Believe it or not, planning a trip south of the border isn’t always easy.
Sure, you could follow the crowds to click ‘n’ go icons such as Cancun or Cabo, but you’d be missing out on some of Mexico’s most pristine gems – not the cookie-cutter experiences you could have stateside.
One such place is being touted by local experts as the summer destination.
No, it’s not any of Mexico’s household names, but one that arguably boasts the most gorgeous turquoise waters anywhere in North America to the point it feels otherworldly.
According to the Cancun Sun, there are 5 reasons the turquoise paradise of Bacalar is Mexico’s new summer must-visit.
Let’s break them down one by one — plus a bonus — but first be sure to check the latest Travel Alerts & Entry Requirements before your trip.
1) Safety Index Says: It’s Super Safe!
Given the chaos that ensued in Puerto Vallarta in recent months, as well as in small pockets scattered throughout the country, some may still be hesitant to vacation in Mexico.
Here at Travel Off Path, we realize safety is not a one-size-fits-all approach. That’s why we came up with our Safety Index tool, showing real-time data for hundreds of destinations, including Bacalar.
Located in the state of Quintana Roo, Bacalar is under Level 2 status, the second-lowest designation by the U.S. State Department.
Travelers are backing up the claim, with most confirming they feel safe, collectively scoring 85/100, which is currently on par with Miami and Nassau.
2) No Seaweed Monsters In Sight!
Cancun is a beautiful place, but on both my trips to Mexico’s most popular getaway, beaches were blanketed with seaweed (more specifically, sargassum).
The good thing about Bacalar is it’s a lagoon — not a coastal town per se, though there are gorgeous shores nearby in such towns as Mahahual, one of my personal favorites.
Being disconnected from ocean currents entirely, Bacalar’s gleaming blue waters are completely free of sargassum.
That means no more scoping out the latest forecasts to see when icky brown algae is set to ruin your postcard beach day — just blissful, sunny days ahead in one of Mexico’s most beautiful destinations.
3) Skip Water Parks For The Real Thing!
I don’t know about you, but I usually steer clear of water parks on vacation — whether it’s splash pads for diaper-wearing cryboxes or full-blown parks outside the resort.
That doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun, though.
At Los Rápidos, a narrow channel where the lagoon naturally funnels into a gentle, steady current, you can float through what feels like a real-life lazy river — only far prettier and free of the unwanted soundtrack of screaming kiddos.
The waters are warm, they’re easy to reach, and it’s incredibly relaxing experience, overall.
4) It Feels Alien
There’s lots of talk about aliens these days, and who knows where that will lead.
For now, if you want to experience some of Mexico’s most otherworldly scenery, you can bear witness to Bacalar’s billion year-old stromatolites often mistaken for plain ol’ rocks.
But the truth is these ancient, living organisms that are some of the oldest lifeforms on the planet!
This is one of very few places to see them up close and personal.
Cool to see? Absolutely.
Cool to touch? That’s a party foul.
Enjoy from a distance and remember to use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the fragile habitat.
5) All Aboard! Bacalar Is No Longer A Trek To Reach
If you’ve been anywhere around Cancun or Tulum lately, you’re either glued to your phone or you are well aware of the new(ish) Maya Train.
After some initial hiccups, it’s now one of the most thrilling ways to experience this side of Mexico, with captivating ruins and vibrant beaches more accessible than ever.
Add Bacalar to the list.
Long gone are the days of long, draining drives through No Man’s Land. In their place are scenic rides along the southern stretch of the Maya Train.
For the easiest trip, we’d recommend flying into Tulum over Cancun — but hey, it’s your adventure.
We just work here.
6) It’s Still Authentic Despite New Buzz
We’re not saying Bacalar is set to explode in popularity — just that now’s the time to go, while it still feels like one of those rare places that hasn’t lost its magic as word begins to spread like wildfire.
The region’s crystal-clear cenotes are a far cry from resort foam parties, where you can savor the soundtrack of nature versus a DJ shouting through staticky speakers (you know it’s true).
Instead of the obligatory omelet station, you’ll find plenty of taco stands serving the real deal and cozy boutique stays rather than flashy mega-resorts that take three days just to figure out which elevator to use.
All in all, Bacalar is a real-life dreamscape with more than enough for a memorable vacation and just off-radar enough to still feel refreshingly local.
