Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a popular activity in Bacalar. Hot water isnt always a given. Youll need these. We have been renting cars in Cancun and the Riveria Maya since 2013 and have already rented cars from the Cancun airport 5+ times. Consequently, this is also when Bacalar (and the rest of Quintana Roo) gets the most of its tourists. It never got finished but today plenty of people love climbing on it! The hipsters. WebStart in Cancun. Only use biodegradable sunscreen. But the best way to see it is to spend the day on a boat trip on the lagoon, strolling in knee-deep aqua water at El Canal de los Piratas, gazing over the chasm where neon turquoise meets indigo in the Cenote Negro, swimming in reflective Tiffany-blue waters rich in limestone. Mango y Chile A very popular vegan restaurant right off the town square. 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. With the airports selected, we can estimate the travel time to and (Bring enough pesos with you to sustain your stay; some but not all places in Bacalar take cards.). Get used to late night music, firecrackers, celebrations, and two people next to each other trying to drown out the others music. From there you can cross into Belize and take a 2.5-hour bus to Belize City, from where you can take ferries or buses to further Belize destinations, like my favorite, Caye Caulker. give you an idea of how traveling might work between airports. Samys is a barbecue stand specializing in pork. Realistically, you'll probably want to add a buffer for rest stops, gas, or food along the way. Your trip begins in Cancun, Mexico. Im convinced that its the most beautiful place in the country, and its proof that lakes can be much prettier than the ocean. Mexican Federal Highway 307 runs from Cancun to Bacalar. Fort San Felipe is a remnant from the days when Bacalar was being attacked by pirates but today its a fun place to explore and enjoy views over the lake. Dont touch the stromatolites. travelers and answer some questions about Cancun! I want to send Samys as much business as possible. There are lots of cool buildings on shore, something that Im sure will increase as Bacalar continues to develop. There are 5 ways to get from Cancn to Bacalar: by bus, car, plane, or train. WebHere's a sample itinerary for a drive from Cancun to Bacalar. ! I use andrecommendWorld Nomads for trips to Mexico. The coolest site at Kohunlich is the Temple of the Masks, a pyramid flanked by human-like masks. This small island in the middle of the lake is home to migratory birds. Normally, youd leave your sandals on shore. Get driving directions If you take these steps to protect yourself, you can have a safe and memorable vacation in Cancun. I was surprised at how good (and LARGE!) Booking early can sometimes get you a lower rate. The soft aquamarine of a misty morning sky. Im so glad I decided to travel here. There are a few flights per week from Cancn to Chetumal on MAYAir, and a few flights per day from Mexico City on Volaris. There are 5 ways to get from Cancn to Bacalar: by bus, car, plane, or train. 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. They make delicious cocktails and ceviche. 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In other words, Bacalar doesnt force you to be offline, but if youre willing to do so, this would be a great place. If youre traveling throughout Mexico, know that cenotes dont provide towels you always need to bring your own. Bacalar is at its best weather-wise from December through March, though know its extremely busy and expensive over Christmas week and Holy Week. Warnings from U.S. officials and the government, as well as from news anchors, have been flooding social media and news outlets. If you cant do two full days in Bacalar, use your one full day for the boat tour and try to get to Bacalar as early as possible so you can spend the afternoon at Los Rapidos. U.S. government employees may not travel between cities after dark, may not hail taxis on the street, and must rely on dispatched vehicles, including app-based services like Uber, and regulated taxi stands. The Yucatn Peninsula is full of Mayan ruins, and the area around Bacalar is no exception. (2023 note: these were the prices in early 2020. Share your tips! A shimmering, beautiful lake exploding in seven shade of blue. Bring mosquito repellant. If you have the option of flying direct to Mexico City from your departure airport, it may be worth it to fly to Chetumal via Mexico City. Now that we have kids and so many bags, they wont fit in the rental car. I am at a loss for words describing how fun this place is!! plane and just wanted to know the time in the air from city to city. There are tour companies all over Bacalar, and you will constantly be offered rides from people on the street. First off, Mexico is much safer than the media would have you believe. Standing on the edge of a lake-enclosed cenote, as the water changed from light to dark. Its one thing to write about cocktail bars in New York or museums in Paris. Drive for 2.5 hours then stop at Laguna Bacalar and stay for 1 hour. It is safe to drive from Cancun to Bacalar. Bacalar is a five-hour bus ride from Cancn International Airport, and its close to Tulum, Mahahual, and the Belize border if youre driving. The road is in good condition and is safe to drive. Rentalcars compares 900 companies at over 53,000 locations. Playa del Carmen to Bacalar | No, Bacalar is quite far from Cancun, being on the opposite side of Tulum. Right now Bacalar is a small, lesser-known place in Mexico on the verge of exploding in popularity and while that can be positive for the economy, it can be very threatening to the environment. For roughly 15 years or so, Tulum has been showcased as the artsy, creative alternative to Cancn and Playa del Carmen. from the airport, based on how far the airport is from downtown. There are hammocks in the clear waters, just waiting to be posed in for Instagram (thats where the cover photo in this post came from). Best Bacalar Luxury Hotel for Families: Mia Bacalar. Rainy season runs roughly from June through November, with the rainiest months in September and October. Four people were shot and killed in the Cancun Hotel Zone in broad daylight near the Fiesta Americana Condesa Hotel, an area typically filled with tourists. If you're planning a road trip to Bacalar, you can research locations to stop along the way. U.S. government employees may not travel between cities after dark, may not hail taxis on the street, and must rely on dispatched vehicles, including app-based services like Uber, and regulated taxi stands. If you eat pork, this place is WELL worth the stop. Another great spot, one that I really loved. Its located on the edge of Bacalar town. This has ended and was back to normal in 2022. Its located about a 20-minute drive outside Bacalar, past the Cenote Azul. I was looking forward to it. See below for more details on how to get to Bacalar by plane, bus, and car. What else? 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 nearest big city to Bacalar is Chetumal, and the distances to other bigger cities are below: Cancun to Bacalar | 346 km, 4.5 hours drive. Drive for 2.5 hours then stop at Laguna Bacalar and stay for 1 hour. I had one of the best weekends ever in Bacalar. 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. Kayaks are also available for rent. If youre interested in doing this, go for it!). Your boat trip will give you a good amount of time to explore Pirates Channel ours gave us about an hour! Alternatively, you can get from Tulum to Bacalar in the space of 3 hours. Sipping a chelada as pink and purple clouds danced above the waters edge. WE DEVOURED IT ALL. Understand that there are no beaches in Bacalar, Mexico. 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. Get driving directions You cant always find this in Bacalar shops so be sure to buy some before you arrive. Laguna Bacalar is gorgeous, and the water is incredible shades of blue, but there are exactly ZERO white sand beaches here. No brand name businesses, no resorts, not even Starbucks or McDonalds. Traveling from Cancun to Bacalar takes around 5 hours when using the Ado buses and/or collectivos. Its a lot less in your face than Caye caulker or playa del carmen but it's such a tranquil little town. (whether it's first class or coach). This is the single most important advice I can give you. As much as I love Isla Holbox, and I think its very similar to Bacalar in terms of how it feels, its not the most logical destination its a 5.5-hour drive, or you can take the ADO bus to Playa del Carmen, then switch to a bus to the town of Chiquil, from where you can hop on the 30-minute ferry to Holbox. How far is Bacalar from Cancun? Admission is 100 pesos ($5) and the fort is open every day but Monday. "as the crow flies" which is calculated using an iterative WebDrive from Cancun to Bacalar - safe? You are going to be disappointed by comparison. YIKES. Here's the quick answer if you are able to make this entire trip by car without stopping. Mosquitos love lakes. 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. Your boat will likely dock a good distance from Bird Island. Children get in for free. 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. The bohemians. There is a good chance that if youre planning a vacation in Cancun, you have probably heard some of the talk about the city not being safe, and you may even be a little worried about it. distance from Bacalar to Cancun, or go to the main page It survived. But if youre not a big group, you can join a boat tour here (with open bar!). It is a two lane with no shoulders but locals often drive it at a high rate of speed leading to the accidents. 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. The road is in good condition and is safe to drive. Alternatively, book a private transfer from the airport to Bacalar. WebWere driving during the day from the Cancun airport to Bacalar, considering taking the 307. If you have any extra days, feel free to fill them with whatever you want but please prioritize a boat trip and Los Rapidos. Cancn Bacalar Unrestricted Share Travel safe during COVID-19 Rules to follow in Mexico 1.5m Recommended Travel within Mexico Observe COVID-19 safety rules COVID-19 help in Mexico If you need help, visit the national COVID-19 website or call the COVID-19 Helpline 911 Frequently Asked Questions Am I allowed to travel from Cancn to No. One should be spent on a boat trip on the lake and one should be spent at Los Rapidos. WebHere's a sample itinerary for a drive from Cancun to Bacalar. so go ahead and check the reverse directions to get the Go out to eat in Bacalar and you wont be in a stuffy restaurant instead, youre likely to be mostly outdoors, in a courtyard of some kind, potentially surrounded by greenery and music. However, visitors should be aware of potential hazards such as topes (speed bumps), potholes, and livestock on the road. Click the button below to explore Bacalar in detail. Its a special place, and so different from the rest of Mexico. Its on an isolated spot on the lake, but you have large suites (some with a tub in the middle of the room! When an outlet that big writes about a small place, it almost guarantees an influx of visitors. Know that its a lot further away than it looks. I absolutely love Belize and think it makes an great place to visit after you spend time in Bacalar. You must take highway 307 all the way to Bacalar. Like the Cenote Negro, Cenote Esmeralda is located within the lake and you cant swim here. Now that we have kids and so many bags, they wont fit in the rental car. Located a short walk from the main square, the rooms are quirky and colorful, the bathrooms are modern, and theres a cute backyard area. Use biodegradable sunscreen exclusively. So why write a Bacalar travel guide at all? If youve seen a lot of Mayan ruins in the Yucatn, dont feel super-obliged to visit Uxmal, Mayapan, Chichn Itza, and Tulum bring a lot more drama but if you enjoy ruins and you have several days in Bacalar, theyre worth the excursion. Im serious. U.S. government employees should avoid traveling alone, especially in remote areas. The closest airport to Bacalar is Chetumal, a 40-minute drive away but there arent a ton of flights to Chetumal. To be sure, crime does occur in Cancun and throughout the Mexican Caribbean, but it does in every tourist city across America too. It basically cuts straight down through the Riviera Maya passing Playa del Carmen and Tulum before reaching Bacalar. You can get a nice mid-range hotel for around $60 a night, or a quality private room for under $40 a night. Drive for about 1 hour, then stop in Playa del Carmen and stay for about 2 hours. Bacalar has so many wonderful restaurants and one incredibly overrated restaurant that of COURSE I will name. This happened twice so it wasnt an isolated event. I personally dont think the New York Times piece goes far enough. The toilets take awhile to refill between flushes. It takes approximately 4h 58m to drive from Cancun Airport (CUN) to Bacalar. 3 years ago Save Hello, Were two gals planning a February trip to Bacalar. Drive for about 1 hour, then stop in Playa del Carmen and stay for about 2 hours. If you want to stay somewhere that feels high-end but doesnt break the bank, Casa Chukum is a great option. The cost to enter Los Rapidos is 100 pesos ($5) for adults and 50 pesos ($2.50) for children (2023 note: theyve unpublished their prices so it might be more expensive now). But for most of us, we're going to be flying on a commercial airline If you're planning a road trip to Bacalar, you can research locations to stop along the way. But for a real trip, there can be plenty of differences This felt very much like a place capitulating to the Tulum aesthetic all style, no substance, and very overpriced. 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. Screaming with joy as a river whisked me down the rapids. Protect the lagoon and its people. waiting for our flight, and making it to the destination. The cool thing about this area is that the depth of the water changes continuously. The water is not safe to drink in Bacalar. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members. Mango cardamom smoothies! 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. WebDrive from Cancun to Bacalar - safe? I havent been yet, but its a priority on my list. The Cenote Azul, on the way out of Bacalar town, is a large open cenote. But be careful its very tough to land a drone on a boat. If youre driving from Mrida to Bacalar, as I did with my friends, I have a GREAT lunch spot to recommend. Barbanegra One of the higher-end Mexican spots in town with outstandingly good food and drinks. 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. (Depending on how many stops) Are there crocodiles in Bacalar Lagoon? Next, drive for another 1 hour then stop in Tulum and stay for 2.5 hours. Located right on the lake and a short stroll from Bacalar, the rooms are simple and the emphasis is on social living. Here are some destinations from which you can reach Bacalar on a nonstop bus ride: You can book tickets on the ADO site or you can buy them at bus stations. The main activity in the water is getting into the river and letting it carry you away downstream. I recommend staying within a 10-minute walk of the zcalo, which is the main square in the center of town. 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! WebWere driving during the day from the Cancun airport to Bacalar, considering taking the 307. Bacalar has accommodation available at a variety of price tiers, but know that much of it can be more basic than you expect. Cancn Bacalar Unrestricted Share Travel safe during COVID-19 Rules to follow in Mexico 1.5m Recommended Travel within Mexico Observe COVID-19 safety rules COVID-19 help in Mexico If you need help, visit the national COVID-19 website or call the COVID-19 Helpline 911 Frequently Asked Questions Am I allowed to travel from Cancn to A: Yes, it is safe. Bring earplugs. their mezcal margaritas were! Dont even THINK of flushing menstrual products here or anywhere (ps use a DivaCup, its better for the environment, your suitcase, and your wallet). Best Bacalar Luxury Hotel for Families: Mia Bacalar. During these months you have the least rainfall of the year and more pleasant temperatures. On your boat trip in Bacalar, youll drop by a stunning area El Canal de Los Piratas, or Pirates Channel. Bacalar may not be an island, but everyone here is on island time. Know that going in and your trip will be better for it. Sunrise paddleboarding tours are especially popular in Bacalar. Cancn is for spring breakers, partiers, and people afraid to leave their resorts; Playa del Carmen is for people who want to visit Mexico, but surrounded by the comforts of home. Your trip begins in Cancun, Mexico. Be sure to take a look at my two-week Yucatan peninsula road trip itinerary, which can be adapted to shorter trips. There are a few ropes up to catch you, and you can rent a lifejacket if youd like. Arrange a private shuttle to pick you up at the airport or hotel and bring you directly to Bacalar. Im not the biggest fan of open cenotes they look more like lakes and are far less spectacular than cave-like semi-open cenotes but this was a pleasant place to stop for a swim. Always double-check online. Tulum to Bacalar. Thanks! to calculate the distance between cities. 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. One is the battle between Uber and taxi drivers that developed after officials announced that Uber drivers can operate in the city. Is Bacalar near Cancun? Dont take drinks from strangers. Another reason Cancun is safer than the news would have you think is that they show crimes that occur, but they dont necessarily tell you where they take place. ! The town of Jos Mara Morelos is a good stopping point halfway between Mrida and Bacalar, and its home to a place called Samys (Google Maps calls it Carnes Asadas Mr. (2023 Update: an earlier version of this post mentioned Hotel Kairos, where I personally stayed, but its now closed.). Its absolutely on my list of top three places in Mexico at the very least! Several of the tourism professionals we met gave us permission to drone in Bacalar Lagoon and at Los Rapidos. 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. Scroll down to see a more realistic calculation that takes Yes, the driving distance between Cancun Airport (CUN) to Bacalar is 329 km. ), On the first visit, when the nine of us got 2.5 kilos of meat, we paid 100 pesos ($5) each. into account all these factors to get a more accurate estimate Tulum to Bacalar | 215 km, 2.5 hours drive. Staying Safe . Wait until you see sunset! You want even crazier water? 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. Showering in cold water first thing in the morning is a wild way to wake up. You dont want drunk people spilling their tequila sunrises into that gorgeous blue water! So, to help alleviate some of the fears about visiting Cancun, were going to tell you why Cancun is safer than the news makes you think. This is a very easy place to stay off your phone for a few days. This is located in front of Hotel Kairs. Is Bacalar near Cancun? If you want to have easy access to the town, you want to be central. There is a small museum on site telling the history of Bacalar. Sometimes its normal sand, but sometimes it can be hard and sometimes its squishy mud. I had a great time with my friend, and enjoyed visiting a cenote for the first time, but the town of Tulum left me lukewarm. Get a 45-minute bus ride from Bacalar to Chetumal, which sits right on the Belize border. It takes approximately 4h 58m to drive from Cancun Airport (CUN) to Bacalar. If youre new to Mexico, Ive got news for you this is a noisy country. This monitoring greatly deters the presence of criminals in these tourist hotspots, which means tourists who stick to these areas are pretty safe. I recommend you bring aLifeStraw Water Bottle, a bottle that purifies water as you drink it through its straw. Now let's assume you have a private jet and you can fly in the This is an incredibly popular breakfast spot, made for Instagram with its plant-filled courtyard and free trade market inside. Some people even call Bacalar The Maldives of Mexico. And honestlyI think thats a ridiculous title. Be gentle with the plumbing. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Bacalar is a world away from more popular destinations in Quintana Roo like Cancn, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. Next, drive for another 1 hour then stop in Tulum and stay for 2.5 hours. Bacalar is located only 215 km from Tulum which is 2hrs and a 30-minute drive. ), the texture of the bottom of the lake can beless than pleasant. The tourist areas in Cancun are monitored more than anywhere else in the city by the Tourist Police and by agents of the military. One of the reasons Cancun is safer than the news makes you think is that there is security everywhere. The easiest and cheapest way to get there is by car. Bacalar is utterly peaceful, especially once you get away from the town. In fact, the most important ways to stay safe in Bacalar are common sense. And they have PUPPIES THAT YOU CAN PLAY WITH!!! That would be terrible. Head to Los Rapidos, where you can tear down clear teal river rapids, giggling the whole time. Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week. 2023 Adventurous Kate | Powered by Reggio Digital, my two-week Mexico road trip itinerary on the Yucatn peninsula, Best Luxury Accommodation in Bacalar Mexico: Mia Bacalar Luxury Resort & Spa, Best Mid-Range Accommodation in Bacalar Mexico: Casa Chukum, Best Budget Accommodation in Bacalar Mexico: The Yak Lake House, If Youre Driving From Mrida to Bacalar, you can join a boat tour here (with open bar!). Lock up your valuables in a portable safe. In March 2021, I reported that Lake Bacalar had turned green due to a combination of sewage issues and a hurricane, and that it was no longer possible to visit certain parts. This riverside club is perched on part of the river that feeds into Bacalar lagoon. Depends on your budget, but I like Casa Chukum for a mid-range hotel and Yak Lake House for a budget-friendly spot. The easiest way to stay safe when visiting Cancun or anywhere else is to always be conscious of your surroundings. Also, would love to hear about best places for a swim or to spend the day. If you take these steps to protect yourself, you can have a safe and memorable vacation in Cancun. (For what its worth, I LOVE Belize and I think Belize and Bacalar paired together could make a great trip. Los Rapidos is at the end of a long dirt road. While there are several ruins within a few hours drive Dzinbanche, Kinichn, Chacchoben Kohunlich is just one hours drive and is one of the most visited sites from Bacalar.
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