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Description   Rancho Encantado, Eco-Resort, Retreat Center & Spa

Description of Surrounding Area

In and Around Laguna Bacalar-
Just a little more than half an hour away from the capital city of Chetumal and it’s airport, and about the same distance to the border with the country of Belize, Rancho Encantado is situated on the shores of the pristine waters of Laguna Bacalar, outside the small 16th century village of Bacalar. Villa Encantada is located on the lakefront at the north edge of the village.

This area, in the southernmost part of the Yucatan Peninsula, is just at the point of developing as a tourist destination for the eco-minded traveler who seeks escape from the larger, often over-developed areas of the northern part of the Peninsula. Just an hour away from the nearest seaport of Mahahual, on the Caribbean coast, which is now a stopping point for cruise ships, the laguna is virtually undiscovered by tourism. It has always been known for the spectacular colors, much as the waters of the Caribbean, with its range of hues from emerald greens to azure blues and the famous brilliant arrays of turquoise and aqua.

Being sheltered from the ocean’s winds and salt sprays, the fresh waters of Laguna Bacalar provide a gentler, more nurturing feeling, making it ideal for swimming, kayaking, snorkeling and other water sports. Fishing, too, is more of a relaxing sport than the challenge of deep ocean water. For deep-sea fishing, the Caribbean coast is only an hour away, as is the famed nature reserve of Sian-k’an.

In the other direction, south of Rancho Encantado, is the capitol of the state, Chetumal located on the bay leading out to the Caribbean ocean. Long a major water route for the Maya, it was also used by the marauding pirates active in the area during their heyday. It wasn’t until the late 1970’s that Quintana Roo became a state, with Chetumal as it’s capitol. Now a beautiful, tropical city with a broad boulevard along the “Bahia,” it is home to the Museum of Mayan Culture, providing a superb introduction to this ancient civilization. This museum has stunning reproductions of ancient Mayan sites in the area as well as a complete representation of the Mayan “Tree of Life” extending three levels from the underworld to the topmost branches reaching toward the heavens.

Just across from the Museum is the Mercado, selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables, to souvenirs, to modern electronic equipment. Also available throughout the city are numerous Internet access as well as dentists, doctors and hospitals. The restaurants along the “Bahia” provide cool outdoor dining. There is also a zoo and the close proximity to the border with Belize, Central America, now provides a new, Las Vegas style casino and world class, tax-free shopping in the Free Zone, connecting the two countries. The country of Belize, with its various cultures and diversity of terrain is often included in vacation plans for this area of the Yucatan Peninsula.

The drive from Bacalar to Chetumal gives the traveler the feeling for the small, traditional villages that dot the highway, most of which are populated by contemporary Mayans. This is made much easier since the Mexican government has recently spent millions of dollars in improving and expanding the roads in the area.

The Fort, located in the center of the village of Bacalar, was built by Mayan Indian labor when the Spanish first landed in the late 1500’s. Like the charming zocolo, or central plaza, the Fort has undergone extensive restoration in the past year, making it a major attraction. The village of Bacalar has retained its feeling of authenticity, with no attempt toward tourist oriented activities, but rather remains a place where “real” people carry on their everyday lives. Many of the Mayan women can be seen in their traditional colorfully embroidered huipiles, especially on market day.

Activities around the village include Mayan language classes, mountain bike rental and tours, jungle walks, sailing and boat tours. At the far end of the village is the lovely Cenote Azul, located on the edge of a beautiful, palm-fringed cenote, whose depth is seemingly bottomless. The large, semi-outdoor restaurant is housed in a spacious palapa and serves primarily fresh seafood from the area as well as venison when available. The swimming is wonderful and many people take their bathing suits when going there for lunch.

Because of the close proximity to some of the most major Mayan archaeological sites in the region, the city of Chetumal, the border with the country of Belize, the location of Rancho Encantado and Villa Encantada on the shores of one of the hidden jewels of Mexico, Laguna Bacalar, a stay at the Rancho or the Villa provides opportunities for exploration of one of the last areas in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico to develop.

At the Rancho one can lie around in the sunshine, reading in a hammock, or take the five-minute drive into the village to work on the Internet. From an adventurous tour of the Mayan sites in the region, arriving at your casita at the Rancho for a swim, a massage, or just getting ready for dinner in the waterfront palapa restaurant is like coming home. From the jungle to the Jacuzzi, Rancho Encantado provides the perfect place for a private, tropical get-a-way.

Directions

Four Kilometers North of the picturesque 16th century village of Bacalar, Quintana Roo.
3-1/2 hours south of Cancun airport.
30 minutes north of Chetumal airport.
2-1/2 hours from Belize City, Belize airport.

Discounts Offered

See our website for discounts and special offers.

Listing Address

Listing Name & Address
Rancho Encantado, Eco-Resort, Retreat Center & Spa
Rancho Encantado
Laguna Bacalar
Bacalar, Mexico 77930
Mexico