Bacalar + Chacchoben, Mexico

Bacalar is a small, more traditional Central American town in southeastern Mexico. We had driven through the area of it that reaches up to both sides of the main highway many times on our way to shop in Chetumal. Some of the best Mexican street food, including really, really cheap empanadas, tacos and pollo asado, can be found there. We were in need of a night away from our responsibilities, so we booked into a cute hotel in the centre of town, near the square, but still overlooking the incredible Lagoon for which the town is known for. The lagoon is nicknamed Lagos de Siete Colores or Lake of Seven Colours. Its white, sandy bottom transforms the fresh water into a brilliant turquoise that changes shades with the passing sun. Bacalar was the first town in the area to be settled by the Spanish Conquistadors in the 1500’s. The 50 km long lake, with ocean access, made Bacalar susceptible to raids from pirates and Mayan rebels until the Fuerte San Felipe was completed in 1733, which still rises above the lake and can be accessed from the town square. The centre of town is full of restaurants, both touristy and local gems, as well as boutique hotels and small shops. One day and night, exploring the town together, eating out , drinking wine and shopping, felt like a week away for us.

The next morning, after a decent Mexican breakfast, we headed out to the Mayan ruins of Chacchoben. Settled in 200 BC, the historical sight is now home to Mayan Temples, crumbled platform groupings and thick jungle. We didn't think we were in the right place when we arrived, as there were no other cars and seemingly no one around at all. We found a guy who took a few pesos from us, gave us a water and off we went. Ruins, more than 2000 years old, were ours to explore in complete peace and quiet. An incredibly rare experience in this day and age. We took our time, winding through jungle, watching playing monkeys in the trees and taking in the ancient temples. It wasn't until we were almost through the outer areas, consisting of stone footings and stairs from homes being taken over by exposed roots cascading over the edges, that we saw another person. An extraordinary morning, not soon to be forgotten.

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