BACALAR LAGOON TOUR FROM CANCUN
1 day
About this activity
The name most likely derives from Mayan 'b'ak halal,' meaning 'surrounded by reeds,' the name of the locality attested at the time of the 16th century arrival of the Spanish. Bacalar is also the name of the lagoon, Bacalar Lagoon on the east side of the town.
Bacalar was a city of the Maya civilization in pre-Columbian times. This was the first city in the region which the Spanish conquistadores succeeded in taking and holding in 1543. In 1545, Gaspar Pacheco established the Spanish town here with the name Salamanca de Bacalar. The region of the southern half of what is now Quintana Roo was governed from Bacalar, answerable to the Captain General of Yucatán in Mérida.
After the town was sacked by pirates in the 17th century, the Fortress de San Felipe Bacalar was completed in 1729, and may still be visited today. In 1848, Bacalar had a population of about 5,000 people. In 1848 during the Caste War of Yucatán, the rebellious Chan Santa Cruz Maya conquered the town. It was not retaken by the Mexicans until 1902
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Bacalar was a city of the Maya civilization in pre-Columbian times. This was the first city in the region which the Spanish conquistadores succeeded in taking and holding in 1543. In 1545, Gaspar Pacheco established the Spanish town here with the name Salamanca de Bacalar. The region of the southern half of what is now Quintana Roo was governed from Bacalar, answerable to the Captain General of Yucatán in Mérida.
After the town was sacked by pirates in the 17th century, the Fortress de San Felipe Bacalar was completed in 1729, and may still be visited today. In 1848, Bacalar had a population of about 5,000 people. In 1848 during the Caste War of Yucatán, the rebellious Chan Santa Cruz Maya conquered the town. It was not retaken by the Mexicans until 1902
Included
- Bottled water
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Local guide
- Professional guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Not included
- Gratuities
Additional
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- What to bring:
- Cash for buying souvenirs and tipping
- Biodegradable sunblock and insect repellent
- Lightweight jacket for winter season & sunglasses
- Comfortable shoes or sneakers
- Extra change of clothes
- Camera
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers
Features
Tourism
95%
Cultural
55%
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