Share the article
Believe it or not, planning a trip south of the border isn’t always easy.
Sure, you can follow the crowd by clicking ‘n’ go icons like Cancun or Cabo, but then you’ll miss some of Mexico’s most unspoiled gems—and not the cookie-cutter experiences you could have in the United States.
One such place is recommended by local experts as the summer destination.
No, it’s not one of Mexico’s household names, but one that arguably boasts the most beautiful turquoise waters in North America, to the point where it feels otherworldly.
According to the Cancun sunThere are five reasons why the turquoise paradise of Bacalar is Mexico’s new summer must-visit.
Let’s break them down one by one – plus a bonus — but first make sure you check the latest travel warnings and entry requirements before your trip.
1) Safety index says: it’s super safe!
Given the chaos that has occurred in Puerto Vallarta in recent months, as well as in small groups across the country, some may still be hesitant to vacation in Mexico.
Here at Travel Off Path we realize that safety is not a one-size-fits-all approach. That’s why we came up with ours Safety index tool, which shows real-time data for hundreds of destinations, including Bacalar.
Bacalar, located in the state of Quintana Roo, has a Level 2 status, the second-lowest designation from the U.S. Department of State.
Travelers support the claim, with most confirmation that they feel safecollectively scoring 85/100, which is currently comparable to Miami and Nassau.
2) No seaweed monsters in sight!
Cancun is a beautiful place, but during both of my trips to Mexico’s most popular getaway, the beaches were covered in seaweed (more specifically, sargassum).
The great thing about Bacalar is that it’s a lagoon – not necessarily a coastal town, although there are beautiful coastlines nearby in towns like Mahahualone of my personal favorites.
Completely disconnected from the ocean currents, Bacalar’s shiny blue water is completely free of sargassum.
That means you no longer have to sift through the latest forecasts to see when pesky brown algae will ruin your postcard beach day – just blissful, sunny days ahead in one of Mexico’s most beautiful destinations.
3) Skip the water parks for the real deal!
I don’t know about you, but on vacation I usually avoid water parks – whether they be splash pads for diaper-wearing cryboxes or entire off-resort parks.
However, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun.
Bee Los Rapidosa narrow channel where the lagoon flows naturally in a gentle, steady current, you can float through what feels like a real lazy river – only much prettier and free of the unwanted soundtrack of screaming children.
The waters are warm, easy to get to and it is overall an incredibly relaxing experience.
4) It feels otherworldly
There’s a lot of talk about aliens these days, and who knows where that will lead.
Now if you want to experience some of Mexico’s most otherworldly landscapes, you can witness Bacalar’s billion-year-old stromatolites often confused with regular stones.
But the truth is that these ancient living organisms are among the oldest life forms on Earth!
This is one of the few places where you can see them up close and personal.
Cool to see? Absolute.
Cool to touch? That is a party mistake.
Enjoy from a distance and remember to use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the fragile habitat.
5) Everyone aboard! Bacalar is no longer a trek to reach
If you’ve been anywhere in Cancun or Tulum lately, you’re either stuck on your phone or well aware of the new(ish) Mayan Train.
After some initial difficulties, it’s now one of the most exciting ways to experience this side of Mexico, with fascinating ruins and vibrant beaches more accessible than ever.
Add Bacalar to the list.
The days of long, exhausting drives through No Man’s Land are long gone. Instead, there are scenic drives along the southern portion of the Mayan Train.
For the easiest trip, we recommend flying to Tulum via Cancun, but hey, it’s your adventure.
We just work here.
6) It’s still authentic despite new buzz
We’re not saying Bacalar will explode in popularity – just that now is the time to go, while it still feels like one of those rare places that hasn’t lost its magic as word starts to spread like wildfire.
The region is crystal clear cenotes are a far cry from foam parties at resorts, where you can enjoy the soundtrack of nature versus a DJ shouting through static speakers (you know it’s true).
Instead of the obligatory omelette station, you’ll find plenty of taco stands serving real treats and cozy boutique stays instead of flashy mega-resorts where you’ll need three days to figure out which elevator to use.
All in all, Bacalar is an evocative dreamscape with more than enough for an unforgettable holiday and just enough off the radar to still feel refreshingly local.
