Aqua Viva, Cayuco Maya, Bacalar
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Bacalar lagoon from the air

Bacalar · Quintana Roo

Bacalar, the lagoon of seven colours

A freshwater lagoon over 40 km long, with shades from turquoise to deep blue. Aqua Viva sits in the jungle north of town, 15 minutes from the centre.

The lagoon

The lagoon

Fresh, crystal-clear water, shallow near the shore. Perfect for swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding and sailing.

Pirates’ Channel

Pirates’ Channel

A channel through the mangroves, only reachable by water, with spots to swim.

Cenote Azul & Cenote Negro

Cenote Azul & Cenote Negro

Deep, dark-blue cenotes. The Black Cenote is part of the sailing trip.

Stromatolites

Stromatolites

Ancient living formations along the shore. Look, but don’t step on them: they are fragile.

San Felipe Fort

San Felipe Fort

An 18th-century fortress in the centre of Bacalar, with a museum and lagoon views.

The town

The town

A “Pueblo Mágico” with restaurants, cafés and a waterfront. Great for dinner at sunset.

Beach clubs we recommend

  1. Cayuco MayaThe closest to Aqua Viva. Free entry for our guests who order at the restaurant or bar.
  2. Carmelita Lagoon ClubOn Bacalar’s north shore road: pier, kayak and paddle board rental, restaurant and bar.
  3. Beach Club BluElegant and calm, with lagoon views.
  4. Rancho AlegreSimple and secluded, away from the crowds.
  5. CocalitosFamous for its stromatolites, ancient living formations.

Mayan sites nearby

  1. Chacchoben25 minThe closest and most visited, temples deep in the jungle.
  2. Ichkabal35 minPartly unexplored, one of the region’s most promising finds.
  3. Kohunlich1 hKnown for its Temple of the Masks.
  4. Dzibanché1 h 20Tall pyramids in dense jungle, off the beaten track.
  5. Calakmul4 hUNESCO World Heritage Site inside the Biosphere Reserve.

Getting here

Chetumal airport (CTM)
≈ 1 h
Tulum airport (TQO)
≈ 2 h 30
Cancún airport (CUN)
≈ 4 h 30
Bacalar town centre
15 min
Mahahual (Caribbean)
45 min

We recommend renting a car to explore the region freely. Approximate driving times.

Tips

  • Use biodegradable sunscreen to protect the lagoon.
  • The dry season (December to April) is the sunniest; in summer it rains in the afternoon.
  • Bring insect repellent: we are in the jungle.
  • Carry some cash: not every place in town takes cards.
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