Native Trails MyTrails 2026 259 Quintana Roo 53 Sunset Tour Laguna Bacalar Duration: 04:00 h · Level: Medium Our Sunset Tour begins in the afternoon at the mysterious Cenote de la Bruja, the Witch’s Cenote, and continues to the idyllic Bird Island, where exotic birds such as parrots, owls, hawks, and the melodious Calandrias (songbirds from the starling family, whose song is often compared to a flute) can be observed. As we sail, enjoy fresh ceviche, seasonal fruits, and refreshing juices while the famous Pirate Channel unfolds its breathtaking display of turquoise and blue hues. Here, we admire the ancient stromatolites, Bacalar’s living fossils. The tour ends at the Rapids, a powerful water current connecting the Bacalar Lagoon with Cenote Xul-Ha—just in time to witness the magical sunset over the water. 54 Visit of the Fortress of San Felipe Bacalar Duration: 01:00 h · Level: Easy Bacalar is a small, tranquil town on the lagoon of the same name. You visit the Fuerte de San Felipe Bacalar, the fortress dominating the center of the town. Antonio de Figueroa y Silva, field marshal of Yucatán, had the fortress built as a protection against pirates and marauding wood traders. Completed in 1733, the year of his death, the historic building today accommodates a small, but interesting museum treating the history of pirates and the development of the region. Do not miss the unique view from the battlements over the lagoon. 55 Boat trip on the lagoon of Bacalar Duration: 02:00 h · Level: Easy The Laguna Bacalar, known for its breathtaking color display (also called the Lagoon of Seven Colors), stretches over 42 kilometers and captivates with its vibrant blue hues, created by varying water depths. Its crystal-clear waters are primarily fed by underground rivers flowing through the porous limestone of the Yucatán Peninsula. Along the shores, untouched mangrove forests and floating water lily fields provide a protected habitat for numerous bird species and fascinating animals such as the rare tropical river otter and the Bacalar tetra (Astyanax bacalarensis). As you cruise across the lagoon, you can soak in the tranquil atmosphere and experience nature in all its richness. 56 Climb the pyramids of Kinichná and visit the archaeological zone Duration: 01:00 h · Level: Medium The Maya site of Kinichná (which translates as “house of the sun”) comprises a unique and vast pyramid built over three levels. It remains a mystery as to whether the site was used as a town or cult site. It is widely assumed that it was a necropolis as, at the highest level, a grave with two people and the finest jade burial objects was found. The power with which nature reclaimed its rights in the jungle can be seen from the many trees, which have buried their roots in the mighty stone construction. From the upper platform you can enjoy a spectacular view of the surrounding area. 57 Cenote Azul with bathing possibility Duration: 01:30 h · Level: Medium Make a stop at Cenote Azul, a body of water up to 100 m (325 ft.) deep. The cenote, which appears like a small lake when compared with its sinkhole-like cousins, lies right beside Bacalar Lagoon. You can change clothes in the local restaurant and then take a refreshing swim in the clear water. Unlike Bacalar Lagoon, Cenote Azul is filled with pure freshwater since there is no connection for the time being with the saltwater of the lagoon. 58 Visit of the archaeological zone of Oxtankah Duration: 02:30 h · Level: Easy The largest known Mayan town in the Chetumal area was inhabited from about 600 BC to 1100 AD, with the maximum importance probably falling into the Early Classic period (c. 250 – 600 AD). Stylistically many buildings are classified as Petén architecture, which was widely used on the Yucatán peninsula. This style is characterized by a design of walls that results, depending on the angle of light, in impressive plays of shadows, which you can also observe in Oxtankah. The site further comprises the ruins of a church that the Spanish built a short time after their arrival in the area.
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