But this will soon change since developers, retired or semiretired citizens, tourism and local authorities are now realizing the enormous potential of this incredibly beautiful area. 

Bacalar, on the edge of the Laguna de los Siete Colores (Lagoon of Seven Colors) in the state of Quintana Roo, provides a wealth of history and magic. This town cultivates the memories of its ancestors: fishermen, merchants, warriors and poets. 

The profound tranquility can be felt walking along the streets bordered by typical Mayan dwellings, ancient white-stoned buildings and large trees covered in exotic birds. Mesmerizing sunsets paint the lagoon’s surface gold and intensify its aquamarine, green and ochre tones. 

Bacalar lagoon is linked to the Rio Hondo by the Chaac canal. The perfect place to access the mayan ruins of Kohunlich and Chacchoben, Bacalar has bathing resorts to relax in but also offers jungle exploration, which allows you to get acquainted with the numerous species of flora and fauna. Adventure seekers can explore the lagoon further by boat or kayak and discover sublime isolated spots. 

For retirement purposes Bacalar offers the best , still affordable superb water front property in premium location, just a stroll to the town's main square in which anything can be found for everyday needs, pharmacy, convenience shops fresh fish from the near Majahual port, fruits and vegetables, etc. If you need to stock for more sophisticated articles a short drive of 15 miles to the Chetumal the state's capital city.

Visitors can rent a dugout canoe and paddle the lake or lounge on a well-manicured public beach. The area caters to locals and tourists interested in swimming, sailing, jet skiing or windsurfing in calm, cool waters year-round, or make choice another activities like casino gambling , duty free shopping, dive in Chinchorro reef, fishing , restaurant , spa , safari park , cave diving , boating , canoeing , kayaking , bird watching , 


CENOTE AZUL 

Bacalar owes its name to the Mayan word Halal which means "place surrounded by reeds." and it features one of the most impressive and deep "holy holes" in the whole Yucatan Peninsula . Estimated deepness of this "holy hole" is about 200 mts. ( 600 ft ) . 

The geological phenomenon of Cenote Azul sits adjacent to Bacalar Lagoon is the biggest sinkhole on the Yucatan Peninsula. Cenote Azul offers tremendous freshwater diving—especially on days when the sea is too rough for reef exploration, is a paradise for specialized divers.

The bell-shaped opening has a rim at 130 feet where divers often stop and admire the clear, incredibly calm water. This unique underwater formation looks more like a moon-scape with submerged trees populated by schools of fresh water fish than any other "Earthly" setting. 

From its edge, the celestial game of lights and colors can be admired as they gleam off the transparent waters of this well filled with fish, where dozens of wild ducks skim the waters. 

HISTORY:

Considered to be an important "liaison" city for the North , West and South settlements of colonial times. Bacalar was built in 1545 by Spaniard Gaspar Pacheco who called it San Felipe de Bacalar ( still the official name but reduced to Bacalar for practical reasons) . The city was invaded and destroyed by pirates in 1642. 

Rebuilt in 1726,  when the town was rebuilt, Fort San Felipe was erected to protect the city from future attacks from pirates or displaced Maya.