It’s no wonder tourists flock from all over America, and even the entire world, to Tulum for their sunny getaways.
Not only does it line a bright-blue Caribbean, playing host to amazing resorts and lively beach bars, it has ancient ruins and a seriously-underrated cultural scene.
That being said, we understand why some would have jumped on the latest Tulum hate train without a second thought: quintessential Mexico as it may be, its magic is dimmed by unsustainable crowding, littering on beaches, and eye-watering prices.
Lucky for crowd-wary, budget-conscious tourists, Tulum is not its parent country’s only tropical town that offers both nature and culture.
Located some 133 miles south of the resort hub, laid-back Bacalar is quickly rising as an alternative, and there are 4 main reasons why:
First, What Makes Bacalar Special?
Bacalar is a small municipality in the southern end of the Quintana Roo state, which Tulum also belongs to.
It is a thriving leisure destination boasting a high concentration of traditional restaurants and boutique hotels that exude native charm.
Unlike Tulum, Bacalar does not straddle the Caribbean.
However, it does sit on the banks of a vast lake, with shallow, swim-friendly waters in every imaginable shade of vivid green and translucent turquoise.
In a way, it feels comparatively more authentically Mexican than Tulum and any other major resort destination in Mexico, as big developers have been successfully kept at bay, and a majority of businesses, from restaurants to privately administered guesthouses, are in local hands.
This isn’t exactly news, as Bacalar has already proven to be an incredible stand-in for its Northern counterpart, be it for its sargassum-free waters at the peak of proliferation season or the more attractive pricing, but what’s exactly new?
Best Destination For Food In The Mexican Caribbean
For starters, it’s taken home the award for ‘Leading Destination For Food‘ in the Mexican Caribbean at the Premio al Mérito Restaurantero, which commemorates achievements in and the cultural value of regional gastronomy across the region.
Bacalar may not be technically coastal, but it’s a stone’s throw away from the coast, and you can’t leave without trying their seafood tacos, stuffed with a variety of fish, chilaquiles fried tortillas topped with chicken and dipped in chili, and a Yucatanese favorite, cochinita pibil.
The best spot for trying the slow-roasted pork, commonly served in banana leaves in Bacalar with pickled onions for side is Mistura, a no-frills environment known for using locally-sourced ingredients and combining both Mayan and modern influences in cooking.
Landmark Hotels Opening
As demand for Bacalar vacations grows, the list of properties bordering the Lake of Seven Colors is increasing exponentially each passing year, and among the most exciting new openings for 2024, we have the self-proclaimed Most Sustainable Hotel In The World:
An innovative complex of wooden houses nestled amid the lush Mexican nature, Boca de Agua prides itself on having preserved 90% of the land purchased, as well as using wood extracted exclusively from a Forest Stewardship Council, FSC-certified provider.
Other than its exclusivity–there are only 26 lodgings available–the entire property is equipped with wastewater treatment, ensuring the lakefront in its immediate vicinity isn’t polluted and the waters remain crystal-clear for swimming.
Ichkabal Ruins Are Now Open For Visiting
Now we get to the actual exciting part, at least for those of you who expect to soak up some culture, as opposed to lying in the sun all day: Tulum may have its Castillo and Caribbean-facing ruined temple, but Bacalar is the one closest to a monumental Ichkabal:
One of the largest archeological zones of the bygone Mayan civilization, it has undergone restoration for decades to only be opened last month by Mexico’s former President AMLO, with around 12 square miles of ornate temples, pyramidal structures and ball courts now open for visitation.
Lying roughly 36 miles west of the lake, Ichkabal is one of those rare examples of a heritage site yet to be spoiled by mass tourism, despite being far older than Tulum’s own and just as impressive aesthetically as a jam-packed Chichén Itzá.
Maya Train Launched To The South Of Quintana Roo!
Last but not least, Bacalar is now much easier to reach with the complete inauguration of the Maya Train.
The train now travels from as far north as Cancun, calling at Tulum and reaching its southern terminus at Chetumal, the capital of Quintana Roo.
Chetumal is the main access point for travelers heading to Bacalar, as it’s where the nearest international airport is located, and now, a Maya Train station; from Chetumal, it’s a short 25-mile drive to Bacalar, along the banks of the enchanting lake.
With the Maya Train launching in southern Quintana Roo, and thus making it more accessible to vacationers landing to the north, Bacalar is poised to surge even further in popularity in the coming months––you better get there before the Tulum crowds do.
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