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If you thought Cancun was the place to be, think again! Between Uber conflicts and confusion over tourism taxes can actually make entering and exiting America’s most sought-after destination a headache.
Who are we fooling though? There’s no way Cancun is going to slow down anytime soon. However, there’s another postcard-worthy turquoise paradise that’s being hyped as the best place to kick off 2025.
No, it’s not Tulum either. Been there, done that; that’s so 2024.
South of both Cancun and Tulum lies one of the most notable destinations in Mexico, or all of North America, for that lacklusterR.
Full of small-town charm, water that radiates otherworldly shades of blue and fresh, authentic local cuisine, you don’t have to follow the crowd to find your own piece of paradise.
Long considered a favorite getaway for Mexican travelers, Time-out believes Bacalar is ready for the world stage.
Mexico’s ‘Lagoon of Seven Colors’
Ever visited a destination that didn’t live up to the hype? That is not the case for Bacalar.
No matter how many photos you see, they probably won’t do justice to this vibrant lagoon-filled paradise.
When I visited, I was stunned before I even landed as my window seat offered an unparalleled view of the brightest shade of turquoise I have ever seen.
And I’ve also been to Santa Fe and Scottsdale…
Tucked away near the underrated bayside town of Chetumal is Mexico’s Shangri-La, known as the ‘Lagoon of Seven Colors’.
The depth of the lagoons and various cenotes determines the color turquoise – all seven of them, by the way.
Yes, you’ll want to pack your swimwear, because it would be a wasted trip not to take a dip in some of the most pristine waters imaginable.
Although boat trips (including affordable yachts), kayaking and paddle boarding are also common.
You can book with the latter Los Rapidos Bacalar Paddle Tourwhere you can also book a ferry to Belize for a double dose of passport stamps!
To see? This place has it all.
Day trip or main residence?
You can reach Bacalar in several ways, but most prefer day trips or weekend getaways from Cancun or Tulum.
If not, the aforementioned Chetumal serves as a solid backup plan with a small airport connected from Mexico City via four different airlines. That’s what I did.
TimeOut mentions that you only need a few days in Bacalar to explore the basics, but there’s a lot more to do and see than posting epic photos to the ‘gram.
If you ask me, Mexico was made to be explored wherever you are, including Bacalar.
Frankly, most travelers will see Bacalar as an add-on to an already busy trip, but I suggest taking this as a starting point and working backwards.
Who knows, after you experience the waters of Bacalar, you may just use Cancun or Tulum as a starting point instead of splurging on fancy resorts along tourist-filled beaches.
Bacalar certainly feels more authentic, especially when you’re surrounded by such fascinating Mayan ruins in close proximity Kohunlich.
Not to mention, the city of Chetumal itself is a beautiful hidden gem filled with world-class cheap food and some cool Mayan vibes.
If you circled Kohunlich, Bacalar and Chetumal on a map, you would still have an incredible vacation.
The question is: do you want to follow the crowd to Cancun and Tulum or do you want to give Mexico’s lesser-known region with fascinating history, Maldives-like waters and rich culture a try?
You just can’t beat Bacalar’s prices
Bacalar still has a firm grip on its ‘hidden gem’ status, so don’t expect the same luxury resorts as Cancun.
However, Bacalar’s hotel prices simply don’t get any better: they are just cozier and more homely.
But once you step foot outside and witness breathtaking scenery, you’ll forget all about the pina coladas from your favorite swim-up bar.
Bacalar is home to a variety of accommodations, ranging from eco-lodges to affordable luxury. However, don’t expect to wake up to an omelet bar and endless orange juice.
Eco-friendly hostels such as El Buho Bacalar start $11 per night, while luxury hotels like MÍA Bacalar Luxury Resort & Spa comes out to about $200.
The scale is broad. You can find lake houses, cabanas, villas, palapasand more. Many of them are less than $50overlooking the shimmering turquoise waters of Bacalar.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
