Main Square Bacalar
The heart of Bacalar, a vibrant square with a historic fort, lively evening markets, and gateway to the stunning Lagoon of Seven Colors.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively atmosphere & street food
Main Square Bacalar
Best Time
Lively atmosphere & street food
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The heart of Bacalar, a vibrant square with a historic fort, lively evening markets, and gateway to the stunning Lagoon of Seven Colors.
"The Zócalo in Bacalar is the kind of place that makes you want to extend your trip just so you can eat there again."
🎯 Try the Marquesitas
Don't miss these crispy crepes filled with cheese or Nutella, a must-try street food in the main square at night.
🛶 Kayak or Paddleboard
Explore the lagoon at your own pace with a kayak or paddleboard for an intimate experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fuerte San Felipe & Pirate Museum
Adjacent to the Main Square
Explore this historic fort and museum, offering a glimpse into Bacalar's pirate past and stunning views of the lagoon.
Lagoon of Seven Colors
Bacalar Lagoon
Marvel at the breathtaking shades of blue and green in this unique freshwater lagoon, perfect for swimming and boat tours.
Evening Street Food Delights
Main Square
Indulge in local favorites like marquesitas, churros, and crepes from lively street vendors as the sun sets.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Evening Buzz
Protect the Stromatolites
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Try the Marquesitas
Don't miss these crispy crepes filled with cheese or Nutella, a must-try street food in the main square at night.
🛶 Kayak or Paddleboard
Explore the lagoon at your own pace with a kayak or paddleboard for an intimate experience.
☀️ Sunrise Serenity
Catch the magical sunrise over the lagoon for a peaceful start to your day.
🛡️ Visit the Fort
Learn about Bacalar's history at the San Felipe Fort and enjoy panoramic views.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Try the Marquesitas
Don't miss these crispy crepes filled with cheese or Nutella, a must-try street food in the main square at night.
🛶 Kayak or Paddleboard
Explore the lagoon at your own pace with a kayak or paddleboard for an intimate experience.
☀️ Sunrise Serenity
Catch the magical sunrise over the lagoon for a peaceful start to your day.
🛡️ Visit the Fort
Learn about Bacalar's history at the San Felipe Fort and enjoy panoramic views.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the square and potentially exploring the lagoon.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bacalar's Main Square is a charming and lively hub, praised for its vibrant evening atmosphere, delicious street food, and historical significance. Visitors enjoy the Fuerte San Felipe and the proximity to the stunning Lagoon of Seven Colors. Some mention ongoing construction, but the overall experience is highly positive, highlighting its magical ambiance and value.
"Lovely park with beautiful trees. Also was clean and we'll taken care of. A handful of food stands with all the common evening street food like marquesitas, machacados, churros, crepes.. there was no taco stands though."
Geneva Ebersol
"Very lively at night time with variety of mexican snacks and souvenirs."
Luigi Polanco
"Nice place to sit, enjoy the shade and a cold ice cream. Watch artist performances. See the fort, Bacalar Letters sign, have dinner on any of the many restaurants around the plaza, take a boat tour of the lagoon."
Jose Herrera
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Main Square (Zócalo) is the heart of Bacalar and easily accessible. If arriving from Cancun, it's about a 4.5-hour drive south. Many visitors arrive by car or bus. Taxis are readily available within Bacalar to take you to the square.
Parking can be challenging, especially during peak hours. It's advisable to arrive early or be prepared to walk a short distance from nearby streets.
Yes, Bacalar is accessible from Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Cancun. Buses are a common and affordable option, with journeys typically ranging from 2 to 4.5 hours.
While Bacalar is walkable, especially the area around the main square, local taxis are available for longer distances or if you prefer not to walk.
Many travelers visit Bacalar as a day trip from Tulum or Playa del Carmen. Renting a car offers the most flexibility, or you can opt for ADO buses.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Main Square itself is a public space and free to enter. However, attractions within or around the square, like the Fuerte San Felipe, may have admission fees.
The Main Square is generally accessible at all hours, but the atmosphere and vendors are most active in the evenings. The Fuerte San Felipe has specific operating hours.
Yes, boat tours for the Lagoon of Seven Colors typically require booking and payment. Prices can vary depending on the duration and inclusions.
No, you pay for the food you purchase from the street vendors. Prices are generally affordable and offer great value.
Admission fees for the Fuerte San Felipe are typically modest, allowing access to the fort and its museum. Check local listings for current prices.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the Fuerte San Felipe, enjoy the evening street food, take photos with the Bacalar sign, and consider a boat tour of the Lagoon of Seven Colors.
You'll find popular Mexican snacks like marquesitas (crispy crepes), churros, crepes, and machacados. Taco stands are less common in the square itself.
Yes, the area surrounding the Main Square offers a variety of restaurants, from casual eateries to more upscale dining, serving local and international cuisine.
The Main Square is most vibrant in the evenings, typically from sunset onwards, when street vendors set up and locals gather.
Direct access to swimming from the immediate Main Square area is limited. You'll typically need to go to designated beach clubs or take a boat tour for lagoon access.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Marquesitas are a must-try, along with churros and crepes from the street vendors. For a sit-down meal, explore the restaurants around the square for diverse options.
While many street foods are naturally vegetarian (like marquesitas without meat), options can be limited. Restaurants around the square are more likely to offer diverse vegetarian and vegan choices.
Street food is very affordable, typically ranging from 30-100 MXN. Restaurant prices vary, but you can find good value meals for around 150-300 MXN per person.
Yes, many restaurants and bars around the square offer a variety of cocktails, fresh juices, and local beers.
While the square is known for its street food, surrounding areas have highly-rated restaurants. 'Zócalo' is mentioned as a place with a great dining experience, blending traditional and modern flavors.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the Fuerte San Felipe, the iconic 'Bacalar' sign, the colorful buildings around the square, and the vibrant street food stalls at night.
Golden hour (early morning and late afternoon) offers beautiful light. Evenings are great for capturing the lively atmosphere and colorful lights.
Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules and be mindful of privacy. Some tours might offer drone footage.
Photographing the distinct seven colors of the lagoon from a boat or viewpoint, and capturing the ancient stromatolites (from a distance) are unique opportunities.
While you can see the lagoon from some points near the square, the best lagoon views are typically from boat tours, designated beach clubs, or viewpoints further along the shore.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For lagoon activities, consider kayaking or paddleboarding in calmer areas, or look for family-friendly beach clubs that offer shallow entry points and amenities. Some tours might be more suitable for families, so inquire about age restrictions and activity levels. The gentle currents at Los Rápidos can also be a fun, safe way for kids to experience the water.
💰 Budget Travelers
Opt for public transportation like ADO buses to reach Bacalar from other cities, which is more economical than private transfers. For lagoon exploration, renting a kayak or paddleboard can be a cost-effective alternative to organized boat tours. Many accommodations outside the immediate tourist center also offer better rates.
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Lagoon of Seven Colors
When exploring, remember the lagoon is home to stromatolites, which are ancient, living rock-like formations. These are incredibly fragile and vital to the lagoon's ecosystem. It's crucial to follow guidelines to avoid touching or disturbing them, ensuring their preservation for future generations. Eco-friendly tours emphasize responsible tourism and education about these natural wonders.
For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting Los Rápidos de Bacalar, a natural channel where the freshwater lagoon meets the sea, creating a gentle current. Here, you can float along, enjoy the shallow waters, and relax in a natural lazy river. Some beach clubs also offer direct lagoon access with amenities like pools and loungers.
Bacalar's Historical Heart: The Main Square
As dusk settles, the Main Square transforms into a lively hub for street food vendors and local artisans. This is the perfect time to sample authentic Mexican snacks like marquesitas (crispy crepes with sweet or savory fillings), churros, and crepes. The atmosphere is festive, with families and travelers mingling, enjoying the cool evening air and the array of delicious treats. It's a quintessential Bacalar experience that captures the town's relaxed yet vibrant spirit.
Beyond the fort and food, the square is a great place to simply relax. You can find shaded benches, enjoy an ice cream, and sometimes even catch artist performances. The iconic 'Bacalar' sign is also a popular spot for photos, making the Main Square a central point for both historical exploration and cultural immersion.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit