India, April 12 -- Quintana Roo is far from a travel secret. The Mexican state has developed into a buzzing tourist hub, with perennial resort favorites like Cancun and Tulum attracting millions of visitors every year. Still, there are a few hidden gems across the region-you just have to know where to look.

If you head south along the Yucatan Peninsula, a little over 130 miles from Tulum, you'll reach one of these lesser-known destinations: Bacalar.

While the town, located near the Belize border, isn't directly on the Mexican Caribbean coast, don't let that discourage you from packing your bathing suit and sun-protective clothing. Here in Bacalar, tourism revolves around the Bacalar Lagoon, otherwise known as the Lagoon of Seven Colors....