Weekend Getaway: Punta Laguna

It’s time for another weekend getaway in the beautiful Riviera Maya! This time, we’re exploring one of the most incredible hidden treasures in the region. Punta Laguna is a small Mayan village, home to monkeys, jaguars and plenty other wildlife. So, get ready, we’re going on a road trip.

What is Punta Laguna?

Punta Laguna is a small Mayan village that sits within a 5,000-hectare, government-protected nature reserved called Ma’ax Yetel Kooh. That is Mayan for House of the Spider Monkey and the Jaguar. This reserve is home to its own unique spider monkey subspecies, along with howler monkeys, pumas, coatis and hundreds of species of birds. The village itself gives you insight into the Mayan way of life as it is lived today. You can see thatched-roof houses, cooking over open fires and freely-roaming farm animals which are reflective of the way that these families have lived for decades.

How to get to Punta Laguna

Reaching Punta Laguna is quite easy. It is located almost a straight shot from Tulum via the Coba road. Heading from Tulum, take a right at the Coba road and follow the signs for Nuevo Xcan until you see the sign for Punta Laguna.

There are no restaurants or hotels here – it is a genuine jungle village. You will, however, want to either pack a meal with your or stop for refreshments before you arrive. Along the way to the Coba road, there are a few small towns where you can stop for refreshments and breaks. You can also check out the handicrafts made by local artisans. However, we highly recommend you skip these and see them on your way back. Pack refreshments and snacks the day before. You want to reach Punta Laguna very early in the morning to avoid the swarms of tours that arrive after 9am.

What to do in Punta Laguna

Punta Laguna

While this truly authentic Mayan village is not home to restaurants or art galleries, there is no shortage of activities to take part in. At Punta Laguna, you can purchase a tour of the jungle and lagoon (reason for which it is called Punta Laguna), to experience the wildlife and enjoy a morning full of fun activities. The reason for which you want to arrive early is to take a guided tour through the jungle trails and be able to spot both howler and spider monkeys on their morning feeding migration. You will be able to spot them around 7 or 8 in the morning. The tour also guides you down to the lagoon where you can row across to then zipline over the lush jungle.

Lastly, the tour allows you to dive into a beautiful cenote. Not first without being blessed in a Mayan ceremony. At the bottom of the cenote – if you bring a waterproof flashlight – you will be able to spot a few skulls from old Mayan sacrifices practiced in the area.

The locals at Punta Laguna are very friendly. They are often more than willing to chat about their culture and daily life. Some may even invite you to have a look insider their home. However, keep in mind that if they do so, it would be considered impolite to not buy at least a small trinket from the homeowners. Many villagers are also willing to let you take photos of them – just make sure you ask permission first!

Walk through the jungle!

Most of the villagers and guides in Punta Laguna speak Spanish or Yucatecan Maya. Although some may have some limited English skills. If you don’t speak Spanish, make sure you either have a Spanish-speaker with you, or are prepared to translate using dictionaries or an electronic device.

Within the village, you will find a small walking road that passes several trails and a cenote on the way to the saltwater lagoon. You can find a dock stretching out over the water to give you a lovely view of the water and wildlife. Fishing is strictly prohibited. Swimming, however, is at your own risk, as crocodiles have been sighted in the lagoon.

Spider Monkey

There are also a number of trails available to explore. You can view the abundant wildlife from here. The entrance fee – without a tour – for each trail is 30 pesos per person. You must also hire a local guide for 150 pesos for a group of up to 10 people. Guides are experienced and have been trained by primatologists to ensure they are knowledgeable about the wildlife.

In addition to the trails and tours, there are also some ancient ruins to explore, freshwater cenotes for crocodile-free swimming and caves for rappelling.

Recommendations

Bring comfortable clothing and shoes. You will be doing a lot of walking, and possibly rappelling, hiking and swimming. So, make sure you’re covered for it all.

Don’t forget to bring some energy-packed snacks such as granola bars, and bottled water. The village has no restaurants, and it is likely you won’t find any shops around. Make sure you come prepared to avoid hunger or dehydration.

We highly recommend you bring biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent. You will be in the jungle, after all, and insects are unavoidable. Make sure it is biodegradable to avoid harming the environment.

Punta Laguna Zipline

Photo by Wiz Tours

Bring cash! If you will be buying the guided tour, paying for the walking trails or giving tips to the villagers, you must do so in cash. They will not accept any other form of payment and there are no ATMs nearby.

Most of all, however, bring your adventurous spirit! You are here to enjoy the wonderful nature of the lush Mayan jungle. Be open to learning about the lifestyle and customs of these locals. And don’t forget to snap as many photos as possible – especially of the spider monkeys! Come back next week to see where we’ll be headed next weekend!

Weekend Getaway: Campeche

It’s time to pack our bags and get ready for another weekend getaway! This time we’ll be travelling to a place that may seem straight out of a fairytale with its beautiful mansions, old-world forts and pirates! Campeche is the capital and the largest city in the state of Campeche in Mexico. While you won’t find the sparkling beaches and turquoise seas here that you might be familiar with in the Riviera Maya, you are sure to be blown away by the rugged beauty of Mexico’s western coastline of the Yucatan peninsula.

How to get to Campeche

Campeche, Mexico

While not home to an international airport Campeche is still surprisingly easy to get to by motor vehicle.

Those with their own cars or rentals will be able to make use of the comfortable highway drive from Cancun (7 hours) or Playa del Carmen (8.5 hours) by following the freeway to Merida where you will route onto Mexico 180 O that will lead you straight to Campeche.

For those who would rather not drive there are daily buses through ADO or OCC from Cancun or Playa del Carmen to Merida where you can transfer to a short 2.5 hour bus straight to Campeche.

Where to Stay

Downtown Campeche

There are a number of quaint and luxurious hotels and rentals in the area, ranging from modern luxury to ex-haciendas. Most hotels are located along the Malecon which runs the entire length of the city, however there are also a few more budget-friendly hotels in the historic center. With the lack of azure beaches in Campeche you will definitely want to ensure that you find a place to stay with a pool.

What to do

Campeche is home to some incredible historical sites, which are responsible for its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Just wandering the streets of the city will leave you in awe. Within the old town every building has been restored. Rainbow pastel homes line the cobblestone streets and will surely inspire you to have your camera out and ready with every step you take!

In the 17th and 18th centuries, Campeche was a key port in the Caribbean which meant it was a prime spot for pirates – this is the reason for the historic old town’s outer walls and fortifications which acted as protection against the omnipresent attacks.

Ednza Ruins in Campeche

There are also a number of ancient Mayan ruins in the area. Ednza is the closest major site and is about 45 minutes away. They are smaller than many of the other major ruins, but they allow more intimate sightseeing than more popular and larger sites like Chichen-Itza.

You also won’t want to miss the food and drink in Campeche which is known for its seafood. Cazón (shark) is a local delicacy and widely available. There are many small restaurants located around the city, including many in the historic center that range in price. There are also some groceries stores in the city for those on a budget who would prefer to make some meals themselves.

Whatever you decide to do when you’re in Campeche, you’ll want to make sure you bring your walking shoes. There is a lot to see and explore during your exciting weekend away!

Shopping and Eating

Shark Bread

It’s fair to say that this once colonial city offers some amazing gastronomical delicacies. You can find eateries from small cafés to extravagant restaurants and everything in between. Seafood is quite popular with both locals and tourists. Local dishes are plentiful throughout. Try some pan de cazón (shark bread), coconut shrimp, poc chuc, and others.

When it comes to shopping, you’ll be surprised at the many options found in Campeche. You can buy some textiles, clothing, hammocks and more at one of the many artisanal craft shops. Or you find gems, magnets and jewelry inspired by nature. There are, of course, a handful of shopping centers and malls, as well for a more Americanized experience.

Recommendations

Be prepared for a long road trip. Getting to Campeche can take up to 8 hours, so make sure you have plenty of activities if you’re taking the ADO bus, or things to do if you’re driving.

Most of Campeche’s larger places accept credit card. However, it is highly recommended to always carry enough cash around.

Come with an open mind. Local foods, drinks and traditions may be very different to what you’re used to. So, make sure you come with an open mind and embrace the culture of Campeche.

Learn some phrases in Spanish. Campeche is far from the English-speaking community in the Riviera Maya. Not many locals speak English like they would in Tulum or Playa del Carmen. That is not to say you won’t find someone who does and is willing to help. But it definitely helps if you can pick up some Spanish beforehand for the best experience possible.

Have fun!

Campeche

What are you waiting for? Pack your bags. We’re going on a road trip. Enjoy the colonial vibes of Campeche, soak in the culture and engulf the delicious food. When the weekend is over, head back home to your beautiful home in Playa del Carmen. But get pen and paper out. It’s time so start planning next weekend’s getaway!

Weekend Getaway: Caye Caulker

It’s time to pack your passport and head away to Belize for a weekend. Not anywhere in Belize, however, but in the gorgeous Caribbean island of Caye Caulker. The friendly locals at Caye Caulker Village will welcome you with open arms. And you will be able to visit the thick foliage that is home to many wildlife. Oh, and don’t forget the gorgeous diving sites that the Marine Reserve offers. Start packing, because we’re heading off to this dreamy weekend getaway!

How to Get to Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker Plane

While Playa del Carmen and Tulum are a dream come true, you surely want to take a look at the surrounding places. Getting to Caye Caulker depends greatly on your budget and time restrictions. Since you’re in Mexico, you need to make your way down to Chetumal, the capital city of Quintana Roo. From Chetumal you have the option to take a ferry boat straight to Caye Caulker which takes about 2 hours plus the time spent in customs.

Another option is to take an ADO bus to Belize City or – more expensively – fly there from Cancun International Airport and take a water taxi from there. It takes about 30 minutes from the port to Caye Caulker and costs about $25 USD.

Take into consideration that there are not many running boats or buses between all these stops, so make sure you measure your time wisely. If you’re driving, the best thing is to drive to Chetumal and park your car safely, and then take the boat straight to Caye Caulker.

Immigration

Given that you are entering a foreign country from Mexico, you will need to pay an entry fee and present your passport. Your passport must be valid for 3 months from the date of entry and you must usually present an onward or return ticket (whether it is for the boat, plane or bus). Most nationalities will receive a 30-day visa upon entry.

Where to Stay

Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is a very small and beautiful island. Only the southern part is habitable, where it is known as the Village. The northern part of the island is home to lush mangroves and wildlife, as well as a forest reserve. Options for accommodation vary from boutique hotels to vacation rentals and everything in between. If you’re visiting during high season we highly recommend you book in advance. Otherwise, you can take a look around at the options once you are there.

If you’re looking for budget-friendly options you want to stay in near Front Street up to the Split. However, if you want a quieter and more upscale rental, then you need to head to Gringo Heights, where many slightly more expensive vacation rentals lay. These are mainly owned by expats or snowbirds that flock down to escape the harsh winters of the north. Much like Holbox Island in the northern tip of Quintana Roo, Caye Caulker is quite walkable, so you needn’t worry about not staying right by the sea.

You will find accommodation between $25 and $105 USD per night, depending on the area, the season and the occupancy.

What to do in Caye Caulker

Let’s get to the fun stuff! With a no shirt, no shoes, no problem approach to life, you will find that there are many things to do in this lovely island. The lack of cars is reminiscent of olden times where everything was tranquility. In fact, you’ll even see dogs napping mid street without a worry in the world.

The Split

While many people visit Caye Caulker for its pristine beaches, you should also take the following into consideration. Visit the forest reserve. The northern part of the island swims with wildlife such as birds, crocodiles, turtles, crabs, lizards and even snakes. If you’re feeling adventurous you might want to take on the kayaking challenge. However, you might also want to go down the calming ocean or walk through the crocodile habitat (don’t worry – it’s safe!).

Another popular activity is scuba diving. Being along the second biggest reef in the world, Caye Caulker’s marine life is no disappointment. You will see colorful fish, sea turtles, corals and much more. If you visit in the right season (April through September), you might even be lucky to spot a manatee. This is particular to the Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary.

While you’re in Caye Caulker you don’t want to miss the Split. This channel, as its name suggests, literally splits the island into two. It is a great place for spending the day eating, drinking and sunbathing. It is, without a doubt, the best place for swimming and paddling. And if you’re feeling more cultural, there are two catholic churches well worth visiting in the city center. These serve mass for the Spanish-speaking residents.

Shopping and Eating

Caye Caulker

It is no surprise, of course, that the eating culture in Caye Caulker relies heavily on seafood. Enjoy its array of ocean-inspired meals, such as lobster, conch, fish, octopus, and much more. For those looking for a more street-based meal, you will find a wide selection of food carts around the island offering delicacies.

When it comes to shopping it is fair to say that this isn’t Fifth Avenue. However, you will find a handful of small shops popping around the island offering souvenirs, t-shirts, jewelry, paintings and other curiosities.

Recommendations

Getting to Caye Caulker is not quite an easy task. Make sure you measure your times carefully as to not miss any of your buses or boats. You may find yourself stranded in Chetumal or Belize City if you don’t plan to the minute.

The island is really small, so walking around gets you everywhere. However, there are golf carts and bikes for rent. If you do decide to rent either, make sure you drive slowly and respect pedestrians.

Health care in Caye Caulker is basic. If you need greater medical attention your best bet is to head back to San Pedro or Belize City. For longer stays, make sure you bring a basic medical kit for headaches, stomach aches, allergies and others.

Belize’s official language is English, but they do speak Creole, which they use most commonly amongst each other. You will also find that almost half of the population speaks Spanish, as well.

Bring cash with you. Whether you’re bringing US dollars or Belize dollars, it will be rare for an establishment there to accept credit cards – even accommodations. US dollars are an unofficial second currency in Caye Caulker and Belize in general, so you may pay with those. However, expect your change to be in Belize dollars mostly.

Above All…Enjoy!

Now let go of all your stress, relax and enjoy this wonderful weekend getaway! Enjoy the friendliness of our Belize neighbors and the exquisite cuisine they offer. This trip is for you to forget about all your worries and simply enjoy.

When the weekend is over, head back to your gorgeous home in Playa del Carmen or Tulum and start planning your next weekend getaway to a paradise destination in Mexico!

Weekend Getaway: Holbox Island

This upcoming weekend, we’re escaping the hustle and bustle of Playa del Carmen and Cancun and visiting a small island on the Gulf of Mexico. Holbox Island is located just at the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, surrounded by beautiful blue waters. With a no-cars-allowed policy and offering golf carts to move around, this beautiful and magical island make for a perfect weekend getaway. Are you ready? Let’s get moving!

How to Get to Holbox

How to get to Holbox

Holbox is an island located in the northern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, technically belonging to the state of Quintana Roo. However, due to its northern location, it is no longer the Caribbean, but rather the Gulf of Mexico. To get to Holbox is quite easy if you have a car. From Playa del Carmen you must take the new Merida highway, which will cost you $107 Mexican pesos. Follow the signs that say Chiquila – you’ll be driving straight. It will take approximately two and a half hours to reach the port of Chiquila.

Once in Chiquila, you will find many parking options. Most of them will charge a $100 Mexican pesos fee to keep your car for 24 hours. Once you’ve parked, you will need to walk towards the ferry. This will take you a couple of minutes. You can expect to pay $300 mxn for the round-trip ticket. The ferry ride takes about 20 minutes each way. Ferries run every half an hour from 6am to 9:30pm.

Where to Stay

Holbox is a very small island offering different boutique-style hotels. You can find from small one-room spaces listed on Airbnb to slightly larger, more luxurious hotels. You will not find big-brand names nor all-inclusive resorts on the island. Homeowners often rent out properties here for days, weeks or even months, for anyone wanting to go for more than a weekend getaway. The island is quite small, which means that a centrally-located accommodations are only 3 blocks from the ferry and 3 blocks from the beach on the other side. There are certain more laidback and less-populated areas in the island, also lined with more luxurious hotels.

If you’re staying at a central location, you can quickly reach other areas by renting a golf cart or taking a golf cart cab for $40 mxn. It takes minutes to get from one point to another. Staying at the central areas is better for those looking to be within walking distance to the main square and the main street with shops, restaurants and bars.

What to Do in Holbox

Holbox

There are many things to do in this charming island. From visiting the endless sand banks near Mantarraya to walking by the little shops and restaurants, the options are many. During the summer season, you can take beautiful and natural tours to see the migrating whale sharks who swim by the island. These gentle giants of the ocean are a sight not to be missed, slowly gliding through the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and making their way down to the Caribbean.

During the day, you can visit one of the many sand banks where you can walk for miles in shallow clear waters. You can visit the Mantarraya beach restaurant to enjoy hammocks in the ocean under letters that spell out Holbox. We highly recommend you also check out the bioluminescence tours, where microorganisms in the ocean react to movement by lighting up. This is done at night and costs approximately $250 mxn per person. Bathe in the warm waters while tiny plankton light up creating amazing starred-like shapes in the ocean.

There are also other tours you can take to snorkel in certain parts around the island. As soon as you get off the ferry, many vendors will approach you offering accommodation, taxis and tours. However, the best thing to do in Holbox is lay your towel down and sunbathe.

Shopping and Eating

Holbox

Because Holbox is such a small island, there are not many options for shopping or eating. There is a main street lined with delicious little restaurants ready to serve up breakfast, lunch and dinner at very accessible prices. If you head onto the other side of the island where the sand banks are, you will find an array of beach restaurants offering fresh fish and other local delicacies.

For shopping, the main street is where you will find the most shops. There are many locally-sourced shops selling souvenirs and other cute crafts perfect to take home as a reminder of your weekend getaway. Most things in Holbox are quite affordable in comparison to big restaurants in Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Although some range slightly higher. Make sure you visit Mantarraya Restaurant for a delicious fresh mixed ceviche to share.

Recommendations

Holbox requires driving and a ferry. So, if you’re visiting from Cancun or Playa del Carmen you should definitely head out early in order to be able to enjoy the day at the beach. We recommend you get on the road around 9 or 10am to be reaching the island around 1pm. That way you can enjoy the afternoon and the next morning there.

Bring cash with you. Not many places on the island accept credit or debit cards. Although there are some ATMs (such as Banamex) on the island, it is best to have cash with you. Bring Mexican pesos to avoid high exchange rates and prices. Plan your activities in advance – especially if you’re taking tours. That way you know how long it will take you to go from one place to the other to not miss out on anything you want to do.

Holbox

To move around, rent a golf cart. You can rent one for 24 hours for $1,500 mxn. You can use this to explore places on the island you would otherwise need to pay a cab to see. Renting a golf cart will give you the freedom to move around and go wherever you wish at your own time.

Most importantly, bring an open mind and be ready to live experiences you can only imagine. Enjoy the laidback lifestyle of the island, the clear waters and the shining sun. There really isn’t another island quite like Holbox.

Weekend Getaway: Puerto Morelos

The Riviera Maya is a stretch of 80 miles of pristine beaches located just a few miles south of the hustle and bustle of Cancun. This area attracts around 10 million visitors each year and offers luxurious hotels and resorts, as well as a number of theme parks, clubs, shopping malls, and other attractions.

Puerto Morelos is located about 10 miles south of Cancun and about 20 miles north of the beautiful Playa del Carmen and it is one of the best kept secrets and one of the top 25 beaches in the Riviera Maya. Walking on its square and around the town will let you feel the vibe of this small fishing village.

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Puerto Morelos: General Information

If you want to stay away from the Cancun crowds, do not forget to visit Puerto Morelos! You can not only enjoy the quiet atmosphere, but also visit the Mesoamerican Reef; which is located only a few meters from the beach.

The main roads have a wide offering on small restaurants, cafes and boutiques; no huge chains or massive hotels. The locals and hotels in the area want to keep it that way, by having strict building restrictions and working together to preserve the little town feeling.

Puerto Morelos: Getting There

By Car:
From Cancun: Get the 307 Federal highway southbound (towards Tulum) and stay on this road for about 10 miles. Once you get to Puerto Morelos you need to take the exit and turn left under the overpass.
By Bus:
You can take the bus straight from the Cancun International Airport; the cost is around $6 USD for a one way ticket. This bus does not go to the town center, but it does go to the highway turnoff into town just 2 kilometers away from the square. From there you can grab a 20 peso taxi or a collectivo to the downtown beach area.

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Puerto Morelos: Things To Do

  • Snorkeling:
    Enjoy the beautiful Mesoamerican Reef, the second largest reef in the world. There is plenty of local providers offering tours just off the main plaza, for only $25 USD your get the boat ride and all the needed equipment.
  • Diving:
    Enjoy all sorts of diving adventures: there is the reef, caverns and cenotes in the area; ideal for every level and age. Dive Shops are available directly in Puerto Morelos.
  • Sport Fishing:
    The waters off the Puerto Morelos coast have a wide variety of marine species: Marlin, Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Barracuda, Grouper, Snapper, Snook, Pompano, and more…
  • Ruta de los Cenotes:
    This is a wonderful way to visit many cenotes in a day for a reasonable price. Local run cenotes are open for visitors; enjoy the cool transparent water and the amazing caves, a life changing experience!
  • Alma Libre Bookstore:
    Alma Libre is the Riviera Maya’s best English language new and used bookstore. In this book store you can find regional guide books and maps, as well as books about the
  • indigenous culture, flora and fauna of the region.
    Crococun:
    This is ideal for families, a guided tour to learn more about crocodiles and other native species. Seeing the spider monkeys in the wild is amazing, the kids will love it!

We hope you enjoy your visit to Puerto Morelos and the beautiful beach. Keep up to date with the best beaches in paradise by following our Top 25 Beaches in the Riviera Maya countdown every Friday! If you are in search for the perfect beach to spend the day at, make sure you check out our options. We aim to provide you with the best information about living in the Riviera Maya!

Top Mexico Real Estate is a local American-Owned company that specializes in helping foreigners become homeowners in Mexico. If you are looking for a second home or to retire in paradise, please feel free to contact any of our Top Buyers’ Representatives! Browse our beautiful properties; we are sure you will find your dream home.

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…
We make it happen!

Weekend Getaway: Bacalar

It’s that time of the week again when you start planning your next weekend getaway. The Riviera Maya is so vast that living in Playa del Carmen doesn’t really give you a great idea of everything there is to see. So this week, we are running away to the Magical Town of Bacalar! Are your bags pack? Let’s go!

How to get there

Bacalar is located approximately a three-hour drive south of Playa del Carmen (four if you’re coming from Cancun). The best way to reach this beautiful town is by renting a car and driving. This allows you to move around Bacalar easily without having to rely on public transport within the town.

Once you have your car, head onto the Federal Highway 307 heading south and following the signs that read “Chetumal”. Once you have passed Felipe Carillo Puerto (where you should definitely stop for breakfast at the market), be on the lookout for signs that read Bacalar. There is no “taking wrong turns” as it is fairly easy and straightforward.

If you are not into driving and would rather be taken, you can take an ADO Bus from the Playa del Carmen terminal, which will take you to the town. It takes approximately 4 hours and costs $240 mxn one-way.

Where to stay

Bacalar is quite a small town, sitting on the edge of a lagoon. Accommodation varies in quality and price, as in any other place on Earth. However, to get the great experience of waking up to the beautiful colors of the lagoon, a hotel by the water’s edge is ideal. You can choose from more rustic, eco-friendly hotels to more modern ones. Don’t expect to find 5-star resorts, as most hotels here are locally owned and have seen better days, but are still charming and comfortable.

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You should also consider a hotel that has hammocks hanging over the shore! Nothing beats getting up in the morning, enjoying breakfast and just relaxing on a hammock counting the colors in the lagoon.

What to do

Bacalar may be small, but there are plenty of things to do there. Other than just relaxing by the lagoon (which you should definitely put on your list as a priority), you could take a tour to cross the lagoon and possibly see some local wildlife. The lagoon is the second largest fresh water lake in the country, so it’s not something to be overlooked.

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For the adventurous bunch, visiting (and eating) the Cenote Azul is a must! This waterhole is 90 meters deep and of an intense navy blue. Nothing can really be seen downwards because of its depth and small amount of light it receives, but there are friendly fish on the surface, an upside down boat to hang around in, and a restaurant serving delicious Yucatan food.

Take a tour to San Felipe Fort. Located in the heart of Bacalar, this small fort has a lot of history. Initially built to fight off pirates, who would come to the town to steal corn, the fort stood up there for years and is now an iconic landmark of the town. You can’t leave without visiting – costs are quite accessible and tours are available all day long.

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Bacalar is not by the ocean, so if you are really looking forward to spending a day at the beach, you should drive down to Mahahual to spend the day. This beautiful town is located approximately a two-hour drive from Bacalar and has some of the most beautiful beaches in the region.

Shopping and eating

As mentioned before, Bacalar is a small town, ran mainly by locals. Restaurants are found throughout with local Mexican and Yucatan food (don’t expect menus in English!). But hey, you are in a country whose cuisine is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, so you surely want to eat some of that deliciousness!

Shopping in Bacalar is quite limited – for the same reason. However, the road to Bacalar will present you with many options for buying tropical fruits, hammocks, carved wooden souvenirs, and much more.

Recommendations

Bacalar is a must see in the Riviera Maya – so make sure you don’t leave without visiting! We recommend a long weekend so you can runaway for a day trip to Mahahual (although that can be a weekend getaway on its own).

Bring cash! Bacalar is a small town and some places might not take credit cards – especially foreign ones. So make sure you have some cash handy to pay any souvenirs, cenote visits, tours, amongst others.

Among other activities you can do in Bacalar is take a stroll through Downtown, the plaza that is directly across from San Felipe Fort, and take in the gorgeous and colorful Caribbean houses. There are also Mayan ruins near Bacalar that you can visit such as Chacchoben.

We recommend you take a translation app or study up your Spanish before visiting. Although most tour guides speak broken English, if you plan on visiting local restaurants or shops, you might find yourself lost in translation.

One weekend comes after the next, and if you’re in search for amazing adventures, check back next week for a new weekend getaway destination!

Top Mexico Real Estate is an American-owned real estate company based in Playa del Carmen. With a focus market of Americans and Canadians, our Top Buyer Representatives are happy to help you relocate to paradise and help you find your paradise home.

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…

We Make It Happen!