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Pro
Unbelievable lake, spectacular weather, relaxing, hospitable people, history, proximity to shopping and Chetamul...pretty much everything... ;)
Con
New highway and cruise ship terminal (Mahajual) are bringing tourist "development",robberies,higher prices, and problems
In a nutshell
Unbelievable! You just need to see it!!!
ciaobella55 Says: The fort is well-preserved, even has cannons! It was used to protect the area from the pirates who came past regularly.The museum at the centre is really interesting and has a great mural on the wall.Free on sundays to mexican nationals - actually there was no-one there to...
ciaobella55 Says: Chacchoben Mayan ruins are only 7km off the highway travelling north from Bacalar.There are 4 pyramids and a ballcourt, really interesting and we were the only visitors.There were 2 howler monkeys playing in the trees above us as we visited.
Fuerte de San Felipe/ Fort of Saint Phillip
donfrancisco Says: There isn't a lot to see around this small village. In the center is the old Spanish fort with great views and a little museum. It does not cost much and is of interest.
Magic Bacalar: Laid-back and low-priced
ciaobella55 Says: This campsite is right at the lake edge with a boardwalk out onto the water. But you don't have to camp.There is a palapa hut here with 7 beds, each screened with mosquito netting. Above it is a private double bedroom.The kitchen is shared and equipped with the basics, a...
iammon Says: This is a nice and clean Hotel. It has a swimming pool, bar and restaurant (Shrips are the main dish). Rooms are big and have a balcony with view. Interesting garden area with swings and other surprises. Nice to hang arround.
Casa Maya Hotelito: The once in a lifetime spot...
jjtenn Says: Everything was unbelievable, the lake the people, the staff, the ammenities, the room were incredibly clean (not the case everywhere in Bacalar). Overall the experience was amazing a once in a lifetiem thing I have repeated for the past 3 years; once you see the lake, meet...
This is a simple, workers' restaurant in a thatched roof palapa on 7th Ave in Bacalar. It is known by everyone and is part of the owner's house. The kitchen is open to view, white tiled and reasonably clean for Mexico. Service is erratic but the little dishes of red and green salsas are wonderful (the green is hanero and very picante). There are eggs with this and that at breakfast, chicken breast grilled simply or with an ajillo sauce (slightly hot red chile sauce), cocinita pibil (the Mayan signature rustic dish) and all manner of tortas, tacos, salbutes, etc.
Make sure to ask for ?Que es preparada? which is the prepared dish(es) or the blue plate specials.
Favorite Dish: The simply done chicken breast (pechuga de pollo al plancha) and in an ajillo sauce (pechuga de pollo en salsa de ajillo) and when available as a special her:
pollo en escabeche or in a chilamole sauce.
Prices are about 30 pesos for a meal ($2.80).
Updated May 1, 2006
Address: 7th ave two blocks from the church
Over the past year the Laguna, which had been pleasant, quiet and relatively safe; has become dangerous for any serious swimming. Tours of cruise ship passengers are led through swimming areas in small, high-powered speedboats; the newly affluent Chetumal population has invested in large, high-poered craft and jetskis abound. We recently watched two local boys with big jetskis playing until they collided. One died.
My wife presently recuperates from a partial amputation caused by people who ran her over with their large speedboat due to drunkeness or intentionally.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Simple palapa restaurant in town
donfrancisco Says: Orizaba, a simple palapa restaurant for workers, Mexican tourists, and the local middle class has fed me cheaply and pleasantly for years. Exercise a little care about raw foods and it is safe. It is really an extension of the older woman owner's kitchen and she watches it...
jjtenn Says: There is a channel in the lake that is about 7 mile south from Casa Maya Hotelito and the currents provided by the cenotes and the flow of the water towards the ocean provide just enough speed so you can strap on a life jacket and a snorkel mask, lie on your stomach and let...
Favorite thing: The place is overpriced. The beautiful view of the lake has been ruined by homes that block the view. Hotels are overpriced. There is no fish in the lake. Shopping is minimal. Unless you own a boat and just want to go back and forth on the lake there is nothing to do there. We have traveled extensively in Mexico- San Carlos, Guaymas, Mazatlan, Punta Perula, Melaque, Barra de Navidad,Zihuatanejo and on the Gulf coast, Costa Esmerelda, Tampico, Lake Catemaco. We drove from Zihua to Chetumal. Except for the fact that if we hadn't done it we would not have experienced it, it was a big big waste of time and money. We are currently in Catemaco.Go there at your own risk Buena Suerta
Fondest memory: WE do not miss it at all. Read above comments
Written Feb 25, 2010
Eight years ago, 2 years after a massive heart attack; we began looking for a warmer,cheaper place to live than New York. Somehow in my new/used Bronco we drove to what seemed like the end of the...
Bacalar - the Lake of Seven Colours
Lake Bacalar is worth a visit. The colours of the lake are amazing - from white to brown and all shades of blue and green. Make sure you do a boat trip leaving from the main dock, it will take you to...
I have been to Lake Bacalar 3 times and counting now and each time it gets harder to leave. The water and just the atmosphere in general are unbelievable...I've stayed @ casa maya hotelito and found...
If you are heading from/to Belize you may find yourself spending a night in this sleepy town on a beautiful lagoon
Build your own Laguna Bacalar page
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