Bacalar Must-dos | Ichkabal Ruins, Boat Trip & Los Rapidos

Quick Overview

This full-day adventure in Bacalar costs $145.23 per person and lasts around 11 hours and 30 minutes. With a pick-up service included, you’ll visit Ichkabal ruins, cruise the Lagoon of Seven Colors, and enjoy the natural Los Rápidos. The tour offers a great balance of history, natural beauty, and fun—perfect for travelers looking to get a comprehensive taste of Bacalar in one day.

What we really like about this tour is the combination of ancient Mayan ruins and the spectacular lagoon views—meaning you get both cultural insights and relaxing water activities. Plus, the local guides tend to be knowledgeable and friendly, making the whole experience feel authentic.

A potential drawback might be the long day’s schedule, especially if you prefer a more relaxed pace or want more time at each individual stop. Also, meals are not included, so you’ll want to budget for lunch.

This tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate history, scenic landscapes, and active outdoor experiences. It works well if you’re short on time but want to see Bacalar’s highlights, and if you’re comfortable with a moderate physical level for walking and swimming.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Experience: Combines ruins, lagoon boat ride, and natural channel in one day.
• Authentic Guides: Local hosts provide insider tips and seamless transportation.
• Flexible Meal Options: Stop for lunch at a local restaurant or bring your own food.
• Ideal for Active Travelers: Includes walking, swimming, and boat activities.
• Good Value: Entry fees, boat rides, and transportation included for the price.
• Caution: Be prepared for a packed schedule, and bring towels if you plan to swim.

In-Depth Review of the Bacalar Must-Dos Tour

A Well-Rounded Day in Bacalar

If you’re looking to experience Bacalar’s top attractions in one go, this tour offers a well-structured itinerary that balances cultural discovery with natural beauty. For around 11 and a half hours, you’ll visit Ichkabal, a lesser-visited but impressive Mayan ruin, glide through the Vibrant Lagoon of Seven Colors on a boat, and finish with a splash at Los Rápidos—a striking natural channel that cuts through the lagoon.

Starting early at 7:00 am, the tour is designed to maximize your day, with a pickup from your accommodation. This means you won’t waste time figuring out logistics, especially since the guides are locals who know the region intimately.

The Mysteries of Ichkabal

Your first stop is the Ichkabal ruins, a site that remains somewhat off the beaten path compared to other Mayan sites like Tulum or Chichen Itza. This is part of what makes it special: fewer crowds and more opportunity to appreciate the Majestic Mayan architecture amidst jungle surroundings. The site hosts impressive stone structures and stelae, though it’s less developed for tourism—so your experience will be more about exploring and imagining ancient life than taking endless photos.

Travelers have appreciated the free admission here, which adds value. One review describes it as “a hidden treasure,” and many liked the chance to see something authentic and less commercialized. Expect about two hours here, which is enough to get a sense of the site’s scale without feeling rushed.

Cruising the Lagoon of Seven Colors

Next, you’ll hop onto a boat for a two-hour ride on Bacalar’s famous lagoon. The water’s stunning shades of blue range from turquoise to navy, depending on the depth and sunlight—definitely the most eye-catching feature of this tour. The boat will take you past small islets and internal cenotes, giving you a chance to marvel at the lagoon’s clarity and vibrant hues.

The boat ride is relaxed but active, with the option to dip into the water if you wish. Many travelers remark on how beautiful the views are, and some have called it “a photographer’s dream.” The guides tend to provide interesting tidbits about the lagoon, making it both a scenic and educational experience.

Los Rápidos: Nature’s Natural Waterpark

The final major stop is Los Rápidos, a natural channel that divides the lagoon. Unlike the fast-moving rapids you might think of elsewhere, these are calm, swirling waters that create a beautiful, swirling landscape.

Here, you’re encouraged to swim, relax, or float in this unique setting. The surrounding scenery is often described as “breathtaking,” with lush greenery framing the clear water. The three-hour stay provides ample time to cool off and enjoy the natural spectacle. Reviewers frequently mention how this was a highlight, with one calling it “one of the most beautiful landscapes in Bacalar.”

Practicalities and Tips

• Meals are not included, so plan to eat at the local restaurant the guide stops at or bring your own food. Remember, you’ll have about an hour for lunch.
• Bring towels, sunscreen, and water shoes if you plan to swim at Los Rápidos.
• The tour includes entry tickets to Ichkabal and Los Rápidos, so you won’t need additional expenses there.
• The group size is limited to 15, which helps keep the experience intimate and manageable.
• This tour is suited for those with moderate physical fitness, as walking around ruins and swimming are involved.

What We Think

We appreciate that this tour delivers on diversity—history, natural beauty, and outdoor fun in one package. The guides seem genuinely committed to sharing Bacalar’s highlights, and the value for the price is evident when considering that all entry fees and transportation are included.

However, it’s a long day, and some may find the schedule a bit tight—especially if you prefer a more leisurely pace or want more time at each stop. If you’re not comfortable with a moderate physical level or if you prefer to explore independently, this may not be the best choice.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventurous travelers eager to see multiple facets of Bacalar without the hassle of planning each activity separately. If you’re interested in Mayan ruins, stunning water vistas, and natural swimming spots, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. It’s also good for those who appreciate local guides and want a well-organized day that maximizes sightseeing.

On the other hand, if you prefer more flexibility or a slower pace, or if you’re traveling with young children or those with mobility issues, you might want to consider splitting these activities into separate days.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This Bacalar tour strikes a good balance of price, content, and convenience. It packs in the best highlights—from archaeological sites to breathtaking lagoon views and natural channels—in a way that offers genuine value.

Travelers who want a comprehensive, guided experience will find this a worthwhile investment, especially given the inclusion of transportation, entrance fees, and local insights. The scenic boat ride and swimming at Los Rápidos are undoubtedly among the most memorable parts, making it a great choice for those seeking both education and relaxation.

If your goal is to see Bacalar efficiently and enjoy its natural beauty and history without the stress of planning, this tour is worth considering. Just be prepared for a full day and bring along essentials like water, towels, and a good sense of adventure.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes entry tickets to Ichkabal ruins and Los Rápidos, transportation with pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation, bottled water, soda, and the boat ride on Bacalar Lagoon.

Does the tour include meals?
No, meals are not included. After the boat ride, you’ll stop at a local restaurant to choose your lunch or you can bring your own food. There’s about an hour allocated for eating.

How long is the boat ride?
The boat ride lasts approximately 2 hours, taking you past key features like the small islets and cenotes within Bacalar Lagoon.

What should I bring?
Bring towels if you plan to swim, sunscreen, water shoes, and some snacks or money for lunch. Since the day can be busy, packing light but smart is recommended.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with limited mobility?
It’s best suited for travelers with a moderate physical fitness level. Walking around ruins and swimming require some mobility, but the tours are designed for groups of up to 15, which allows for some flexibility.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance, with a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, you won’t get your money back.

Seeking a memorable day that combines Mayan history, crystal-clear waters, and natural landscapes? This Bacalar tour offers a well-rounded, authentic experience that makes the most of your time in this beautiful part of Mexico.