Take highway 307 to Lake Bacalar. The exit for the city of Bacalar is on the left. The road is extraordinarily narrow compared to roads in the US and is frequented by double semi trailers and other large vehicles. Sections of the road are frequently under construction. The scenery is through the Sian Kaan Biosphere for part of the trip. Though this would seem like a scenic drive, given the biosphere, the scenery is not that spectacular and the drive harrowing. Do not drive this road at night. To each side of the road are 2 foot posts designed to hold a guard rail that has not been erected as of Jan 2007. It is not hard to imagine that a moment of inattention could result in a fatal swerve. The driving time from Cancun is every minute of 5 hours.
On foot or bicycle would be very doable if you are staying in the city of Bacalar, as well as taxis, which are not expensive.
The water of Lake Bacalar is among the most pale and gemlike blue that could possibly exist. The main attraction of traveling to this area is the lake, whose beauty could easily induce one to sit and read for a few days without regret. The lake is somewhat shallow at the shores, except where there are sinkholes commonly known as cenotes. It is well seen by kayak or sailboat. The sand when disturbed smells strongly of minerals or sulfur, though sitting by the lake or even being on the water certainly carried no odor whatsoever.
The Fortress de San Felipe Bacalar, in the center of town, represents one of the bastions used by the Maya before they were overrun by the Spanish, it has a small but modern museum inside, if you are in town it_Ls worthwhile visiting.
On Sunday night, there may be music and dancing in the city square.
Active Nature Bacalar offers guided kayak/canoe trips, bicycle tours and jungle walks to explore the beautiful lake and its surroundings. They are located 5 km north of Bacalar at Villas Ecotucan which is also a really nice place to stay.
Ramon Aguayo is the certified scuba instructor in town, if you_Ld like to get certified. Ask for him at the front desk of Villas Bakalar or at the chinese house on the costera. Sailing boat rentals or instructor, aswell as boat excursions are also available.
The mayan ruins nearby that are worthwhile visiting are Chacchoben, Dzibanche and Kohunlich. They don_Lt have alot of people and the jungle surroundings are magnificent. Contact the front desk of Villas bakalar for birdwatching among jungles and ruins.
To learn more about Bacalar and what to do, where to buy stuff, where to eat, where to stay, what is going on around town and what has been happening, as well as articles about the fort and danzon, visit the Bacalar Mosaico web site at http://www.bacalarmosaico.com
Los Aluxes has a nice little bar with swings instead of stools. Though the closing hours are early (see above)
There are numerous hotels along the Western coast of the lake. Amigo's B&B is nice. Casita Carolina also appears very nice and has a great beach.
5 km north of the town you will find Villas Ecotucan, a little oasis with lovely cabanas and a campground with beach and a lot of activities.
There is a new Backpackers in town "Ximbal Li" on Avenida 3 number 33.
Three blocks walking distance from the Fort is the recently opened [http://www.villasbakalar.com Las Villas Bakalar] , the suites are comfortable, styish and big and have air conditioning and internet. The pool is not enormous but has a nice view of the lagoon aswell.