If you thought Cancun was the place to be, think again! Between Uber conflicts and visitor tax confusion, entering and leaving America's most sought-after destination can actually be a headache.
Who are we kidding, though? There's no way Cancun will slow down any time soon. However, there's another postcard-worthy turquoise paradise being hyped as the top spot to kick off 2025.
No, it's not Tulum, either. Been there, done that; that's so 2024.
South of both Cancun and Tulum lies one of the most eye-popping destinations in Mexico, or all of North America, for that matter.
Teeming with small-town charm, waters exuding otherworldly shades of blue, and fresh, authentic local cuisine, you don't have to follow the crowd to find your own slice of paradise.
Long held as a favorite getaway for Mexican travelers, TimeOut believes Bacalar is ready for the global stage.
Mexico's ‘Lagoon of Seven Colors'
Ever visited a destination that didn't live up to the hype? That's not the case for Bacalar.
In fact, no matter how many photos you see, it likely won't do this vibrant lagoon-ridden paradise justice.
When I visited, I was gobsmacked before I even landed as my window seat offered unparalleled views of the brightest shade of turquoise I've ever seen.
And I've been to Santa Fe and Scottsdale, too…
Tucked away near the underrated bayside city of Chetumal lies Mexico's Shangri-La, known as the ‘Lagoon of Seven Colors'.
The depth of the lagoons and various cenotes determines the shade of turquoise – all 7 of them, in fact.
Yes, you'll want to pack your swimwear, as it would be a wasted trip not to take a dip in some of the most pristine waters imaginable.
Although boat tours (including affordable yachts), kayaking, and paddleboarding are also common.
The latter of which you can book at Los Rapidos Bacalar Paddle Tour, where you can also book a ferry to Belize for a double dose of passport stamps!
See? This place has it all.
Day Trip Or Main Stay?
You can reach Bacalar in a variety of ways, but most would preferably take day trips or weekend getaways from Cancun or Tulum.
If not, the aforementioned Chetumal serves as a solid backup plan with a small airport connecting from Mexico City through 4 different airlines. That's what I did.
TimeOut mentions only needing a couple of days in Bacalar to cover the bases, but there's a lot more to do and see than posting epic pics to the ‘gram.
If you ask me, Mexico is made to be explored no matter where you are, including Bacalar.
Truth be told, most travelers will see Bacalar as an add-on to an already jam-packed trip, but I suggest making it your starting point and working backward.
Who knows, after experiencing Bacalar's waters, you may only use Cancun or Tulum as an exit point rather than splurge on ritzy resorts along tourist-filled beaches.
Bacalar certainly feels more authentic, especially being surrounded by such fascinating Mayan ruins in close proximity, like Kohunlich.
Not to mention, the city of Chetumal itself is a beautiful hidden gem teeming with world-class cheap eats and some cool Mayan vibes.
If you were to circle Kohunlich, Bacalar, and Chetumal on a map, you'd still have an incredible vacation.
The question is, do you want to follow the crowd to Cancun and Tulum or give Mexico's lesser-known region of captivating history, Maldives-esque waters, and rich culture a chance?
You Simply Can't Beat Bacalar's Prices
Bacalar still holds a firm grip on its ‘hidden gem' status, so don't expect the same high-end resorts Cancun boasts.
Bacalar's hotel prices simply don't get any better, however – they're just cozier and homier.
But once you step foot outside and witness jaw-dropped scenery, you'll forget all about your favorite swim-up bar's pina coladas.
Bacalar hosts a variety of stays ranging from eco-lodges to affordable luxury – just don't expect to wake up to an omelet bar and endless orange juice.
Eco-friendly hostels like El Búho Bacalar start $11 per night, while luxe hotels like MÍA Bacalar Luxury Resort & Spa top out around $200.
The scale is wide-ranging. You can find lake houses, cabanas, villas, palapas, and more. Many of which are under $50, overlooking Bacalar's gleaming turquoise waters.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.