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Mexico

Bacalar  Mexico: My Guide to Bacalar Lagoon

Bacalar Mexico: My 2025 Guide to Bacalar Lagoon

March 19, 2025

Heading to Bacalar, Mexico soon? Here’s my super detailed Bacalar Lagoon travel guide that includes the best places to stay and best spots to swim and more!

Crystal clear, spearmint blue water, and swinging hammocks hanging from overwater palapa — Bacalar Lagoon is a sort of modern-day paradise that every traveler dreams of.

Bacalar Lagoon (or Laguna Bacalar) is just a 2-hour drive from touristy Tulum, but it cannot be more different. Oozing laidback, mellow vibes, the sleepy town tends to draw curious travelers seeking less conventional places. Officially named a Pueblo Mágico (Magic Town) in 2006, Bacalar is the gateway to one of the most beautiful natural wonders of Mexico.

If you’re looking to go off the beaten path in Mexico, Bacalar is perfect for you! I’ve put together a super detailed Laguna Bacalar travel guide with the best things to do in Bacalar, how to get there, and the best hotels to stay.

lagoon bacalar mexico - bacalar lagoon


Table of Contents

  • Balacar Mexico Travel Guide
    • Where is Bacalar Mexico?
    • Bacalar Lagoon: Why It’s So Special
    • How to Get to Bacalar Mexico
      • By Car
      • By Shuttle
      • By Bus
    • How to Get around Bacalar Mexico
    • Best Time to Visit Bacalar
    • How Much Time to Visit Bacalar?
    • How to Stay Connected in Bacalar
    • Where to Stay in Bacalar Mexico
      • Budget: Yak Lake House
      • Mid Range: Casita Maya Bacalar
      • Luxury: Mia Bacalar Luxury Resort & Spa
    • Things to Do in Bacalar
      • 1. Take a Boat Trip around the Lagoon
      • 2. Rent a Kayak or SUP 
      • 3. Float in Canal de las Piratas
      • 4. Drift down Los Rapidos
      • 5. Swim in Cenote Cocalitos
      • What are Stromatolites?
      • 6. See Cenote Negro
      • 7. Chill at Isla de los Pájaros
      • 8. Swim at the Docks
      • 9. Wander around Bacalar Town
      • 10. Visit Fort San Felipe
      • 11. Visit El Manati to Learn about Stromalites
      • 12. Visit the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins
      • 13. Explore the Kohunlich Mayan Ruins
      • 14. Go Ziplining at Kan Kin Bacalar
    • Where to Eat in Bacalar
    • Where to Go Beyond Bacalar
    • BRING CASH TO BACALAR!
    • Cost of Travel in Bacalar
    • Is it Safe to Visit Bacalar?
    • What to Pack for Bacalar
    • Packing List for Bacalar
    • More Tips for Visiting Bacalar
    • Further Reading on Mexico

Balacar Mexico Travel Guide

Where is Bacalar Mexico?

Bacalar is located on the Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, right near the Belize border. It’s actually just a 3-hour drive to Belize City from here and you’re just a hop away from the paradisical Caye Caulker and Caye Ambergris.

On the Mexico side, the nearest big town to Bacalar is Chetumal and the closest beach is Mahahual on Costa Maya. Tulum is a 2-hour drive away, and Cancun 4 hours away. Bacalar town itself is small and is concentrated around 15km of the coastline of Bacalar Lagoon (which measures over 42km in length).

If you’re planning to be in Tulum, there’s actually a lagoon that’s similar to Bacalar Lagoon but smaller. Check out Kaan Luum Lagoon if you can’t find the time to hop over to Bacalar.

Nellie Huang

Hi, I’m Nellie — a lifelong traveler, book author, and adventurous mum. In 2021, we moved our home base to San Miguel de Allende, and absolutely fell in love with Mexico. I created this blog to share my love for Mexico; read more here.

laguna bacalar mexico


Bacalar Lagoon: Why It’s So Special

Once here, it’s easy to see how Laguna Bacalar earned the nickname, “Laguna de Siete Colores” (lagoon of seven colors). You’ll see all kinds of blue in the water: from light turquoise to sky blue and dark indigo. 

So why does it have so many shades of blue? The reason is because of the varying depths of water in the lagoon, ranging from 10 to 300 feet deep. The shallow parts have clear, spearmint water; while the deepest points have dark blue water.

Laguna Bacalar is a lagoon, i.e. a saltwater lake formed by the waves of the ocean. That means lagoons are always found near the sea. There are close to 2 million lakes around the world, but there are far less lagoons, making them pretty unique!

los rapidos in bacalar mexico


How to Get to Bacalar Mexico

The closest airport to Bacalar is Chetumal International Airport (CTM), which is 45 minutes away by car. It’s a small airport, and you will need to transit in Mexico City to get here from abroad.

Bacalar is just 45 minutes from the Belize border so you can also fly to Belize City and visit this as an extension of a Belize trip. Bacalar is around a 4-hour bus journey from Belize City.

By Car

From Cancun or Tulum, you can easily rent a car and drive to Bacalar. Driving in the Yucatan Peninsula is really easy, with clear signposts and decent roads. I drive in Playa del Carmen everyday and find it quite easy: just watch out for portholes and crazy drivers! Read my Mexico driving guide here.

An economy rental car in Mexico averages just $200 for a whole week, which is less than $25 a day. The current price for gas is 16.50 pesos per liter (about $2.50 per gallon). We always use DiscoverCars.com as they’ve consistently given us the best prices and customer service.

Check out my guide to renting a car in Mexico.

Search for car rentals

Travel Insurance for Frequent Travelers

We’ve been using Safety Wing for years now, and it’s one of the best decisions we’ve made as digital nomads. Their Nomad Insurance plan is affordable and provides solid coverage for medical emergencies regardless of where we’re traveling. 

  • Tulum to Bacalar — 2.5 hours or 133 miles (215km)
  • Playa del Carmen to Bacalar — 3 hours or 173 miles (279km)
  • Cancun to Bacalar — 4 hours 15 minutes or 215 miles (345km)
  • Merida to Bacalar — 4 hours 15 minutes or 215 miles (345km)
renting a car in bacalar mexico

By Shuttle

If you don’t drive, the easiest and most convenient way to get to Bacalar is by private shuttle. Book a private transfer here and you’ll get picked up from the airport or hotel (in Cancun or Tulum) and  dropped off in Bacalar. 

We book this private transfer service every time we need to get to Cancun airport from home. They are reliable and punctual.

By Bus

There are great bus networks throughout the Yucatan Peninsula. ADO buses are air-conditioned and punctual, with comfortable seating. They are organized and bus terminals are easy to get to. Pre-book your bus tickets here to ensure availability.

bacalar mexico - drone shot


How to Get around Bacalar Mexico

The town of Bacalar is small and easy to navigate on foot. But the lagoon itself is massive and you’ll need to take a boat or kayak to explore different parts of it. Almost every guesthouse/hotel offers rental or free usage of kayaks. (Scroll for more details)

See also  20 Best Things to Do in Holbox Island 2025

We drove our car from Playa del Carmen to Bacalar — it was easy to drive around Bacalar and parking was never an issue. Some attractions like los Rapidos can only be accessed by car or bike

Most hostels and hotels offer bike rentals. Alternatively, you can rent bikes from Magic Bacalar for 35 MXN (US$1.75) per hour or 250 MXN ($12.50) per day.

boat trip laguna bacalar


Best Time to Visit Bacalar

While Bacalar Lagoon is a year-round destination, the best time to visit is between January and March, when temperatures are slightly more pleasant and there are less crowds. Avoid the hurricane season (August to October) and the peak season (December) when prices are higher. 

Rainy season runs from June through November, with the rainiest months in September and October. We visited Bacalar in November, and had glorious weather the whole time!

floating in los rapidos - laguna bacalar


How Much Time to Visit Bacalar?

There’s not a long list of things to do in Bacalar — it’s the kind of place you go to swim, chill out and swing on hammocks. I would recommend spending 3 days in Bacalar, with a minimum of 2 nights. You’ll need a day for the boat trip around Bacalar, another to go to los Rapidos, and the last day to just swing on your hammock.

Regardless, I would not recommend coming to Bacalar on a daytrip. The lagoon is just so stunning and the town so mellow and laidback, that you would want to spend at least a night here. Plus, it’s too far from other spots in the Yucatan Peninsula, you would be spending half a day getting here and back.

swimming in hammock - lake bacalar mexico - bacalar yucatan


How to Stay Connected in Bacalar

Most hotels in Bacalar offer WiFi, but in general WiFi connections here can be slow.

I recommend getting a SIM card with internet data to make sure you stay cnnected while on the island. Either buy an eSIM before traveling or a SIM card at the airport upon arrival. You can also get it at any OXXO shop in Mexico. 

Read my guide on how to get a SIM card in Mexico.


Where to Stay in Bacalar Mexico

Bacalar has plenty of accommodation, but it is still rather rural and the infrastructure is pretty basic. Even luxury hotels might not have good WiFi, and most guesthouses don’t serve breakfast.

I recommend staying at a hotel on the lake — most lakeside hotels have their own docks and water views from rooms. Obviously hotels in the town center are cheaper, as most restaurants and activities are located here. For the best of both worlds, stay at a lakeside hotel that’s in town! 

swimming in hammock at our hotel - bacalar lagoon

Here are the best places to stay in Bacalar:

Budget: Yak Lake House

Located in town and on the lake, this is the best budget option based on reviews. The hostel is stylish and well designed, and offers dorm beds as well as private rooms. Wish it wasn’t adults-only so we could stay here! Check rates here.

Mid Range: Casita Maya Bacalar

We stayed at this lakeside house (pictured above) on the northern coast of the lagoon. It’s a 10-minute drive to the town center and rooms are basic, but the lake views from our private dock are unbeatable. Check rates here.

Luxury: Mia Bacalar Luxury Resort & Spa

You won’t find any high rise or 4-star chains in Bacalar. This is Bacalar’s only high end resort, and it comes at a price. It’s located on the best part of the lagoon (with the clearest waters)! Check rates here.

mia bacalar luxury resort - where to stay in bacalar


Things to Do in Bacalar

Laguna Bacalar is of course the star of the show, and most activities are centered around the water. There are actually quite a few cenotes (underwater sinkhole) in the lagoon itself, as well as balnearios (swimming areas) and Mayan ruins nearby.

1. Take a Boat Trip around the Lagoon

The number one thing to do in Bacalar is undoubtedly taking a boat trip. It’s the best way to visit the most beautiful parts of the lagoon in just 3 hours. The laguna looks its best at midday, so aim for the 11am boat.

Speedboat tours leave every hour, and you can easily book them with locals on the streets — their prices are fixed (printed on your admission wristbands), so don’t worry about having to bargain.

But if you prefer something more private, sail boat trips are more luxurious. During the high season, the pontoon tours and sailing trips are often sold out. Book them online here.

boat trip on laguna bacalar mexico

Cost for various boat trips (per person):

  • 250 Pesos (US$12.50) on a speedboat  
  • 350 Pesos (US$17.50) on a pontoon with luxurious seats
  • 600 Pesos ($30) on a sail boat with open bar and free snacks

These are the spots that almost every Bacalar boat tour visit (which I’ll share in details next):

  • Canal de los Piratas
  • Cenote Negro
  • Cenote Esmeralda
  • Cenote Cocalitos
  • Isla de los Pájaros
sailing boat trip on lake bacalar

2. Rent a Kayak or SUP 

If a boat tour isn’t your thing, another popular thing to do in Bacalar is renting a kayak or SUP. If you’re staying in town, the famous spots on the lagoon are all within a 15 to 30-minute paddle. Pack a cooler with drinks and snacks, and you can you can easily spend all day kayaking as there’s so much to explore.

Most hotels offer rentals or free use of kayaks and SUP. Our hotel charged 150 MXN (US$7.50)/hour for a kayak rental. Alternatively, Magic Bacalar rents out kayaks for 95 MXN ($4.75)/hour. You can also book a private SUP tour if you prefer to have an instructor.

kayaking in lake bacalar mexico

3. Float in Canal de las Piratas

This is perhaps the most famous spot on Bacalar Lagoon. If you go on a boat trip, you’ll definitely make a stop here. It’s also conveniently located on the side of the lagoon across from town, which is just a 15-minute paddle on the kayak.

This canal was once frequented by pirates in the 18th century. Today, it’s simply a scenic spot with very shallow waters to wade in. In the middle of the canal, you’ll find an abandoned construction shaped like a ship. Apparently, it was supposed to be a restaurant, but was abandoned before it was opened. 

See also  How to Get from Cancun to Chichen Itza 2025
canal de piratas - bacalar lagoon

4. Drift down Los Rapidos

Located on the southern tip of Bacalar Lagoon, Los Rapidos is a natural ‘lazy river’ in which you can drift down through. It’s absolutely magical floating down the rapids here — we lost count of the number of times we drifted down the rapids. It was my daughter’s favorite thing to do in Bacalar! 

Los Rapidos is a 20-minute drive outside Bacalar — and it’s only accessible by car or bike — but it’s well worth making the trip. It has a restaurant onsite, with slightly pricey food. Entry costs 100 pesos ($5) for adults and 50 pesos ($2.50) for children.

los rapidos - things to do in laguna bacalar

5. Swim in Cenote Cocalitos

Another popular spot in Laguna Bacalar, Cenote Cocalitos is a balneario (swimming spot) popular with young Instagrammers due to the over-water swings and colorful hammocks.

But don’t let that turn you off — the shallow waters here are crystal clear and great for swimming (especially for kids). There’s also a restaurant onsite, with delicious caldo de camaron (shrimp soup). This is also the best place to see stromatolites*.

hammocks at cocalitos

What are Stromatolites?

By the shore of Bacalar Lagoon, you’ll see many rocks that look like pancakes. They’re called Stromatolites — a type of rock formation formed by ancient bacteria. Turns out, they’re the oldest ecosystem in the world! Who knew?

Stromatolites have been around for up to three billion years, and these fossils are still alive today! Living stromatolites are found in only a few salty places on Earth, and Laguna Bacalar is one of the rare spots where you can find them. 

Some of the best spots to see Stromatolites in Bacalar are at Cenote Cocalitos and los Rapidos. As they are living fossils, please be careful and avoid stepping on them!

stromatolites at cenote cocalitos - lake bacalar

6. See Cenote Negro

Located inside the lagoon, Cenote Negro is a large open cenote with a depth of 250 feet. Most boat tours also stop here. Also known as Cenote de las Brujas (Witch’s Cenote), this one isn’t quite like the usual cenotes that most of us are familiar with. 

As it’s so deep, the water here is dark blue and you can’t really see much beneath you. Swimming is prohibited now, since a tourist drowned here recently. 

cenote negro from above - bacalar lagoon

7. Chill at Isla de los Pájaros

Within the lagoon, you’ll find several islands — the most popular of which is the Isla de los Pájaros (Bird Island). As you can probably tell from its name, the island is an excellent birdwatching spot (at certain times of the year).

It’s home to various endemic birds such as the snail hawk and parrots. The best time to visit Bird Island is in the early morning and late afternoon. Don’t forget to pack your binoculars!

swimming in isla de pajaros - travel guide to bacalar mexico

8. Swim at the Docks

For those who are not staying on the water, there are actually many balnearios (swimming spots) where you can go to swim off. The best dock is actually at the public pier, Balneario Municipal El Aserradero. It’s free and located in the town center.

The dock is made of wooden beams and a straw palapa, surrounded by turquoise blue water. Here, you can clearly see how Laguna Bacalar got the nickname, “the Maldives of Mexico”.

docks in bacalar - bacalar blog

9. Wander around Bacalar Town

Named one of Mexico’s magic towns, Bacalar town is a small and tranquil place that you can see in a day. Like most Spanish colonial towns, Bacalar is centered on a main square/park, with streets running parallel and perpendicular to it. The town’s main square is where you’ll find the colorful Bacalar sign (pictured).

Seeing how small it is now, it’s hard to imagine that Bacalar was once a city during the Maya civilization in Pre-Columbian times. It was the first city in the region which the Spanish colonizers succeeded in taking in 1543. Today, Bacalar is a sleepy town that still gives a charming glimpse at old Mexican life.

bacalar sign - laguna bacalar mexico

10. Visit Fort San Felipe

Right in the center of town (by the main square) stands the imposing Fort San Felipe. The fort was built during the 18th century when Bacalar was often attacked by pirates. 

Today it houses a piracy museum displaying colonial-era weapons and artifacts. There are muskets, navigational instruments, sabers, and models of the boats that sailed these waters during the 17th Century. There’s also an awesome pirate skeleton on display.

Admission is 100 pesos ($5) and the fort is open every day but Monday.

visiting the fort in bacalar mexico

11. Visit El Manati to Learn about Stromalites

One of my favorite spots in Bacalar is El Manati Bacalar — a concept store that doubles as a museum, restaurant and shop. Its museum has interesting exhibitions and photography on Stromatolites and it’s a great spot to learn about the living fossils that are found in the lagoon.

Sundays are the best time to visit El Manati. There’s live music in their lush, jungly patio and their breakfast dishes are amazing! If you’re lucky, you might even get seated inside the palapa tipi tent, like we did!

El manati - stromatolite museum - things to do in bacalar

12. Visit the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins

The nearest archaeological site is just a 30-minute drive away from Bacalar. The Chachhoben Mayan ruins date back to around 1000BC. By 360AD Chacchoben had become the largest community in the region of the lakes and consolidated as the most prestigious ceremonial center.

Today, only a portion of the site is open to the public. Many temples of Chacchoben are still very much covered by foliage, awaiting for to be restored. Admission is just 60 MXN ($3) per person.

chacchoben mayan site - things to do in bacalar

13. Explore the Kohunlich Mayan Ruins

About an hour’s drive from Bacalar, Kohunlich is a massive archaeological site spread across 20 acres of terrain. There are over 200 mounds located throughout the archaeological zone.

While the main attractions are the large Sun God masks, the site has numerous other structural groups to explore. A number of beautiful, intricately modeled censers have been recovered from the site, and are now housed in various museums.

Kohunlich actually got its name from the English “Cohoon Ridge”, which refers to a type of Corozo palm tree found in the area. Its original name has yet to be determined. Entry is 80 MXN ($4) per person.

laguna bacalar mexico - kohunlich mayan site

14. Go Ziplining at Kan Kin Bacalar

What better way to see the Bacalar Lagoon than from the air? Hop onto the ziplines at Tirolesas Kan Kin Bacalar and soar through the skies, over the lush jungles and the gorgeous lagoon. Tirolesas Kan Kin has a 1500-meter circuit of five zip lines, perfect for the adventure seekers. A zipline experience costs 750 MXN ($37.50) per person and kids above 5 are welcomed.

ziplining bacalar - bacalar blog


Where to Eat in Bacalar

For a small town of this size, Bacalar sure has plenty of dining options, ranging from breakfast cafes to food trucks and gourmet restaurants. I’ve provided a range of recommendations below, and we’ve eaten at all of them and can attest to the quality of food! 

  • El Manati — Gorgeous restaurant/museum/shop with a lush jungly patio and unique cabana where musicians play. Prices are affordable and their breakfasts are top notch. My favorite place to eat in Bacalar!
  • Jaguara Cocina Mexicana — A high-end restaurant serving up contemporary Mexican dishes against a beautiful setting. Perfect for a romantic dinner. Pricey though!
  • Kai Pez — An institution in Bacalar, known as the best place in town for seafood. We went in the evening and got ravaged by mosquitoes. But the food was indeed amazing! Try the tempura mixto and caldo de marisco (Seafood soup).
  • La Playita — A stunning lakeside restaurant right in town, with Tulum vibes, bamboo decor, hammocks and excellent shrimp ceviche.
See also  Where to Stay in Cozumel, Mexico

  • Food trucks — Budget travelers will love the food trucks parked along Avenue 1, the main street that runs parallel to the water. Lanai, parked right outside Kai Pez, has awesome fish tacos. Mi Burrito Bacalar, further down the road, has affordable and hearty burritos.
food at el manati - best restaurants bacalar mexico


Where to Go Beyond Bacalar

Most people combine a trip to Bacalar with Mahahual (pictured), a beach town along Costa Maya. Mahahual is said to be an up-and-coming Tulum beach town, but it’s relatively quiet for now and receives more Mexican than foreign visitors.

Bacalar is also very near the border with Belize. We actually crossed the border there 10 years ago on our first trip here, and it was an easy and uneventful crossing. If you’re planning to visit Belize, check out our list of things to do in Caye Caulker. Here’s an informative post on how to get from Bacalar to Caye Caulker.

mahahual from above


BRING CASH TO BACALAR!

There are only two ATMs in the small town of Bacalar and they’re always out of cash. You do need some cash to pay for boat trips and street food so make sure you bring cash with you.

Contrary to what I read in other travel blogs, we’ve found that most restaurants in Bacalar now accept credit cards. Both of our Mexican and European credit cards work.

dock at bacalar mexico


Cost of Travel in Bacalar

In comparison to beach towns like Cancun and Tulum, Bacalar is definitely cheaper and accommodation and food are more affordable. 

In general, if you stay in town (not on the water), expect to spend around US$30-50/night on a hotel room and $5-10 for a meal. Boat tours start from $15 per person and bike rentals are only $12.50 per day.

cost of travel bacalar


Is it Safe to Visit Bacalar?

Bacalar is one of the safest places in Mexico for travelers. It’s a small town and most people here work in tourism. The Yucatan Peninsula in general has one of the lowest rates of homicide in Mexico (10 times lower than the rest of the country).

Many travelers report that taking public transport around the peninsula is safe during the day. However, like the rest of Mexico, it’s advised not to travel around at night. Carjackings have been reported, most occurring at night or on desolate roads.

streets of bacalar mexico


What to Pack for Bacalar

You’ll be spending most of your time in the water, so definitely get lots of sun-proof gear before you go as you won’t be able to find it in Bacalar.

I recommend bringing sun-proof rashguards that can protect your skin while snorkeling.  KEEN footwear or normal sandals are really useful for water activities. Snorkel mask and fins can be great for observing marine life and stromatolites in the lagoon.

Be sure to read my guide on what to pack for Mexico for more details.

Packing List for Bacalar

  • Biodegradable Sunscreen
  • Mosquito repellent with DEET
  • Snorkel mask and fins
  • UPF50+ rash guard swim shirt
  • Dry bag for snorkeling/kayaking
  • Quick-dry towels
  • Sun hat that covers the neck
  • KEEN covered sandals
  • Dramamine for motion sickness
  • GoPro Hero 7 for waterproof photos/videos!
  • Quick-dry t-shirts for the hot weather
clear waters of bacalar lagoon


More Tips for Visiting Bacalar

  • Use only biodegradable sunscreen (or reef-friendly sunscreen) in Bacalar Lagoon. Any other sunscreen would do damage to the lagoon! Sadly you can’t find this in Bacalar, so make sure you bring it with you.
  • Bring insect repellent with DEET as mosquitoes will swarm you after sunset.
  • The Bacalar Lagoon is a very fragile ecosystem, and can suffer tremendously from irresponsible tourism. Make sure you don’t litter, bring any trash you may have with you home, and avoid single use plastic.
  • Remember not to touch or walk on the stromatolites. They are living fossils that have been around for 3 billion years!
  • Only small drones are allowed at Bacalar. Please respect others and avoid flying too close to people. We flew our DJI Mavic Mini from the boat after asking our captain for permission, and he was absolutely fine with it.
bacalar mexico - sunset at the docks


Further Reading on Mexico

Have I answered all the questions you had on Bacalar Mexico? I hope you’ve found this Bacalar Lagoon travel guide useful.

Bacalar Lagoon really is my favorite spot in the Yucatan Peninsula and one of the most beautiful natural wonders of Mexico. I cannot wait to come visit again on another road trip in Yucatan! Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any other questions!

For those who are planning to travel more of Mexico, check out other articles I’ve written on Mexico:

  • 20 Natural Wonders of Mexico
  • 10 Best Waterfalls in Mexico
  • Driving in Mexico
  • 10 Hot Springs in Mexico
  • 35 Fun Things to Do in the Yucatan Peninsula
  • Yucatan Road Trip: A 10-Day Yucatan Itinerary
  • What to Pack for Mexico
  • 15 Things to Do in Cozumel, Mexico
  • 20 Cool Things to Do in Valladolid, Mexico

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links i.e. if you book a stay through one of my links, I get a small commission at NO EXTRA COST to you. Thank you for your support!


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Nellie Huang

Nellie is a book author, travel blogger and worldschooling mum. Having traveled to over 150 countries, she currently lives in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, with her digital nomad family. She started this Mexico travel blog to share her love for her adopted home. Read more about her and get real-time updates from her on Facebook and Instagram.

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The Comments

  • Marta
    March 15, 2023

    “If you’re looking to go off the beaten path in Mexico, Bacalar is perfect for you!” – really?!? maybe 10 years ago 😀

    Reply
    • Nellie Huang
      Marta
      March 15, 2023

      I’d say even now, over 60% of visitors to the Yucatan Peninsula just stay in a resort in Cancun and maybe venture to Chichen Itza or Tulum ruins at most. I know so many people who have been to this area and never heard of Bacalar. Only backpackers and travelers who actually explore beyond the beach will head as south as Bacalar. I live in Playa del Carmen, and I have been to Bacalar a few times now and the amount of visitors there is nothing compared to what we get here on the coast.

      Reply
  • Andrea Pfaff Camporesi
    October 23, 2023

    I was wondering if the blue colors have come back because I know the lake had gone green and brown from hurricanes and other things in the last couple of years.
    Thank you for any current information.

    Reply
    • Nellie Huang
      Andrea Pfaff Camporesi
      October 24, 2023

      hi Andrea, oh yes the blue colors are back. I’ve been to Bacalar three times in the past two years and the water has been gorgeous every single time I went.

      Reply
  • William T
    February 7, 2024

    Hola Nellie,

    Muy buen tips! Soy brasilenmo y amo y conozco muy bien Mexico. He ido muchas veces a Playa del Carmen y arredores, pero Bacalar siempre estubo en la lista/bucket list.

    Ya es hora! Vivo en los EUA y voy a seguir todos tus tips en mi viaje este mes o el que viene.

    Saludos y muchas gracias por la excelente informacion.

    Reply
    • Nellie Huang
      William T
      February 8, 2024

      Hola William, muchas gracias por su comentario! Me alegro que vaya a Bacalar este mes, es mi sitio favorito en la Peninsula de Yucatan. Con mucho gusto cualquier duda que tenga, mandame un mensaje. 🙂

      Reply
      • William Turcato
        Nellie Huang
        February 9, 2024

        Hola Nellie,

        Ya listo con el boleto de avion y los hoteles en Bacalar y Mahahual (gracias a tus tips).

        Ahorita busco un transfer desde Cancun a Bacalar y de Mahahual a Cancun. No quiero rentar carro. Intente el site que recomendaste (abajo) pero no esta muy amigable. Tienes el whatsApp de algun servicio de transfer o recomendacion?

        Muchas gracias

        Reply
        • Nellie Huang
          William Turcato
          February 9, 2024

          Hola William, que bien!!! Si, a veces usamos el JF Riviera Tours para llevarnos a Playa del Carmen, no se si hacen transfer a Bacalar/Mahahual. Puede poner en contacto via Whatsapp para preguntar: +52 1 984 176 1374. Son buena gente que llegan punctual en al aeropuerto.

          Reply
  • Tim
    July 23, 2024

    Hello… can got refer to one of the boat tours that charges the prices you quoted in this article?

    I’m finding it very hard to find anything even remotely close to your prices.

    Reply
    • Nellie Huang
      Tim
      July 29, 2024

      You’ll need to book the boat when you’re there. If you book online, the prices will be higher but you’ll be guaranteed of availability.

      Reply
  • Sehaj Singh
    August 16, 2024

    Hola Nellie,

    Your writing style amazed me. I read a couple of articles of yours and I would say that it’s the best in the market at least for me. I do not think the question I am going to ask is irrelevant. But I am curious to get the answer from your side, Lol! I love writing and thinking of starting a blog on the travel niche. Can you give me some worthy advice or tips that I keep in mind when structuring the blog. One more thing, is it still profitable to start a blog on travel niche or am I just too late. I hope that you will come up with valuable reply. Thanks in advance.

    Reply

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Hi, I’m Nellie

A travel writer, Lonely Planet guidebook author and worldschooling mum. Living in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, with my family since 2021. Read about me.

Current Location

Current Location

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

My Books

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Lonely Planet Mexico

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Lonely Planet Singapore

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Explorers

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Amsterdam Like a Local

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The Adventure Traveler's Handbook

Recent Posts

  • Mexico City with Kids: My Guide to the Perfect Family Trip

    Mexico City with Kids: My Guide to the Perfect Family Trip

    March 27, 2025
  • Bacalar  Mexico: My Guide to Bacalar Lagoon

    Bacalar Mexico: My 2025 Guide to Bacalar Lagoon

    March 19, 2025
  • Driving in Mexico

    Driving in Mexico: All You Need to Know in 2025

    March 15, 2025
  • Staying at Casa Viva Troncones

    Staying at Casa Viva Troncones

    February 20, 2025
  • Day of the Dead in Mexico

    Day of the Dead in Mexico: The Ultimate Guide 2025

    October 21, 2024
@wildjunket
Nellie Huang | Adventure + Family Travel

@wildjunket

✈️ Travel writer & @lonelyplanet author 🌎 Sharing all about digital nomad family travel 🗺️Visited 150 countries 📍 Singaporean in Mexico 🇲🇽
  • After 4 years of living in Mexico 🇲🇽 , these are the most underrated places we’ve discovered — and trust me, they’re worth the detour:

🏔️Copper Canyon, Chihuahua — Mountains hikes, stone valleys and a spectacular canyon-rim train journey.

🦋 Sierra Chincua, Michoacan — Home to the annual monarch butterfly migration. 

🌿 Huasteca Potosina – Waterfalls, turquoise rivers & jungle magic.

🌋 Cañon de Sumidero, Chiapas –  Stunning canyon, waterfalls, indigenous villages and epic nature with hardly any crowds.

🌲 Valle de Bravo – A lakeside town in the mountains that feels like a Mexican Switzerland.

💎 Laguna Bacalar – The “Lake of Seven Colors” that feels like the Maldives.

Mexico is full of hidden gems — if you look beyond the resorts. Which one are you adding to your list?👇

#hiddenmexico #underratedmexico #mexpats #mexicotravel #familytravel #offthebeatenpath #slowtravel #mexicoliving #pueblomagico #huastecapotosina #bacalar #chiapas #digitalnomadfamily
  • A sneak peek of our daily life in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico 🇲🇽! 

Our life isn’t all road trips, beach days and mountain hikes. In reality, we work, exercise, do after-school activities, and have a routine like everyone else. 💻

It’s pretty fun to do daily life in Mexico though! We do more activities and eat out more than we used to in Europe (don’t let the video fool you — we eat lots of street food and Mexican grub too!) and we meet up with friends more often here too. 🌮🇲🇽

As much as we like going on adventures, we also enjoy having a home base with community and friendships to make life so much more meaningful. ❤️ 

We’re changing our home base in a month’s time and it’s gonna be tough to leave Mexico but I’m 100% sure we’ll be back soon! 

👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 

Digital nomad family | traveling with kids | worldschooling | family travels | family adventures | digital nomad family travel #familytravel #travelwithkids #adventurefamily #worldschooling #familytrips #digitalnomadfamily #livinginmexico
  • I don’t have anything against Disney, but I just don’t think that’s the only way to travel with kids. 

We’ve bathed elephants in Thailand and fed alpacas in Peru. 🦙

We’ve climbed mountains in Patagonia that left our legs shaking—but our hearts so full. ⛰️

We’ve snorkeled with turtles in the Caribbean Sea, and ran up and down sand dunes in the Sahara. 🐫

We’ve watched glaciers calve with a thunderous crack, and eaten street food that made us question everything we thought we knew about dinner. 🌮

There’s magic — in the unconventional way. The kind that grows when a kid realizes they’re braver than they thought, stronger than they imagined, and endlessly curious about the world. ✨

So no, it’s not Disneyland.

It’s a wilder, messier, sometimes muddier kind of wonder.


👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 

Digital nomad family | traveling with kids | worldschooling | family travels | family adventures | digital nomad family travel #familytravel #travelwithkids #adventurefamily #worldschooling #familytrips #digitalnomadfamily #familyadventures
#holyairball #holyfknairball
  • We travel with our kid not for the bucket lists or perfect photos — but for moments like this.

Real, raw, a little surreal.

A massive whale rising from the deep, playfully teasing us like a puppy eager to be pet. We reached out and stroke him, as he continued to linger next to our boat. 🐋⛴️🌊🐋

This moment is exactly why we travel.

We travel to stand in awe and feel wonder. To connect — with nature and with each other. To show our daughter there’s something bigger than ourselves. 🍃🌳🌺💦

📍Magdalena Bay, Baja California 🇲🇽 

Disclaimer: Whale interactions in Magdalena Bay are entirely whale-initiated, gentle, and closely regulated to ensure no harm or stress is caused to the animals. These encounters are considered ethical and support local conservation efforts.

#MagdalenaBay #Bajacalifornia #mexicowithkids #familytravel #travelwithkids #wildlifetravel #digitalnomadfamily
  • ✨ We just spent an epic birthday weekend in Valle de Bravo 🇲🇽 with our friends and it was everything we could have asked for! ✨

Despite being just 2 hours from Mexico City, it feels like a true escape — with rolling hills, endless pine forests and waterfalls. Here’s what we did:

🌲 Explored the cobblestone streets + colorful markets
🪂 Paraglided over the valley (unreal views!)
🚤 Took a boat ride at sunset
🌄 Hiked to waterfalls + lookout points
🔥 Cozy bonfire nights at our glass cabin
🎂 Celebrated with cake + mountain air

Valle de Bravo, you surprised us in the best way. Here’s to discovering more places like this in Mexico!

#valledebravo #familytravel #travelwithkids #mexicotravel #mexicowithkids #livinginmexico
  • To celebrate Alberto’s birthday this past weekend, I booked all of us on a paragliding adventure and it turned out to be epic! 🪂 

Valle de Bravo (just 2hours from Mexico City) is such a green and lush part of the country, blessed with rolling hills, endless pine forests and cool climate. I planned a fun weekend here with our friends, with the main purpose of paragliding.

Both Alberto and I have tried it before and we knew we loved it, bringing Kaleya on the adventure made it all the more special! She was nervous at first but ended up loving i! I think this is the best birthday gift I’ve given to Alberto, if I dare say so myself. 

Thanks Marko @parapentevalledebravo.mx for taking care of us! [We paid for it ourselves, just wanted to share our positive experience.]

#paragliding #valledebravo #adventureswithkids #familyadventures #paragliding_family #paraglidingmexico
  • To celebrate Alberto’s birthday this past weekend, I booked a paragliding adventure for us and it turned out to be epic! 🪂 

Valle de Bravo (just 2hours from Mexico City) is such a green and lush part of the country, blessed with rolling hills, endless pine forests and cool climate. I planned a fun weekend here with our friends, with the main purpose of paragliding.

Both Alberto and I have tried it before and we knew we loved it — bringing Kaleya on the adventure made it all the more special! She was nervous at first but ended up loving it! I think this is the best birthday gift I’ve given to Alberto, if I dare say so myself. 

Thanks @flumenparagliding for taking care of us! [We paid for it ourselves, just wanted to share our positive experience.]

#paragliding #valledebravo #adventureswithkids #familyadventures #paragliding_family #paraglidingmexico
  • Most people, including my mum, think all I do is travel and have fun. But the truth is, I spend more time typing away on my laptop at home than out exploring. 👩‍💻

Instagram only shows the glamorous part of my job but in real life, I spend a lot of time writing for outlets like @mexiconewsdaily (check out my new travel series!), managing my blogs and creating content here — whether I’m on the road or at home. 

But I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’d rather be working on a job I love from anywhere in the world than be stuck behind a desk doing something that sucks my soul.

#travelbloggers #femaletravelbloggers #sheisnotlost #instagramvsreality #realityoflife
  • When I found out I was pregnant, my biggest worry was: could I still travel and live the life I loved?! 

YES! Having a child doesn’t need to stop you from living your life. Even a life of adventure, a life that’s always on the move!

It wasn’t always easy but it’s always worth it. I strongly believe that everything comes with practice: the more you travel with your kids, the easier it gets!

Here’s to more adventures!!! 🌎✈️🥾🗺️

👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 

Digital nomad family | traveling with kids | worldschooling | family travels | family adventures | digital nomad family travel #familytravel #travelwithkids #adventurefamily #worldschooling #familytrips
View on Instagram
@wildjunket
@wildjunket
•
Follow
After 4 years of living in Mexico 🇲🇽 , these are the most underrated places we’ve discovered — and trust me, they’re worth the detour: 🏔️Copper Canyon, Chihuahua — Mountains hikes, stone valleys and a spectacular canyon-rim train journey. 🦋 Sierra Chincua, Michoacan — Home to the annual monarch butterfly migration. 🌿 Huasteca Potosina – Waterfalls, turquoise rivers & jungle magic. 
🌋 Cañon de Sumidero, Chiapas – Stunning canyon, waterfalls, indigenous villages and epic nature with hardly any crowds. 
🌲 Valle de Bravo – A lakeside town in the mountains that feels like a Mexican Switzerland. 
💎 Laguna Bacalar – The “Lake of Seven Colors” that feels like the Maldives. Mexico is full of hidden gems — if you look beyond the resorts. Which one are you adding to your list?👇 #hiddenmexico #underratedmexico #mexpats #mexicotravel #familytravel #offthebeatenpath #slowtravel #mexicoliving #pueblomagico #huastecapotosina #bacalar #chiapas #digitalnomadfamily
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
@wildjunket
@wildjunket
•
Follow
A sneak peek of our daily life in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico 🇲🇽! Our life isn’t all road trips, beach days and mountain hikes. In reality, we work, exercise, do after-school activities, and have a routine like everyone else. 💻 It’s pretty fun to do daily life in Mexico though! We do more activities and eat out more than we used to in Europe (don’t let the video fool you — we eat lots of street food and Mexican grub too!) and we meet up with friends more often here too. 🌮🇲🇽 As much as we like going on adventures, we also enjoy having a home base with community and friendships to make life so much more meaningful. ❤️ We’re changing our home base in a month’s time and it’s gonna be tough to leave Mexico but I’m 100% sure we’ll be back soon! 👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 Digital nomad family | traveling with kids | worldschooling | family travels | family adventures | digital nomad family travel #familytravel #travelwithkids #adventurefamily #worldschooling #familytrips #digitalnomadfamily #livinginmexico
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
@wildjunket
@wildjunket
•
Follow
I don’t have anything against Disney, but I just don’t think that’s the only way to travel with kids. We’ve bathed elephants in Thailand and fed alpacas in Peru. 🦙 
We’ve climbed mountains in Patagonia that left our legs shaking—but our hearts so full. ⛰️
 We’ve snorkeled with turtles in the Caribbean Sea, and ran up and down sand dunes in the Sahara. 🐫
 We’ve watched glaciers calve with a thunderous crack, and eaten street food that made us question everything we thought we knew about dinner. 🌮 There’s magic — in the unconventional way. The kind that grows when a kid realizes they’re braver than they thought, stronger than they imagined, and endlessly curious about the world. ✨ So no, it’s not Disneyland. 
It’s a wilder, messier, sometimes muddier kind of wonder.
 👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 Digital nomad family | traveling with kids | worldschooling | family travels | family adventures | digital nomad family travel #familytravel #travelwithkids #adventurefamily #worldschooling #familytrips #digitalnomadfamily #familyadventures #holyairball #holyfknairball
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
@wildjunket
@wildjunket
•
Follow
We travel with our kid not for the bucket lists or perfect photos — but for moments like this. 
Real, raw, a little surreal. 
A massive whale rising from the deep, playfully teasing us like a puppy eager to be pet. We reached out and stroke him, as he continued to linger next to our boat. 🐋⛴️🌊🐋 This moment is exactly why we travel. We travel to stand in awe and feel wonder. To connect — with nature and with each other. To show our daughter there’s something bigger than ourselves. 🍃🌳🌺💦
 📍Magdalena Bay, Baja California 🇲🇽 Disclaimer: Whale interactions in Magdalena Bay are entirely whale-initiated, gentle, and closely regulated to ensure no harm or stress is caused to the animals. These encounters are considered ethical and support local conservation efforts. #MagdalenaBay #Bajacalifornia #mexicowithkids #familytravel #travelwithkids #wildlifetravel #digitalnomadfamily
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
@wildjunket
@wildjunket
•
Follow
✨ We just spent an epic birthday weekend in Valle de Bravo 🇲🇽 with our friends and it was everything we could have asked for! ✨ 
Despite being just 2 hours from Mexico City, it feels like a true escape — with rolling hills, endless pine forests and waterfalls. Here’s what we did: 🌲 Explored the cobblestone streets + colorful markets
🪂 Paraglided over the valley (unreal views!)
🚤 Took a boat ride at sunset
🌄 Hiked to waterfalls + lookout points
🔥 Cozy bonfire nights at our glass cabin
🎂 Celebrated with cake + mountain air Valle de Bravo, you surprised us in the best way. Here’s to discovering more places like this in Mexico! #valledebravo #familytravel #travelwithkids #mexicotravel #mexicowithkids #livinginmexico
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
@wildjunket
@wildjunket
•
Follow
To celebrate Alberto’s birthday this past weekend, I booked all of us on a paragliding adventure and it turned out to be epic! 🪂 Valle de Bravo (just 2hours from Mexico City) is such a green and lush part of the country, blessed with rolling hills, endless pine forests and cool climate. I planned a fun weekend here with our friends, with the main purpose of paragliding. Both Alberto and I have tried it before and we knew we loved it, bringing Kaleya on the adventure made it all the more special! She was nervous at first but ended up loving i! I think this is the best birthday gift I’ve given to Alberto, if I dare say so myself. Thanks Marko @parapentevalledebravo.mx for taking care of us! [We paid for it ourselves, just wanted to share our positive experience.] #paragliding #valledebravo #adventureswithkids #familyadventures #paragliding_family #paraglidingmexico
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
@wildjunket
@wildjunket
•
Follow
To celebrate Alberto’s birthday this past weekend, I booked a paragliding adventure for us and it turned out to be epic! 🪂 Valle de Bravo (just 2hours from Mexico City) is such a green and lush part of the country, blessed with rolling hills, endless pine forests and cool climate. I planned a fun weekend here with our friends, with the main purpose of paragliding. Both Alberto and I have tried it before and we knew we loved it — bringing Kaleya on the adventure made it all the more special! She was nervous at first but ended up loving it! I think this is the best birthday gift I’ve given to Alberto, if I dare say so myself. Thanks @flumenparagliding for taking care of us! [We paid for it ourselves, just wanted to share our positive experience.] #paragliding #valledebravo #adventureswithkids #familyadventures #paragliding_family #paraglidingmexico
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
@wildjunket
@wildjunket
•
Follow
Most people, including my mum, think all I do is travel and have fun. But the truth is, I spend more time typing away on my laptop at home than out exploring. 👩‍💻 Instagram only shows the glamorous part of my job but in real life, I spend a lot of time writing for outlets like @mexiconewsdaily (check out my new travel series!), managing my blogs and creating content here — whether I’m on the road or at home. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’d rather be working on a job I love from anywhere in the world than be stuck behind a desk doing something that sucks my soul. #travelbloggers #femaletravelbloggers #sheisnotlost #instagramvsreality #realityoflife
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
@wildjunket
@wildjunket
•
Follow
When I found out I was pregnant, my biggest worry was: could I still travel and live the life I loved?! YES! Having a child doesn’t need to stop you from living your life. Even a life of adventure, a life that’s always on the move! It wasn’t always easy but it’s always worth it. I strongly believe that everything comes with practice: the more you travel with your kids, the easier it gets! Here’s to more adventures!!! 🌎✈️🥾🗺️ 👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 Digital nomad family | traveling with kids | worldschooling | family travels | family adventures | digital nomad family travel #familytravel #travelwithkids #adventurefamily #worldschooling #familytrips
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
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