Bacalar in Quintana Roo is a tropical paradise, and one of Mexico’s most underrated travel destinations

Bacalar is one of those places you need to see to believe. A shimmering lake in the most idyllic shade of turquoise seems to extend endlessly, like an extension of the picture-perfect Caribbean. Except it’s not the sea at all — it’s the Laguna de Bacalar, a freshwater lake, the second largest in Mexico. Known as the “ Lake of Seven Colors ,” the waters here are so brilliantly blue and translucent that Bacalar has also been bestowed with the moniker of the “Maldives of Mexico.” Laguna de Bacalar is a 42-square-kilometer lake that sits tucked in the southeastern corner of the state of Quintana Roo. Steeped in Maya history, Spanish conquests and pirate lore, the lake is anchored by the Pueblo Mágico of the same name, known for its eco-friendly accommodations, boho vibe and laid-back lifestyle. Called the “Lake of Seven Colors,” Bacalar’s pristine lagoon is not only picturesque but perfect for many outdoor activities. (Dimitris Kiriakakis/Unsplash) About five hours south of Cancún , this breathtaking slice of scenery was a well-kept secret for years. Now, however, with the expansion of tourism in Quintana Roo and the addition of the Maya Train and Tulum International Airport, Bacalar is growing faster than ever, poised to be Mexico’s next beachy hotspot. Let’s dig a little deeper into this exciting location, which ought to be on your travel radar if it isn’t already. How to get to Bacalar Up until recently, Bacalar was a bit of a hike to get to, which is why it stayed off the gringo tourist trail for so long. But Bacalar is anything but a secret to Mexican nationals, who have been naming it as one of their top vacation destinations for decades. Nowadays, visitors can get to Bacalar in a variety of ways. They can fly into Cancún and rent a car for the five-hour drive or take a long-distance bus. Another option is to fly into Chetumal, which is only 45 minutes from Bacalar, or into the Tulum International Airport , which is two and a half hours away. Best things to do in Bacalar A scan across the crystal waters of Bacalar reveals a snapshot of life on the lake. Kayaks slip across the surface, while sun worshippers lounge on wooden docks. The only soundtrack is that of the birds in the trees and the gentle lapping of the water. For residents and visitors, Bacalar is all about the lake, as well as relishing its natural beauty, tapping into the history of the region and keeping the environment as well-preserved as possible . Visit the Fort of San Felipe Get acquainted with the history of Bacalar with a visit to the Fort of San Felipe. The stone fort sits right at the entrance to the town of Bacalar, with views out over the bright blue waters of the lake. The fort dates back to the 18th century and was developed to protect Bacalar from international pirates. In the middle of the 19th century, the fort was taken over by rebel Mayans during the Caste War of Yucatán . Today it operates as a museum , telling the multicultural history of southern Quintana Roo and the lake. Bacalar’s activities options include beach lounging, strolling colorful docks, cenote snorkeling and sailing on the lake. (Fernando Gutierrez/Unsplash) Snorkel the Cenote Azul The earth beneath the streets and forest floors of the Yucatán Peninsula is practically honeycombed with spectacular underground caves and cisterns known as cenotes. These subterranean natural wonders have been celebrated by Maya peoples for thousands of years as entrances to Xibalba , or the underworld. Bacalar has its fair share of cenotes within a short distance, but none is as famous as the Cenote Azul. Reaching depths of over 90 meters, the dark blue hole is separated from the lagoon by a thin strip of land. Visitors can swim and snorkel the lagoon to explore its mysterious depths or simply lounge on its banks and enjoy the view. Sail the lake Of course, nothing is as exciting as getting out onto the lake itself. Visitors to Bacalar can sign up for one of the many organized sailing tours that cr