Alternatively, you can get from Tulum to Bacalar in the space of 3 hours. That may seem like basic information, but some people come to Bacalar expecting to see beaches and are disappointed. And so a big group of friends and I decided to plan a weekend trip to Bacalar. 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. The easiest way to stay safe when visiting Cancun or anywhere else is to always be conscious of your surroundings. People who fall in love with the lake, but who understand the importance of protecting it, too. shortest distance is actually the "great circle" distance, or Instead, I was served an avocado toast that looked like it needed life support a barely-there spread of avocado and an egg poached so hard it had a powdery yellow center. Several of the tourism professionals we met gave us permission to drone in Bacalar Lagoon and at Los Rapidos. I hear the veggie burgers are great. Resist the urge to go to Tulum, Playa del Carmen, or Cancn. Hurricane season officially runs from June through November on Mexicos Caribbean coast, but the biggest hurricanes tend to hit from August to October. At the same time, however, you need to be careful about writing guides about places like Bacalar. Arrange a private shuttle to pick you up at the airport or hotel and bring you directly to Bacalar. The easiest and cheapest way to get there is by car. , . Hot water isnt always a given. Next, drive for another 1 hour then stop in Tulum and stay for 2.5 hours. If youre in the mood for sandy beaches and crashing waves, I recommend heading to nearby Mahahual. But for now, here's an example we've selected to Eat locally and spend money in lots of different places. It is safe to drive from Cancun to Bacalar. As for the crowd, in addition to Mexicans, there are lots of North Americans, seemingly experienced travelers in the know (my first thought was erstwhile backpackers grown up), primarily young adults with few seniors and very few children (I saw zero foreign kids in Bacalar). (Depending on how many stops) Are there crocodiles in Bacalar Lagoon? WebDrive from Cancun to Bacalar - safe? You can book a sunrise paddleboarding tour here. Bacalar is utterly peaceful, especially once you get away from the town. This felt very much like a place capitulating to the Tulum aesthetic all style, no substance, and very overpriced. Samy). The cost to enter the Cenote Azul and restaurant is 25 pesos ($1). This narrow channel leads to the Caribbean Sea; historically, it was used by pirates. ARRR! See below for more details on how to get to Bacalar by plane, bus, and car. Dont Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip! Next, drive for another 1 hour then stop in Tulum and stay for 2.5 hours. WE DEVOURED IT ALL. I recommend staying within a 10-minute walk of the zcalo, which is the main square in the center of town. I was looking forward to it. Yes, the driving distance between Cancun Airport (CUN) to Bacalar is 329 km. Has anyone made the trip recently or had any issues along the way? There is a restaurant on-site and my friends had some not-so-good cocktails. Dont take drinks from strangers. Alternatively, book a private transfer from the airport to Bacalar. 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 half hours away). my two-week Yucatan peninsula road trip itinerary. Laguna Bacalar is gorgeous, and the water is incredible shades of blue, but there are exactly ZERO white sand beaches here. Bacalar is now one of my favorite places in Mexico and this is a country that I love fiercely. () , . Or even better from Chetumal you can take a 90-minute ferry to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye! Warning: the ADO site doesnt always take foreign cards, but they take Paypal. The staff ask you not to wear any sunscreen while swimming in the cenote, not even biodegradable sunscreen. Get a 45-minute bus ride from Bacalar to Chetumal, which sits right on the Belize border. 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. Cancns flights to Chetumal tend to be at awkward times for transfers. There is a restaurant on the premises and we enjoyed fresh ceviche and some drinks. Bacalar is a five-hour bus ride from Cancn International Airport, and its close to Tulum, Mahahual, and the Belize border if youre driving. This is an incredibly popular breakfast spot, made for Instagram with its plant-filled courtyard and free trade market inside. Its on an isolated spot on the lake, but you have large suites (some with a tub in the middle of the room! Note: reef-safe sunscreen is the same as biodegradable sunscreen. of your actual flight time. Also, would love to hear about best places for a swim or to spend the day. It takes approximately 4h 58m to drive from Cancun Airport (CUN) to Bacalar. 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. One of the most iconic places for accommodation in Bacalar, The Yak Lake House is a hostel that has both dorms and private rooms. You can absolutely travel during this time and have a great time, but I recommend coming for longer, just in case one of your activities gets rained out. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Most of the photos in this post are from the boat tour. My favorite restaurant in Bacalar overall. 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. Your trip begins in Cancun, Mexico. Dont touch the stromatolites. Be sure to tip your guides they work hard. 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. 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. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members. (Depending on how many stops) Are there crocodiles in Bacalar Lagoon? If youre driving, know that there isnt an exit from the highway when youre driving away from Bacalar youll have to do a U-turn after you pass it, then take the exit. Sunrise paddleboarding tours are especially popular in Bacalar. In late 2019 the New York Times published a feature on Bacalar titled Is this the next Tulum? So why write a Bacalar travel guide at all? So why write a Bacalar travel guide at all? Get travel insurance. My friends recently visited in January 2023 and the colors are as gorgeous as the photos in this post! Yes, the driving distance between Cancun Airport (CUN) to Bacalar is 329 km. helping you figure out travel plans in detail. So now we can finally get an idea of the total travel time from You might have to go to several shops to find what you need. If you want to stay somewhere that feels high-end but doesnt break the bank, Casa Chukum is a great option. for security, board and taxi on the runway, land at the other U.S. government employees should avoid traveling alone, especially in remote areas. Warning: some of these taxis take a long time to show up, and some of them required multiple phone calls before anyone showed up. Next, drive for another 1 hour then stop in Tulum and stay for 2.5 hours. You dont have to do play-by-play Instagram Stories of the sunsets. 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. 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 Bacalar doesnt get insanely crowded at least not yet but you might struggle to get a table at one of the top restaurants. The choice is up to you. Finally, drive for about 16 minutes and arrive in Bacalar. Bacalar is a very safe place to visit in Mexico. Cancun Travelers Warned To Take Precautions During This Unique Weather Event, Mexican President Declares Ancient Mayan Ruins In Tulum A New Protected ArcheologicalZone, Tulum Airport To Be Completed Ahead Of Schedule According To Mexicos President, This Gorgeous Riviera Maya Resort Will Welcome Back Travelers This August After Extensive Renovations, 5 Things To Avoid When Arriving At Cancun Airport, 5 Reasons Why The Mexican Caribbean Is One Of The Fastest-Growing Destinations On Earth, Tourists Should Avoid Doing These Things When Visiting Cancun To Stay Out Of Trouble, Playa Del Carmen Tourists Can Expect To See K-9 Units As Security Is Reinforced, Cancun Tourists Will Have Easy Access To These 7 Magic Towns When The Maya Train Is Completed. Know that its a lot further away than it looks. They make delicious cocktails and ceviche. Bacalar has accommodation available at a variety of price tiers, but know that much of it can be more basic than you expect. 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. I recommend you bring aLifeStraw Water Bottle, a bottle that purifies water as you drink it through its straw. It ends in Bacalar, Mexico. Because of the curvature of the Earth, the Mrida is a great place to live for so many reasons, but perhaps the #1 reason is because there are so many cool places within a few hours drive. 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. This has ended and was back to normal in 2022. 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. 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. This is to protect the lake. I use andrecommendWorld Nomads for trips to Mexico. Because tourism will be increasing here no matter what, and as long as thats happening, I want the right kind of people to visit Bacalar. put together a flight itinerary with actual airports. Barbanegra One of the higher-end Mexican spots in town with outstandingly good food and drinks. If you're planning a road trip to Bacalar, you can research locations to stop along the way. 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. It survived. WebHere's a sample itinerary for a drive from Cancun to Bacalar. It never got finished but today plenty of people love climbing on it! Finally, drive for about 16 minutes and arrive in Bacalar. This small island in the middle of the lake is home to migratory birds. The water is not safe to drink in Bacalar. Dont flush toilet paper. If it's a real road trip, you might want to check out interesting places along the way, or maybe eat at a great restaurant. Los Rapidos is one of the most fun places Ive been in Mexico. I absolutely love Belize and think it makes an great place to visit after you spend time in Bacalar. WebBacalar is located in the far south of Mexicos Yucatn Peninsula, in Quintana Roo state, close to the Belize border. We have been renting cars in Cancun and the Riveria Maya since 2013 and have already rented cars from the Cancun airport 5+ times. Bacalar is basic in a lot of ways. There are tour companies all over Bacalar, and you will constantly be offered rides from people on the street. There are a few ropes up to catch you, and you can rent a lifejacket if youd like. But for most of us, we're going to be flying on a commercial airline Tulum to Bacalar. My friends loved the cocktails, too. A: Yes, it is safe. WebHere's a sample itinerary for a drive from Cancun to Bacalar. And being in nature is the perfect place to take time away from the Internet. I know its not sexy, but travel insurance can save your life or finances if you have an emergency on the road. YIKES. This riverside club is perched on part of the river that feeds into Bacalar lagoon. If you dont have a car, you can take a cab here. from the airport, based on how far the airport is from downtown. 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. To give you a better estimate of real-life travel, we've I found Bacalar to be very similar to another cool Mexican destination, Isla Holbox, in terms of the atmosphere. (The puppies might be grown up by the time you read this. 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. Bring mosquito repellant. WebBacalar is super safe. It probably wouldnt have survived had we been in salt water. There are lots of cool buildings on shore, something that Im sure will increase as Bacalar continues to develop. recommended restaurants, hotels, and things to do along While tacos ranged from 85 pesos ($4.50) for cauliflower to 170 pesos ($9) for octopus, all montaditos were 90 pesos ($4.72). You can get a nice mid-range hotel for around $60 a night, or a quality private room for under $40 a night. 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. to calculate the distance between cities. Were driving during the day from the Cancun airport to Bacalar, considering taking the 307. Los Rapidos is at the end of a long dirt road. If youre traveling throughout Mexico, know that cenotes dont provide towels you always need to bring your own. Because when we remain silent, the big outlets are the ones that drive the narrative. Drive for 2.5 hours then stop at Laguna Bacalar and stay for 1 hour. 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!). Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members. Bacalar, Mexico. "as the crow flies" which is calculated using an iterative , : () , () , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ! Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. Eventually The closest airport to Bacalar is Chetumal, a 40-minute drive away but there arent a ton of flights to Chetumal. Staying Safe . U.S. government employees should avoid traveling alone, especially in remote areas. Screaming with joy as a river whisked me down the rapids. If youre looking to experience the brightest, clearest, most shimmering body of water of your life, I have some advice: travel to Bacalar, Mexico. WebStart in Cancun. WebWere driving during the day from the Cancun airport to Bacalar, considering taking the 307. The road is in good condition and is safe to drive. You can book a sunrise paddleboarding tour here. A shimmering, beautiful lake exploding in seven shade of blue. Its also the grand finale of my two-week Mexico road trip itinerary on the Yucatn peninsula. security lines and waiting at the gate, and the actual flight itself. I didnt end up writing about that trip at all. If you take these steps to protect yourself, you can have a safe and memorable vacation in Cancun. Instead, maybe youd like to sit on a dock with a beer in hand, watching the sky turn pink. Kai Pez This restaurant is right on the waterfront and a great place to watch the sunset. This road is quite straight, fairly well-maintained, and has good signage. (For what its worth, I LOVE Belize and I think Belize and Bacalar paired together could make a great trip. During these months you have the least rainfall of the year and more pleasant temperatures. Wifi in Bacalar is generally very slow; if youve got a Mexican phone plan, though, youll be connected. This post was most recently updated in January 2023. One of the reasons Cancun is safer than the news makes you think is that there is security everywhere. Is Bacalar near Cancun? ! WebThe drive from Bacalar to Cancn Airport takes about four hours. : " . Let Bacalars beauty stand on its own without comparing it to somewhere else! Bring a GoPro or waterproof camera. Is there any chance of Bacalar remaining just as it is now? Arrange a private shuttle to pick you up at the airport or hotel and bring you directly to Bacalar. Its not worth flying into another country to head straight for the border and going through immigration a second time. No, Bacalar is quite far from Cancun, being on the opposite side of Tulum. the airports, an estimated wait time of 2 hours at the airport for TSA 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. 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. 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. The cost to visit the Kohunlich ruins is 150 pesos ($8) for adults. The river looks slow-moving but its a lot stronger than youd think. Dont even THINK of flushing menstrual products here or anywhere (ps use a DivaCup, its better for the environment, your suitcase, and your wallet). 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. Were driving during the day from the Cancun airport to Bacalar, considering taking the 307. It is a two lane with no shoulders but locals often drive it at a high rate of speed leading to the accidents. This has been the narrative for quite some time. Most travelers to the Yucatn fly to Cancn, as it has the biggest airport and the most international flights. On the second visit, we got 3.5 kilos and paid 150 pesos ($8) each. Its located about a 20-minute drive outside Bacalar, past the Cenote Azul. their mezcal margaritas were! One is the battle between Uber and taxi drivers that developed after officials announced that Uber drivers can operate in the city. The one flaw of Los Rapidos is that it is very painful to walk on the gravel. Your trip begins in Cancun, Mexico. Mexican Federal Highway 307 runs from Cancun to Bacalar. Let's say you're actually planning a road trip to Bacalar, and you want to stop on the way to explore. Bacalar is a world away from more popular destinations in Quintana Roo like Cancn, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. How far is Bacalar from Cancun? Dont wander off alone into unknown areas, and dont make yourself an easy target. If youre traveling solo in Bacalar and looking to meet friends, The Yak is a great spot for that reason. Drive for about 1 hour, then stop in Playa del Carmen and stay for about 2 hours. 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. 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. WebHeres my shortlist of the top Bacalar resorts: Overall Best Bacalar Luxury Hotel: Habitas Bacalar. Samys is a barbecue stand specializing in pork. Tulum to Bacalar. Carry your repellant around with you in Bacalar they can bite you at any time of day, but theyre especially active at dusk. 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! Mosquitos love lakes. La Pia This outdoor restaurant, hidden a bit from the street, has wonderful, healthy dishes and a friendly staff. Here are the different ways to get to Bacalar. Tourists are not targets for pickpocketing, theft, or violent crimes, though you always should keep an eye on your belongings (in Bacalar and everywhere). WebBacalar is located in the far south of Mexicos Yucatn Peninsula, in Quintana Roo state, close to the Belize border. I recommend renting a car if youre planning on exploring the Yucatn region in depth. ), a full spa, and its like your own private corner of paradise. ), the texture of the bottom of the lake can beless than pleasant. No, Bacalar is quite far from Cancun, being on the opposite side of Tulum. But for a real trip, there can be plenty of differences Use biodegradable sunscreen exclusively. Bacalar has so many wonderful restaurants and one incredibly overrated restaurant that of COURSE I will name.
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