Bacalar, Quintana Roo, Mexico–Eco-Destination
A Place of Interest to Both the Eco-Tourist and the 'Green' Investor
May 19, 2009
Just a little more than half an hour away from the capital city of Chetumal and its airport, and about the same distance to the border with the country of Belize, the small 16th century village of Bacalar is situated on the shores of the pristine waters of Laguna Bacalar.
Eco-Tourism in Bacalar
This area, in the southernmost part of the Yucatan Peninsula, is just at the point of developing as a tourist destination for the eco-minded traveler who seeks escape from the larger, often over-developed areas of the northern part of the Peninsula.
"The Town to Watch in the Mexican Caribbean...The area around Bacalar is poised to become a hot destination..." according to International Living Magazine.
Laguna Bacalar Undiscovered by Tourism
Just an hour away from the nearest seaport of Mahahual, on the Caribbean coast, which is now a stopping point for cruise ships, the Laguna is virtually undiscovered by tourism. It has always been known for the spectacular colors, much as the waters of the Caribbean, with its range of hues from emerald greens to azure blues and the famous brilliant arrays of turquoise and aqua.
Being sheltered from the ocean’s winds and salt sprays, the fresh waters of Laguna Bacalar provide a gentler, more nurturing feeling, making it ideal for swimming, kayaking, snorkeling and other water sports. For deep-sea fishing, the Caribbean coast is only an hour away, as is the famed nature reserve of Sian-k’an.
Chetumal, Capital of Quintana Roo
South of Bacalar is the capital of the state of Quintana Roo, Chetumal, located on the bay leading out to the Caribbean ocean. Long a major water route for the Maya, it was also used by the marauding pirates active in the area during their heyday.
Now a beautiful, tropical city with a broad boulevard along the Bahia, it is home to the Museum of Mayan Culture, providing a superb introduction to this ancient civilization. This museum has stunning reproductions of ancient Mayan sites in the area as well as a complete representation of the Mayan “Tree of Life” extending three levels from the underworld to the topmost branches reaching toward the heavens.
Just across from the Museum is the Mercado, selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables, to souvenirs, to modern electronic equipment. Also available throughout the city are numerous Internet access as well as dentists, doctors and hospitals. The restaurants along the “Bahia” provide cool outdoor dining.
Belize, Central America
The close proximity to the border with Belize, Central America, now provides a new, Las Vegas-style casino and world class, tax-free shopping in the Free Zone, connecting the two countries. The country of Belize, with its various cultures and diversity of terrain is often included in vacation plans for this area of the Yucatan Peninsula.
The Village of Bacalar
The Fort, located in the center of the village of Bacalar, was built by Mayan Indian labor when the Spanish first landed in the late 1500’s. Like the charming zocolo, or central plaza, the Fort has undergone extensive restoration in the past year, making it a major attraction. The village of Bacalar has retained its feeling of authenticity, with no attempt toward tourist oriented activities, but rather remains a place where “real” people carry on their everyday lives. Many of the Mayan women can be seen in their traditional colorfully embroidered huipiles, especially on market day.
Activities around the village include Mayan language classes, mountain bike rental and tours, jungle walks, sailing and boat tours. At the far end of the village is the lovely Cenote Azul, located on the edge of a beautiful, palm-fringed cenote, whose depth is seemingly bottomless. The large, semi-outdoor restaurant is housed in a spacious palapa and serves primarily fresh seafood from the area as well as venison when available.
Major Mayan Archaeological Sites
Because of the close proximity to some of the most major Mayan archaeological sites in the region, the city of Chetumal, the border with the country of Belize, the location of Bacalar on the shores of one of the hidden jewels of Mexico, Laguna Bacalar, provides opportunities for exploration of one of the last areas in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico to develop.
Mexican Real Estate Opportunities
The Wall Street Journal recently hailed Mexican real estate as a 'Haven for U.S. Institutional Investors.'
Not only is Mexico one of the world's greatest destinations, it is also now a major player in the global economy and in world politics. As National Geographic said, "Mexico is poised to emerge as a world leader."
RESOURCES:
A Gem Found in the Southern Yucatan Peninsula
An Interview with Bacalar, Mexico RE/MAX Broker
Mexican Maya Village Opens to GeoTourism
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