican feel. The town plaza is the heart of Bacalar’s business district. It looks like the charming town of Mayberry from the popular TV show and is surrounded by family-owned businesses.
Lake Bacalar, a Beautiful Lake
From its location on the water’s edge, the village gives a great view of the beautiful Laguna Bacalar. With its sparkling greens and blues, Laguna Bacalar, also called the Lake of Seven Colors, shows the colors of the Caribbean Sea. Since the lake isn’t very big, people can walk right into its clear waters. Be aware of the boats as you walk around the lake. They add some life to an otherwise calm scene.
Rich Cultural and Historical Heritage
During the time before the Spaniards came, the Maya used Bacalar as a major port on the coast. After the Spanish took over the village in 1543, they built a fort in the middle of it to keep pirates from coming back again and again. The old Spanish fort is still there, and its ruins are now a public museum. By looking around the fort, you can learn about the history of the area and the problems that the first people who lived there had to face. It shows how strong and determined Bacalar was.
Retirement: A Peaceful Haven for Foreigners
There are interesting places to retire in Bacalar, Mexico. Bacalar is a great place to retire because the cost of living is low, the weather is mild, and the area is beautiful. Retirees can choose between a temporary resident visa and a permanent resident visa, based on their needs. The first step is to apply at the Mexican Consulate in your home country. Your application and proof of income will be looked at there. Once you’re accepted, living in Bacalar as a retiree can be good for you. For example, you can get first-rate medical care and discounts through the INAPAM program for people over 60.
Facilities and Services
Even though Bacalar is a small village, it has the health care services that people need. The Centro de Salud in the town center offers basic medical care, while the Community Hospital and Hospital Integral offer more comprehensive services. The nearby city of Chetumal is only 40 minutes away and has more medical facilities and places to get specialized care. Since pharmacies in Bacalar are open around the clock and sell cheap prescriptions, it’s easier and cheaper for locals to get health care.
Taking Up the Bacalar Way of Life
The calm and laid-back way of life makes it the ideal getaway from the stress of modern living. The village boasts a range of dining options, from casual street food to lakeside restaurants with picturesque views. A stroll through the town will unveil an abundance of street art, turning the streets into an outdoor gallery. Bacalar’s proximity to larger towns and cities ensures access to shopping, dining, and medical facilities, while still maintaining its peaceful ambiance. Whether it’s enjoying breakfast at a sidewalk cafe or owning a small boat to explore the lake’s breathtaking colors, Bacalar offers a lifestyle that’s both serene and fulfilling.
Bacalar’s Cost of Living
Small-scale tourism is the mainstay of the economy in Bacalar, making it a reasonably priced location to live. While long-term rentals may take some time to find, there are options available, including short-term vacation rentals that may consider long-term leases. The cost of living in is significantly lower than in North America, allowing retirees and expats to enjoy a comfortable and economical lifestyle. A sample monthly budget for a couple in Bacalar includes expenses such as rent, utilities, groceries, entertainment, housekeeping, medical care, and transportation. With the cost of living being a fraction of what it takes to live in North America, Bacalar presents an attractive option for those seeking an affordable and fulfilling life abroad.
Exploring the Hidden Paradise: Things to Do in Bacalar
Bacalar offers a plethora of activities and experiences that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Here are ten must-see attractions and experiences in Bacalar:
Check Out My Favorite Bacalar Tours & Experiences here!
- Sail the Lake of Seven Colors: Start a sailing trip and see how beautiful Laguna Bacalar is with its different shades of blue. Rent a catamarán or go on a tour with a local boat captain and enjoy the peace and quiet of the lake.
- Learn the Maya Way at Akal Ki: At Akal Ki, a retreat center with its own vegetable and medicinal herb gardens, you can focus on your whole health. In romantic lakeside villas, you can get relaxing treatments, eat delicious organic food, and get back in touch with nature.
- Discover Earth’s Oldest Life Forms: Explore the northern part of the Lake of Seven Colors to see stromatolites, which are ancient microbial structures that have survived for billions of years. Look in awe at these unique and protected living things, which give us a glimpse into how life on Earth began.
- Sample Bacalar’s Culinary Delights: This is a food lover’s paradise, offering a range of dining options. From eco-dining in lush gardens to fine dining in lakeside restaurants, you’ll find delectable cuisine that caters to all tastes. Don’t miss the opportunity to try the best pizza you’ve ever had at Bertilla E Luciano.
- Immerse Yourself in Street Art: Bacalar’s streets are adorned with vibrant and captivating street art. Take a leisurely stroll through town and admire the talent displayed on fences, houses, and signs. Along the waterfront, you’ll find a stunning collection of murals that depict the town’s rich cultural heritage.
- Relax Lakeside in a Villa: Staying in a lakeside villa is a great way to relax and recharge. Enjoy the sound of the water lapping against your private room and use the services near the lake. There are many places to stay in Bacalar, from small boutique hotels to eco-lodges, all of which offer a peaceful and idyllic stay.
- Rejuvenate in Ancient Mud: Experience the healing properties of the lake’s mud, as the locals have for centuries. Pamper yourself with a mud treatment, known for its detoxifying and exfoliating effects. Embrace the rejuvenating power of Bacalar’s natural resources and leave with glowing, healthy skin.
- Explore Bacalar’s Delights: Take the time to explore Bacalar’s town square, where you can savor tea and sweets in charming sidewalk cafes. Engage with locals, indulge in authentic Mexican street food, and enjoy the shade of palm and flowering trees that provide a picturesque setting.
- Play Pirate at the Fort: Venture to Fuerte de San Felipe de Bacalar, a fortress that defended the town against pirates in the past. Channel your inner pirate as you explore the fort, complete with a moat and a museum. Capture memorable moments and immerse yourself in the history of the region.
- Experience the Rapids: Just outside of town, you’ll find tranquil rapids perfect for a leisurely float down the river. Enjoy the clear waters and stunning surroundings as you embrace the beauty of nature.
In-depth Guides to Bacalar Mexico
- The Best of the Bacalar Lagoon | Ultimate Visitors Guide
- How to Get to Bacalar Lagoon Mexico from Different Cities
- Bacalar Mexico | Guide To The 20 Best Things To Do You’ll Love
Conclusion
Bacalar is a hidden gem on the Caribbean coast of Mexico. It offers travelers who are looking for peace and natural beauty a unique and authentic experience. From the beautiful Lake of Seven Colors to its long history, this small village’s charm and lively culture draw people in. Bacalar has something for everyone, whether you want to retire in a quiet place, explore a less-known paradise, or just relax by a lake. Find out what Bacalar has to offer and let this hidden paradise leave a mark on your heart.
FAQ: Moving to Bacalar, Mexico
Is it safe to travel to Bacalar, Mexico right now?
Bacalar is safe for tourists. Each destination requires safeguards and awareness of local safety. Bacalar’s tranquil atmosphere is due to its tiny size and little tourist.
What is Bacalar, Mexico known for?
Laguna Bacalar—the Lake of Seven Colors—is one of Bacalar’s most beautiful natural attractions. The sparkling greens and blues are lovely. Bacalar has a rich history because to a Spanish fort and ancient Maya links.
Is Bacalar better than Tulum? Bacalar vs. Tulum is subjective. Bacalar’s calmer than Tulum’s tourist bustle. It’s perfect for laid-back, off-the-beaten-path travelers. Tulum’s tourist infrastructure offers several hotels, restaurants, and attractions.
Can you swim in Lake Bacalar?
Swim in Lake Bacalar. Swimming is safe in the lake’s clean waters. Laguna Bacalar’s gorgeous waters are remarkable. Mind boat traffic and follow local safety guidelines.
