Bacalar

Bacalar has long been an alternative to Cancun. Not only is the water fresh (no salty sea swimming here) but the vibe has long been much more alternative and natural, without being outright Joe Granola. It's every bit as naturally beautiful and enticing, but the pace of life is lakeside, rather than cosmopolitan coastal. 

The town is entirely dedicated to its oligotrophic lake. The word means that while it is high in oxygen, it has very little nitrogen or other nutrients. It also means that while it is stunningly clear and clean, and you can usually see the bottom, you won't see many fish. It makes for an ideal swimming lake, but the fisherman will need to go further afield. Nicknamed the Seven Colors Lagoon, you can easily count all of them while kayaking, paddle boarding, boat riding or just swimming. And swimming is more than anything what people go in for. Nearby the Cenote Azul and the Cenote Negro seem to just deepen the mystery.  

Bacalar sprung up around the Fort of San Felipe. It was built in the 18th century to protect the area from the pirate attacks that resulted from the English being not quite satisfied with possessing present-day Belize. The fort recalls those across the peninsula at Campeche. The fort offers unparalleled views of the lagoon, and a small museum recounts the history of the region. Nearby are the San Joaquín Church, the Casa de la Cultura, the Main Plaza. The Chacchoben Archaeological Sites takes you even deeper into the Maya history of the region.

Bacalar has long been a retreat for both ecological travelrs and for unique accommodations, including some facing the lake or even on top of small parts of it. Long underdeveloped, the town has a growing culinary following. But people mostly visit to relax and take in the waters. There is also a significant LGBT community who are only to happy to share in the Bacalar spirit of diversity and inclusion. 

Most people arrive to Bacalar from the Chetumal airport. Flights include those by Viva, Aeromexico, Mexicana, and Volaris and a taxi from the airport takes about 40 minutes. The Tren Maya will make the same trip in about the same time, but service is just twice a day. For those arriving from Cancun Airport, the trip can take up to seven hours. Trips from Palenque take nearly nine hours, but you'll need to change trains at Escárcega. Together, they are all part of a great and life-enriching adventure.