Which doesn't mean the city has no value in itself. It is well worth a walk along the bay boardwalk, or through one of the city's markets, or take a well-deserved rest at Calderitas spa, just 10 minutes north of Chetumal.

But, as we previously said, the real reason to visit Chetumal is its closeness to the Bacalar Lagoon and Mahahual Beach or, why not, both.

The Seven Colors of the Bacalar Lagoon

Bacalar, one of the 132 Magical Towns of Mexico, is located on the banks of the extensive Bacalar Lagoon, about 40 kilometers from Chetumal. Founded by the Itzáes Maya around 435 A.C., the city carries a long history, at times frantic, interspersed with great periods of silence. During the 17th and 18th centuries, it fell victim to endless attacks by French, Dutch, and English pirates, which is why they decided to fortify the city; in 1733, they built the imposing Fort San Felipe, now a tourist destination.

Furthermore, Bacalar was depopulated and repopulated many times; the last time, during the fatal Caste War, the city, which was going through one of its most crucial growth years, was completely razed to the ground. It wasn't until 1902 that the government regained control and ensured stability and prosperity.

Today, Bacalar is a city of about 30,000 inhabitants that continues to grow. Its tourist relevance is mainly due to the lagoon: a body of crystal clear water about 50 kilometers in length where you can find exuberant nature, mangroves, fish, and birds, a fast-running water canal that connects it to the neighboring Xul-Ha lagoon, and several cenotes, such as the Cenote Azul, the Cenote Cocalitos, the Cenote Esmeralda and the Cenote Negro.

And you may be wondering: Didn't you say something about 7 colors? That's right, because the lagoon is so extensive, its water so crystal clear, and its depth so variable that depending on where you are and the time of day, the water changes its color hue!

The most popular way to explore Bacalar Lagoon is through a boat tour and snorkeling, which will take you to some of the most attractive spots:

● The Pirate Canal (Canal de los Piratas), converges with the Hondo River.

● Bird Island (Isla de los Pájaros), where many bird species live, such as parrots, owls, and hawks.

● The Cenote Negro, also known as Cenote La Bruja, is the deepest in the lagoon (180 meters) and is located directly in the water, generating a strong contrast between the cenote's black color and the intense blue of the surrounding lagoon.

● The Cenote Azul is a huge open cenote 90 meters deep.

Mahahual Beach

Mahahual is a fishing village with a relaxed vibe, like an anesthetized version of Playa del Carmen, steps from one of the most paradisiacal beaches in the entire Riviera Maya.

The Mahahual coast is part of the second-largest coral reef in the world, and its presence bordering the Banco Chinchorro Biosphere Reserve makes it one of the best diving and snorkeling sites in the entire Riviera Maya. In addition to the colorful corals, these waters are teeming with life: you'll find a wide variety of fish, manta rays, sea turtles, eels, and if you're lucky, nurse sharks.

You can also rent a kayak, take pictures on the swings or simply lie on the fine white sand to enjoy the sun and the soft sound of the waves.

As you can see, this tour is perfect if you are looking to enjoy surreal landscapes, crystal clear waters, a bit of adventure, lots of wildlife, and lots of sunlight!