Located in the remote southeastern corner of the Yucatan Peninsula, Bacalar Lake is an extraordinarily beautiful body of water more commonly known as “Laguna de Siete Colores” – the Lagoon of Seven Colors. Overshadowed by the tourist meccas of Cancun and Cozumel just three hours to the north, few tourists make the trek to this second largest freshwater lake in Mexico. Yet those who do find an irresistible combination: the sleepy, slow-paced town of Bacalar stretches along the shores of a nearly thirty-mile long, crystal clear lake that shimmers in an ever-changing palette of blue hues.

How many shades of blue can you see?

Bacalar Lake is fed by several cenotes (sinkholes) and a few small jungle rivers which carry mineral-rich calcium carbonate sediment eroded from the underlying limestone. These fine-grained chalk-like sediments absorb all the colors of the spectrum with the exception of blue; rays of sunlight hit the bottom of the lake and reflect back a liquid blue rainbow. Marshes and wetlands that meander along the shore attract a rich variety birds and vast stretches of healthy mangrove provide shelter and breeding grounds for aquatic species.

The Balneario - community beach - in the center of town

The best place to dip your toes into the lagoon is the Balneario – the town beach – located on the north end of town and accessed via the pothole pocked coastal road. Bathers are welcome to use one of the thatch-roofed palapas or spread a blanket on the broad grassy picnic area that borders the shore. There is no sand beach here but kids don’t seem to mind, instead jumping off the pier or the bulkheaded sidewalk that runs along the shore. Visitors wishing to more thoroughly explore the lake will also want to start at the Balneario, as it is the most affordable place in town to rent a kayak or a paddleboat, either by the hour or by the day. Facilities also include changing rooms, rest rooms, a restaurant and bar, a pier where boats can tie up, and ample parking.

Photo Credit: Barbara Weibel
Article by Barbara Weibel of Cultural Travel with Hole In The Donut