Some of them come from Miami, where months of feasting on krill have left them with a beautiful pink color to their feathers. Barbanegra One of the higher-end Mexican spots in town with outstandingly good food and drinks. When an outlet that big writes about a small place, it almost guarantees an influx of visitors. We have been renting cars in Cancun and the Riveria Maya since 2013 and have already rented cars from the Cancun airport 5+ times. This narrow channel leads to the Caribbean Sea; historically, it was used by pirates. 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. Next, drive for another 1 hour then stop in Tulum and stay for 2.5 hours. Dont touch the stromatolites. Playa del Carmen to Bacalar | I had one of the best weekends ever in Bacalar. WebThe drive from Bacalar to Cancn Airport takes about four hours. But for a real trip, there can be plenty of differences Ideally, you shouldnt flush toilet paper anywhere in Mexico, but the plumbing system is especially delicate in Bacalar. This riverside club is perched on part of the river that feeds into Bacalar lagoon. Children get in for free. 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. A: Yes, it is safe. No, Bacalar is quite far from Cancun, being on the opposite side of Tulum. The water was brown; the beaches were littered with seaweed; the ruins were overcrowded; everything was grotesquely overpriced. 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. If you dont have a car, you can take a cab here. Youll need these. Its hot during the day and warm at night, but you might want to bring a cardigan in case you get a cooler night. Standing on the edge of a lake-enclosed cenote, as the water changed from light to dark. I hear the veggie burgers are great. Done and done. If youre in the mood for sandy beaches and crashing waves, I recommend heading to nearby Mahahual. into account all these factors to get a more accurate estimate There are 5 ways to get from Cancn to Bacalar: by bus, car, plane, or train. If you eat pork, this place is WELL worth the stop. And best of all are the musicians, two men who played ukuleles and sang SO beautifully and really added to the atmosphere. Bacalar is situated in the state of Quintana Roo in southwestern Mexico, near the border with Belize. Bacalar doesnt get insanely crowded at least not yet but you might struggle to get a table at one of the top restaurants. 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. Warnings from U.S. officials and the government, as well as from news anchors, have been flooding social media and news outlets. This has ended and was back to normal in 2022. Kimchi chicken sandwiches! It is both urgent and necessary to protect Bacalars delicate environment, and I thus hope it brings the right kinds of travelers to Bacalar: people who come here to enjoy the lakes beauty and the small town vibe and who are determined to leave it as they found it. 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. It takes approximately 4h 58m to drive from Cancun Airport (CUN) to Bacalar. Screaming with joy as a river whisked me down the rapids. Be sure to tip your guides they work hard. 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. If you take these steps to protect yourself, you can have a safe and memorable vacation in Cancun. You can get an ADO bus from Bacalar to Mahahual; it takes one hour and 20 minutes. There are lots of actions that you can take to preserve this environment. It basically cuts straight down through the Riviera Maya passing Playa del Carmen and Tulum before reaching Bacalar. It is safe to drive from Cancun to Bacalar. The bright cerulean that Miranda Priestly expounded upon in The Devil Wears Prada. If youre traveling solo in Bacalar and looking to meet friends, The Yak is a great spot for that reason. You must take highway 307 all the way to Bacalar. Dont take drinks from strangers. It takes approximately 4h 58m to drive from Cancun Airport (CUN) to Bacalar. However, visitors should be aware of potential hazards such as topes (speed bumps), potholes, and livestock on the road. Bacalar has accommodation available at a variety of price tiers, but know that much of it can be more basic than you expect. Bring a towel ideally, a quick-dry travel towel. Traveling from Cancun to Bacalar takes around 5 hours when using the Ado buses and/or collectivos. It ends in Bacalar, Mexico. Mango cardamom smoothies! Bacalar is located in the far south of Mexicos Yucatn Peninsula, in Quintana Roo state, close to the Belize border. Departure airport: Cancn International Airport (CUN), Arrival airport: Chetumal International Airport (CTM). Its on an isolated spot on the lake, but you have large suites (some with a tub in the middle of the room! 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 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 Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. But increasing tourism in somewhere as beautiful and fragile as Bacalar Im wary of the effects of increased tourism and development in this beautiful, fragile part of the world. Los Rapidos is at the end of a long dirt road. In other words, Bacalar doesnt force you to be offline, but if youre willing to do so, this would be a great place. This is following a couple of isolated incidents that recently took place, but rarely do they tell the whole story. Mango y Chile A very popular vegan restaurant right off the town square. Some of my favorite photos of Bacalar were shot from the Cenote Negro, aimed outward toward the lake. The Yucatn Peninsula is full of Mayan ruins, and the area around Bacalar is no exception. the airports, an estimated wait time of 2 hours at the airport for TSA 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. We have been renting cars in Cancun and the Riveria Maya since 2013 and have already rented cars from the Cancun airport 5+ times. (Ive also seen stromatolites at Hamelin Pool in Western Australia, and they didnt allow people to go anywhere near them in the water. 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 Dont leave your belongings lying around. Bacalar is located only 215 km from Tulum which is 2hrs and a 30-minute drive. Kayaking is another fun way to explore Bacalar lagoon. 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). Bacalar is the name of the town and also the lake (Laguna de Bacalar en espaol). While tacos ranged from 85 pesos ($4.50) for cauliflower to 170 pesos ($9) for octopus, all montaditos were 90 pesos ($4.72). I agree the road is good but it has a very bad history of serious accidents. Wait until you see sunset! (2023 Update: an earlier version of this post mentioned Hotel Kairos, where I personally stayed, but its now closed.). you'll be able to customize this plan, choosing your own airports 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). Recently we have been renting a car in Playa del Carmen and taking a private shuttle from the Cancun airport. Another great option is heading to Belize next. 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 cool thing about this area is that the depth of the water changes continuously. Also, would love to hear about best places for a swim or to spend the day. The road is in good condition and is safe to drive. You can get a nice mid-range hotel for around $60 a night, or a quality private room for under $40 a night. Hurricane season officially runs from June through November on Mexicos Caribbean coast, but the biggest hurricanes tend to hit from August to October. The one flaw of Los Rapidos is that it is very painful to walk on the gravel. "as the crow flies" which is calculated using an iterative Prices may have changed since.). It is a two lane with no shoulders but locals often drive it at a high rate of speed leading to the accidents. The straight line flight distance is 16 miles less than driving on roads, which means the driving distance is roughly 1.1x of the flight distance. . 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. Playa del Carmen to Bacalar | Im convinced that its the most beautiful place in the country, and its proof that lakes can be much prettier than the ocean. The edges of the lake tend to hit the land directly, with no sand buffer. 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. I hope you enjoy Bacalar as much as I did. This is an incredibly popular breakfast spot, made for Instagram with its plant-filled courtyard and free trade market inside. 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. Consequently, this is also when Bacalar (and the rest of Quintana Roo) gets the most of its tourists. You dont want drunk people spilling their tequila sunrises into that gorgeous blue water! This road is quite straight, fairly well-maintained, and has good signage. 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. 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. 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. There are shaded seating areas with tables for eating, or you can sit back in lounge chairs. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members. U.S. government employees should avoid traveling alone, especially in remote areas. The best time to visit Bacalar in terms of weather is from December through March. Were driving during the day from the Cancun airport to Bacalar, considering taking the 307. Resist the urge to go to Tulum, Playa del Carmen, or Cancn. 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! You can book a sunrise paddleboarding tour here. (Depending on how many stops) Are there crocodiles in Bacalar Lagoon? ARRR! This has been the narrative for quite some time. To be sure, crime does occur in Cancun and throughout the Mexican Caribbean, but it does in every tourist city across America too. 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. WebBacalar is located in the far south of Mexicos Yucatn Peninsula, in Quintana Roo state, close to the Belize border. 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. The tourist areas in Cancun are monitored more than anywhere else in the city by the Tourist Police and by agents of the military. Several of the tourism professionals we met gave us permission to drone in Bacalar Lagoon and at Los Rapidos. To see the details on this flight plan, including There is a restaurant on the premises and we enjoyed fresh ceviche and some drinks. This was a huge contrast to Bacalar and especially Los Rapidos, where they just asked you not to stand on the stromatolites.). 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. Your trip begins in Cancun, Mexico. Staying Safe . Samys is a barbecue stand specializing in pork. I got octopus montaditos, they were incredibly delicious, and I felt like I saved a ton. I know its not sexy, but travel insurance can save your life or finances if you have an emergency on the road. Is Bacalar near Cancun? Its located about a 20-minute drive outside Bacalar, past the Cenote Azul. (2023 note: these were the prices in early 2020. I ended up floating down the river with my flip-flops on my wrists. This happened twice so it wasnt an isolated event. I was surprised at how good (and LARGE!) While many of these docks are owned by hotels or restaurants, some are free for anyone to go and enjoy. In terms of photography, the Cenote Negro is a great vantage point for capturing all shades of the Lake of Seven Colors. Dont wander off alone into unknown areas, and dont make yourself an easy target. That's what Trippy is perfect for, Bacalar is already part of the itinerary so you can easily add in more. Drive for 2.5 hours then stop at Laguna Bacalar and stay for 1 hour. But be careful its very tough to land a drone on a boat. Booking early can sometimes get you a lower rate. The choice is up to you. fastest possible straight line between Cancun, Mexico and Eventually Some of my friends decided to swim to the island and I knew theyd turn back exhausted long before they got there! A shimmering, beautiful lake exploding in seven shade of blue. It never got finished but today plenty of people love climbing on it! my two-week Yucatan peninsula road trip itinerary. WebThe drive from Bacalar to Cancn Airport takes about four hours. Lots of casual ramshackle businesses with a few snazzier spots thrown in. Drive for about 1 hour, then stop in Playa del Carmen and stay for about 2 hours. Now that we have kids and so many bags, they wont fit in the rental car. Limit your drinking. Drive for about 1 hour, then stop in Playa del Carmen and stay for about 2 hours. 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 It survived. Bacalar is utterly peaceful, especially once you get away from the town. This is the single most important advice I can give you. You dont have to do play-by-play Instagram Stories of the sunsets. I found Bacalar to be very similar to another cool Mexican destination, Isla Holbox, in terms of the atmosphere. If you dont have hot water, shower in the late afternoon. , . Small drones are permitted at Bacalar for now. If you want to stay somewhere that feels high-end but doesnt break the bank, Casa Chukum is a great option. I didnt go, but as soon as I came back, all my blogger friends admonished me for not eating here! 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. shortest distance is actually the "great circle" distance, or While those cities host a lot of package tourists, Bacalar is built for independent travelers. A: Yes, it is safe. Laguna Bacalar is gorgeous, and the water is incredible shades of blue, but there are exactly ZERO white sand beaches here. the flight planner: Trippy has a ton of information that can help you plan your trip to Bacalar, Mexico. So now we can finally get an idea of the total travel time from 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 gourmands. You must take highway 307 all the way to Bacalar. I sincerely hope this is not a sign of things to come in Bacalar. Tulum to Bacalar. Or even better from Chetumal you can take a 90-minute ferry to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye! Has anyone made the trip recently or had any issues along the way? 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. I recommend renting a car if youre planning on exploring the Yucatn region in depth. Even if you dont go to Los Rapidos (WHY WOULD YOU NOT GO TO LOS RAPIDOS?! 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. Its located on the edge of Bacalar town. Avoid them when you see them. There is a restaurant on-site and my friends had some not-so-good cocktails. Let me show you what makes Bacalar magical! Surprisingly fantastic pastries the best Ive had in Mexico! 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. No, Bacalar is quite far from Cancun, being on the opposite side of Tulum. Bacalar is a very safe place to visit in Mexico. And thats just during the day. 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. distance from Bacalar to Cancun, or go to the main page Tulum to Bacalar | 215 km, 2.5 hours drive. Since my friends and I were traveling in a large group, we booked a private Bacalar boat tour. Bacalar is at its best weather-wise from December through March, though know its extremely busy and expensive over Christmas week and Holy Week. 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. Head to Los Rapidos, where you can tear down clear teal river rapids, giggling the whole time. Bacalar is basic in a lot of ways. I loved that you could get any taco as a montadito in this case, wrapped in lettuce instead of tortillas. 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. 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 nothing like the Maldives. 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. 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. Cancns flights to Chetumal tend to be at awkward times for transfers. Next, drive for another 1 hour then stop in Tulum and stay for 2.5 hours. I absolutely love Belize and think it makes an great place to visit after you spend time in Bacalar. There are 5 ways to get from Cancn to Bacalar: by bus, car, plane, or train. Best Bacalar Luxury Hotel for Families: Mia Bacalar. People travel to Bacalar to experience the beauty of its famous lagoon the Lake of Seven Colors. Almost all of my friends and I bought baseball caps for 100 pesos each ($5). Because when we remain silent, the big outlets are the ones that drive the narrative. ADO buses run to Bacalar from destinations throughout the Yucatn. 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. There are a few ropes up to catch you, and you can rent a lifejacket if youd like. airport, and get to your destination. Cancun to Bacalar including time spent getting to/from Bacalar, Mexico. The staff ask you not to wear any sunscreen while swimming in the cenote, not even biodegradable sunscreen. Kayaks are also available for rent. Rentalcars compares 900 companies at over 53,000 locations. 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). plane and just wanted to know the time in the air from city to city. This is the only kind of sunscreen you should use in the lake. Youve already been to a much better place. At the same time, however, you need to be careful about writing guides about places like Bacalar. I personally dont think the New York Times piece goes far enough. Staying Safe . Alternatively, you can get from Tulum to Bacalar in the space of 3 hours. 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. Many of the warnings about security in Cancun stem from a couple of recent incidents that have taken place in the city. People travel to Bacalar to enjoy a low-key, quirky town. Visiting cenotes is one of the best part of traveling in Mexicos Yucatn Peninsula. However, visitors should be aware of potential hazards such as topes (speed bumps), potholes, and livestock on the road.
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