Bacalar is a small town about 215 kilometers south of Tulum, just a two-hour drive away near the Belize border. It sits beside Lake Bacalar, which is the second largest freshwater lake in Mexico and famous for its blue and turquoise waters, earning it the nickname "Lagoon of Seven Colors."

The lake is stunning, with lots of fancy hotels and more budget-friendly hostels dotted around its shores. The best thing to do here is to hop on a sailboat or catamaran for a tour. It's better to avoid motorized boats because they're noisy and not great for the lake's wildlife.

The ideal way to explore the lake and uncover its hidden gems is by hiring a boat with a captain. They'll even provide lunch and snacks! There are plenty of spots to check out, so make sure to bring a towel, sunscreen, waterproof camera, and snorkeling gear.

As the sun sets over the water, kick back with a cocktail or a cold Mexican beer and soak in the beauty of Bacalar. It's pure relaxation at its finest!

I got a boat tour from the hostel for 40 euros, planned for a half-day adventure, around 4 hours. But because of the wind, it ended up being 5 hours, which was a pleasant surprise! They even provided snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, and snorkeling gear.

For those who love scuba diving, Bacalar Lagoon is one of the best places worldwide for cave diving. Cenote Azul, found in the southern part of the lake, is an incredible 90-meter-deep cenote that stretches over 100 kilometers underground around the lake and the mainland.

Normally, the lagoon's water is warm, but around the cenotes, it gets cooler because of the deeper water surfacing. Every 50 days, the entire lake gets refreshed by water flowing from deep underground, through a small canal to the ocean. This canal, originally built by the Mayans, was later used by pirates to control ships.

After pirates pillaged the city in the 17th century, the San Felipe Bacalar Fortress was constructed in 1729 and is still open to the public today.

Food tip around the lake: Enamora Bacalar, get a take-away and enjoy your meal by the water!