This fort is located in the center of town, across from Bacalars main square. Youll need these. No, Bacalar is quite far from Cancun, being on the opposite side of Tulum. First off, Mexico is much safer than the media would have you believe. Wait until you see sunset! Im so glad I decided to travel here. 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 Officials not only deploy police officers all over the city, but members of the various military branches can also be seen driving and walking the streets as well. This road is quite straight, fairly well-maintained, and has good signage. Alternatively, you can bring areusable bottleand invest in aSteriPen water purifier(much better and faster than tablets). While tacos ranged from 85 pesos ($4.50) for cauliflower to 170 pesos ($9) for octopus, all montaditos were 90 pesos ($4.72). My friends loved the cocktails, too. Recently we have been renting a car in Playa del Carmen and taking a private shuttle from the Cancun airport. Cancun to Bacalar The easiest and cheapest way to get there is by car. Those are the two best things to do in Bacalar. Most travelers to the Yucatn fly to Cancn, as it has the biggest airport and the most international flights. No, Bacalar is quite far from Cancun, being on the opposite side of Tulum. ARRR! The cost to enter the Cenote Azul and restaurant is 25 pesos ($1). READ MORE: Top 10 Travel Safety Tips for Women. Click here to guarantee you the best car rental price. airport, and get to your destination. 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. Always double-check online. People travel to Bacalar to experience the beauty of its famous lagoon the Lake of Seven Colors. BRING ENOUGH PESOS TO LAST YOUR WHOLE TRIP. Your plane flies much faster than a car, so the flight time is about 1/5th of the time it would take to drive. Surprisingly fantastic pastries the best Ive had in Mexico! . To be sure, crime does occur in Cancun and throughout the Mexican Caribbean, but it does in every tourist city across America too. I spent two months living in the city of Mrida, Mexico. People travel to Bacalar to immerse in nature and get away from it all. Bacalar is located only 215 km from Tulum which is 2hrs and a 30-minute drive. Dont wander off alone into unknown areas, and dont make yourself an easy target. 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. 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. Dont wander off alone into unknown areas, and dont make yourself an easy target. One should be spent on a boat trip on the lake and one should be spent at Los Rapidos. Enter your email address to subscribe to The Cancun Suns latest breaking news affecting travelers, straight to your inbox. I was surprised at how good (and LARGE!) Meanwhile, your likeliest danger in Bacalar is ending up with a painful sunburn from not reapplying your biodegradable sunscreen throughout the day. 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. But more than that Bacalar is significantly safer than Quintana Roo hotspots like Cancn, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. People arent allowed to swim here, but boats can take you over it, and your boat trip will likely take you here. You might have to go to several shops to find what you need. travelers and answer some questions about Cancun! Drive from Cancun to Bacalar - safe? - Bacalar Forum They make delicious cocktails and ceviche. from the airport, based on how far the airport is from downtown. Bring a towel ideally, a quick-dry travel towel. We are a bit in the Wild West in terms of drone laws, so keep in mind that this could change anytime. More often violent crimes take place in neighborhoods that tourists really have no need, or no business, being in. ! Between the river swimming and lounging in the hammocks, Los Rapidos makes for ONE FUN DAY OUT. I sincerely hope this is not a sign of things to come in Bacalar. You are going to be disappointed by comparison. Alternatively, you can get from Tulum to Bacalar in the space of 3 hours. Its absolutely on my list of top three places in Mexico at the very least! 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. ! Because when we remain silent, the big outlets are the ones that drive the narrative. Get a 45-minute bus ride from Bacalar to Chetumal, which sits right on the Belize border. If youre traveling throughout Mexico, know that cenotes dont provide towels you always need to bring your own. The cool thing about this area is that the depth of the water changes continuously. Has anyone made the trip recently or had any issues along the way? Hot water, for instance, is not a given here, even in luxury rentals. Also, would love to hear about best places for a swim or to spend the day. (Bring enough pesos with you to sustain your stay; some but not all places in Bacalar take cards.). Bacalar They cook the most succulent pork over an open flame, barbecuing it to perfection, and serve it with grilled onions, flour tortillas, and a variety of salsas. Bacalar is a very safe place to visit in Mexico. Bacalar is located only 215 km from Tulum which is 2hrs and a 30-minute drive. Because of the curvature of the Earth, the Bacalar gives you very good value for money a lot more than the aforementioned Mexican hotspots. This should be your #1 priority while traveling to Bacalar. WebBacalar is super safe. Next, drive for another 1 hour then stop in Tulum and stay for 2.5 hours. from Cancun to Bacalar Also, would love to hear about best places for a swim or to spend the day. Best day tours in Bacalar, Mexico How far is Bacalar from Cancun? Those establishments are equipped for increased crowds. It is safe to drive from Cancun to Bacalar. 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. There are a few flights per week from Cancn to Chetumal on MAYAir, and a few flights per day from Mexico City on Volaris. Best Bacalar Luxury Hotel for Families: Mia Bacalar. Here the land is like limestone Swiss cheese, with thousands of cave-like openings filled with fresh water where you can go swimming. Bacalar has so many wonderful restaurants and one incredibly overrated restaurant that of COURSE I will name. Warning: some of these taxis take a long time to show up, and some of them required multiple phone calls before anyone showed up. I want to send Samys as much business as possible. Lock up your valuables in a portable safe. The staff ask you not to wear any sunscreen while swimming in the cenote, not even biodegradable sunscreen. I am at a loss for words describing how fun this place is!! 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. 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. I hope you enjoy Bacalar as much as I did. Some of my favorite photos of Bacalar were shot from the Cenote Negro, aimed outward toward the lake. 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. There are tour companies all over Bacalar, and you will constantly be offered rides from people on the street. Instead, maybe youd like to sit on a dock with a beer in hand, watching the sky turn pink. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. We grabbed some food here after our boat tour. Normally, youd leave your sandals on shore. Drive from Cancun to Bacalar But since youre being pushed downstream, from one end of the river to the other, you cant get out at the same spot. Im serious. There are sufficient parking lots in Bacalar itself, and the journey from Cancun to Bacalar is easy and safe. Arrange a private shuttle to pick you up at the airport or hotel and bring you directly to Bacalar. A: Yes, it is safe. For this reason, I think its best to visit the Cenote Azul after breakfast, have a nice swim, then put on your sunscreen and head to Los Rapidos, which is further down the road. Bring a GoPro or waterproof camera. This post was most recently updated in January 2023. My friends recently visited in January 2023 and the colors are as gorgeous as the photos in this post! Cancun to Bacalar Bacalar has accommodation available at a variety of price tiers, but know that much of it can be more basic than you expect. (The puppies might be grown up by the time you read this. You must take highway 307 all the way to Bacalar. Since my friends and I were traveling in a large group, we booked a private Bacalar boat tour. It ends in Bacalar, Mexico. Tulum to Bacalar | 215 km, 2.5 hours drive. During these months you have the least rainfall of the year and more pleasant temperatures. I didnt end up writing about that trip at all. If youre new to Mexico, Ive got news for you this is a noisy country. To Bacalar Understand that there are no beaches in Bacalar, Mexico. 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 must take highway 307 all the way to Bacalar. Located right on the lake and a short stroll from Bacalar, the rooms are simple and the emphasis is on social living. Wifi in Bacalar is generally very slow; if youve got a Mexican phone plan, though, youll be connected. The easiest and cheapest way to get there is by car. Were driving during the day from the Cancun airport to Bacalar, considering taking the 307. (Ive also seen stromatolites at Hamelin Pool in Western Australia, and they didnt allow people to go anywhere near them in the water. The gourmands. There are several ATMs on the main square in town, but none of them were working when we were there. Youll have lots of in-the-water photo opportunities at Bacalar! And the Instagrammers. Bacalar Mexicos Caribbean coast may be known for its clear blue water, but trust me, Bacalar lagoon turns the volume up even higher. 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. Is there any chance of Bacalar remaining just as it is now? 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. And they have PUPPIES THAT YOU CAN PLAY WITH!!! WebDrive from Cancun to Bacalar - safe? 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. 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. Whats the best area to stay in Bacalar? No brand name businesses, no resorts, not even Starbucks or McDonalds. Some of the docks are outfitted with hammocks, swings, and more. Another great option is heading to Belize next. Ideally, you shouldnt flush toilet paper anywhere in Mexico, but the plumbing system is especially delicate in Bacalar. Finally, drive for about 16 minutes and arrive in Bacalar. Hot water isnt always a given. There are shaded seating areas with tables for eating, or you can sit back in lounge chairs. Traveling around the Riviera Maya is safe in general and you should not encounter any problems on public transport. Know that its a lot further away than it looks. Mango y Chile A very popular vegan restaurant right off the town square. If you forget something, there are shops and sellers in town. This is the single most important advice I can give you. 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. This spot specializes in steaks (though they also serve seafood) and the plating is beautiful. Kayaking is another fun way to explore Bacalar lagoon. And best of all are the musicians, two men who played ukuleles and sang SO beautifully and really added to the atmosphere. (Depending on how many stops) Are there crocodiles in Bacalar Lagoon? 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. Its right in the middle of everything, the rooms are super nice, and it has its own private lakefront area with swings right in the water. This has ended and was back to normal in 2022. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. If youre driving from Mrida to Bacalar, as I did with my friends, I have a GREAT lunch spot to recommend. Here are the different ways to get to Bacalar. Its located about a 20-minute drive outside Bacalar, past the Cenote Azul. Be sure to tip your guides they work hard. Two Weeks in Mexico: The BEST Yucatan Road Trip Itinerary Most notably, when all the ATMs in town are out of money at the same time. Wearing water shoes or sports sandals would have been better. 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. The single best way to see Bacalar is to take a boat tour of the lagoon. On your boat trip in Bacalar, youll drop by a stunning area El Canal de Los Piratas, or Pirates Channel. I use andrecommendWorld Nomads for trips to Mexico. Drive for about 1 hour, then stop in Playa del Carmen and stay for about 2 hours. Bacalar is SO worth it! 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. I recommend staying within a 10-minute walk of the zcalo, which is the main square in the center of town. It takes approximately 4h 58m to drive from Cancun Airport (CUN) to Bacalar. On the second visit, we got 3.5 kilos and paid 150 pesos ($8) each. Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week. There are sufficient parking lots in Bacalar itself, and the journey from Cancun to Bacalar is easy and safe. You also have a sun terrace with an environmentally friendly, chlorine-free pool; an indoor lounge with lots of seating, and a complimentary breakfast that includes eggs the way youd like them. Tourists are not targets for pickpocketing, theft, or violent crimes, though you always should keep an eye on your belongings (in Bacalar and everywhere). Like the Cenote Negro, Cenote Esmeralda is located within the lake and you cant swim here. 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. People travel to Bacalar to enjoy a low-key, quirky town. How far is Bacalar from Cancun 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. : ! Bacalar distance from Bacalar to Cancun, or go to the main page Laguna Bacalar is gorgeous, and the water is incredible shades of blue, but there are exactly ZERO white sand beaches here. 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. WebHere's a sample itinerary for a drive from Cancun to Bacalar. Avoid single-use plastics whenever possible. There are lots of tours and activities from sunset kayak tours to day trips around the lake. This is to protect the lake. Dont Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip! include how many minutes to get to your local airport, wait Now that we have kids and so many bags, they wont fit in the rental car. I recommend you bring aLifeStraw Water Bottle, a bottle that purifies water as you drink it through its straw. At the same time, however, you need to be careful about writing guides about places like Bacalar. Bacalar-Cancun distance is 346 km (214miles), which is 4 hrs 30 minutes drive approximately. Cancun Airport (CUN) to Bacalar The soft aquamarine of a misty morning sky. If youre in the mood for sandy beaches and crashing waves, I recommend heading to nearby Mahahual. If you dont have a car, you can take a cab here. Get From Cancun To Bacalar, Mexico I think we all cringed when we saw that. take-off and landing, and time to taxi on the runway. Bacalar Sometimes its normal sand, but sometimes it can be hard and sometimes its squishy mud. () , . Like the Cenote Negro, it suddenly goes from pale turquoise to navy blue as soon as you hit the drop-off. Bacalar WebStart in Cancun. This riverside club is perched on part of the river that feeds into Bacalar lagoon. Bacalar is a very small town where international tourism is still at a fairly early stage. Its a special place, and so different from the rest of Mexico. The closest airport to Bacalar is Chetumal, a 40-minute drive away but there arent a ton of flights to Chetumal. Your boat trip will give you a good amount of time to explore Pirates Channel ours gave us about an hour! You can get a nice mid-range hotel for around $60 a night, or a quality private room for under $40 a night. Click the button below to explore Bacalar in detail. Its the kind of thing you dont think you need UNTIL YOU NEED IT. 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. 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. I know its not sexy, but travel insurance can save your life or finances if you have an emergency on the road. Driving Consider bringing water shoesorsports sandals. This beach town on Mexicos Costa Maya is starting to get some similar Is this the next Tulum? buzz. Samys is a barbecue stand specializing in pork. To see all the details on this itinerary, including There are 5 ways to get from Cancn to Bacalar: by bus, car, plane, or train. 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. The edges of the lake tend to hit the land directly, with no sand buffer. How far is Bacalar from Cancun 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. Los Rpidos has exactly one problem: the grounds are covered with gravel that is VERY painful to walk on barefoot. Your trip begins in Cancun, Mexico. Cerveceria Bacalar This brewery is a 25-minute walk from town, but if youre taking a boat tour with Amir Adventours, this is where their tours start and finish. Tulum to Bacalar | 215 km, 2.5 hours drive. WebHere's a sample itinerary for a drive from Cancun to Bacalar. Cancun And being in nature is the perfect place to take time away from the Internet. 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! It basically cuts straight down through the Riviera Maya passing Playa del Carmen and Tulum before reaching Bacalar. Warnings from U.S. officials and the government, as well as from news anchors, have been flooding social media and news outlets. The bright cerulean that Miranda Priestly expounded upon in The Devil Wears Prada. Dont leave your belongings lying around. I found Bacalar to be very similar to another cool Mexican destination, Isla Holbox, in terms of the atmosphere. Children get in for free. The water is not safe to drink in Bacalar. I loved that you could get any taco as a montadito in this case, wrapped in lettuce instead of tortillas. Los Rapidos is one of the most fun places Ive been in Mexico. Bacalar is utterly peaceful, especially once you get away from the town. My favorite restaurant in Bacalar overall. Cancun to Bacalar drive 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. waiting for our flight, and making it to the destination. Eat locally and spend money in lots of different places. Finally, drive for about 16 minutes and arrive in Bacalar. 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. Bacalar is a world away from more popular destinations in Quintana Roo like Cancn, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. But be careful its very tough to land a drone on a boat. 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. It ends in Bacalar, Mexico. Its one thing to write about cocktail bars in New York or museums in Paris. Next, drive for another 1 hour then stop in Tulum and stay for 2.5 hours. Screaming with joy as a river whisked me down the rapids. 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 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. Please take the guides seriously when they tell you not to swim here I saw some boats roaring through the cenote terrifyingly close to swimmers who defied orders. The bohemians. You dont want drunk people spilling their tequila sunrises into that gorgeous blue water! (Depending on how many stops) Are there crocodiles in Bacalar Lagoon? 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). We have been renting cars in Cancun and the Riveria Maya since 2013 and have already rented cars from the Cancun airport 5+ times. Im convinced no other country gets a more inaccurate representation in the American media this is not a lawless land of cartels, beheadings, and gun violence. The water was brown; the beaches were littered with seaweed; the ruins were overcrowded; everything was grotesquely overpriced. Done and done. for security, board and taxi on the runway, land at the other Warning: the ADO site doesnt always take foreign cards, but they take Paypal. If youre looking to experience the brightest, clearest, most shimmering body of water of your life, I have some advice: travel to Bacalar, Mexico. 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. 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. my two-week Yucatan peninsula road trip itinerary. It basically cuts straight down through the Riviera Maya passing Playa del Carmen and Tulum before reaching Bacalar. But Cenote Esmeralda itself isnt the attraction the area around Cenote Esmeralda is.