Bacalar.
This slice of paradise is in southern Quintana Roo, 4 hours south of Cancún and a half-hour north of Chetumal and the Belize border. It's a quaint little borough on the western shore of the lagoon. The town is sufficiently stocked with lake vacation basics, but if you need more, all the amenities are a short drive away in Chetumal. You can stay in the busier town or luxuriate in nature north and south of town along the shoreline.
Getting Here
This list is just a general guideline to help you start planning. Each option has a number of variables, so loop us in early and we can help you figure out the best travel plan for your crew.
From Mexico, DF:
If you're in or near Mexico's capital, you can take a domestic flight to Chetumal, the capital of Quintana Roo. It's easy and reasonably priced (less than US$100 each way outside high season). From the airport, rent a car, take a taxi or bus, or arrange for us to meet you!
From most everywhere else:
Given the bevy of inexpensive flights to Cancún, it's almost always the best point of entry if you are coming from outside Mexico. Pick up your airport rental car, turn right as you leave the airport, drive 4 hours down the highway, and turn left. It's that easy!
It's a great highway, drivers are good, and you can stop for beers, beach, or bigger adventures (off-the-beach snorkeling! cenote swims or snorkels or dives! jungle tours! Mexico's sole Mayan ruin on the coast!) along the way in Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum – or if you have more time, in Cozumel or Majahual (scuba diving on Palancar Reef or the Chinchorro Banks!).
Traveling solo or on a budget? Consider taking an express bus from the Cancún airport to Bacalar or Chetumal. The buses are big new Volvo and Mercedes motorcoaches with A/C and movies, and you can't beat the price (unless we can arrange a ride for you with a friend...but depending on the friend, the motorcoach might still be the better option!).
From Ambergris Caye, Belize:
Take the ferry to Chetumal. Rent a car or take a bus or taxi to Bacalar, or arrange for us to meet you at the ferry terminal!
From Belize City airport:
Take an express bus to the border. (Don't rent a car, as you won't be able to enter Mexico with it.) In Mexico, rent a car or take a bus or taxi to Bacalar, or arrange for us to meet you! Note: Flights to Belize City are usually much more expensive than flights to Cancún – but not always! Connecting flights to Chetumal exist, but there's currently not a huge advantage to this route – unless you're exploring Belize first (Caye Caulker!).