Things to do in Bacalar
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Top 10 attractions in Bacalar
Fuerte de San Felipe
Fuerte de San Felipe is located in the small town of Bacalar in Quintana Roo, Mexico. Construction began in 1725 and was completed in 1733 under the direction of Antonio de Figueroa y Silva, the governor of Yucatán during Spanish rule. Its purpose was to protect the town of Bacalar and its inhabitants from British, French, and Dutch pirates, as well as to curb the smuggling and pillaging of the local "palo de tinte" (dyewood). The fortress has a star-shaped structure with four pointed turrets: Santa Ana, San Arturo, Santa María, and San Joaquín. Of the original 34 cannons, approximately 11 remain today. A moat and drawbridge once surrounded the fortress for added defense. Since 1965, one of the turrets has been used as a museum, officially becoming the "Pirate Museum" in 1983. It exhibits colonial artifacts, Mayan artifacts, weapons, maps, and historical materials. Visitors can also overlook Bacalar Lake and the surrounding scenery from the top of the fortress.Bacalar · 430m from downtown
Cenote Azul
Bacalar · 4.1km from downtown
Balneario Municipal El Aserradero
Bacalar · 698m from downtown
Lake Bacalar
Bacalar · 720m from downtown
Chichen Itza
Located in the southern part of Mexico's Yucatan State, Chichen Itza is an ancient Mayan city ruin listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can stroll among iconic structures like the Pyramid of Kukulkan, the Temple of a Thousand Columns, and the Ball Court, experiencing the splendor and mystery of Mayan civilization. Here, you can also join professional guided tours to gain deeper insights into the Mayans' astronomical, mathematical, and architectural achievements. Additionally, the nearby cenotes (natural sinkholes) are a must-see experience, where crystal-clear waters and unique natural views provide visitors with perfect spots to relax and unwind.Mexico · Tinum
Xcaret Park
Westcaret Park has more than 40 attractions. In the park, you can swim in underground rivers, explore mysterious caves, walk through jungle trails, and watch the animals that inhabit the park. Discover new colours at the Butterfly Pavilion and discover the mysteries of the ocean at the Coral Reef Aquarium. In Xicalet, Mexico, there are several attractions worth visiting, such as the Mayan monuments, the Mexican FolkArtMuseum, the traditional Hacienda Henequenera estate, and the Chapel of Guadalupe. In addition, visitors can experience Mexican culture by watching pre-Hispanic dances, equestrian performances and the "Xcaret México Espectacular" Mexican-inspired performance by 300 actors. There are many restaurants for tourists to choose from in Cicaret Park on the Mayan coast.Mexico · Playa del Carmen
Isla de los Pájaros
Chetumal · 2.6km from Bacalar
Maya Sup
Bacalar · 1.2km from downtown
El Malecon de Chetumal
Chetumal · 22.9km from Bacalar
Ik Kil Cenote
Ik Kil Cenote is located on the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, not far from Chichen Itza, and is a naturally formed open-air cenote. "Ik Kil" means "place of the wind" in the Mayan language; it was considered a sacred site in ancient Mayan civilization and was once an important location for Mayan sacrificial rituals. Cenoteopening is nearly circular with a diameter of approx. 60 m. The surrounding stone walls extend almost vertically downward, with a drop of approx. 26 m from the ground to the water surface, and the water is approx. 40 m deep. The stone walls are covered with lush green vegetation, and long vines hang from the edge of the opening down to the water. When looking up from the water, sunlight streams in through the circular opening, making the vines look like a green waterfall suspended in the air. Follow a hand-carved stone staircase down to the water. There are nearly 100 steps. Once you reach the water, you can swim in the clear freshwater. The cenote features a diving platform for visitors to experience cliff diving. Black catfish swim in the water, adding a touch of wild charm to this natural pool.Mexico · Tinum
Experiences you can't miss in Bacalar
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Free things to do in Bacalar
Fuerte de San Felipe
Bacalar · 430m from downtownCenote Azul
Bacalar · 4.1km from downtownBalneario Municipal El Aserradero
Bacalar · 698m from downtownLake Bacalar
Bacalar · 720m from downtownChichen Itza
Mexico · TinumBook now for tomorrowXcaret Park
Mexico · Playa del CarmenIsla de los Pájaros
Chetumal · 2.6km from BacalarMaya Sup
Bacalar · 1.2km from downtownEl Malecon de Chetumal
Chetumal · 22.9km from BacalarIk Kil Cenote
Mexico · Tinum
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What travellers say about Bacalar
中西南北东15 January 2026
4.0
Chichen Itza is an ancient Mayan city ruin located on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. Founded in the 5th century AD (around 514 AD), it was the political, religious, and astronomical center of the Mayan civilization at its peak. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. Centered around the Pyramid of Kukulkan, the site blends Mayan and Toltec cultures, and contains hundreds of stone structures, including a temple of warriors, a large ball court, and an observatory, showcasing the Mayan people's remarkable architectural and astronomical achievements.
Chichen Itza
大鱼先生🐷10 February 2026
5.0
This park is absolutely fantastic! It's definitely one of the best places to visit in the Americas. If you're a fast-paced young person, you can just buy an afternoon ticket, plus a shuttle bus from your hotel. Enter the park at 4 PM, walk the black line, then the white line, then the red line, then the green line, and finally the blue line back to the black line, arriving just in time for the show at 7 PM. The show is two hours long, covering everything from Mayan culture to modern Mexican dance and song – well worth seeing. The cutest animals in the park are the flamingos, tapirs, and red parrots – they're even bigger and cuter than I expected.
Xcaret Park
Traveler-BD6 August 2026
5.0
Ik Kil Cenote is one of Mexico’s most beautiful natural attractions and a truly unforgettable place to visit. Surrounded by lush greenery and cascading vines, this stunning sinkhole features crystal-clear turquoise water that invites visitors to swim and relax. The dramatic rock walls and natural lighting create a magical atmosphere that feels almost otherworldly. Located near the famous Chichén Itzá archaeological site, it is the perfect place to cool off after a day of sightseeing. Whether you are seeking adventure, photography opportunities, or simply a unique natural experience, Ik Kil Cenote is a must-visit destination in Mexico.
Ik Kil Cenote
