La Playita

Laguna Bacalar


A sign outside reads, 'Eat, drink and swim' – and that about sums it up. Fish and seafood dishes are tasty, albeit on the smallish side, but the mezcal and fine swimming certainly make up for that. An enormous rubber tree, which provides shade in the gravel garden section, was nearly uprooted in 2007 when Hurricane Dean pummeled the coast.

This is a lovely spot for late-night cocktails too, with romantic candlelight, the quiet night and frisky toads that merrily hop around the gravel floor.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Laguna Bacalar attractions

1. Fort

0.2 MILES

The fortress above the lagoon was built in 1733 to protect Spanish colonists from pirate attacks and rebellions by local indigenous people. It also served…

2. Laguna Milagros

11.62 MILES

Paddle out on a kayak or simply have a swim in the azure waters of Laguna Milagros, about 23km west of Chetumal, in the town of Huay-Pix. Waterfront…

3. Museo de la Cultura Maya

13.46 MILES

The Museo de la Cultura Maya is the city’s claim to cultural fame – a bold showpiece that's beautifully conceived and executed, though regrettably short…

4. Museo de la Ciudad

13.6 MILES

The Museo de la Ciudad is small but neatly done, displaying historic photos, pre-Hispanic and military artifacts, and old-time household items (even some…

5. Palacio de Gobierno

14.03 MILES

Set just off the waterfront, construction on this government building began in the 1930s and the present-day three-story structure was finished in 1945.

6. Clock Tower

14.13 MILES

An art-deco monument built in in 1943 to honor Mexico's independence and Reform movement heroes.

7. Santa Rita

19.1 MILES

Santa Rita was an ancient Maya coastal town that once occupied the same strategic trading position as present-day Corozal Town, namely the spot between…

8. Fort Barlee

19.71 MILES

At the center of town, this fort was built in 1849 by Caste War refugees for protection from attacks by hostile Maya. Only the remains of the brick corner…