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The town was named one of Mexico’s “Pueblos Mágicos” (“Magical Towns”) in 2006 an acknowledgment of its cultural and historical significance as well as its attractiveness as a destination for travelers. Bacalar’s nearly 42,000 people and the visitors they host enjoy an incredibly privileged location fronting the Laguna de los Siete Colores (Lagoon of Seven Colors) so named because of the seven tones of blue-green that characterize its photogenic waters Whether you’re enjoying the scene from a hammock or swing at one of the many local beach clubs or diving into a cenote from the deck of a sailboat visit now – and you’ll be able to say that you were in Bacalar before everyone else got there. Yet the months between October and April might be the ideal time to visit as the rainy season typically runs from May to September The very sweetest spot is January to April before Semana Santa: domestic tourism declines during this period the weather is perfect (especially for visitors coming from cold climates) In addition, in February or early March Balacar’s historic center plays host to the annual Carnaval an explosive celebration of music and dance. If you’re confining yourself to Bacalar proper a long weekend is just the right amount of time for a visit you can enjoy the lagoon’s riches at a beach club and aboard a boat and still have time to visit some of the iconic on-land destinations But don’t shy away from a longer visit. These under-visited spots feature beautifully preserved temples that were part of one of the most important Maya cities of the Classical period Chetumal airport (CTM) is the closest airport to Bacalar; visitors coming from outside Mexico will need to connect through Mexico City or Cancún to get here While visitors can hire a driver during their time in Bacalar it will be much easier to rent a car from one of the several international companies – including Enterprise Hertz and National – with desks just beyond the baggage claim. Many of the roads that lead to beach clubs in Bacalar are unpaved and can be littered with potholes Be aware that your quoted rental price will likely be higher upon arrival once the company adds insurance Your agency will take photos of the car and make notes of its condition prior to you driving off the lot; you’d do well to do the same. Bacalar doesn’t enjoy a position directly on the Caribbean Sea the small city sits on the Lagoon of Seven Colors Yet Bacalar more than holds its own with its northern neighbors for this freshwater lagoon is utterly spectacular in its own right Buy a day pass for any of the Bacalar beach clubs – Blu for families, Maya Playa or Bacalar Beach Club for singles or couples – and while away the hours enjoying these clubs’ vistas and amenities features a trampoline and oversized chess and Jenga games Most of the clubs have on-site restaurants and bars allowing you to enjoy the full-service treatment from sunrise to sunset. Quintana Roo is pockmarked with cenotes natural pools that form when the area’s limestone bedrock gives way creating sinkholes that fill with groundwater Cenotes were sacred to the Maya as places that represented the duality of life and death Bacalar has multiple cenotes you can visit clean water; the pool is open daily from 8am to 5:45pm. Opened in late 2024 by a Mexico City transplant to Bacalar, this chocolate shop offers a small but delicious selection of bonbons filled with locally sourced ingredients like corn and annatto seed The knowledgeable owner-chocolatier is always happy to organize a tasting of his creations and tell you more about Mexico’s chocolate industry overall. It’s one thing to view the Lagoon of Seven Colors from land. It’s another thing entirely to view the lagoon from the vantage point of a sailboat’s deck. While outfitters abound, I love Sailing Colibri take you to some of the lagoon’s top sites including Isla de los Pájaros (Island of Birds) and several cenotes as well as an opportunity to jump off the boat to swim in the lagoon’s crystalline waters. Since Bacalar is still somewhat under the radar compared to Cancún and Tulum (though it won’t be for long) the kind of informal “tourist tax” markups you might see in those destinations haven’t arrived here just yet. That’s not to say that Bacalar is backpacker-cheap or super budget-friendly But it is still possible to plan an amazing memorable Bacalar vacation on a budget that might not be possible further north on the Riviera Maya. Debit and credit cards are widely accepted though it’s always a good idea to carry pesos with you Smaller denominations are preferred by most vendors and merchants Day pass for beach club: M$200–500 (US$9.90–25) Entrance to San Felipe Bacalar Fort: M$110 (US$5.42) One-way ticket on Tren Maya from Bacalar to Cancún: M$124 (US$6.12) Bacalar has managed to stave off mega-developers This means you won’t find chain or name-brand hotels here and you’d be hard-pressed to believe that a stunning view lies down a rutted road lined with tangles of vines But keep going, and you’ll find quiet, private villas at Aqua Viva, a compound of 16 condominiums that share a gym and private pool, or a more family-friendly scene at the popular Hacienda Rancho Encantado. The newer Casa Hormiga bills itself as an ecologically mindful place, whose structures are made entirely from local materials. If all-inclusive features and a variety of amenities are important to you, you might prefer to look farther north. But if attentive, friendly service personalized to your interests is more your vibe, then Bacalar is the place for you. Find a room The architecture of the treehouses transforms the surrounding jungle into décor while allowing the fauna to roam freely beneath This is tropical-sustainable modernism at its most inspired which include a plunge pool and recreational areas with a series of light walkways connecting these spaces to the villas Designed using upcycled and salvaged materials the warmly textured furniture blends almost seamlessly with the rich wooden beams and paneling that define the villas one finds custom pieces from several leading Mexican brands and local artisans Collaborations with artist Marina Silva and the Japanese brand Nossara Towels round out the inspiring scene Read his story Chef Carlos Bordonave uses local ingredients to prepare dishes that are rooted in tradition The culinary offerings celebrate the history of the land presenting an immersive and flavorful experience you will enjoy the finest wines and spirits care of Japanese mixologist Koki Yokoyama And a seasonal guest-chef program means you can experience a master class Enjoy a cool-water submersion amid high trees and birdsongs as light streams through the canopies Additional massage offerings are provided in-room for the most intimate and convenient of experiences. Photographs by Sarah Fassold: @sarahfassold A “Conferencia del Agua” — or Water Conference — brought together hotel owners, local officials, environmental activists, and others concerned about the health and sustainability of the famed Bacalar Lagoon The conference, at Centro Holístico Akalkí opened with remarks from Bacalar’s mayor The mayor emphasized the lagoon’s importance to the region’s tourism industry and cultural identity and noted that decisions made during the conference could significantly impact Bacalar’s future development They delivered an informative session that connected the cosmic origins of water with Bacalar’s ancient stromatolites Ling explained how water molecules formed in space billions of years ago Amarilis described the stromatolites as living fossils that have existed for over 3.5 billion years but are now threatened by environmental changes Ling also introduced the “Laboratorio Comunitario del Agua” (Community Water Laboratory) a new educational initiative in downtown Bacalar The laboratory was designed to help locals and tourists understand the lagoon’s ecosystem through exhibits and educational activities The second day focused on practical solutions Hotel owners participated in workshops about sustainable tourism practices and environmental engineers presented water treatment systems specifically designed for Bacalar’s ecosystem Participants contributed the suggested donation of MX$250 per day or MX$450 pesos for both days organizers published a financial report showing operational costs had been covered with excess funds donated to a local initiative dedicated to protecting Laguna Bacalar The conference concluded with a commitment to collaborative action Ling emphasized the importance of protecting the lagoon for future generations Many attendees visited the newly established Community Water Laboratory afterward indicating ongoing interest in the initiative The event achieved its planned objectives of raising awareness about the lagoon’s environmental challenges and developing collaborative solutions among different community stakeholders Nestled in Mexico’s southern Quintana Roo state Bacalar Lagoon has captivated humans for millennia with its striking blue waters The ancient Maya called it “Sian Ka’an Bakhalal” — the place surrounded by reeds where the sky is born often called the “Lake of Seven Colors” for its spectacular gradient of blues formed over thousands of years atop a limestone foundation Pre-Columbian Maya settlements flourished along its shores using the lagoon for transportation and sustenance Spanish colonizers recognized its strategic importance building Fort San Felipe in 1733 to protect against pirate incursions with the lagoon’s stromatolites — rare ancient microbial communities dating back 3.5 billion years — thriving in its pristine waters Bacalar faces unprecedented environmental threats The region’s explosion in tourism since the early 2000s has brought development without adequate infrastructure Hotels and residences often discharge untreated wastewater directly into the groundwater that feeds the lagoon Agricultural expansion has introduced fertilizers and pesticides that disrupt the delicate ecosystem Increasing temperatures alter water chemistry while more frequent and intense hurricanes erode shorelines and stir sediment that smothers the delicate stromatolites Hurricane Cristobal triggered a devastating algal bloom that temporarily turned parts of the once-turquoise waters brown Perhaps most alarming is the rapid urbanization without proper planning Bacalar’s population has more than doubled since 2000 Many new developments operate with inadequate septic systems that leak into the groundwater Conservation efforts have emerged in response while some hotels adopt eco-friendly practices Government initiatives to expand protected areas show promise this ecological and historical treasure — with waters reflecting countless human stories across millennia — risks becoming another paradise lost to short-sighted development Yucatán Magazine has the inside scoop on living here. Sign up to get our top headlines delivered to your inbox every week A group of environmentalists are casting doubt on the claims of an upbeat 2018 census issued by a group of mainstream wildlife groups The 2018 National Jaguar Census (Cenjaguar) estimated about 4,800 adult specimens in Mexico traditional varieties of maize such as the Nuuk Nal tend to be larger and more nutritious than their genetically modified counterparts While world leaders met and discussed the climate crisis at a United Nations conference in Scotland one front in the battle to save the planet’s mangroves is thousands of miles away in Yucatán but today there are only thin green bands of trees beside the sea interrupted… While still below levels recorded two decades ago two recent surveys show North America’s monarch butterflies are on a rebound [metaslider id=”48294″] A major threat to the coral has been detected at Isla Perez at Arrecife Alacranes Personnel from the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (Conanp) off Yucatan’s Gulf coast said they detected White Syndrome which attacks and kills corals in a matter of weeks Stickers boldly marked “Clausurado” in red block letters have covered up homemade signs declaring a stretch of beach to be private property Advertise With Us Less than a year after opening, Bacalar, the sophisiticated Yucatán-inspired Mexican restaurant from "Top Chef" winner Gabe Erales has closed “Bacalar was a very ambitious project that was focused on the regions and cuisine of the Yucatán Our hope was to create a thoughtful project of inclusion and proper representation of Mexican culture,” Erales told the American-Statesman Tuesday “We hoped it could be a restaurant patrons enjoyed daily but (it) seemed to quickly be perceived as a special occasion restaurant coupled with location and the financial strains of local ingredients in the growing challenging environment of the industry in Austin Erales said he was informed that his partners in the restaurant, which include Urbanspace CEO and founder Kevin Burns, had decided to transition the restaurant to a more casual concept closer to what they have been offering next door to Bacalar at Tómalo Taquería Tómalo will take over the old Bacalar space eventually and is operating takeout service from the taqueria’s window currently as well as serving a limited menu at the old Bacalar bar Urbanspace issued a statement about the reason for the change Urbanspace Hospitality's goal is to create concepts that serve the neighborhoods in which they reside,” the statement reads “We've been listening to our customer and neighborhood feedback and have decided to lean into Tómalo the more casual of the two concepts and transition the entire space Tómalo is a place that welcomes you to come as you are whether that is off the trail with your dog or dinner and drinks before a big night out we want to express our profound gratitude to chef Gabe Erales we were privileged to have him on our team.” Erales, who is also a partner in the Tex-Mex restaurant Ometeo in the Washington D.C. area said it is too early to think about what his next move might be in the Austin market "I think I need to take some time to deal with this post-traumatic shock for a moment," Erales said From May 2023: 'Top Chef' winner Gabe Erales opening new restaurant Bacalar, adjoining Tómalo Taqueria ShareSaveCommentLifestyle TravelWhy Your Next Cold Weather Getaway Should Be At Our Habitas BacalarThe new Tulum airport allows you to get to this lagoon destination even faster. ByRana Good Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights Rana Good is a New York City-based travel and lifestyle writer.Follow AuthorOct 09 05:34pm EDTShareSaveComment@font-face{font-family: "Schnyder"; src: url("https://i.forbesimg.com/assets/fonts/schnyders/schnyders-bold-webfont.woff2") format("woff2") url("https://i.forbesimg.com/assets/fonts/schnyders/schnyders/schnyders-bold-webfont.woff") format("woff"); font-weight: 700; font-style: normal;} @font-face{font-family: "Merriweather"; src: url("https://i.forbesimg.com/assets/fonts/merriweather/merriweather-bold-webfont.woff2") format("woff2") url("https://i.forbesimg.com/assets/fonts/merriweather/merriweather-bold-webfont.woff") format("woff"); font-weight: 700; font-style: normal;} @font-face{font-family: "Euclid"; src: url("https://i.forbesimg.com/assets/fonts/euclidcircularb/euclidcircularb-bold-webfont.woff2") format("woff2") 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#article-stream-0 .headline-embed .bg-accent{background-color: #000000;} #article-stream-0 .headline-embed.color-base #article-stream-0 .headline-embed .color-base{color: #FFFFFF;} #article-stream-0 .headline-embed.bg-base #article-stream-0 .headline-embed .bg-base{background-color: #FFFFFF;} #article-stream-0 .headline-embed.font-base #article-stream-0 .headline-embed .font-base{font-family: Schnyder,"Noto Sans","Droid Sans","Helvetica Neue",Corbel,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;} #article-stream-0 .headline-embed.font-size #article-stream-0 .headline-embed .font-size{font-size: 54px;} #article-stream-0 .subhead-embed.color-accent #article-stream-0 .subhead-embed .color-accent{color: #333333;} #article-stream-0 .subhead-embed.bg-accent #article-stream-0 .subhead-embed .bg-accent{background-color: #333333;} #article-stream-0 .subhead-embed.font-accent #article-stream-0 .subhead-embed .font-accent{font-family: Euclid,"Noto Sans","Droid Sans","Helvetica 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.quote-embed.bg-base #article-stream-0 .quote-embed .bg-base{background-color: #000000;} #article-stream-0 .quote-embed.font-accent #article-stream-0 .quote-embed .font-accent{font-family: Schnyder,"Noto Sans","Droid Sans","Helvetica Neue",Corbel,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;} #article-stream-0 .quote-embed.font-size p #article-stream-0 .quote-embed .font-size p{font-size: 36px;}Habitas Tulum | Riviera and Travel Photographer | Architecture + Lifestyle | Tanveer Badal Photography // TANVEERBADAL.COM ample swimming in the beautiful water of the lagoon a golf cart will take you to your A-frame tented room with the option to stay jungle- or water-side The rooms offer the perfect blend of untouched nature mixed with luxurious hotel comforts Floor to ceiling windows let you wake up to a striking view of the lush foliage of Quintana Roo and the blue waters of the Bacalar Lagoon Each room comes with an outdoor shower where you can unwind to the natural surrounding ecosystem’s sounds At night you’ll be lulled to sleep by the sound of quietly croaking frogs and wake up to the sound of birds chirping The lagoon is the background for a wide variety of activities at Our Habitas Bacalar kayak or do boat trips right off the dock of the property There are also ample sunchairs to tan and relax after your aquatic adventure(s) Tap into your creative side with Pinto y Tinto a painting class where you’ll capture the azure waters of the Bacalar Lagoon while sipping wine An artist walks you through different color combinations textures and perspectives for you to create your own little masterpiece Wellness enthusiasts who want to try a relaxing yet spiritually awakening treatment During the session a therapist glides and twirls your body gently through the calm waters of the lagoon putting your body into a blissful trance The experience allows you to completely disconnect from the real world and tune into yourself during this magical session Dive into the flavors and dishes of Quintana Roo at the property’s restaurant Siete which uses with seasonal ingredients that are hand-selected from local farms Start your day with a traditional Yucatan-style motuleño toast made with local Manchego cheese try their aguachile negro which blends sour and smoky flavors using citrus sauce and smoked habanero to dress up raw shrimp and avocado indulge in the delicious flavors of wood-fired Yucatan pork which has been slow-cooked for 12 hours in banana leaves and is served with tortillas and pineapple puree Our Habitas Bacalar almost exclusively employs friendly local staff who will remember what you like to eat and drink and will also teach you some Mayan words as the days go by Our Habitas Bacalar is relatively remote so unless you have a car (and motivation) you most likely will stay on property enjoying the lagoon It’s the ideal place to unplug and marvel at nature’s natural beauty while enjoying warm weather and great hospitality The Rainey Street restaurant’s controversial chef Gabe Erales has left the business Bacalar and Tómalo is owned by real estate company Urbanspace, which has been getting into the hospitality field since 2020 CEO Kevin Burns tells Eater that the decision to close down Bacalar happened because it ultimately wasn’t serving the neighborhood “Our original intent for this restaurant was to be fun dining,” he says but the restaurant ended up leaning more high-end “It became known as the place that people wanted to go to for a special event,” he says “and that goes completely against the grain of what I wanted.” Burns cites that the number of repeat customers was lower than the group wanted. Then there’s the fact that long-in-the-works Rainey Street trailhead park project was under construction until early July meaning the restaurant overlooked an uninviting worksite for most of its tenure Tómalo will remain open and serve food as the address slowly undergoes changes to run through Bacalar’s food inventory The full restaurant should reopen in August Burns says that Urbanspace’s decision to end its partnership with Erales was “financially driven.” Having a chef of his caliber wasn’t economically logical the new Tómalo didn’t “need to have an award-winning chef; we need to have really good chefs.” The current Bacalar team will be given the opportunity to stay on through the transition if they want to Urbanspace’s official statement explains: we were privileged to have him on our team the Tomalo window will remain open with regular hours Erales writes to Eater that he wanted to “create a thoughtful project of inclusion and proper representation of Mexican culture.” The goal was to open an everyday-type of restaurant “but seemed to quickly be perceived as a special occasion restaurant,” he writes along with Rainey Street’s forever-construction the “financial strains of sourcing indigenous ingredients directly from the Yucatán and the challenging environment of the industry in Austin made it very difficult to be profitable.” Because of the pivot to casual dining “we have decided to end our partnership as planning for this new transition begins.” A post shared by Tómalo Taquería (@tomaloatx) Authorities in the idyllic Quintana Roo vacation spot of Bacalar shut down the 13-month-old Cristalino Lagoon Front Hotel on Monday after the property’s passenger van was accidentally driven into Bacalar Lagoon The lagoon-front hotel sits on the shore of Mexico’s second largest freshwater body also known as the Laguna de los Siete Colores La imprudencia al volante en la Laguna de 7 Colores, #Bacalar 🚗🏖️ Una camioneta de turistas sufrió un accidente tras una mala maniobra por parte del conductor Aquí el video. 👇 https://t.co/teGNzZLQFv — Fuerza Informativa Azteca (@AztecaNoticias) February 11, 2025 The white van plunged into the lagoon around midday Monday due to what officials described as the driver’s lack of skill on a ramp near Cenote Esmeralda — a vividly blue sinkhole that seamlessly blends into the lagoon’s turquoise waters No injuries were reported, and a crane was used to extract the half-sunken vehicle from the water Bacalar authorities eventually determined that the Cristalino Lagoon Front Hotel Restaurant & Spa was operating without the required permits and ordered its immediate closure personnel from various agencies were called to the scene “Investigations have been launched to determine the damage caused to the lagoon system gasoline or any other substance spill that could have serious effects on the lagoon which is the municipality’s main natural attraction,” the Bacalar City Council said in a statement This is the first recorded incident of a vehicle falling into the lagoon The hotel reportedly will remain closed until its legal situation is resolved and officials confirm there are no additional environmental risks One of the most picturesque natural wonders in Mexico Bacalar Lagoon is a popular destination in the southern state of Quintana Roo near the state capital of Chetumal and the Belize-Mexico border Circular in shape and shallow — which allows for comfortable swimming kayaking and paddleboarding — the lagoon’s serene mirror-like surface often breathtakingly reflects sunrises and sunsets The lagoon is renowned for stunning blue gradients due to varying depths and white limestone sediment Dozens of vacation properties — ranging from ecofriendly bungalows and boutique hotels to luxury resorts — are in the general area, with a new one coming soon: a Marriott, with construction slated to begin by the end of the month. ADVERTISE WITH MND COMMUNITY GUIDELINES Subscription FAQ's Privacy Policy Mexico News Daily - Property of Tavana LLC features 22 treehouse-style villas immersed in the jungle on the brilliantly blue Lagoon of Seven Colors The suites and walkways float on pillars and are carefully built around the mangroves 90% remains untouched and 2.5 acres of previously damaged mangrove was replanted The treehouses are made of local FSC-certified Chicozapote wood; most of the furniture was fashioned from salvaged materials by local artisans; and its waste water treatment system ensures that no effluent ends up in the lagoon which staggeringly accounts for almost half of Mexico’s international tourism and hit record numbers in 2023 which some have ominously pegged as “the next Tulum,” referencing the popular beach town in the same state that is now synonymous with overtourism and overdevelopment Boca de Agua offers a blueprint to an alternative future Buy your copy of the World's Greatest Places issue here More FromWorld’s Greatest Places 2024Maui Cultural LandsBy Michele Bigley Contact us at letters@time.com Archive Architecture the Riviera Maya’s “lagoon of seven colors,” will be home to a new Marriott resort according to Bacalar Mayor José Alfredo Contreras Méndez Contreras said the news followed meetings between Quintana Roo state officials and Marriott executives held during the International International Tourism Fair (FITUR) in Madrid earlier this year construction of the resort is set to begin by the end of this month and will employ 500 people The new Marriott property is located near the coast of Bacalar Lagoon and features 60 low-density rooms to ensure sustainable development and preserve the natural beauty of the lagoon While the hotel won’t be directly adjacent to the lagoon it will have an exclusive beach club for guests Bacalar is a popular tourist destination in Quintana Roo Its name comes from the Mayan name Bakhalal which means “close to or surrounded by reeds.” Bacalar Lagoon is circular in shape and shallow The new resort will be joining other Marriott properties in the Riviera Maya The resort firm recently opened two all-inclusive hotels in the Yucatan Peninsula: Paraiso de la Bonita resort near Puerto Morelos, which opened last month, and before that, the highly-rated new Almare resort on the Mexican Caribbean island of Isla Mujeres The latter opened in October and was Marriott’s first all-inclusive resort in Mexico Both properties are adults-only hotels and part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection With reports from Reportur Together with Pioneer Bacalar untouched jungle shoreline is kissed by the gentle lapping of the most brilliantly blue turquoise water you’ve ever seen Thick banks of mangroves tunnel over centuries old pirate canals that lead out to the open sea a kayak silently slices through the glassy surface of the water as its paddler looks towards the heavens for one of the many hundreds of species of migratory birds save for the wind rustling through the fluffy palm trees stirring up fans of ripples in the water below The entire scene is utterly romantic and saturated with technicolor tropical views of turquoise, greens, and whites. No, this is not the Maldives — this is Mexico’s Bacalar Lagoon, and it will take your breath away It was exactly this image that first attracted Michel Grondin, lead developer of sustainable living concept Pioneer Bacalar to the sleepy lakeside town almost a decade ago “People kept talking about Bacalar,” he said “I hopped in a car from Tulum and drove down I rented a boat and went exploring the different nooks and crannies Looking for development beyond a Tulum that he knew well Grondin saw Bacalar as a blank canvas and an opportunity to develop in a way that was both luxurious and additive to the natural beauty of a precious ecosystem He wanted to pioneer a community for people to come to live and experience Bacalar the way it was meant to be lived and experienced — close to nature but with an undeniable dose of jungle-inspired luxury Bacalar refers to two places. First, there is the town, a small community with centuries of history, that is fast becoming one of the buzziest destinations for low-key, creative, eco-minded travelers. Then, there is the lake itself, also known as the Lake of Seven Colors thanks to the various shades of blue that dance across the surface throughout the day This breathtaking 26-mile-long freshwater lake sits at the very southern end of the state of Quintana Roo just before you cross the border into Belize the town and the lake were only accessible from either Cancún airport which has very limited direct flights outside of Mexico with the introduction of the Tulum International Airport last December Bacalar has become much more accessible to international travelers The new Tulum International Airport has a capacity of four million passengers a year It is located 12 miles south of Tulum and will have its own Tren Maya stop to link Bacalar with Tulum directly for years Tulum had been the destination du jour Images of white-sand beaches and crystalline water splashed across international travel magazines while legends of epic art installations and moonlit dance parties and organic cuisine made their way around the world This is why Bacalar is having its moment now more than ever Bacalar has always been an eco-conscious destination and an ethos that prioritizes the environment over anything remotely club-scene or overtly “trendy.” It’s not that Bacalar is a new destination But the spotlight is now on what a magnificent beauty it is With the opening of the Tulum International Airport and the ongoing construction of the Maya Train it is now easier than ever to move around southern Quintana Roo the town of Bacalar has been given Pueblo Mágico status by the Mexican government an award which highlights the unique charm of some of the country’s most special locations The designation also comes with increased government funding to help develop infrastructure making Bacalar more accessible to visitors than ever before What started as a handful of boutique palapa-topped lakefront hotels and low-impact homes is carefully evolving to become a hideaway for barefoot luxe travelers from around the world These travelers are drawn to the low-key beach clubs laid-back burrito trucks and the endless activities that take place both on the lake and within the jungle For visitors who love the history of the Yucatan Peninsula Bacalar puts them at the doorstep of one of the largest unexplored archaeological sites in Mexico — Ichkabal the 2,400-year-old city is said to be the origins of the Kaanul Dynasty one of the most powerful ruler groups of the Maya civilization Visitors will be able to explore the set of five buildings which is twice the size of the world-famous Kukulkán temple in Chichen Itza Bacalar is truly a treasure trove of opportunity for travelers and investors looking for a slice of paradise to call their own But unlike other destinations that developed too far and too fast Bacalar has tighter environmental restrictions to prevent development from spiraling out of control which is exactly what Grondin was looking for Pioneer Bacalar is a collection of four homes One has already sold and three are still available for pre-sale The project is designed to bring the lake to life for people who are passionate about natural beauty and an intentional lifestyle with locally sourced materials including chukum and native woods Pops of color are naturally incorporated through the surrounding jungle palette — the blues of the lagoon and the shimmers of turquoise from each residence’s private pool Each residence has a private dock with two of the homes at Pioneer having 25+ meters of lagoon frontage where residents can launch their boats Because no developments are permitted on the eastern side of the lake homeowners will have nothing blocking their views of the protected nature beyond Not only does Pioneer adhere to strict development regulations in the region but it also takes things a step further by incorporating seamless sustainable concepts into the boho-chic design The entirely off-grid environment was designed with sustainability at the forefront from the solar energy system to the on-site greywater system which collects reducing freshwater use and lessening wastewater output air-conditioning paired with strategically installed fans but deeply rooted in sustainability and completely enveloped by nature “The goal is to attract buyers who are environmentally conscious the homes do the work for them,” said Grondin “We believe that we can create something truly sustainable and environmentally positive for decades to come It’s an environmentally conscious place designed using a holistic approach With this day and age and with the technology currently available and at a great price point for the luxury it provides.” The price of each home ranges from 1.2M to 2.4M USD It’s about disappearing into nature where it is quiet and peaceful It’s about living in luxury while carefully caring for the natural world around them We want a community where the draw is the lagoon combined with all those things that make a lifestyle luxurious.” This article is brought to you by Pioneer Bacalar. The ancient Maya city of Ichkabal — an archaeological site that is larger and has three more pyramids than Chichén Itzá’s Temple of Kukulcán — is poised to become a major Mexican tourist attraction after its scheduled opening to the public next month Although Ichkabal was discovered nearly 30 years ago this will be the first time visitors will be allowed into one of the oldest Maya archeological sites in Mexico Located in the southeastern state of Quintana Roo in the middle of the jungle 43 kilometers (27 miles) from Bacalar Ichkabal isn’t as easily accessible from cities such as Cancún Tulum and Mérida as its more famous counterpart as Chichén Itzá is But with towering structures that have led it to be dubbed “the Mesoamerican Egypt,” Ichkabal will offer an unparalleled glimpse into a city that played a crucial role in the early development of Maya civilization And government officials are promising easier access once the under-construction Maya Train finishes work on stations in Bacalar and Chetumal Covering 30 square kilometers — a footprint three times larger than Chichén Itzá — Ichkabal is one of the largest of Mexico’s archaeological sites still standing and one of the oldest vestiges of Maya culture The site is tentatively scheduled to open to the public on Sept Work is being carried out to finalize transportation options from the yet-to-be-completed Maya Train station in Bacalar however — over small jungle roads — will take approximately one hour and 45 minutes The site is also 81 kilometers (50 miles) from the Quintana Roo capital of Chetumal but driving from the still-under-construction Chetumal station will take about two hours and 30 minutes Moreover, work on the southern part of the Maya Train’s section 5 — which will connect Quintana Roo’s northern resort cities with Bacalar and Chetumal to the south — was only about 65-70% complete as of earlier this week. ¡Buenos días! Con mucha emoción les comento que #Ichkabal muy pronto detonará el crecimiento económico y de infraestructura del sur de #QRoo pic.twitter.com/aDQ3Tezc4U — Carlos Joaquín (@CarlosJoaquin) July 26, 2017 a researcher with the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) predicts that Ichkabal will attract a significant number of visitors including cruise ship passengers from Mahahual (a nearly three-hour drive away) The No. 1 visited archaeological site in Mexico, Chichén Itzá had 2.3 million visitors in 2023 and 1.18 million in the first half of 2024. Ichkabal remained hidden beneath the jungle canopy until its discovery in 1995 archaeologists have been working to uncover and preserve its monumental structures The site’s intricate buildings and advanced hydraulic systems — such as a recently discovered cistern used to store water and corn — reveals the city’s importance as a political and cultural hub The site’s restoration has been part of the Program for the Improvement of Archaeological Zones (Promeza) a government initiative aimed at preserving and promoting Mexico’s rich cultural heritage With the support of the Defense Ministry (Sedena) archaeologists are working feverishly to ensure that the site is ready to open soon However, it perhaps bears noting that the word “soon” was used in a Mexico News Daily headline nearly two years ago, when projections were that Ichkabal would open to the public by mid-2023. Also, earlier this year, the Yaxchilan site in Chiapas — in the Lacandon Jungle near the Guatemala border — reopened after being closed for five months due to cartel violence in the region With reports from El País and Novedades Quintana Roo The Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) restored power in the southeastern Yucatán Peninsula on Tuesday morning after several power outages were reported across the state of Quintana Roo affected seven of the 11 municipalities in Quintana Roo 🔴#Urgente | México sufre apagones masivos y prolongados en Yucatán, Campeche y siete municipios de Quintana Roo: Bacalar, Cancún, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Puerto Morelos e Isla Mujeres. pic.twitter.com/aBXjDEqxdi — Pedro Márquez (@PedroMrquez_) March 25, 2025 the power outage primarily affected the northwest corner of the city Residents in the neighboring states of Campeche and Tabasco also reported several hours of power outages on social media CFE reported that the blackouts were due to the poor quality of natural gas caused by high humidity levels in the Mayakán gas pipeline that runs from southern Tabasco to Valladolid The commission said in a statement that because of the poor gas quality generating plants were forced to switch to alternative fuels “To mitigate the impacts during this period of irregular supply in coordination with the subsidiary CFEnergía and the National Energy Control Center (Cenace) made the decision to implement scheduled power outages for periods of time (rotating outages) to minimize the impact on users,” the bulletin stated CFE reported that power was restored to 47% of those affected in Campeche Following major power disruptions during the summer months of 2024, the CFE recently announced it would invest approximately US $12 million in the installation of new capacitor banks across Quintana Roo and a three-phase transformer in Playa del Carmen The investments are expected to improve the state electrical system’s efficiency when hot weather creates excessive demand With reports from Milenio, Animal Politico and Infobae A boutique hotel in Bacalar is redefining sustainable hospitality and it’s made Time Magazine’s 2024 World’s Greatest Places list Designed by renowned Mexico City architect Frida Escobedo, Boca de Agua features 22 treehouse-style villas immersed in the jungle on the Lagoon of Seven Colors. With 90% of the property’s 82 acres left untouched Boca de Agua demonstrates a commitment to environmental preservation. This approach contrasts with the prevalent overdevelopment in Quintana Roo a region known for its booming tourism industry While some ominously speculate about Bacalar becoming “the next Tulum,” Boca de Agua offers a model for sustainable tourism that prioritizes environmental regeneration and preservation I started suffering from crippling anxiety,” Boca de Agua’s founder Rodrigo Juarez told Wallpaper Magazine “The only times I was able to get out of this frustrating loop was when I would spend extended periods of time in nature I began a long journey to try to develop a project at the intersection of natural conservation and mental health The state of Quintana Roo and the Yucatan Peninsula have been on alert since the early hours of Monday following a press release on possible tropical storm “Fred” a new boutique hotel called Mansion Mansión Lavanda has been shut down for allegedly operating without proper permits But Mérida’s first full-force Pride celebration is going full-steam ahead no matter what the weather forecast threatens Like with many activities shut down when the pandemic arrived in 2019 the Marcha de la Diversidad Sexual — or Pride Mérida as it is known this year — is expected to draw… Cancun’s success inspired further development south along Mexico’s Caribbean coast State health authorities reported 40 new coronavirus infections Monday in addition to eight deaths from COVID-19 A 33-year-old Espita man with HIV was the youngest to perish while an 82-year-old Merida man with hypertension was the oldest Yucatan’s deaths reached 216 and confirmed cases totaled 1,877 with… Coming off a record-breaking visit in Veracruz the world’s largest floating bookstore and Christian ministry will conclude a Mexico itinerary in Progreso MexicoChevron Quintana RooChevron Laguna BacalarChevron Habitas BacalarSave this storySaveSave this storySaveAll products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors when you book something through our retail links My first impression as I glide on a Hobie Cat is how much Bacalar, Mexico, looks like the Caribbean. This 31-mile lagoon near the border of Belize is known for its many shades of aquamarine Travelers like me come expressly for these glowing waters which have none of the crowds of Tulum and Cancún A quiet balcony at hotel Casa Hormiga in Bacalar spongy microorganisms that are millions of years old lurk below the lagoon's shallow waters giving them their color and stabilizing this ecosystem But these fragile reeflike formations are easily destroyed and will take millennia to grow back The area follows a low-impact development policy that limits the number of hotel rooms allowed per square foot and prohibits large builds on the shoreline Signs warn visitors not to touch the stromatolites Méndez is working to launch a sustainable food festival to raise awareness and support the town and stopping for a dip where we press our toes into the squelchy white limestone soil the water is temporarily brown from sediment swept in by recent floods It's a reminder of the lagoon's fragility This article appeared in the September/October 2021 issue of Condé Nast Traveler. Subscribe to the magazine here. up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse We understand that time is the greatest luxury which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world This lagoon-side oasis is a must-visit for anyone looking for a relaxing getaway Welcome to The Weekender Coveteur’s travel series where seasoned globetrotters share their insider guides to top destinations across the world and a chance to get out of my comfort zone All of my trips in the past have been for an occasion whether it’s a family vacation or a friend’s birthday But a vacation doesn’t need to be scheduled for a specific reason and no you don’t need to go with a group or even another person I’m very comfortable being alone—I live alone I eat at restaurants by myself—so a solo trip has always been something that’s crossed my mind So when I found some time on my calendar to take a vacation I reached out to friends about where I should go and Bacalar came up a couple times which was surprising given I’d never heard of the small town before Four hours from Cancun and about 30 minutes from Chetumal Bacalar sits on the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula near the border of Belize and along a 26-mile-long freshwater lagoon After seeing the stunning images of the water and hearing more about the town’s slow pace of life I can't stop talking about the hidden gem that is Bacalar which was exactly what I was looking to do There are countless activities on site including guided meditations you’re treated to a traditional Mayan welcome ceremony with palo de tinte BOOK IT near where the breathwork session took place On my first morning at Habitas Bacalar, I walked over the wellness tent near the lagoon-side deck for a yoga class. Long story short, the instructor was running late and the yoga session turned into a breathwork session, taught by a couple, Andrea and Gregorio breathwork is a form of meditation that allows you to quiet your mind and connect with the self I thought how life-changing can breathing really be And after two sessions with Andrea and Gregorio It was an incredibly grounding and transformative experience that helped me gain both clarity and a sense of perspective something I wasn’t initially expecting at all We sailed through several of the cenotes located in the lagoon Our tour guide taught us more about Bacalar’s cenotes the millions of year old microorganisms that give the lagoon its stunning blue color and stabilize the ecosystem A snap of the path from my room to the other side of the property where the temazcal property took place Temazcal is an an ancient Mayan ceremony that involves sitting in a traditional sweat lodge that’s meant to symbolize the womb; the idea behind the ceremony is that once you exit The ritual is led by a spiritual leader and meant to purify the body I participated in a temazcal ceremony on the property with Andrea and Gregorio I started every morning with a book and an almond milk latte Siete is the restaurant on-site at Habitas Bacalar and it features local ingredients and cooking techniques a mezcal cocktail with orange liqueur and coriander You can also order food to be delivered to you while you’re relaxing by the lagoon and The tacos at Mestizos are incredible—I'm still thinking about them Don't forget to pair a mango margarita with your meal Mestizos had some of the best best tacos I’ve ever tasted Not only was the food incredible but the service was wonderful as well It’s a great place to grab dinner if you’re looking to explore the town of Bacalar The Weekender: A Guide To Maui, Hawaii Milan Is The Next Design Hot Spot To Visit How To Spend A Tropical Mini-Moon In Tulum busy preparing our boards for a sunrise paddle session The steamy temperatures feel like I’m entering a bath the chalky limestone sands like clouds at my feet We’re careful to avoid the lagoon’s stromatolites; he tells me the rocky formations are estimated to be 3.5 billion years old and are actually living beings that He also tells me that Bacalar’s original name derives from “Siyan Ka’an Bakjalal,” which roughly translates to a place surrounded by reeds where the sky is born We’re already quite a way out from shore when I see why the Maya described the lagoon this way: a transformation from night to day begins as the sun shines its first golden strokes across the crystal-clear waters I neither see nor hear any trace of development as are the Caribbean-like waters even though we’re miles from the coast Set in the Yucatán Peninsula’s most southern bounds near the southeastern border of Belize The tucked-away lagoon is a languid 26-mile-long body of freshwater; far from any major town Bacalar has been receiving quite the buzz for many reasons mainly for the tide of development the area is set to welcome in the coming years Locals are concerned that with unbridled growth Bacalar could turn into the next Tulum—overdeveloped and pillaged of its natural resources But many newcomers who have recently set down roots in the area have come with the intention to be stewards of the land When I arrive back at the property in the afternoon I head straight for the yoga platform to meet Amalia Moscoso a transplant from Los Angeles who first moved to Tulum to further nourish her work as a healer When I tell her I only have 15 minutes to spare Something about her calm nature appeals to me so I ignore my to-do list and settle in for an afternoon breathwork and sound bath ceremony I’ve gone from shaking to sobbing to having an overwhelming feeling of deep surrender “There’s a clear energy of pure presence here,” she says after our session I’m impressed by its grand Moroccan-style doors and its many open-air communal spaces including a series of intimate outdoor pools and a palapa-style library where coffee table books on astrology sit next to literature dedicated to Mexican architecture I find the conditions especially fitting for my afternoon spa appointment I’m greeted by a team of therapists who offer me a copal cleansing followed by a cacao ceremony I then change into my bathing suit for a janzu water-based meditation I’m already thoroughly relaxed by the time I settle in for my massage But the real prize of the experience awaits when I wake up from my treatment to see candles lit around a copper soaking tub made fragrant with twigs of rosemary and grapefruit slices Gathered around a wooden picnic-style table we share a trio of cured small plates crafted by Méndez: a buttery red snapper in housemade yuzu a fresh ceviche topped with smoked mayonnaise and totomoxtle (dried corn leaves) and cactus brined in vinegar of xoconostle (sour-prickly pear) Méndez tells us that he moved to Bacalar to open his restaurant about two years ago to escape the noise of Tulum and Mexico City Not only does he enjoy the lifestyle Bacalar affords him he also finds joy in working with the local ingredients available in and around Bacalar He sources almost everything for his restaurant from nearby villages One of his favorite ingredients to work with nutty flavor and creamy texture makes for delicious desserts Méndez’s next projects include building the restaurant’s own farm and establishing a waste-management program “It’s my way of giving back to Bacalar,” he says “It also sets an example of how a restaurant can take care of the environment.” Luna surprises us with a mezcal tasting featuring a few of his favorite bottles Luna tells me how he moved to Bacalar nearly six years ago “Bacalar is getting more popular,” he says it’s important for visitors to know how fragile this ecosystem is—avoiding the lagoon’s stromatolites is key.” Three new boutique hotels are serving as templates for turning the town of Bacalar—and its iconic lake—into Mexico’s most responsible tourism destination. 2021Photographs by Alejandro Cegarra for The New YorkerSave this storySave this storySave this storySave this storyThe water of the Bacalar Lagoon on the east coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula It contains scant organic material: some of its oldest inhabitants are oligotrophic microorganisms the lagoon puts on a spectacular display in the sunlight It’s said that there are seven distinct shades of blue in the water Bacalar is sometimes called the Lagoon of Seven Colors; its original name in Mayan translates roughly to “place surrounded by reeds where the sky is born.” A couple of weeks passed. Then, in mid July, hundreds of thousands of small snails washed up onshore. The snails, called caracoles chivitas, are unique to the lagoon. Like loons on northern lakes, they’d always been a sign of the water’s health; they also provided food for migratory birds. Now they were beginning to rot on waterfront properties. Officials were dispatched to count the carcasses. This was not in any of the old stories. Fifty years ago, Mexico’s National Tourism Development Fund unveiled Cancún—its first mega-project. Marketing materials described it as “the new thousand-year-old world on the Mexican Caribbean.” Today, Cancún Airport receives more international flights than any other Mexican city. The project’s success soon inspired similar efforts in Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, and Tulum. Cancún proved that tourism—la industria sin chimeneas, “the industry without chimneys”—could diversify Mexico’s economy. For a time, Cano told me, he’d been hopeful that the shutdown caused by the coronavirus might give some of his office’s environmental initiatives time to work. Last June, as Tropical Storm Cristobal was in full swing, Cano launched a social-media campaign with soaring aerial shots and underwater photography; it asked, “How should we reinhabit Bacalar?” Then the lagoon turned brown. At first, Cano adapted his optimism. Maybe a glimpse of a deteriorated future would inspire a protective response. Infinite ChoiceThe specification of every Bentley is a voyage of discovery, with even a ‘standard’ model being configurable in literally billions of ways. The process of designing a Mulliner goes even further – with infinite combinations of materials, colours and finishes. The exquisite grand tourers that result are only bounded by the law of the land and the imagination of the customer. The next coachbuilt model from Mulliner – to be revealed soon – will be no exception.- ENDS - Press Release - Bacalar Craftsmanship Nears Completion.pdf (1.1 MB) View all Images Press Contacts Jonathan Smedley Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker Lake Bacalar is home to an ancient population of stromatolites that are around 3.5 billion years old I had the chance to explore most of the lagoon… it was so unique "The clarity of the water makes this unique colouration of blue to green; it was delightful just to appreciate." But the "Lake of Seven Colours" is under grave threat which could not only permanently change the colour of the lake but also lead to the destruction of an ancient population of stromatolites Del Valle moved to Bacalar in 2017 following the 7.1-magnitude Puebla earthquake he departed his home of San Cristóbal de las Casas of seeing Bacalar's lagoon for the first time "You couldn't believe the sunrise and the sunset But now I can see what is happening… it breaks my heart Lake Bacalar has been moving towards an ecological disaster for the past decade a microbial ecologist at the National Autonomous University of Mexico in Merida Mexico's federal environmental protection agency issued a pollution alert for the lake when Lake Bacalar's rich thalassic hues turned a dull brown the damage could go far beyond the aesthetics of the brilliantly hued water Bacalar is home to the largest freshwater microbialite reef in the world – rock-like structures made by thousands of microbes that precipitate carbonate minerals "Bacalar's microbialites have an age range between decades to more than 9,000 years old," she said But it's the microbialite's living fossil counterpart that date back to "approximately 3.5 billion years old" making Bacalar's population the oldest evidence of life on Earth The stromatolites resemble cauliflower – big pillowy beige structures that grow upwards from the lagoon's limestone bottom of the lake The sediment layers itself millimetre by millimetre with the aid of photosynthesising organisms called cyanobacteria until the structures turn into a rocky underwater growth that can be seen on the surface of shallow water • The Earth's oldest living lifeforms • The animal resistant to cancer • How climate change poisons our food The cauliflower-like stromatolites only still exist in a few locations globally – and Bacalar's population reveal history frozen in time such as the temperature or the geochemical composition of the water millions of years ago That's because they actually preserve the physicochemical conditions of the water in their incredibly slow sedimentation process The microbes that make up a stromatolite take carbon from the CO2 in the air and put it into the lake floor's carbonate to store it stromatolites actively improve our environment But the problem facing stromatolites is two-fold The lake is fed by a 450km underground river that is part of the world's largest water cave and tunnel system along the Yucatan Peninsula This is actually good for stromatolites – the carbonate rock of the tunnels is thought to make them grow larger than normal pillowing out on the surface of the lagoon where groundwater flows through fractures and cave systems interconnect water bodies also leave the stromatolites more vulnerable to upstream change And deforestation of the rainforest upstream from the lagoon has increased "exponentially" in the last decade due to unsustainable agricultural practices pesticides and fertilisers making their way into the water during the rainy season High levels of nitrogen and ammonium are being recorded in the lagoon The makeup of the water is changing – and algae and molluscs are multiplying at a rapid rate no research has demonstrated that microbialite communities can recover from environmental damage in the short term The local tourism industry has played a role in Bacalar's degradation "Bacalar as a tourist destination has received increased attention but is without the necessary urban planning including sufficient sewage treatment and sanitary facilities." A study Falcón co-authored found high amounts of Firmicutes De Valle says a roaring tourism industry on the lake fin kicks and even people standing at the lagoon's edge is seeing the surface of stromatolites broken many don't care about the stromatolites and the mangroves that allow the natural resources of the lagoon to regenerate," he said just south of Quintana Roo's popular tourist spots Cancun was attracting close to 100,000 tourists a season in recent years "We were making advertisements and publicity to make that place more famous and popular knowing that it doesn't have the infrastructure Local researcher and biologist Silvana Ibarra member of the Citizen and Scientific Council for the Restoration and Preservation of the Bacalar Aquifer and Lagoon System "The growth of tourists in Bacalar is 600% in three years and the hosts are not prepared: they do not accept the carrying capacity of the ecosystem," she said But slowed tourist activity in the past 12 months has given the 42km-long expanse of lake a chance to recover "These problems started a decade ago and worsened two years ago but the improvement during the pandemic was shown in that we again saw animals such as the river otter," Ibarra said This slowed tourism activity has also seen the lagoon's colours stirring back to life Lake Bacalar can continue its recovery and restore its reputation as the "Lake of Seven Colours" And there are several easy ways for travellers to do this step or sit on the stromatolites in the lagoon She says visitors should enter the lagoon barefoot and never while wearing sunscreen or makeup very importantly: reduce your waste." Lake Bacalar can continue its recovery and restore its reputation as the "Lake of Seven Colours""Come knowing that it is a fragile natural sanctuary that must be treated with care," she said "It is important to protect the lagoon and especially to adapt to the territory its beauty and natural services will be lost." before travel returns to pre-pandemic levels Del Valle says it is up to the local tourism operators to save the crystalline lagoon – the largest in the Yucatan Peninsula Del Valle has approached many of the operators surrounding the lagoon to help make their tourism offerings more sustainable I have talked several times with many of them to persuade them," he said things that don't affect the lagoon." "Hopefully when the time is right there's going to be a change in society Thinking back to his first impressions of the then-glorious Lake Bacalar at a time when he was struggling with his own trauma "It really started to make me well [again]," he said the now-threatened lagoon was a catalyst for his own healing "It was the first time in my adult life that I was having this feeling of belonging to a ‘thing'." Hopefully Mexico's lake of seven colours will heal too Join more than three Nature’s Curiosities is a BBC Travel series that offers a close-up look at the natural world taking adventurous travellers on an unexpected journey of exploration Join more than three million BBC Travel fans by liking us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter and Instagram If you liked this story, sign up for the weekly bbc.com features newsletter called "The Essential List". 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Mexico — Less than a decade ago the El Bajío ejido — a form of communal land in Mexico —consisted primarily of rainforest This transformation was brought about by the mechanized agricultural activities of Mennonite families who began settling in the southern part of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo in the early 2000s they have made many roads for us,” said Rigoberto an ejidatario — or communal landowner — in his eighties who has witnessed the transformation of the land The mechanized agricultural practices employed by the Mennonites a religious group of European origin known for their extensive monoculture plantations and demand for permanent land rights have faced opposition from some of the region’s residents who say they are flouting environmental regulations “They cut down thousands of hectares … there is a lot of illegal logging with them,” said one member of Kabi Habin who requested anonymity for safety reasons said large-scale agriculture has spread from what is now known as the Salamanca ejido – the first place where the Mennonites arrived back in 2001 – to other parts of the municipality “There was no longer enough land for all the [Mennonite] families back in Belize,” says Jacobo a Mennonite who agreed to talk to Mongabay on the condition that his real name is not used for fear of reprisal from authorities “We saw a lot of land here in Bacalar [on which] to start a new colony.” while taking a break after attending Sunday church service Jacobo said that Mennonites began to explore the purchase of land in Quintana Roo in the late 1990s Jacobo said that to acquire 5,000 hectares (12,355 acres) of land Mennonite groups utilized a 30-year agreement with ejidatarios from Bacalar This approach enabled them to circumvent Mexico’s Agrarian Law the Mennonites obtained permission from the Program for the Certification of Ejido Rights and Land Titling (PROCEDE) to establish their own ejido the largest Mennonite colony in the Bacalar municipality was founded in November 2005 by a group of 25 Mennonites the colony houses approximately 300 families originating from Belize and the Mexican states of Chihuahua This information comes from a 2021 census conducted by the Mennonite community which was shared with Mongabay by one of its members the Salamanca ejido was swathed in 5,000 hectares (12,355 acres) of rainforest around 4,600 hectares (11,366 acres) of forest cover has been cleared according to data from Global Forest Watch Local sources say most of the land that was cleared was done without authorization from the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) to change the use of forest land having been granted “When Governor Felix Gonzalez Canto was governor [2005-2011] we received support in the form of fertilizers and machinery,” Jacobo said “In this period he covered 60% of the cost of a tractor for me and supported us with another 12 tractors.” another three Mennonite settlements have been established some 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the crop fields of Salamanca in the ejidos of San Fernando “First there were 12 Mennonite ejidatarios then there were 24 who became ejidatarios in Paraíso,” said a member of the Mayan Indigenous Council of Bacalar who asked to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals “Now they say that they are the majority and they want to manipulate the other ejidatarios The day [the Mennonites] become the majority Since the Mennonite colony was established in the region land clearing in the El Bajío and Paraíso ejidos has intensified according to satellite data from Global Forest Watch When Mongabay Latam reporters visited the area they observed evidence of recent forest clearing the Federal Attorney’s Office for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA) and the Mexican navy inspected three properties occupied by Mennonite groups in El Bajío The inspection revealed unauthorized logging on 1,445 hectares of forested land PROFEPA fined Mennonite individuals and the ejido authorities of Paraíso and El Bajío 10,266,640 Mexican pesos (around $500,000) it ordered the reforestation of 1,316 hectares (3,252 acres) of deforested land Mongabay reporters could not confirm whether similar sanctions were imposed on the San Fernando ejido Inhabitants of Paraíso and El Bajío interviewed by Mongabay allege that the fine has not been paid and that Mennonite communities continue to expand their agricultural holdings “They keep clearing the forest because they saw that there were no consequences,” said one ejidatario who requested anonymity for safety conerns Mongabay requested an interview with PROFEPA The law is not rigorously applied,” said another ejidatario who also preferred to remain anonymous The area boasts a diverse range of natural wonders and extensive stretches of tropical forest dominated by trees such as mahogany Bacalar’s protected areas have comparatively escaped the deforestation experienced in other parts of the municipality One of these is the Bala’an K’aax Flora and Fauna Protection Area which connects the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve located in the neighboring state of Campeche located in the municipalities of Felipe Carrillo Puerto and Tulum Bacalar is also home to the San Felipe Bacalar experimental forestry area an area of 8,000 hectares (19,768 acres) created by decree in 1973 and which is under the protection of the National Institute of Forestry Agriculture and Livestock Research (INIFAP) The institute conducts research in the area with the objective of preserving the biodiversity of this region of the Yucatán Peninsula Despite the lower rates of deforestation in the region’s protected areas San Felipe Bacalar has not been completely immune to habitat loss according to INIFAP researcher Francisco Montoya Reyes “San Felipe Bacalar is becoming isolated,” Reyes said “We have a growing agricultural frontier around the adjoining ejidos This is worrisome because San Felipe is the middle part of a large biological corridor that runs from the Sian Ka’an reserve to Calakmul.” Deforestation is not only occurring in El Bajío and Paraíso Blanca Flor is a Mayan community of around 650 inhabitants The community is known for its organic honey and is where the the Kabi Habin beekeepers’ cooperative is headquartered Mennonite communities have already begun to rent and buy land in Blanca Flor according to a beekeeper from the community who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals “It has taken place without the knowledge of all the ejidatarios,” the beekeeper said “Now there are about six or seven Mennonite people who bought [land titles] here in Blanca Flor.” The beekeeper added that individuals from Mennonite communities have also purchased land titles in the San Fernando ejido “There are people who are already leaving because they sold their rights and no longer have land to work on,” the beekeeper said Mongabay Latam verified via satellite data and on-the-ground reporting that forest clearing has occurred within a Mennonite settlement approximately two kilometers (1.2 miles) from the San Fernando population center some 15 hectares (37 acres) of land that was once forested had been added to the more-than 570 hectares (1,408 acres) of agricultural land in the ejido over the past few years The expansion of large-scale agricultural fields extends to the north of the Nuevo Tabasco ejido Local sources attribute the deforestation to the Cuatro Banderas Mennonite colony Mongabay Latam requested an interview with SEMARNAT to find out what actions are being taken by the government to prevent deforestation from advancing in this region of Mexico who said he was one of the first Mennonites to settle in the municipality of Bacalar spoke of how he had recently returned from Peru He said he traveled there to visit friends and relatives who left the Salamanca ejido in 2021 to found a new Mennonite colony in the Peruvian department of Ucayali “More than 20 families left; about 28 or so,” Jacobo said Mennonite communities celebrated 100 years in Mexico having first immigrated from Canada to the state of Chihuahua in 1922 the Bank of Mexico minted a 20-peso coin last year that shows a Mennonite family along with a railroad and agricultural fields “I think that’s why we are on this coin.” This is a translated and updated version of a story that was first reported by Mongabay’s Latam team and published here on our Latam site on Oct See related: In this episode of Chasing Deforestation host Romi Castagnino travels to the central Peruvian Amazon to learn how deforestation is affecting Indigenous communities and visit the Mennonite colony responsible for the destruction in search of answers Feedback: Use this form to send a message to the editor of this post The “fortress conservation” model is under pressure in East Africa as protected areas become battlegrounds over history and global efforts to halt biodiversity loss Mongabay’s Special Issue goes beyond the region’s world-renowned safaris to examine how rural communities and governments are reckoning with conservation’s colonial origins and trying to forge a path forward […] Though its capital, Mexico City, is one of the world’s best for culture and cuisine, and the sprawl of Guadalajara represents some of the country’s richest arts and architectural offerings, Mexico’s true charm is best experienced within its small towns a tucked-away Maya fortress covered by a Spanish monastery and hidden within the Yucatán Peninsula’s dense jungle canopy And then there's the diminutive mountain town of Tepoztlán where the Central Valley’s vast history of Aztec mysticism comes alive There are so many towns that prove a world of culture awaits in Mexico’s under-the-radar destinations and boutique accommodations await – as do local guides in each destination who are there to show you how to explore their homes responsibly we’ve rounded up the 11 most beautiful small towns in Mexico to plan your next trip around where visitors can shop handmade cotton and linen staples ethically produced by tailors at the brand’s nearby workshop A short jaunt away is the newly-opened NICO a micro-hospitality concept offering five boutique suites that can each be booked exclusively or together as a home for friends an apothecary and perfumery offering one ethereal suite ideal for two replete with a private terrace and plunge pool Nearby day trips include visiting Santa Clara del Cobre where Mexico’s top coppersmiths craft handmade goods a dormant volcano that once erupted and created another not-to-miss spot: the lava-covered Church of San Juan Parangaricutiro pastel-hued façades of its cobbled streets Stroll the town’s tranquil waterfront malecón or visit the Museo Arqueológico de Campeche which features some of the world’s best-preserved Mayan artefacts Campeche is also the gateway to exploring ancient sites of the Maya a ruin that predates the more popular Chichen Itza ruins by about 1,000 years Located about 30 minutes north of the city of Chetumal Bacalar’s 26-mile lagoon is best known for its network of underwater stromatolites which are limestone formations that are estimated to be about 3.5 billion years old – and that can die if they come in contact with human skin is why Bacalar is best explored sustainably with a local guide who can show travellers how to enjoy the lagoon without damaging it Not-to-miss experiences include taking a sailboat ride through the lagoon or partaking in a sunrise paddle-boarding session to witness the sky’s rose and lavender hues mirrored on the lagoon’s languid a boutique property and mezcal distillery where visitors can discover the artful process of how this important ancestral spirit is made 22-room design hotel with a tranquil courtyard pool the downtown revolves around a central square home to one of the town’s most prominent sites: a pastel-hued Baroque-style cathedral with gold-leaf interior detailing and 18th-century paintings by the late Oaxacan-born artist Miguel Cabrera The town is also a gateway to exploring the ruins at Palenque and Yaxchilán two ancient cities that belonged to the Maya civilisation one of the most prominent reasons travellers venture here is for the surf: You don’t want to miss a sunrise session at Playa Cerritos home to a barreling right-handed point break as is access to top-notch surfing and local offerings like a temazcal ceremony where visitors are invited into an ancient sweat lodge ritual intended to purify the body of toxins Just outside of the downtown centre is a steep hike to the Tepozteco ruins clifftop ruin that was built as a dedication to the Aztec god the deity of the viscous maguey-based drink This article was first published on Condé Nast Traveler. is one of the most unique freshwater lakes on Earth ranging from tropical forest to the Caribbean Sea it is also threatened by economic development The students — undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in diverse degree programs — spent six weeks conducting collaborative field research in Bacalar Research topics ranged from mangrove forest biometrics to water quality mapping map to submerged vegetation analysis and more Their research was overseen by scientists from ECOSUR a public scientific research center focused on sustainable development in Mexico “I felt so incredibly lucky to have this experience and collaborate with such knowledgeable and experienced faculty and local agency leaders,” says Rachel Clark an undergraduate student in the Environmental Engineering program at UWM “I was able to practice my Spanish and be in a wonderful culture in an incredibly unique ecosystem.” Faculty from UWM’s School of Freshwater Sciences have been conducting research in Bacalar for years and had developed connections with the CREN Normal College The NSF support allowed them to establish the Laguna Bacalar International Research Station and what will be an ongoing semester abroad experience for students enrolled at higher education institutions in Wisconsin and beyond “We now have a nice classroom and lab space at the Normal College,” says Jerry Kaster professor emeritus at the School of Freshwater Sciences and the principal investigator on the NSF grant fellow emeritus professors Val Klump and Tim Grundl executive director for the Freshwater Collaborative traveled to Bacalar to sign the official documents for the program set up the lab and introduce the UW students to scientists and mentors in Bacalar “Conducting research in a unique ecosystem is an amazing hands-on learning experience for students,” Jablonski says “We look forward to promoting this program to UW students through the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin.” was instrumental in organizing interactions between the UW students who were conducting field research and students from the Normal School who are training to become teachers The UW students learned how to better explain their research and the Normal School students were able to practice their English language knowledge students were paired up to create final presentations for each research project and all the students felt satisfied and proud of their performance and achievements The linguistic and cultural exchange between the students proved to be a unique experience,” says Ramos Sanchez who hopes to brainstorm additional ways to integrate the students during the semester a marine biology major at UW-Whitewater who is considering future conservation work with the Peace Corps or the United Nations the scope of the academic and cultural exchange was invaluable “I’ve learned skills such as how to use different types of lab equipment how to communicate on a cross-cultural level and how to use my skills as a scientist and a humanist in order to brainstorm action plans for sustainable development,” she says With the program up and running, students will be able to participate in this study abroad exchange each fall semester. Applications for fall 2022 are being accepted June 1 to August 26. For information on the fall 2022 semester experience, click here Link to original story here Share how you or someone you know is contributing to the inspiring work at our public university campuses throughout Wisconsin Share Your Story © 2025 Board of Regents - University of Wisconsin System Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon The best of Time Out straight to your inbox We help you navigate a myriad of possibilities Sign up for our newsletter for the best of the city By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush) Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Mexico Country A four-hour drive from super-touristy Cancun Our Habitas Bacalar feels like a world away from some of the overcrowded resorts on the Yucatan coast A small town in the southeast of Mexico near the border of Belize also called the Laguna de Siete Colores (the lagoon of seven colours) Our Habitas Bacalar is right next to the lagoon meaning you’re never far away from incredible views A quick journey in a golf buggy gets you from reception down to the main part of the hotel a lagoon breeze room and a lagoon room. as well as having beautiful views over the water is also a prime spot for watching the sunrise if you don’t mind getting up a little early you could also just pull the curtains open and watch it from your bed You’re also given a biodegradable insect spray to try and fend off the mosquitos and midges Winding paths connect the rooms to the decking area next to the lagoon This is also where you’ll find paddleboards which you can use at any time (except for Wednesdays as that’s a rest day for the lagoon) and serves up creative dishes that celebrate local produce—don’t miss the Campeche shrimp or the wood-fired Yucatan pork The hotel’s lakeside position means it’s a seriously picturesque spot but the lagoon isn’t just pretty to look at a special type of reef that’s incredibly rare and easily damaged guests are encouraged to wear sun-protective clothing rather than sunscreen. If lazing by the lagoon and swimming in its clear blue water waters isn’t enough to get you feeling zen there’s also a spa where you can get everything from massages to mud wraps an ancient ritual in a traditional sweat lodge but that’s kind of the point.) Bacalar still feels like a relatively under-the-radar spot—and Our Habitas is the ideal place to make the most of this brilliant location If you don’t fancy the four-hour drive from Cancun you may also be able to fly into the tiny airport in Chetumal Part of what makes Our Habitas so special is that it’s out of the main town and isn’t surrounded by other hotels it’s worth taking a trip into Bacalar (it’s about 10 minutes in a cab) to mix it up. Los Rapidos: Take it easy and float down this ‘lazy river’—a narrow part of the lake that’s lined with mangroves and stromatolites and has a natural current Mr Taco: If you’re in the mood for cheap this no-frills spot in Bacalar is the place to go Lake Bacalar: Obviously, you’re right next to the lagoon at Our Habitas, but it’s worth venturing further afield to explore it in more depth. The hotel offers boat trips and paddleboard tours (for an extra charge), or try one of the many boat operators closer to town, like DayTour Bacalar Make the most of the free activities at Our Habitas Bacalar Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! About us Contact us On route to the Bacalar lagoon in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula the site of the ancient Maya city of Ichkabal (City of Snakes) will soon open to visitors Director of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) Although there is no confirmed date for its opening researchers and authorities hope that the first tangible results of work on the project will be seen by tourists by mid-2023 “Ichkabal is not open to the public because it is not easy to access the area,” Prieto said at a press conference With a large portion of the city still lying beneath the jungle, the site is currently being excavated by the National Institute of Archaeology and History (INAH) as part of the Program for the Improvement of Archeological Sites (Promeza), an initiative to improve and/or develop archaeological sites along the route of the under-construction Maya Train a commuter and tourist railroad route that will have stops near many tourist cities and attractions in southern Mexico As recently as last month, the Promeza initiative uncovered an ancient Maya stela at the established Uxmal archaeological site in Yucatán Located 30 kilometers away from what would be the Bacalar station of the railway project Ichkabal was only discovered 28 years ago by archeologists Enrique Nalda Hernández and Javier López Camacho although there had been talk of an archaeological site in the region since the 1930s excavation at Ichkabal has revealed a central set of five buildings that are at least 2,400 years old Standing out among them is a 40-meter-high pyramid twice the size of the large Kukulkán temple in Chichén Itzá The Ichkabal pyramid has a base area similar to that of the Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacán The building’s size supports the findings of previous investigations of the site which have suggested the importance of Ichkabal for the Maya Some researchers believe the city is the origin of the Kaanu’l (serpent) dynasty Archeological findings at the site ranging from between the Pre-Classic period and the Maya civilization’s collapse (400 B.C.–A.D 900) demonstrate the city’s permanence through time also an indicator of the site’s importance The artificial lagoons used as water reservoirs for the ancient city have also surprised archaeologists In an interview with the newspaper La Jornada INAH archeologist Sandra Balanzario said that the lagoons used an advanced hydraulic technique to avoid erosion and water seepage allowing the lagoons to support the daily life of a city of 100,000 inhabitants spread over an area of 60 square kilometers 26 archaeological zones along the Mayan Train are currently undergoing renovation work with Quintana Roo being home to the largest number of zones in the program With reports from La Jornada and Travesías Mitti Hicks•Nov 24 If you’re ready to see Mexico’s Quintana Roo State in a different light and outside of its party representation (thanks to Cancun and Tulum) sits the renowned body of water known worldwide by its nickname The nickname comes from the fact that water looks seven shades of blue The lagoon has crystalline water and white limestone soil creating a unique phenomenon of witnessing several hues of blue The water is so blue and beautiful that it has even garnered another nickname in recent history: “The Maldives of Mexico.” Bacalar Lagoon is a two-hour drive from Tulum Renting a car and driving is the best way to get to the small town of Bacalar but it’s essential to be mindful of the rental company’s policy on driving a car to another country The ADO bus is another option for people who don’t feel comfortable renting a car ADO is a well-known bus company that travels throughout the southern Mexican states of Oaxaca Visitors can take the bus from Cancun or Playa Del Carmen Bus fare from Cancun is $40 one-way and about $16 for a one-way ticket from Playa del Carmen Another option is booking a private driver to take you there but this is another way to feel safe if driving and the bus aren’t viable options The best way to find a private driver is by asking the hotel receptionist or Airbnb host for suggestions The long way down to Bacalar is exactly why travelers should plan to make it more than a day trip Visitors will find Mexico’s hidden gem has affordable accommodation and is not overrun with tourists like its sister cities Casa Shiva Bacalar by MIJ is one of the most unique stays in Bacalar giving you an unforgettable experience since you will have the lake in your footsteps Amainah Bacalar is another luxurious option The adults-only hotel faces the lake and only offers 16 rooms in total on the property Travelers will get intimate service along with breathtaking views of the lagoon Bacalar only stretches roughly 40 miles long but there are more than 1,000 places visitors can choose from on Airbnb While the lake and water activities are the main attraction there are other things to do while visiting Bacalar Travelers can book a boat ride or rent equipment like kayaks and paddleboards pollution over time has made the seven colors harder to see but respecting the lake and the locals working to protect its beauty is essential work with visitors to help protect the lagoon while exploring it Another fun activity is exploring the cenotes in the area Bacalar is also home to some of Mexico’s largest cenotes which are breathtaking to witness up close head to Fort San Felipe to explore the museum and beautiful lake views There are also Mayan ruins outside of Bacalar that are worth exploring a free daily newsletter that features the best of travel and guides to the cities you love from a new point of view — yours you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy Queen Elizabeth Once Stepped In To Prevent Snoop Dogg From Being Banned From The UK United Airlines Flight Attendant's Armrest Announcement Sparks Social Media Frenzy ‘Basketball Wives’ Star Mehgan James Speaks Out About Popular Bahamas Island With Flesh-Eating Bacteria After Friend Loses Leg Chaos Erupts After Ethiopian Airlines Passenger Forced To Give Up Seat For Minister Yemen's Houthi rebels launched a missile attack on Ben Gurion International Airport causing temporary closure of Israel's main aviation hub In each location where Black dandyism took root and social conditions shaped its expression A Simi Valley plane crash involving a small aircraft resulted in the deaths of its two passengers Check out these filming sites that have added to this harrowing story of creative survival in two popular cities Paramount+'s 'MobLand' has rapidly garnered a wide audience thanks to its fascinating characters and gorgeous scenic backdrops Photo Credit: Courtesy of Quintana Roo Tourism Board You gaze out at a lagoon that conjures endless adjectives for the word “blue”—azure, cerulean, sapphire, navy, turquoise. Locals call it the Lagoon of Seven Colors, but to your eyes this estimate seems humble for such mesmerizing hues. And this is just one of the mesmerizing experiences in Bacalar which also include slumbering archaelogical sites and lovingly prepared meals Designated as one of Mexico’s Pueblos Mágicos Bacalar is among those special places a traveler might not find on their own Magic Towns are villages set apart from the standard tourist stops but not so far that they’re unreachable (Magic Towns must be within three hours of a well-established locale) Sitting on the southern edge of the Mexican Caribbean Bacalar ticks every box for an enchanting escape from the ordinary—from natural beauty to swashbuckling lore Bacalar’s namesake lagoon shimmers with stunning shades of blue much like the cenotes typical of the Yucatán Peninsula it’s a hub for activities like swimming and kayaking Another option for exploring the expansive lake: boat tours that cruise out to areas full of lush mangroves and spots to snorkel Cenote Azul offers one of the deepest plunge pools in the region Swim in the clear water or try cavern diving There are life jacket rentals and a restaurant on site Located about a half-hour from Quintana Roo’s capital Chetumal Bacalar was founded by Mayans and is surrounded by easy-to-reach archaeological sites for day trips leading to the construction of the Fort of San Felipe by the Spanish Within the imposing stone walls surrounded by a deep moat there’s a small museum dedicated to local history Then visit the 18th-century Church of San Joaquin the town hosts a lively fiesta celebrating Saint Joaquín locally made handicrafts such as woodcarvings Bacalar offers endless creative dishes in its burgeoning dining scene One of the best finds in the south part of the Mexican Caribbean is Nixtamal—a hidden gem showcasing local cuisine Situated a less than 10 minutes on foot from the town center this eatery features a traditional pre-Hispanic stove made of mud and sand along with a charcoal grill and wood-fired oven El Manati is a popular pick for casual eats ranging from vegan chilaquiles to oatmeal topped with coconut and pecans locally inspired cuisine on homey earthenware On the shores of Lake Bacalar, you’ll find plush waterfront cabins at the charming Hotel Rancho Encantado—a relaxed eco-resort with one-of-a-kind design accents which is housed in a rustic-chic space and features a full menu of reflexology Another option is the luxurious MBH Maya Bacalar, tucked away in nature and offering a collection of beautifully decorated villas outfitted with private steam baths, hot tubs, and balconies. Start your day with a gorgeous breakfast at the hotel’s Xant Ha restaurant Plan your next trip and more at mexicancaribbean.travel AFAR participates in affiliate marketing programs which means we may earn a commission if you purchase an item featured on our site.© 2025 AFAR LLC Upcoming restaurant Bacalar will bring flavors from Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula region Bacalar, named after Pueblo Magico Bacalar in Quintana Roo, will open this summer in Rainey Street Historic District. The restaurant comes from Bravo's "Top Chef" winner Gabe Erales and Urbanspace Hospitality The two-story restaurant will include a lounge a private dining room and a walk-up window concept called Tómalo Taqueria Nature- and Maya-inspired decor will decorate the space More: Women-owned, operated Barbs B Q creates safe space for Lockhart barbecue lovers "Bacalar and Tómalo have been three years in the making," Erales said "This project is a combination of thoughtful and honest design in partnership with Urbanspace Hospitality Bacalar is an homage to my family's roots in Yucatan and a celebration of the diversity of that region and the multitude of diasporas that have shaped its food The name pays tribute to the magical lagoon near my parents' hometown of Chetumal and our proximity to Lady Bird Lake aims to be an echo of those waterfront gatherings." drawing inspiration from Mexico's milpa agriculture system and honoring an ethos of deep-rooted relationships with farmers Angus MacKenzieWriterApr 09 Bentley's first two-seat car in 90 years was revealed via a direct data dump into media inboxes around the globe All 12 Bacalars were quickly snapped up without a single customer having seen an actual car and not one canceled their order even as the pandemic threw the global economy into chaos all the Bacalar buyers at least three times over the past 12 months asked each of them why they still wanted to buy a car that was a pure indulgence The Bacalar is based on the Continental GT Speed convertible sharing that car's running gear and basic inner body structure 664-lb-ft version of the twin-turbo W-12 engine is under the hood driving all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission tweaked to provide slightly faster shifts than in regular Conti GTs It also means the Bacalar has the Speed's rear-wheel steering system and electronic differential and anti-roll-bar rates are identical to those of the Speed convertible The hood and door skins are aluminum; everything else is made from carbon fiber Though it shares key hard points with the regular GT convertible—wheelbase cowl height—the Bacalar is 2.0 inches longer overall with most of the extra length behind the rear wheels thanks to rear fenders pumped up to accommodate a 0.8-inch increase in the rear track the Bacalar hunkers closer to the road than the suavely elegant GT Convertible all sinew and muscle under a tautly stretched skin The Bacalar interior has also been given a Mulliner makeover with re-profiled door and center-console treatments right down to knurling on the bullseye vents the pattern of which is repeated on the steering-wheel controls The two seats feature a unique quilting pattern that requires precisely 148,199 stitches per seat to complete under the aero humps extending onto the rear deck is room for two specially designed bags by Italian luxury luggage maker Schedoni Only 12 Bentley Bacalars will ever be sold Bacalar Car Zero is the test validation mule has already covered more than 6000 'customer' miles and more than 4500 'durability' miles in its short career not least because the lack of a roof means even the interior was subjected to climatic testing involving temperatures ranging from 14 to 176 degrees Fahrenheit But apart from some distressed lacquer on the painted areas of the 5000-year-old Riverwood veneer the interior looks none the worse for wear The wind deflector between the aero humps is a prototype part fastened with bolts and the unique wheels are painted black for convenience (Each 'production' Bacalar wheel requires a day's painting and preparation before being fitted to a car coachbuilding project leader at Bentley Mulliner.) Apart from those items Bacalar Car Zero is pretty much the same spec as will be delivered to the well-heeled purchasers Feathered tires and a spongy brake pedal betray the hard life of a factory test mule The Speed-spec engine and transmission deliver Bentley's trademark 12-cylinder thrust in a single smooth surge all the way to 6000 rpm to the accompaniment of a tingly muted snarl from the exhaust it's quiet enough in the cabin to engage in normal conversation at freeway speeds There's a familiar measured cadence in the way the Bacalar goes down the road and a calm heft to the body motions as they are artfully modulated by the air suspension and steadied by the 48-volt anti-roll system But the moment you pull the steering wheel off center it's clear the Bacalar is a very different sort of Bentley light on its feet and surprisingly responsive It's not really light—although it has no convertible roof and attendant mechanisms and it's swathed in carbon fiber and aluminum the Bacalar weighs just 66 pounds less than a 12-cylinder GT convertible the Bacalar's alert front end is a result of the rear-steer system not for ricocheting from apex to apex with your hair on fire It's a Bentley perfectly pitched for a languid late morning run along theGrande Corniche the blue waters of the Mediterranean sparkling in the distance en route to lunch at the Hôtel de Paris in Monaco its rarity and style will earn it a primo valet spot right out front no stranger to selling expensive cars to well-heeled clients anyone would splash $1.9 million on a hand-built 200-mph car that doesn't even have a roof "We're not seeing recessionary behavior; we're seeing something like a postwar boom," he says of the response to the Bacalar the first in what will be a series of limited edition coachbuilt cars from Mulliner 'life is too short not to do what I've wanted to do.' " The Bacalar is a Bentley for the Roaring Twenties: the post-pandemic 2020s READ MOREThe 2022 Bentley Continental GT Speed Isn't the W-12's Swan Song 2022 Bentley Continental GT Speed Packs an Extra Dose of ... Speed 2021 Bentayga Hybrid Brings Plug-In Tech to Bentley's Updated SUV Subscribe to our newsletters to get the latest in car news and have editor curated stories sent directly to your inbox Bacalar is one of those places you need to see to believe A shimmering lake in the most idyllic shade of turquoise seems to extend endlessly like an extension of the picture-perfect Caribbean Except it’s not the sea at all — it’s the Laguna de Bacalar the waters here are so brilliantly blue and translucent that Bacalar has been bestowed with the moniker of the Maldives of Mexico Laguna de Bacalar is a 42-square-kilometer lake that sits tucked in the southeastern corner of the state of Quintana Roo the lake is anchored by the Pueblo Magico of the same name this breathtaking slice of scenery was a well-kept secret for years with the expansion of tourism in Quintana Roo and the addition of the Maya Train and Tulum International Airport Let’s dig a little deeper into this exciting location which ought to be on your travel radar if it isn’t already which is why it stayed off the gringo tourist trail for so long But Bacalar is anything but a secret to Mexican nationals who have been naming the Lagoon as one of their top vacation destinations for decades Nowadays, visitors can get to Bacalar in a variety of ways. They can fly into Cancún and rent a car for the five-hour drive or take a long-distance bus. Another option is to fly into Chetumal, which is only 45 minutes from Bacalar. As of last December, visitors can now also fly into the Tulum International Airport which is two and a half hours away from Bacalar A scan across the crystal waters of Bacalar reveals a snapshot of life on the lake while sun worshippers lounge on wooden docks The only soundtrack is that of the birds in the trees and the gentle lapping of the water tapping into the history of the region and keeping the environment as well-preserved as possible telling the multicultural history of southern Quintana Roo and the lake Snorkel the Cenote Azul: The earth beneath the streets and forest floors of the Yucatán Peninsula is practically honeycombed with spectacular underground caves and cisterns known as cenotes. These subterranean natural wonders have been celebrated by Maya peoples for thousands of years as entrances to Xibalba Bacalar has its fair share of cenotes within a short distance the dark blue hole is separated from the lagoon by a thin strip of land Visitors can swim and snorkel the lagoon to explore its mysterious depths or simply lounge on its banks and enjoy the view nothing is as exciting as getting out onto the lake itself Visitors to Bacalar can sign up for one of the many organized sailing tours that cruise across the lake throughout the day and into sunset Sunset experiences on the lake are like none other as the sky melts into pinks and purples mirrored in the waters of the lagoon Many of the lake clubs and lakefront hotels have kayaks and paddleboards for guests to take out as well You can even navigate your way through the Canal de los Piratas which pirates used to secretly enter the lagoon in the 18th century during their many attempts to attack the town of Bacalar Explore downtown: The village of Bacalar is wonderful and you’re getting close to what it’s like in Bacalar today The sleepy village is bite-sized and webbed with sand-strewn streets Though it has accumulated a healthy handful of funky shops it is still a far cry from the frenetic energy of Playa del Carmen and Tulum Lounge at a Lake Club: Bacalar may not have the miles of white sandy beaches that you’ll find at other Mexican Caribbean destinations But it does have a few small beaches and overwater docks that stick out into the lagoon These affordable establishments usually charge a small fee to use facilities like the docks Bacalar’s culinary scene is one of the most up-and-coming in the country where boho-chic design meets locally sourced ingredients El Manatí: Breakfast in Mexico is nothing short of an art and the chefs at El Manatí are some of the best artists around Hungry morning people flock for their thick burritos They also have fabulous smoothies and strong coffee What makes this spot unique is the tropical patio setting and the splashes of colorful murals El Manatí even has live music for brunch now and then too Mi Burrito Bacalar: Speaking of brunch Mi Burrito Bacalar is one of the best spots in town for a mid-morning meal The restaurant is nothing more than a wooden awning that creates a casual dining place in front of the burrito truck casual atmosphere that visitors love so much about Bacalar La Playita Bacalar: With a direct view over the lagoon The relaxed setting sets the scene for fish tacos They have a dock that is part of the restaurant from which you can jump straight into the lagoon Mango y Chile: For such a small town Bacalar has a lot to offer vegan travelers Mango y Chile is one of the most popular vegan restaurants in town The beauty of Bacalar is that its accommodations are as relaxed as the scene itself A stay in Bacalar is about disappearing into nature dialing down the high speed and embracing a minute-by-minute lifestyle You won’t find international chains or all-inclusive resorts here Bacalar is boutique and eco-friendly and lets the tranquility of the destination tell the story Rancho Encantado: A collection of bungalows and villas scattered along the lakefront of the lagoon The palapa-topped dock is one of the most serene in Bacalar complete with hammocks that sway out over the water A lakefront restaurant serves fresh seafood and strong drinks Hotel Makaaba: Hotel Makaaba exudes that backpacker hotel vibe that many of us fell in love with in Mexico during our twenties but it has elevated the experience to make it more comfortable for travelers in their thirties and forties at less than $100 a night with breakfast included But the design touches and comfortable accommodations mean it’s geared toward a more sophisticated traveler The restaurant here is one of the best in town and the pool is the center of the social activity with over-water nets perfect for lounging with a good book Casa Hormiga: This boutique resort opened in 2020 with the ethos of being a jungle sanctuary and a place for rituals and healing Casa Hormiga’s energy embodies the low-impact backpacker spirit but with a decidedly chic and sophisticated aesthetic The design takes cues from places like Morocco The heart of the hotel is its lengthy list of rituals which include everything from massages and sound baths to aromatherapy and breathwork Meagan Drillinger is a New York native who has spent the past 15 years traveling around and writing about Mexico. While she’s on the road for assignments most of the time, Puerto Vallarta is her home base. Follow her travels on Instagram at @drillinjourneys or through her blog at drillinjourneys.com Press release - Bentley's sold out Bacalar and Continental GT Speed now available in miniature.pdf (975,4 KB) Ver Todas Las Imágenes Contactos De Prensa Wayne Bruce This website has been translated using an AI program Hello gorgeous! The Mexican Kitchen it is doing well in our largest city It happens regularly that another Mexican opens its doors - luckily There are a handful of golden oldies in Amsterdam hidden Mexican friends and of course the usual tourist traps only want to visit the tastiest and nicest addresses (and then tip them) also other Latin American restaurants in Amsterdam Hands on each other Rosaria Cocina Mexicana in the Amsterdam Jordaan And then also in the nicest street of the Jordaan where you will find a number of fine Italians That aside: at the tiny Rosario the Mexican cuisine is grand at Rosaria Cocina Mexicana Amsterdam the serious Mexican cuisine of Tamales and Carnitas de pato (confit duck) and on Friday and Saturday you can also go there for lunch Rosario Cocina Mexicana Bacalar is the new fresh Mexican among all the other Mexicanos in Amsterdam North to be precise And let's be honest: of this entire (laundry) list Let Bacalar camouflage perfectly within the industrial North where it is housed in a edgy building (grafitti all over) Have you already been to Coba Taqueria and are you enthusiastic Same owner and same chef (Joachim de Buck) is a guaranteed success story We previously wrote about one of them the best Mexican in Amsterdam Now that's not very fair to the other top players in Amsterdam but late Local Dealer now certainly the best Mexican restaurant Amsterdam Oost are The dishes are a little more complicated and the ingredients a little more luxurious Except the Key are also the atmosphere and formal and casual looks at LD – for intimates And we definitely recommend one boozy evening with these locals No problem if you don't want to drink: the burritos and tortillas are also delicious for lunch without a drink An extra compliment for the vegan tacos and ceviche Local Dealer That has long been the question for the guys at taqueria MasMais in Amsterdam West She went to Mexico in search of traditional Mexican recipes and makes corn tortillas from scratch for their restaurant every day They grind the corn and make the dough themselves Just as the difference in pizza lies in a good pizza base the same applies to the tortillas used in tacos MasMais A brand new Mexican friend recently opened her doors on the Warmoestraat in Amsterdam we love Mexican cuisine (delicious and affordable - everyone's friend if you ask us) - welcome Good to know: Fiona restaurant will have a menu that consists of more than 50% vegetarian dishes Read here about Attune's Fiona we're there restaurant Sins of Sal in the Amsterdam Jordaan aka a 'piece of Latin America' in the capital That shouldn't spoil the fun: it is cozy and cozy and the bites are ideal for grabbing a bite and moving on (and making room for the next one) Not that that is necessarily a good idea: playing the whole card is also a good idea spicy black pudding and fresh salads on the side everything sparklingly explosively flavored Super snacks to keep you busy for an evening Works out well: the kitchen of Sins of Sal in Amsterdam is open until the wee hours Read more about Sins of Sal A Mexican restaurant opened on the spot where Cinema Paradiso restaurant used to be housed for many years (Westerstraat because anyone who knows the location (of the Cinema Paradiso restaurant) knows that it is a top spot and a nice Although we must honestly say that we regularly did not eat well here - no matter how pleasant it was and no matter how tasty the wines and cocktails were Read more Are you also looking forward to Mexican food, but would you rather taste it in the country itself? Please Relaxed atmosphere, swinging Miami-esque colorful interior with flamingos and hula girls, small, nice: what more could a Bart want? Everything is spectacularly and explosively flavored Eighth Street while secretly you want to keep everything to yourself Eighth Street They make it here and they make it well here Together with a tasty snack you will be in good hands here the pylons If you think that all Amsterdam taco bars are now over, you are wrong: Taco galore in the Dutch capital these days, but there was definitely room – especially in the heart of the Jordaan – for a new Mexican address. Mr. Haz is nice and approachable and therefore everyone's friend and a no brainer for an uncomplicated taco night out. Good morning Mr. Haz. Mr. Haz Are you mainly looking for the best taco hotspots in Amsterdam? Then you must here being the founder of the aforementioned restaurant The Pilones, opened a second business: Lupe. A fresh addition to the list of restaurants in West In a nutshell: Mexican classics in a modern vibe that's the idea. Tasting without the stress of choosing And there is no shortage of delicious cocktails here: hibiscus margaritas, let's go Lupe because there you will find Oaxaca – a piece of Mexico in the heart of Amsterdam That is simple: pure and real Mexican food made from ingredients that come directly from their own garden or from the countryside you enter the restaurant and that is a lot bigger than you might expect at the Spui There is a speakeasys where you can dine in a cozy atmosphere with family or friends Last tip at the last minute: do not skip the guacamole here Oaxaca Let's nacho the night away! Mexican in Amsterdam West, with a big focus on, well, on the drinks actually. The cocktails are incredible we fleek (tip top in order) and furthermore, it is especially the crispy Mexican freshly made chips with dips that are very popular with parakeet That is exactly what they mainly serve: nacho dishes parakeet Yeaaaaaaaa. Lord knows that we love good Mexican food. And taqueria Coba, or Coba TaqueriaWhat you want is already here to stay Expect delicious spicy food and fresh drinks Coba Taqueria It's a big hit in New York, you'll find one in London Tortilla on every street corner, so why not a healthy, fast Mexican in Amsterdam? The Dutch answer: Salsa Shop with damn hot (hot) sauce (be careful what you wish for…) Salsa Shop In De Pijp, around and on the Albert Cuyp (literally, when the market is open, there is a stall with Mexican street food), we find another one called Mexicano Dumbass Nice side note about this address: “Cabron” is a bad swear word in Spanish and translates to “son of a bitch” “faggot” or even more original “oetlul” as well as the much nicer “delicious” You can fill in the meaning you give to the word yourself Cabron Sometimes there are days when we really feel like eating Mexican Here you will find everything you expect from Mexican cuisine and you can take it home with you (double feast) nice space decorated with Mexican street art on the walls Señor Mostachio Travelers have been vacationing in the Mayan Riviera destinations of Cancun and Playa Del Carmen for what seems like forever droves of wellness seekers and partiers descended upon Tulum changing the tapestry of this once low-key beach town entirely Prefer to steer clear of locales that are overrun with tourists another Quintana Roo gem has started to gain international attention the Pueblo Magico (magic town) of Bacalar sits on Lake Bacalar nicknamed the Lagoon of Seven Colors for its many shades of blue Being centered around the second-largest freshwater lake in the country makes it ideal for swimming the laid-back atmosphere and lack of crowds plus chill hotels to hang your wide-brimmed sun hat at the end of the day Historic landmarks and proximity to Mayan ruins give visitors a chance to learn about the local culture Ready to plan what promises to be the first of many trips to Bacalar Scroll on for the best places to stay and things to do in this burgeoning South of the Border hotspot On rare occasions, you might walk into a place and feel its soul immediately. That’s how it feels to enter Casa Hormiga an 18-room sanctuary that’s all about promoting renewal in a peaceful dream-like setting featuring organic materials leafy plants and communal space dedicated to high-vibration events such as sound healing ceremonies Tucked off the road, Hotel Aires Bacalar is an eco-oriented oasis with a modern green aesthetic lush gardens and curved pool seem poised for some Instagram love quiet rooms with comfy beds guarantee a great snooze while the private terraces with hammocks supply the perfect spot for an afternoon nap Vibrant pops of colors and an eye-catching collection of local art infuse Casa Chukum with a really cool This boutique treasure also boasts a lovely pool surrounded by hammocks and chaise lounges as well as stylish genuine hospitality bridges the gap between hotel and homestay Occupying a prime position right on the shores of Lake Bacalar, MÍA Bacalar offers an exceptional lagoonside experience The focus is on nature and low-key luxury with opportunities for adventure and relaxation Design draws inspiration from the environment The curvilinear-shaped rooms with wood detailing are particularly striking Perched a few steps from the town’s main plaza San Joaquín Parish Church honors the patron saint of Bacalar The figure of San Joaquín rightfully gets mentioned first the weathered facade and vaulted interior ceilings are also really quite something Fuerte San Felipe Bacalar is a sturdy and impressive fortress that was originally built to provide protection against pirate attacks and later transformed into a museum showcasing weapons When you’re done learning about the local history step outside for exceptional views over Lake Bacalar Taking a dip in Cenote Azul is something of a Bacalar right of passage It just doesn’t get cooler than swimming around in an underground freshwater cave it’s def worth checking out Cenote de la Bruja and Cenote Cocalitos as well but remaining inside the confines of a hotel isn’t the best way to acquaint yourself with a new culture It’s certainly not the best way to explore a country’s natural beauty. and make sure they experience all Mexico has to offer don’t limit yourself to a resort — give yourself the gift of adventure with these epic Shore Things The Bacalar Seven Colors Lagoon is not only one of the best Costa Maya excursions it’s also one of the coolest things to do in Mexico Our lagoon experience starts with a narrated scenic drive to the lagoon followed by a boat ride through the lagoon itself This natural wonder is defined by its crystal-clear waters and white limestone bottom which causes the water to turn different shades of turquoise you’ll also visit two cenotes – La Isla de los Pájaros and El Canal de Pirates – where you’ll learn all about the real-life Pirates of the Caribbean who once called these waters home The day ends with a sampling of traditional Mexican fajitas and drinks This area isn’t just about the lagoon and cenotes The town of Bacalar itself is known for its street art which was commissioned to add color to the town in 2019 or hire a professional guide to show you the town’s most famous art and teach you the history behind it Maybe you’ve visited lagoons before, but Kaan Luum is unlike anything you’ve ever seen the lagoon’s deep central pool is surrounded by a huge shallow lake which is in turn surrounded by lush tropical greenery the lagoon’s remoteness makes it feel almost prehistoric – an effect further amplified by the seafoam-green outer rims which contrast sharply with the deep blue cenote in the center. the lagoon’s waters are warm all year round so it’s the perfect swimming spot no matter the season Our Kaan Luum Lagoon Shore Thing isn’t just about the lagoon You’ll also be visiting the remains of the ancient ruins of Tulum including the pyramid temple of El Castillo is one of the most famous temples in Tulum defined by its ancient murals that provide a window into Mayan history and culture There’s certainly nothing wrong with relaxing on the beach or posting up at a margarita bar – in Costa Maya you can do both – but if your adrenaline needs pumping after a few chill sea days it’s tough to beat taking an ATV through the Mexican jungle. The ATV Jungle and Beach Adventure is one of our most epic Costa Maya excursions You’ll be driven into the jungle to our ATC camp where you’ll get instruction on riding an ATV following a knowledgeable local guide who will bring you on foliage-lined paths through the jungle it’s hard to believe you were on a massive luxury ship mere hours earlier you’ll emerge from the jungle and drive alongside the beach with the jungle on one side and the ocean on the other. Now that your heart’s pounding and you’re thoroughly muddy it’s time for some well-earned relaxation The excursion ends at the Beach Escape Beach Club in the town of Mahahual where you’ll be able to take an ocean dip The main street through town is lined with eateries serving traditional Mexican food so you can cap off your jungle thrill ride with a fun dose of culinary culture Check out our Caribbean itineraries and plan your perfect vacation to Mexico