Bacalar holds a special place in my heart. I learned about this hidden gem from friends and needed to see it for myself. After a week of working remotely in Mexico City, I craved a change of scenery, so I headed to Bacalar, a charming beach town located on the Yucatán Peninsula. To my delight, Bacalar exceeded my expectations!
Bacalar, often referred to as the “Maldives of Mexico” due to its stunning Laguna de los 7 Colores (Lagoon of Seven Colors), offers a perfect mix of work and travel. Its abundant natural beauty and laid-back vibe provide a tranquil and revitalizing setting.
Once I arrived in Bacalar, I was captivated by its beauty; work was the last thing on my mind. Surprisingly, I remained productive and completed my tasks without having to use any of my vacation days!
If you’re thinking about mixing work and travel and have your sights set on Bacalar Lagoon, I’ve put together a 5-day itinerary with my favorite activities to consider.
This guide will help you plan your workcation efficiently, ensuring a fantastic time. Trust me, Bacalar won’t disappoint!
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Bacalar Itinerary: Day 1
Explore the Town
After you’ve settled into your accommodation and had a chance to unwind a bit, take a leisurely walk into town and check out the vibrant and colorful houses and the captivating street art – personally, I was obsessed with street art!
While you’re in town, don’t miss the opportunity to explore Fuerte de San Felipe de Bacalar (San Felipe Fort of Bacalar), a fortress constructed in 1733 by the Spanish to safeguard the region from pirate attacks. When you’ve finished exploring the fort, walk over to Mr Taco, located near the main plaza, for a delicious bite to eat.
What I loved about Mr. Taco is its extensive menu, catering to all tastes, including some great options for vegans and vegetarians.
My favorites were the fish burrito, shrimp tacos, and the cucumber lime juice. This place quickly became my trusted go-to for flavorful, affordable meals that never disappointed me.
Set Up Your Remote Workspace
After town exploration and lunch, head back to your accommodations to set up your remote workspace. Ensure a strong Wi-Fi connection; as backup, bring a mobile hotspot or portable wireless VPN router in case you experience any connectivity issues.
I faced connectivity hiccups during my visit and wished I’d researched mobile hotspots beforehand. Since then, my Solis portable WiFi mobile hotspot has been a reliable companion while working remotely in other countries.
Visit Laguna de los 7 Colores
Once your workspace is ready, head out to catch the sunset at the Laguna de los 7 Colores (Lagoon of Seven Colors). This spot was a personal favorite because it’s mainly frequented by friendly locals enjoying quality time with their families and dogs.
Before going, grab some drinks and take in the captivating beauty of the Lagoon, with its stunning greens, blues, and turquoise hues. Bring your swimsuit and join the locals for a refreshing swim if you feel like it.
For dinner, you can explore the restaurants along the Lagoon or head back to the town center, where you’ll find plenty of dining options.
For more Bacalar tips and suggestions, check out my comprehensive free guide for first-time visitors!
Bacalar Itinerary: Day 2
Enjoy a Meal with a View
After work, head to Mango y Chile for a tasty meal overlooking Laguna de los 7 Colores. They have great options for vegans. I’m not a vegan, but I enjoy plant-based foods. I tried the falafel burger with fries and loved it! If you prefer non-vegan options, nearby restaurants offer a variety of choices.
Take a Boat Tour on Laguna de los 7 Colores
A must-do in Bacalar is a boat tour of the stunning Lagoon. We went with Laguna Adventures, a reputable local tour company that provided a fantastic experience.
During the tour, our guide shared the Lagoon’s history, information about birds and wildlife, passed by Cenote Negro, and visited El Canal de los Piratas (Pirate canals).
You’ll also get to swim in the middle of the crystal-clear Lagoon. Laguna Adventures allows you to bring your own drinks and snacks, making it both budget-friendly and enjoyable. Boat tours are popular, so book in advance to secure your spot!
For more Bacalar tips and suggestions, check out my comprehensive free guide for first-time visitors!
Bacalar Itinerary: Day 3
Visit a Local Cafe
On your third day, if you need a change of scenery, consider working from La Kinta Café. They have strong Wi-Fi and a great space for taking meetings or getting work done. The menu offers a variety of options, and the staff is friendly. We worked at La Kinta Café for an afternoon, and the new environment, along with a tasty double espresso, was just what I needed.
Here are more work-friendly places in Bacalar with free and stable Wi-Fi:
As a backup, remember to bring your portable mobile hotspot to ensure uninterrupted service during meetings or while completing meaningful work.
Hang Out at Cocolitos
After wrapping up work, head to Cocolitos for a relaxing afternoon. This eco-friendly balneario or beach club along Cenote Cocolitos offers a peaceful escape with panoramic views of the Bacalar Lagoon and serene surroundings. It’s the ideal activity if you want to disconnect after a day filled with meetings.
The crystal-clear lagoon waters are perfect for swimming, and you can even lounge in hammocks right in the water.
You can rent kayaks or paddle boards if you want to explore beyond swimming. The entire Lagoon emphasizes sustainability, and you’ll notice the rock formations called Estromestities.
They help maintain the ecosystem’s cleanliness. You can admire them, but avoid standing on or touching them.
Cocolitos provides chairs for rent, a charming restaurant, a bar, and clean changing facilities.
While we waited for our taxi, the staff graciously surprised us with several tequila shots. It turned into an unexpected tequila tasting!
Don’t miss the legendary Bacalar Lagoon sunset on a clear day – Cocolitos offers a front-row seat to this breathtaking spectacle. If you love sunsets, you’ll appreciate this experience.
Insider Tip: Bring water shoes, a waterproof phone case, and a towel.
For more Bacalar tips and suggestions, check out my comprehensive free guide for first-time visitors!
Eat at Antojitos Orizaba
Head to Antojitos Orizaba in the town center for a delicious and budget-friendly meal. We had a great experience here – good service and friendly staff. I ordered 2 tacos and 2 tostadas, and even though my eyes were bigger than my stomach, the food was so good that I didn’t mind.
Bacalar Itinerary: Day 4
Los Rápidos
For the ultimate afternoon adventure, close your laptop and head to Los Rápidos de Bacalar, a Balneario or beach club in Xul-Ha on Bacalar’s southern end. This place oozes adventure and is a must-visit place to add to your itinerary.
Once there, grab a lifejacket, jump in, and let the gentle current carry you down narrow, crystal-clear water channels surrounded by lush green vegetation and stunning natural beauty.
Kayaks are available for rent if you’re feeling more active. It’s an adrenaline rush as you paddle and navigate around rocks!
Los Rápidos was the highlight of my time in Bacalar, and we were one of the last people to leave!
The on-site restaurant is fantastic, and the staff is friendly. To reach this off-the-beaten-path gem, take a taxi for 200 Pesos round trip. Negotiate the fare and get your driver’s number for the return journey. It’s about a 15- 20 minute ride from the Bacalar center.
Insider Tip: Bring water shoes and a waterproof phone case for a worry-free adventure.
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 10 AM – 6 PM
Entrance Fee: 150 Mexican Pesos or $7.50
After your adventure, enjoy dinner at one of these local restaurants in town:
- Nixtamal
- Savora Bahkalal
- La Cabañita Grill & Cantina
- Jaguara
- Bote de Leche
- La Playita
- Mi Burrito Bacalar
- Navieros Bacalar
- Macario Bacalar
Enjoy a Cocktail at I Scream Bar
After dinner, head to I Scream Bar for a night of fun and dance the night away to Reggaeton. Don’t be surprised when you hear the bartenders yell “I Scream” to each other and you see patrons dancing on tables. We had a blast at I Scream and met interesting people from all over the world.
For more Bacalar tips and suggestions, check out my comprehensive free guide for first-time visitors!
Bacalar Itinerary: Day 5
Take a Sunrise Paddleboard Tour
Kickstart your day with a sunrise paddleboard tour on the Lagoon. If you adore sunrises, views, the sound of singing birds, and being surrounded by nature, this tour is a must. You’ll explore Esmeralda Cenote, Isla de los Pájaros, and, for the adventurous, dive into Cenote la Bruja, also known as the Black Cenote.
Not into paddleboarding? No worries; the tour also offers kayaking. Spending your morning on the tranquil Lagoon is a fantastic way to start your day. Plus, the tour includes breakfast!
Have a Productive Morning and Afternoon
After your adventure, focus on important meetings and tasks for the rest of the morning and afternoon. Don’t hesitate to delegate tasks to your team members if needed.
Visit Artisan Shops
If you’re saving souvenir shopping for your last day, explore the artisan shops in the town center. Each shop has intricately handmade crafts. I found the cutest tiny elephant figurine, which I had to add to my collection.
Bacalar Itinerary: Day 6
It’s time to fly back to home or another part of Mexico. You’ve managed to focus on essential tasks while remaining productive, not using a single vacation day and soaking up as much as possible!
Day Trips from Bacalar
If you’re keen on exploring the area around Bacalar, here are some worthwhile day trips:
- Visit Chacchoben Mayan Ruins: This ancient Mayan site with pyramids and temples is just an hour’s drive from Bacalar.
- See the Kohunlich Mayan Ruins: A bit further away (2-2.5 hours by car), Kohunlich offers more Mayan ruins in a lush jungle setting.
- Go to Cenote Azul: A short drive from Bacalar, Cenote Azul is a stunning open cenote for swimming and snorkeling.
- Check out Cenote Dos Ojos: About 2 hours by car, this cenote is famous for its intricate underwater cave system, perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving.
- Visit the Muyil and Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve: Explore Muyil’s archaeological site, then enter the UNESCO World Heritage site, Sian Ka’an, known for its biodiversity and lagoons.
- Go to Mahahual: This coastal town, 2 hours from Bacalar, offers beautiful beaches and opportunities for snorkeling or diving on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.
- Visit Calderitas: A fishing village near Bacalar, it’s ideal for fresh seafood and lagoon views.
- Visit Chetumal: Just an hour from Bacalar, it’s the state capital with cultural attractions and a lively bay boulevard.
- Swim at Laguna Milagros: A short drive from Bacalar, this Lagoon is a peaceful spot for swimming and relaxation.
- Head to Xcalak: About 2 hours south of Bacalar, it’s a remote beach town perfect for a quieter, off-the-beaten-path experience.
Insider Tip: Check local conditions and opening hours for attractions before setting out. Consider renting a car or hiring a local guide for a more rewarding experience on your day trips from Bacalar.
For more Bacalar tips and suggestions, check out my comprehensive free guide for first-time visitors!
Conclusion – Lady Chin’s Two Cents
I must say, Bacalar couldn’t have been a more perfect place to work from. It felt like a dream, offering the perfect mix of work and relaxation.
This destination is an ideal choice for those seeking a change of scenery, and what I cherished the most about Bacalar was the feeling that it’s one of the Yucatán Peninsula’s best-kept secrets!
Whether you’re a digital nomad or looking to dip your toes into this lifestyle, Bacalar has something unique to offer everyone.
So, why not make your next workcation adventure truly unforgettable by immersing yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty and tranquil vibes of Bacalar, Mexico? You won’t regret it!
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