[2025 Bacalar Attraction] Travel Guide for Fuerte de San Felipe (Updated Apr)

In the southern part of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, there is a small town that looks like a dreamy water town - Bacalar. It has breathtaking natural scenery, profound historical and cultural heritage, and rich and diverse travel experiences. It is definitely a treasure travel destination that you cannot miss. Now, start your trip to Bacalar with this guide! 1. First impression of the town Bacalar is located about 40 kilometers north of Chetumal, close to the border between Mexico and Belize. It is a small town full of tranquility and peace. There is no hustle and bustle of the big city here, only crystal clear lake water, dense mangroves and ancient ruins, as if time has slowed down. 2. Climate and Best Travel Time Bacalar has a tropical climate with an average annual temperature between 25℃ - 30℃, which is warm and comfortable. The dry season is from November to April of the following year, with less rainfall and plenty of sunshine, making it the best time to travel. The weather is sunny during this period, which is very suitable for various water activities and exploring attractions; May to October is the rainy season. Although there is relatively more rainfall, it also makes the whole town full of vitality, and the cost of accommodation may be more affordable. If you don’t mind occasional rainfall, you can also enjoy a unique travel experience here. But no matter when you come, you must take sun protection measures, because the sun here is very strong☀️ 3. Must-visit attractions 1. Bacalar Lagoon: ◦ This place is known as the "Seven Color Lake". The lake water will show a variety of colors from light blue to dark blue, to emerald green, etc. due to changes in the bottom soil, depth and light. It is beautiful like a dream and is the most famous attraction in Bacalar. ◦ You can choose to rent a kayak 🚣‍♀️ and slowly explore along the lakeshore, feel the breeze on your face, and appreciate the beauty of the lake up close. You can also discover some hidden corners in the lake and maybe encounter cute water birds. ◦ For those who like excitement, don’t miss the experience of diving in the lake. Dive into the clear water and feel the coolness and refreshment. 2. Fortaleza San Felipe: ◦ This castle, built in 1729, was originally built to defend against pirates and is now a museum. Standing on the castle, you can not only overlook the magnificent view of the entire Bacalar Lagoon, but also learn about the history of the town and the stories of pirates. ◦ The castle displays many historical relics of the resistance against pirates. Walking through it, it feels like traveling back to that legendary era. 3. Cenote Azul: ◦ This is a circular cenote with a diameter of more than 300 meters and a depth of 90 meters. Surrounded by lush tropical plants, it looks like a mysterious paradise. ◦ The water in the tiankeng is crystal clear, making it a great place for swimming and snorkeling. Diving into the water, you can also see various strange underwater creatures and ancient rocks. 4. Los Rapidos: ◦ It is part of the Bacalar Lagoon, which has narrow mangrove canals and gentle currents, perfect for boating and nature watching. ◦ Traveling through the canal, you will see many rare birds and the unique mangrove ecosystem, as if you have entered a wonderful natural world. 5. Pirates Canal (Canal de los Piratas): ◦ Legend has it that this was once the hiding place of Caribbean pirates, but now it has become a great place for tourists to experience the fun of adventure. ◦ Rent a boat and sail along the canal. There are abandoned buildings in the middle, and you can almost see the pirates there. You can also experience the unique mud mask here and give your skin a natural care. 4. Food Exploration 1. Tacos: This is a traditional Mexican food. In Bacalar, you can also taste tortillas with various fillings, such as barbecue, chicken, vegetables, etc., paired with special sauces, which have a rich taste and are unforgettable. 2. Fried Fish: As Bacalar is close to the water, fresh fish is a common sight on the table. The fried fish has a crispy skin, the fish meat is tender and juicy, and it tastes great when paired with local special seasonings. 3. Fruit Smoothies: In hot weather, a fresh fruit smoothie is perfect. The fruit smoothies here are made from fresh local fruits, with a delicate, sweet and delicious taste. 5. Tour route planning 1. One-day tour: Go to Bacalar Lagoon in the morning, rent a kayak and enjoy the beauty of the Seven Color Lake; taste local food at a restaurant by the lake at noon; visit Fort San Felipe in the afternoon to learn about the history of the town; swim in the Blue Sinkhole in the evening and enjoy the beautiful sunset. 2. Two-day tour: On the first day, visit Bacalar Lagoon, Fort San Felipe and the Blue Cenote; in the evening, stroll around the town and experience the local nightlife. The next day, go to Los Repos for boating and explore the mangroves; in the afternoon, go to the Pirate Canal to experience the fun of adventure and enjoy a mud bath. 6. Accommodation Recommendations 1. Lakeside resort hotel: Choose a resort hotel by the lake. You can see the beautiful lake view when you open the window, and you can also enjoy the sunshine and lake water directly on the hotel’s private beach. Hotels generally provide a variety of water sports facilities so that you can play at any time. 2. Characteristic B&B: Experiencing the local characteristic B&B is also a good choice, which can better experience the local life atmosphere. Many B&Bs are decorated in Mexican style, making them warm and comfortable. 7. Traffic Guide 1. Plane: You can fly to Cancun International Airport first, and then take a bus or rent a car to Bacalar, which takes about 5 hours. 2. Bus: There are buses to Bacalar from Cancun, Tulum and other places. ADO bus is a more comfortable and safe option. You can book tickets in advance on its official APP. However, the APP is only available in Spanish, so you can use translation tools when booking. 3. Rent a car: If you like to travel independently, renting a car is also a good idea. This way you can stop at the beautiful scenery along the way at any time and explore freely. 8. Notes 1. Safety issues: Although Bacalar is a relatively safe town, you should still pay attention to the safety of your personal belongings when traveling and avoid going to remote and unsafe places. 2. Health and Medical: Make sure you are fully vaccinated and purchase travel insurance before traveling to Bacalar. Pay attention to the hygiene of drinking water and food, try to choose bottled water and thoroughly cooked food, and be cautious when choosing food from roadside stalls. 3. Cultural respect: Respect local culture and customs, interact with local people politely, and dress appropriately when visiting religious places such as churches. 4. Currency and Payment: Mexico uses the Mexican Peso. Although credit cards can be used in some places, it is still recommended to carry some cash in case of emergency. 5. Language communication: Spanish is the main language used locally. Mastering some basic Spanish expressions will make your trip smoother. Of course, you can also use translation software.

|Fort San Felipe: A Pirate Fortress Overlooking the Lagoon of Seven Colors!. Hey everyone, today I'm taking you to explore Bacalar's historical landmark - Fuerte de San Felipe! 🏰 This Spanish colonial fortress, built in the 18th century, was once an important defense against pirate invasions, but now it has become an excellent viewing platform overlooking Laguna de Bacalar! ✨ Want to learn about the stories of the Caribbean pirates, feel the weight of history, and take stunning photos of the lake view? Then come with me into this mysterious ancient castle! 🏴‍☠️📸 ⸻ ⛱️ Must-see Highlights 📍 🏰 Spanish Colonial Style Stone Castle • Fort San Felipe was built in 1729 by order of the Spanish Governor Felipe V, mainly to defend against attacks by British pirates and local Mayans! ⚔️ • The fortress is built of solid coral stone blocks, surrounded by a moat and cannons. Walking on the city wall is like traveling back to the era when pirates were rampant! 🏴‍☠️ • There are also military weapons on display in the fort, including ancient cannons, muskets and swords, allowing you to enter the world of Caribbean pirates in a second! 🗡️💣 📍 🌊 The Best Angle to Overlook the "Lagoon of Seven Colors" • Climb the fortress's viewing platform for an unobstructed panoramic view of the beautiful Bacalar Lagoon! 💙💚💙 • The light is most beautiful in the early morning and dusk, and the lake water will show more obvious color stratification, which is a paradise for photography enthusiasts! 📸✨ 📍 🏴‍☠️ Explore the History of Caribbean Pirates • Fort San Felipe has a museum that details the history of the confrontation between pirates and Spanish colonists! • It showcases many stories about famous pirates, such as the notorious Henry Morgan, who attacked the Bacalar area many times! 😱💀 • There are also some ancient maps, weapons, and documents that take you back to the golden age of piracy! ⸻ 📅 Travel Guide 🕰 Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9:00 - 19:00 (closed on Mondays) 🎟 Ticket Price: Approximately MXN 100 (approximately CNY 30) ⏳ Recommended Visiting Time: 1-2 hours. It is recommended to come at sunset for a more stunning view! ⸻ 🚗 Transportation Guide 🚖 Walking from the center of Bacalar • The fortress is located in the town center, only a 5-minute walk from Bacalar Main Square, which is super convenient! 🚶‍♂️ 🚗 Drive yourself • Driving from Cancun takes about 4-5 hours, and you can visit the Mayan ruins along the way! • Driving from Tulum takes about 2.5 hours, and the scenery along the way is super beautiful! 🚌 Public Transportation • Take the ADO bus from Cancun or Tulum to Bacalar, which takes 5-6 hours one way, and then walk to the fortress! ⸻ 💗 Other Tips ✔ Wear comfortable shoes. The ground of the fortress is a slate road, which is a bit rugged to walk on! 👟 ✔ Remember to bring sun protection equipment. The sun in Mexico is really super strong! ☀️🕶️ ✔ Be sure to bring a camera 📸. The lagoon + castle combination here is really breathtaking! ✔ Friends who like history can slowly stroll around the museum, which contains many interesting stories about Caribbean pirates! ⸻ 🤔 Is it worth visiting? ✅ Like history? There are many pirate stories and colonial relics here! 🏴‍☠️ ✅ Like beautiful scenery? This is the best viewing point overlooking Bacalar Lagoon! 🌊 ✅ Like taking pictures? This fortress + lagoon background will definitely make your social media pop! 📸✨ 🌟 Summary: Fort San Felipe is not only a historical site, but also a treasure that allows you to experience Caribbean pirate culture, colonial war relics, and beautiful lagoon scenery all at once! If you come to Bacalar, don't miss this place where history and beauty blend! 💙🏰

| Dreamy Lagoon of Seven Colors, a natural turquoise paradise!. Hey everyone! Today, I'm taking you to Laguna de Bacalar in Mexico, also known as the "Lagoon of Seven Colors." It's definitely a low-key gem in the Caribbean! ✨ Unlike the hustle and bustle of Cancun, this is an original, dreamy blue resort with crystal-clear waters, hidden natural caves, leisurely water activities, and a rich Mayan culture! 🌊💙🏝️ ⛱️ Must-see attractions 📍 Lagoon of Seven Colors | The legendary "Maldives of Mexico" • This 50-kilometer-long freshwater lake displays seven different shades of blue due to the different depths and light refraction at the bottom of the lake! 💙💚💙 • The lake water is super clear, as bright as glass under the sun, and is known as the "Caribbean's Secret Paradise"! ☀️ • You can swim, kayak, stand-up paddleboard (SUP), and snorkel to feel the tranquility and purity of the lake! 🏄‍♂️🚣‍♀️ 📍 Los Rapidos | Natural drifting paradise • This is a narrow waterway connecting Laguna de Bacalar and the Mayan River. The water flow is slow, making it perfect for drifting downstream and super relaxing! 💦 • The bottom of the lake has the world's oldest microbial fossils, Stromatolites, which have been around for 3.5 billion years! 😱🌍 📍 Cenote Negro | A deep secret realm in the lagoon • This is a natural deep-water cave (about 90 meters deep), and the lake water is dark blue, as mysterious as an abyss! 🌑 • The water temperature here is cooler, making it perfect for snorkeling and experiencing the different levels of the lake water! 🤿💙 📍 Canal de los Piratas | Hidden historical site • This canal was once a battleground for pirates and Spanish colonists, and is now a popular spot for tourists to visit! 🏴‍☠️ • You can take a boat or cruise to get there, and you can also see the beautiful mangroves along the way! 🌿🚤 📍 Fuerte de San Felipe | The best place to overlook the Lake of Seven Colors! • This 18th-century Spanish colonial stone fortress was once used to defend against pirate attacks! 🏰 • Standing on the fortress, you can overlook the entire Laguna de Bacalar, and the view is amazing! 📸✨ ⸻ 🚄 Transportation Guide 🚗 Self-driving (most recommended!) • From Cancun: 🚙 About 4–5 hours drive, you can visit Mayan ruins and other towns along the way! • From Tulum: 🚙 About 2.5 hours drive, perfect for a day trip to Tulum! • From Chetumal Airport: 🚖 About 40 minutes drive, suitable for those who want to arrive quickly! 🚌 Bus (cheap but time-consuming) • Take the ADO bus from Cancun or Tulum, which takes about 5–6 hours each way and costs about USD 20–30. ⸻ 💗 Other Tips ✔ Best time to visit • November to April: Mostly sunny days, the lake water is the clearest, suitable for all kinds of water activities! 🌞 • May to October: Rainy season, the lake water is still beautiful, but you may encounter short-term rainfall! 🌦️ ✔ Recommended water activities • 🚣‍♀️ Kayaking: Super suitable for paddling in the early morning or at dusk to feel the tranquility of the lake! • 🏄‍♂️ SUP stand-up paddle boarding: Want to play in the water easily? It's super comfortable to glide slowly on a SUP! • 🚤 Boat cruise: If you don't want to row by yourself, taking a boat cruise is also a good choice! ✔ Accommodation recommendations • Eco Hotels: There are many eco-resorts facing the lagoon, such as Casa Bakal or Mia Bacalar, where you can go directly into the water from your room! 🏡🌿 • Lakeside cabins (Cabañas): If you like to be close to nature, you can choose a lakeside cabin to experience the purest lakeside scenery! ✔ Food recommendations • Tacos de Pescado (Fish Tacos): The lake water here is clear and the fish is super fresh. Fish tacos are a must-eat! 🌮🐟 • Ceviche: Fresh raw fish with lemon juice, super suitable for hot weather! 🍋🐠 ✔ Environmental protection reminder • It is forbidden to use chemical sunscreens to protect the purity of the lake water! 🌱 • Do not step on the stromatolites, these ancient microorganisms are very fragile! 🚫 ⸻ 🤔 Is it worth coming? ✅ More tranquil than Cancun, suitable for those who want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a slow life! 😌💙 ✅ The lagoon has stunning colors and super clear water, suitable for all kinds of water activities and beautiful photo opportunities! 📸🌊 ✅ Historical + natural double experience, you can explore Mayan culture and feel the turquoise paradise! 🏝️ ⸻ 🌟 Summary: Laguna de Bacalar is a low-key but super worthwhile Caribbean paradise, suitable for those who like natural scenery, leisurely vacations, and water adventures! If you are tired of the commercialization of Cancun, this place will definitely bring you a pure blue dream! 💙✨

In a corner of the world, there is a blue sapphire 💎 forgotten by God, quietly lying on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. This is Bacalar, a paradise forgotten by time, a fascinating blue dream. It is located in a small town in the southern part of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. It is like a blue gem inlaid on the surface of the earth 🌍, quietly telling the dual charm of history and nature 💡. Not only does it have rich historical sites, but it is also famous for its clear lagoon, attracting travelers 👬 from all over the world. There is San Felipe Fort: This 17th-century fortress witnessed the pirate era and Spanish colonial history of Bacalar. There is also the Seven-Color Lagoon: The most fascinating thing about Bacalar is its seven-color lagoon. From sky blue to emerald green, the color of the lake water changes with depth and light, which is very beautiful 😍. Bacalar, a unique place that combines history, nature, and culture, is waiting for every traveler to explore and feel the tranquility and beauty 🎉.