Things to do

Casita Carolina's is located in the town of Bacalar, a city of approximately 13,000 in the south of Quintana Roo state, 30 minutes north of Chetumal and the Belize border and 90 minutes east of the Rio Bec collection of Mayan ruins. Kohunlich and Chachoben are two lovely ruins quite nearby that are usually pleasantly free of tourists.

We are situated directly on Laguna Bacalar, a 30 mile long fresh-water lake fed by a number of underground rivers and cenotes. So there are lots of water-based activities, including the opportunity to explore the many miles of unpopulated lake.

You'll find Casita Carolina's a great place for weekend retreats, family reunions, and group gatherings. We can arrange adventure trips for you to Mahahual or the Belize cayes for fishing, snorkeling, or scuba diving as well as bird watching or just exploring.

Bacalar is home to the 16th century Fort of San Felipe, a well-restored fort that was a very early Spanish stronghold against pirates and, during the Spanish Caste Wars, against the insurgent Maya.

Cenote Azul, a large and deep cenote perfect for cool swimming, is two miles from us and has a pleasant restaurant and bar for relaxing and dining. In town you will find a number of restaurants, but limited night-life.

For more variety, you may want to explore the various museums, restaurants, bars, discos, and musical venues in Chetumal. Check out Casita Carolina's, Chetumal, and the surrounding area in the Lonely Planet Guide to the Yucatan for more information.

If you arrive by public transportation, you need go no further than our back yard to find an assortment of relaxing diversions. Swim and snorkel, lounge in hammocks, kayak, stargaze (our skies are clear and the stars are close!), explore the lagoon by boat, enjoy the sunrise or the moonrise, walk along the Costera where you'll find lots of birds -- particularly in the morning -- or just read and watch the spectacularly beautiful lake.

Casita Carolina's is host to an annual Art Rendezvous (see our Art Rendezvous page) and occasional live musical performances. Whatever you are looking for in a vacation, we can help you find it if it isn't already here.