Lagoon of Seven Colors
After falling for Tulum, my husband and I decided to venture a little further south, and that’s how we found ourselves spending a magical day and night in Bacalar, Mexico, one of my newest favorite destinations. Located near the border of Belize, this quiet lakeside town is often called the “Maldives of Mexico”, and after visiting, I can confirm it lives up to the name.
We spent the day aboard a private sailboat gliding across the Laguna de los Siete Colores, known for its stunning layers of blues that shift depending on depth, sun, and mineral content. Our guide taught us about the seven distinct shades of the lagoon as we lounged in hammocks, snacked on fresh fruit, snorkeled in crystal-clear water, and even swam up to a hidden shipwreck. The serenity of it all was unlike anything I’d experienced before.
Back on land, we wandered through Bacalar’s charming town center. Colorful, cozy, and full of ambiance. Though I’m a full-on meat lover (hello, carnitas!), I was pleasantly surprised by the abundance of vegan-friendly restaurants that didn’t sacrifice flavor or atmosphere. The town has a laid-back bohemian vibe that’s hard to resist. We even spotted a real-life hippie van from Europe parked along one of the side streets. Everything was walkable, the locals were warm, and the city felt incredibly safe and welcoming.
“With its seven shades of blue and soul-soothing stillness, Bacalar gave me both adventure and peace. Proof that paradise isn’t always on the coast.”
Before reaching Bacalar, we made a quick stop in Mahahual, a small coastal town along the Costa Maya. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy delicious, authentic carnitas, sip a cold drink, and relax on private beaches without the crowds. It was the perfect teaser to the tranquility we’d find in Bacalar.
The drive from Tulum to Bacalar was surprisingly simple; a straight, safe, and scenic route that made the journey feel effortless. Next time, we’re planning to combine the two towns for a longer escape. Bacalar is one of those rare places that leaves a permanent mark on your travel-loving heart, and we’re already counting down the days until we return.
Sailing Day Trip: https://www.tripadvisor.com.mx/Attraction_Review-g1202648-d12938448-Reviews-The_Sailing_Colibri-Bacalar_Yucatan_Peninsula.html
