Fuerte San Felipe

The basics

After the mesmerizing Bacalar Lagoon, Fuerte San Felipe is the most recognizable (and imposing) attraction in Bacalar—it’s also likely the first place you’ll visit on day trips from the Riviera Maya, which often make a pit-stop here before exploring the lagoon. You can easily check out the view over the water, see the museum, and take note that the fortress is designed in the shape of a star, with four points named after saints.

Things to know before you go

• The fortress is ideal for travelers interested in historic sights in the far reaches of Quintana Roo.

• Wear comfortable shoes, as there's some walking involved within the fortress.

• Visiting the site should take no more than 30 minutes.

• You can admire the fort from the outside, or pay a small admission fee to enter.

• Bring sunscreen and a hat, since there’s limited shade.

How to get there

Fuerte San Felipe is just off the main public square in the center of Bacalar, and easy to walk to from anywhere in the center of town. If you're coming from other parts of Quintana Roo, buses and organized tours are the best way to reach Bacalar. Rides on the ADO buses from Cancun take about 5 hours each way.

When to get there

Fuerte San Felipe is open to visitors Tuesday–Sunday from morning to evening, and closed on Mondays. You may want to arrive in the morning or early evening to avoid groups. Bacalar is a year-round destination, with a high season roughly from January to March, and a rainy season from September through November.

Who designed Fuerte San Felipe?

The fort has a distinct star shape and, according to some accounts, was designed by an Italian architect named Juan Podio. Using local materials such as volcanic rock, marine rock, and limestone, he built the fort with four points, which were named after saints: Santa Ana, San Arturo, Santa María, and San Joaquín.