Unfortunately, we didn’t manage to visit Los Rápidos, and looking back, we’re rather sorry about that. According to other visitors, it’s one of the most interesting places in the Bacalar area, though it’s worth knowing exactly what to expect.

It’s not a set of wild rapids, but a narrow channel with a natural current that acts as a natural ‘lazy river’.

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What’s the visit like?

The idea is simple: you walk upstream along a wooden walkway, enter the water at the marked point and let yourself drift back, wearing a life jacket.

The float itself takes about 5 to 10 minutes, so you can do it several times. Mangroves grow around the channel and there are protected stromatolites right in the water.

Please enter the water only via the steps.

Some visitors consider Los Rápidos to be one of Bacalar’s highlights, whilst others find the short stretch and the number of extra charges, given the entrance fee, rather expensive.

We would therefore recommend it to people who want to spend a few hours swimming, relaxing and drifting with the current. If you’re expecting adrenaline-fuelled rapids, you’re likely to be disappointed.

Admission fees and opening hours

The official admission price is 200 mxn150 mxn for adults and for children aged 2 to 10.

A single-seater kayak costs 200 mxn per hour, a two-seater 400 mxn and a locker 50 mxn plus a refundable deposit.

It is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00. There is a restaurant, toilets, changing rooms and a car park on site.

Do I need to book in advance?

No. It isn’t even possible. If you’re heading there on your own, just turn up, pay the fee at the ticket office and set off.

How to get there

From Bacalar, take a car or a taxi; the journey takes about 15 minutes.

A taxi costs around 200–250 mxn ne way; make sure you get the driver’s contact details and arrange your return journey.

Uber might work for the journey from the centre, but I wouldn’t rely on it for the return trip. There aren’t many cars around and you could end up waiting for over an hour.

The colectivo will drop you off at the main road, from where it’s still about 2.4 kilometres along an unpaved track.

Ideally, arrive as soon as it opens; bring cash, your own towel and a UV-protective T-shirt – do not go into the water with sun cream or any other cosmetics on.

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in Bacalar.