Have you ever imagined yourself exploring an incredibly beautiful coastal town of the Mexican Caribbean zone? If you have thought of doing this before, let me tell you that this area is home to some of the most amazing places in the world. Two of these places are the city of Chetumal and the town of Bacalar.
Chetumal
Chetumal, whose name means the place where the red trees grow in Mayan language, is a city situated at the end of the coast of the Mexican Caribbean and, undoubtedly, one of the most beautiful of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. Furthermore, people who have visited it have praised the great, cozy hotels; the amazing archaeological sites such as Dzibanche and Kohunlich; the wide variety of cultural attraction like the Cultural Center of Fine Arts and the Museum of Mayan Culture; the longest boulevard in the Yucatan Peninsula and rich flora and fauna it possesses. In fact, Chetumal is one of the 21 protected areas in the state since it is considered as a special habitat for birds and manatees. In addition to this, you can also explore the equally rich areas near Chetumal; one of them is Bacalar with the famous Lagoon of Seven Colors.
Bacalar and the Famous Lagoon
Founded by the Mayans in 415 a. C., Bacalar is an idyllic town located approximately 25 miles north of Chetumal that owns breathtaking views of the Caribbean landscapes and rich history and culture. For that reason, Bacalar has been designated as a Pueblo Magico (Magical Village) by the Mexican Secretary of Tourism. Furthermore, Bacalar is the only Pueblo Magico in the area of the Mexican Caribbean and offers many incredible tourist highlights. The most important one is its seven-colored lagoon calles the Lagoon of Seven Colors whose soil at the bottom, the diverse kinds of depths and the variation of the Sun’s light intensity are what give this lagoon the different hues of green and blue and the view as you arrive can be breathtaking. Aside from this, you will be able to practise scuba diving, snorkeling or even kayaking.
Other Attractions of Bacalar
- Cenote Azul (Blue Sinkhole): set right at the entrance of Bacalar, this sinkhole is perfect for divers who want to explore the great depth and its ecosystem.
- San Felipe Fort: This is an extremely important historical site for the town of Bacalar since it was built with the purpose to deter the pirates assaults. Inside its walls, there is The Museum of Pirates.
- Casa de la Cultura (Culture House): in this place, you can witness traditional dances, poetry, theater and many other activities.
- San Joaquin Temple: it was built during the XVIII century which still keeps its colonial style. Besides, the image of the saint is considered as miraculous by the majority so the festivities honoring San Joaquin in August are very colorful.
As you can see, Chetumal and Bacalar are certainly places worth visiting with their impressive historical, cultural and, most important, natural sites. Besides, the lagoon is something you probably have never seen in your life before. So, dare to come to the Mexican Caribbean and visit one of the most incredible places near Chetumal, the Lagoon of Seven Colors.
Image: Flickr by Javier Hidalgo
Tourist Attractions in Mexico 