Laguna Bacalar, reached via the MEX 307, lies 35km/22mi north-west of Chetumal. The calm, shallow waters of the 56km/35mi-long freshwater lake are ideal for a wide variety of watersports and also fishing, while the shores are dotted with Mayan ruins and the remains of old Spanish settlements. In the small town of Bacalar at the southern end of
the lagoon (interesting fiesta: August 13th-16th, San Joaquín), the Fuerte de San Felipean, a Spanish fort built in the early 18th c., now houses the local history museum. The Cenote Azul, 3km/2mi outside the town, is only 200 m (220 yd) across but 70 m (229 ft) deep (bathing; fish and game restaurant).