Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. What else? There are sufficient parking lots in Bacalar itself, and the journey from Cancun to Bacalar is easy and safe. It probably wouldnt have survived had we been in salt water. your total travel time for this trip. WebBacalar is super safe. Its not uncommon to see soldiers walking along the beaches, in the Cancun Hotel Zone, and in the downtown area, where all of the bars and clubs are. But Cenote Esmeralda itself isnt the attraction the area around Cenote Esmeralda is. That would be terrible. You can take a cab there from Bacalar. Its one thing to write about cocktail bars in New York or museums in Paris. I was surprised at how good (and LARGE!) Choose From Thousands of Cancun and Riviera Maya Hotels, Resorts and Hostels with Free Cancellation On Most Properties, TheCancun Sun Community FB grouphas all the latest travel news, conversations and tourismQ&As for the Mexican Caribbean. But since youre being pushed downstream, from one end of the river to the other, you cant get out at the same spot. : ! People travel to Bacalar to enjoy a low-key, quirky town. Dont take drinks from strangers. . WebThe drive from Bacalar to Cancn Airport takes about four hours. I think we all cringed when we saw that. If you want to be surrounded by beauty and dont mind being away from the town, Mia Bacalar Luxury Resort & Spa is the single most splurge-worthy place in Bacalar. For roughly 15 years or so, Tulum has been showcased as the artsy, creative alternative to Cancn and Playa del Carmen. of your actual flight time. The choice is up to you. Always check the laws online before you fly. The two best things to do in Bacalar Mexico are to take a boat tour around the lagoon and spend a day at Los Rapidos. WebHere's a sample itinerary for a drive from Cancun to Bacalar. Finisterre If youre missing Italian food and dont mind spending a bit more, my friends recommend this restaurant serving Italian cuisine, including pizza from a wood-burning oven. 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Located right on the lake and a short stroll from Bacalar, the rooms are simple and the emphasis is on social living. Tourists are not targets for pickpocketing, theft, or violent crimes, though you always should keep an eye on your belongings (in Bacalar and everywhere). If you are planning a road trip, you might also want to calculate the total driving time from Cancun, Mexico to Bacalar, Mexico so you can see when you'll arrive at your destination. If you eat pork, this place is WELL worth the stop. Best day tours in Bacalar, Mexico And they have PUPPIES THAT YOU CAN PLAY WITH!!! The water will be a bit warmer and so will you. So that means we really need Normally, youd leave your sandals on shore. Avoid single-use plastics whenever possible. for security, board and taxi on the runway, land at the other recommended airports, airline, and route, check out Most of the photos in this post are from the boat tour. If youre traveling in Mexico, foreigners can only use a small drone like the DJI Mavic Mini its under 250 grams so it doesnt need to be registered. The road is in good condition and is safe to drive. One is the battle between Uber and taxi drivers that developed after officials announced that Uber drivers can operate in the city. Some of the docks are outfitted with hammocks, swings, and more. If youre driving from Mrida to Bacalar, as I did with my friends, I have a GREAT lunch spot to recommend. the way, check out the full road trip planner: In the quick calculation above, we assumed you had a private Instead, maybe youd like to sit on a dock with a beer in hand, watching the sky turn pink. Youve already been to a much better place. As soon as I visited Bacalar, I knew I was determined to write a Bacalar travel guide one that would help all of you have as good a time here as I did, my dear readers. The gourmands. This riverside club is perched on part of the river that feeds into Bacalar lagoon. WE DEVOURED IT ALL. Bacalar, Mexico. You might have to go to several shops to find what you need. If you take these steps to protect yourself, you can have a safe and memorable vacation in Cancun. You must take highway 307 all the way to Bacalar. If you have a drone, Pirates Channel is the place to use it it looks SO much better from the air than it does on the ground. Get a 45-minute bus ride from Bacalar to Chetumal, which sits right on the Belize border. . Its located on the edge of Bacalar town. Also, would love to hear about best places for a swim or to spend the day. Because when we remain silent, the big outlets are the ones that drive the narrative. Taco Regio Im a bit conflicted on this one the tacos were really good (and they served flavorful sirloin tacos, a big upgrade from the usual arrachera tacos served in the Yucatn), but the restaurant took so long to serve them, it was ridiculous. Alternatively, book a private transfer from the airport to Bacalar. Ultimate Guide to 50+ Best Cenotes in Mexico, Two Weeks in Mexico: The Ultimate Yucatn Road Trip Itinerary, Isla Holbox, Mexico: An Idyllic Caribbean Getaway, 24 Fabulous Things to Do in Sayulita, Mexico, 35 Fun Things To Do in Guanajuato, Mexico, 13 Best Mexico City Neighborhoods to Stay In (All Safe! Bacalar is a very small town where international tourism is still at a fairly early stage. Children get in for free. to calculate the distance between cities. To be sure, crime does occur in Cancun and throughout the Mexican Caribbean, but it does in every tourist city across America too. And so a big group of friends and I decided to plan a weekend trip to Bacalar. If youre traveling in Mexico, foreigners can only use a small drone like the DJI Mavic Mini its under 250 grams so it doesnt need to be registered. There are tour companies all over Bacalar, and you will constantly be offered rides from people on the street. Youll need these. Realistically, you'll probably want to add a buffer for rest stops, gas, or food along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Always double-check online. Traveling from Cancun to Bacalar takes around 5 hours when using the Ado buses and/or collectivos. And the Instagrammers. ), the texture of the bottom of the lake can beless than pleasant. In other words, Bacalar doesnt force you to be offline, but if youre willing to do so, this would be a great place. I LOVE LOS RAPIDOS! A: Yes, it is safe. This beach town on Mexicos Costa Maya is starting to get some similar Is this the next Tulum? buzz. I ordered some banana bread and while it wasnt terrible, it was two teeny pieces about one inch by three inches long. Playa del Carmen to Bacalar | One should be spent on a boat trip on the lake and one should be spent at Los Rapidos. 3 years ago Save Hello, Were two gals planning a February trip to Bacalar. Some of my friends decided to swim to the island and I knew theyd turn back exhausted long before they got there! Then I went to Tulum in 2015 and I was disappointed. Traveling around the Riviera Maya is safe in general and you should not encounter any problems on public transport. Drive for 2.5 hours then stop at Laguna Bacalar and stay for 1 hour. The water is not safe to drink in Bacalar. the flight planner: Trippy has a ton of information that can help you plan your trip to Bacalar, Mexico. Consequently, this is also when Bacalar (and the rest of Quintana Roo) gets the most of its tourists. This is the only kind of sunscreen you should use in the lake. Wait until you see sunset! If you're planning a road trip to Bacalar, you can research locations to stop along the way. Its on an isolated spot on the lake, but you have large suites (some with a tub in the middle of the room! Here the land is like limestone Swiss cheese, with thousands of cave-like openings filled with fresh water where you can go swimming. No brand name businesses, no resorts, not even Starbucks or McDonalds. Staying Safe . Bacalar feels like a secret treasure located in the middle of nowhere but dont worry, its very easy to get here, even if youre relying on public transportation. There is a restaurant on-site and my friends had some not-so-good cocktails. Drive for 2.5 hours then stop at Laguna Bacalar and stay for 1 hour. Eat locally and spend money in lots of different places. Best day tours in Bacalar, Mexico This has ended and was back to normal in 2022. If you have any extra days, feel free to fill them with whatever you want but please prioritize a boat trip and Los Rapidos. If youre looking for an affordable car rental in Mexico,I recommend using RentalCars.com. Drive for about 1 hour, then stop in Playa del Carmen and stay for about 2 hours. If youre looking to experience the brightest, clearest, most shimmering body of water of your life, I have some advice: travel to Bacalar, Mexico. Yes, the driving distance between Cancun Airport (CUN) to Bacalar is 329 km. Warning: some of these taxis take a long time to show up, and some of them required multiple phone calls before anyone showed up. Even though Bacalar is a low-key place, it can be noisy in town at night. Here are four nice rentals that cost about $40 per night in low season and are located close to the center of town: Find deals on Bacalar hotels and rentals here. , : , . This felt very much like a place capitulating to the Tulum aesthetic all style, no substance, and very overpriced. Arrange a private shuttle to pick you up at the airport or hotel and bring you directly to Bacalar. Bacalar is a very safe place to visit in Mexico. My friends recently visited in January 2023 and the colors are as gorgeous as the photos in this post! People travel to Bacalar to experience the beauty of its famous lagoon the Lake of Seven Colors. Kayaks are also available for rent. Drive for about 1 hour, then stop in Playa del Carmen and stay for about 2 hours. You can book a sunrise paddleboarding tour here. Then again, some people prefer the isolation and quiet of being further out on the lagoon, eating most of their meals at their accommodation. People who fall in love with the lake, but who understand the importance of protecting it, too. Dont wander off alone into unknown areas, and dont make yourself an easy target. Since my friends and I were traveling in a large group, we booked a private Bacalar boat tour. With the full itinerary planned out, we can estimate Finally, drive for about 16 minutes and arrive in Bacalar. Dont wander off alone into unknown areas, and dont make yourself an easy target. Kayaks are available for rent throughout the town if you see a place on the lake, chances are they have kayaks to rent. It basically cuts straight down through the Riviera Maya passing Playa del Carmen and Tulum before reaching Bacalar. Best Bacalar Luxury Hotel for Families: Mia Bacalar. That nearly derailed our trip. The soft aquamarine of a misty morning sky. Drive for about 1 hour, then stop in Playa del Carmen and stay for about 2 hours. Here are some of the top spots to eat in Bacalar that I recommend: Enamora This restaurant is such a delight the food is inventive and delicious. You can rent a kayak for the day here. Typically, very few of these crimes take place in tourist areas, aside from the recent incident mentioned below, which still did not leave any tourists injured. The Cenote Azul, on the way out of Bacalar town, is a large open cenote. Mosquitos love lakes. But if youre not a big group, you can join a boat tour here (with open bar!). There are lots of tours and activities from sunset kayak tours to day trips around the lake. Im convinced that its the most beautiful place in the country, and its proof that lakes can be much prettier than the ocean. The best time to visit Bacalar in terms of weather is from December through March. Much of Bacalar is walkable, but if youre going further afield, call a taxi. I didnt go, but as soon as I came back, all my blogger friends admonished me for not eating here! It is safe to drive from Cancun to Bacalar. This part of the lake is a lot of fun a lot of boats dock here at the same time and there are lots of people having fun in the water. Whats the best area to stay in Bacalar? Like the Cenote Negro, it suddenly goes from pale turquoise to navy blue as soon as you hit the drop-off. I am at a loss for words describing how fun this place is!! Next, drive for another 1 hour then stop in Tulum and stay for 2.5 hours. Traveling around the Riviera Maya is safe in general and you should not encounter any problems on public transport. to account for all the extra travel time getting to the airport, Most notably, when all the ATMs in town are out of money at the same time. Tulum to Bacalar | 215 km, 2.5 hours drive. from the airport, based on how far the airport is from downtown. Those establishments are equipped for increased crowds. the airports, an estimated wait time of 2 hours at the airport for TSA Get travel insurance. Almost all of my friends and I bought baseball caps for 100 pesos each ($5). Limit your drinking. Ideally, you shouldnt flush toilet paper anywhere in Mexico, but the plumbing system is especially delicate in Bacalar. So why write a Bacalar travel guide at all? If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. WebDrive from Cancun to Bacalar - safe? Staying Safe . Bring a towel ideally, a quick-dry travel towel. First off, Mexico is much safer than the media would have you believe. And thats just during the day. Tulum to Bacalar. Bacalar doesnt get insanely crowded at least not yet but you might struggle to get a table at one of the top restaurants. It ends in Bacalar, Mexico. Located a short walk from the main square, the rooms are quirky and colorful, the bathrooms are modern, and theres a cute backyard area. Its also the grand finale of my two-week Mexico road trip itinerary on the Yucatn peninsula. There are a few flights per week from Cancn to Chetumal on MAYAir, and a few flights per day from Mexico City on Volaris. This fort is located in the center of town, across from Bacalars main square. Even if you dont go to Los Rapidos (WHY WOULD YOU NOT GO TO LOS RAPIDOS?! I absolutely love Belize and think it makes an great place to visit after you spend time in Bacalar. fastest possible straight line between Cancun, Mexico and WebRe: Cancun to Bacalar 2 years ago Save As others have said, an easy drive and worthwhile if you have a couple of days to spend. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members. Dont touch the stromatolites. shortest distance is actually the "great circle" distance, or Finally, drive for about 16 minutes and arrive in Bacalar. Like the Cenote Negro, Cenote Esmeralda is located within the lake and you cant swim here. Most travelers to the Yucatn fly to Cancn, as it has the biggest airport and the most international flights. Rainy season runs roughly from June through November, with the rainiest months in September and October. The cost to visit the Kohunlich ruins is 150 pesos ($8) for adults. Great beers; skip the hummus; the true highlight was the scallop aguachile (like ceviche but much spicier) quite possibly the best dish I ate in all of Bacalar. I ended up going down the rapids with my flip-flops on my wrists rather than suffer that painful gravel. Bacalar is now one of my favorite places in Mexico and this is a country that I love fiercely. Laguna Bacalar is gorgeous, and the water is incredible shades of blue, but there are exactly ZERO white sand beaches here. This is to protect the lake. That's what Trippy is perfect for, Most boat tours last about three to four hours and take you to some of the spots I detail below, like Pirates Canal, the Cenote Negro, Cenote Esmeralda, and Bird Island. Mexicos Caribbean coast may be known for its clear blue water, but trust me, Bacalar lagoon turns the volume up even higher. I had one of the best weekends ever in Bacalar. Many of the warnings about security in Cancun stem from a couple of recent incidents that have taken place in the city. I knew wed have a great time. Or even better from Chetumal you can take a 90-minute ferry to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye! La Pia This outdoor restaurant, hidden a bit from the street, has wonderful, healthy dishes and a friendly staff. Is Bacalar near Cancun? We got hit by a gust of wind and the mast knocked the drone into the water, which usually destroys drones, but our captain Felipe jumped in and grabbed it quickly. You also have the option of flying into Belize City, which is closer to Bacalar than Cancn, but I dont recommend doing this unless youre spending time in Belize as well. If you dont have a car, you can take a cab here. Thanks! This small island in the middle of the lake is home to migratory birds. Know that its a lot further away than it looks. Your plane flies much faster than a car, so the flight time is about 1/5th of the time it would take to drive. To see all the details on this itinerary, including Avoid them when you see them. Alternatively, you can get from Tulum to Bacalar in the space of 3 hours. No, Bacalar is quite far from Cancun, being on the opposite side of Tulum. Carry your repellant around with you in Bacalar they can bite you at any time of day, but theyre especially active at dusk. The main activity in the water is getting into the river and letting it carry you away downstream. It gives you so much flexibility, especially for visiting cenotes and off the beaten path spots, and your trip will be all the better for it. Note: reef-safe sunscreen is the same as biodegradable sunscreen. Bacalar is the name of the town and also the lake (Laguna de Bacalar en espaol). Eventually Here are the different ways to get to Bacalar. While tacos ranged from 85 pesos ($4.50) for cauliflower to 170 pesos ($9) for octopus, all montaditos were 90 pesos ($4.72). Rentalcars compares 900 companies at over 53,000 locations. But for most of us, we're going to be flying on a commercial airline Is Bacalar near Cancun? The easiest way to stay safe when visiting Cancun or anywhere else is to always be conscious of your surroundings. Most of the restaurants, bars, and activities are located within a few blocks of this square. Has anyone made the trip recently or had any issues along the way? Arrange a private shuttle to pick you up at the airport or hotel and bring you directly to Bacalar. The free trade market was filled with clothing and art flowy dresses that were not remotely Yucatecan but made for Instagram, and crockery that my friend Nathan said he had seen sold for a fraction of the price elsewhere. Lots of casual ramshackle businesses with a few snazzier spots thrown in. Its a lot less in your face than Caye caulker or playa del carmen but it's such a tranquil little town. travelers and answer some questions about Cancun! This spot specializes in steaks (though they also serve seafood) and the plating is beautiful. Cancun to Bacalar: 4 hours 15 minutes | 345 KM Playa del Carmen to Bacalar: 3 hours 15 minutes | 279 KM Tulum to Bacalar: 2 hours 20 minutes | 215 KM Private Shuttle to Bacalar The easiest way to Bacalar is by private shuttle. Head to Los Rapidos, where you can tear down clear teal river rapids, giggling the whole time. WebStart in Cancun. Now finally, let's look at an actual flight from CUN to CTM on Mayair, S.A. de C.V. and figure out how long it would take to fly including Samy). There are 5 ways to get from Cancn to Bacalar: by bus, car, plane, or train. Get travel insurance. To get a better idea of how long this trip would really be, scroll down to calculate how many hours it would take if you drive with stops. I havent been yet, but its a priority on my list. Bacalar is at its best weather-wise from December through March, though know its extremely busy and expensive over Christmas week and Holy Week. The travelers who come to Bacalar are looking for something better somewhere away from the popular places with all-inclusive resorts, away from the xenophobes complaining that its dangerous outside their resort and Mexican food is just too spicy for them, away from the drug dealers asking people if they want coke. Bacalar is located only 215 km from Tulum which is 2hrs and a 30-minute drive. Traveling from Cancun to Bacalar takes around 5 hours when using the Ado buses and/or collectivos. Dont even THINK of flushing menstrual products here or anywhere (ps use a DivaCup, its better for the environment, your suitcase, and your wallet). Between the river swimming and lounging in the hammocks, Los Rapidos makes for ONE FUN DAY OUT. We have been renting cars in Cancun and the Riveria Maya since 2013 and have already rented cars from the Cancun airport 5+ times. The closest city is Chetumal, a 45-minute drive away, and the closest major international airports are in Cancn (five hours away) and Belize City (two and a ADO buses run to Bacalar from destinations throughout the Yucatn. If youre new to Mexico, Ive got news for you this is a noisy country. Many boat trips include unlimited alcohol, poured by the staff, or at least unlimited-until-we-run-out alcohol, but there is a BIG rule only drink on the boat and not in the water. (Ive also seen stromatolites at Hamelin Pool in Western Australia, and they didnt allow people to go anywhere near them in the water. Has anyone made the trip recently or had any issues along the way? Is there any chance of Bacalar remaining just as it is now? Share your tips! Yes, the driving distance between Cancun Airport (CUN) to Bacalar is 329 km. YIKES. WebHeres my shortlist of the top Bacalar resorts: Overall Best Bacalar Luxury Hotel: Habitas Bacalar. READ MORE: Solo Female Travel Guide to Belize. There are lots of cool buildings on shore, something that Im sure will increase as Bacalar continues to develop. The easiest and cheapest way to get there is by car. Its absolutely on my list of top three places in Mexico at the very least! This road is quite straight, fairly well-maintained, and has good signage. It takes approximately 4h 58m to drive from Cancun Airport (CUN) to Bacalar. When an outlet that big writes about a small place, it almost guarantees an influx of visitors.

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