Bacalar

Bacalar is a name of pre-Hispanic origin that means «Surrounded by reeds», and is the oldest town in Quintana Roo.

Between the years 415 to 435 AD, being from the south, the Mayans founded what is now Bacalar under the name of Sian Ka’an Bakhalal, staying around 60 years.

Before the arrival of the Spaniards it was the most important city of Uaymil in the Yucatan Peninsula. By 1630, in colonial times, Bacalar was considered the most important town in the region since its passage was mandatory for the arrival to the Yucatan Peninsula, Honduras and Guatemala. During the seventeenth century Bacalar was attacked by pirates who wanted to disembark in the lagoon, until finally the construction of San Felipe de Bacalar Fort was decided, which gave him security to continue growing.

Currently the population is mainly dedicated to tourism that comes to visit the nearby ruins and to know the famous «lagoon of the seven colors» known thus, since you can distinguish seven different shades of blue between its waters; This is due to the mixture of sweet and salty waters that compose it. It is also formed by seven cenotes whose waters overflowed creating a single lagoon. Close to this, you can also find one of the favorite places to visit, the Blue Cenote.

Bacalar is a picturesque «Magic Town» with tourist attractions that make the trip to the Costa Maya unique and unforgettable.