security lines and waiting at the gate, and the actual flight itself. 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. So that means we really need Im so glad I decided to travel here. To Bacalar I personally dont think the New York Times piece goes far enough. of your actual flight time. ), a full spa, and its like your own private corner of paradise. Visiting cenotes is one of the best part of traveling in Mexicos Yucatn Peninsula. Be gentle with the plumbing. If youre interested in doing this, go for it!). I had one of the best weekends ever in Bacalar. 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. Bring a GoPro or waterproof camera. WebBacalar is located in the far south of Mexicos Yucatn Peninsula, in Quintana Roo state, close to the Belize border. WebWere driving during the day from the Cancun airport to Bacalar, considering taking the 307. ! This is located in front of Hotel Kairs. Dont wander off alone into unknown areas, and dont make yourself an easy target. I loved the huevos bacalareos, scrambled eggs with chaya, red salsa, and a bit of cheese. To Bacalar Cancns flights to Chetumal tend to be at awkward times for transfers. There are shaded seating areas with tables for eating, or you can sit back in lounge chairs. 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. to Bacalar 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. 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. While many of these docks are owned by hotels or restaurants, some are free for anyone to go and enjoy. Realistically, you'll probably want to add a buffer for rest stops, gas, or food along the way. Then I went to Tulum in 2015 and I was disappointed. More info on this route:drive from Cancun to Bacalarroad conditionsalternate routesGoogle driving directions. It takes approximately 4h 58m to drive from Cancun Airport (CUN) to Bacalar. Samys is a barbecue stand specializing in pork. Only use biodegradable sunscreen. (Depending on how many stops) Are there crocodiles in Bacalar Lagoon? Safety ! Hurricane season officially runs from June through November on Mexicos Caribbean coast, but the biggest hurricanes tend to hit from August to October. U.S. government employees should avoid traveling alone, especially in remote areas. The gourmands. And best of all are the musicians, two men who played ukuleles and sang SO beautifully and really added to the atmosphere. Samy). So why write a Bacalar travel guide at all? If you dont have a car, you can take a cab here. Those are the two best things to do in Bacalar. If you want to have easy access to the town, you want to be central. But more than that Bacalar is significantly safer than Quintana Roo hotspots like Cancn, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. Tulum to Bacalar. Yes, the driving distance between Cancun Airport (CUN) to Bacalar is 329 km. Is Bacalar near Cancun? travelers and answer some questions about Cancun! WebHere's a sample itinerary for a drive from Cancun to Bacalar. (whether it's first class or coach). 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). I love paddle boarding its a great core workout that doesnt feel like a workout, and its a great way to zone out and take in the beauty of whats in front of you. Sipping a chelada as pink and purple clouds danced above the waters edge. Even though Bacalar is a low-key place, it can be noisy in town at night. The edges of the lake tend to hit the land directly, with no sand buffer. YIKES. 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. I sincerely hope this is not a sign of things to come in Bacalar. Bacalar This is following a couple of isolated incidents that recently took place, but rarely do they tell the whole story. You can get an ADO bus from Bacalar to Mahahual; it takes one hour and 20 minutes. You must take highway 307 all the way to Bacalar. This small island in the middle of the lake is home to migratory birds. , (), , , () , : , Squid Game , . How far is Bacalar from Cancun Its one thing to write about cocktail bars in New York or museums in Paris. your total travel time for this trip. 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 Traveling from Cancun to Bacalar takes around 5 hours when using the Ado buses and/or collectivos. The staff ask you not to wear any sunscreen while swimming in the cenote, not even biodegradable sunscreen. I would advise not visiting during this time if possible, but if you do, be prepared to leave if a major storm hits. The choice is up to you. Bacalar is located only 215 km from Tulum which is 2hrs and a 30-minute drive. BRING ENOUGH PESOS TO LAST YOUR WHOLE TRIP. Its hot during the day and warm at night, but you might want to bring a cardigan in case you get a cooler night. 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. This road is quite straight, fairly well-maintained, and has good signage. Bacalar is located only 215 km from Tulum which is 2hrs and a 30-minute drive. There are 5 ways to get from Cancn to Bacalar: by bus, car, plane, or train. It is safe to drive from Cancun to Bacalar. Bacalar is already part of the itinerary so you can easily add in more. Scroll down to see a more realistic calculation that takes Kai Pez This restaurant is right on the waterfront and a great place to watch the sunset. Sometimes its normal sand, but sometimes it can be hard and sometimes its squishy mud. ), The ABSOLUTE Best Things To Do in Oaxaca, Mexico, How to Visit Sumidero Canyon from San Cristbal de las Casas, 21 Quirky and Unusual Things to Do in Prague, Sicilian Food: 30 Iconic Dishes + What to Eat in Sicily. 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. my two-week Yucatan peninsula road trip itinerary. Finally, drive for about 16 minutes and arrive in Bacalar. If youre looking to experience the brightest, clearest, most shimmering body of water of your life, I have some advice: travel to Bacalar, Mexico. This part of the lake is a lot of fun a lot of boats dock here at the same time and there are lots of people having fun in the water. Arrange a private shuttle to pick you up at the airport or hotel and bring you directly to Bacalar. In fact, the most important ways to stay safe in Bacalar are common sense. While tacos ranged from 85 pesos ($4.50) for cauliflower to 170 pesos ($9) for octopus, all montaditos were 90 pesos ($4.72). There are a few ropes up to catch you, and you can rent a lifejacket if youd like. I hope you enjoy Bacalar as much as I did. 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). ADO buses run to Bacalar from destinations throughout the Yucatn. Alternatively, book a private transfer from the airport to Bacalar. Tulum is for the cool people. Even if you dont go to Los Rapidos (WHY WOULD YOU NOT GO TO LOS RAPIDOS?! It basically cuts straight down through the Riviera Maya passing Playa del Carmen and Tulum before reaching Bacalar. Recently we have been renting a car in Playa del Carmen and taking a private shuttle from the Cancun airport. , . 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. Its the kind of thing you dont think you need UNTIL YOU NEED IT. Mango cardamom smoothies! Eat locally and spend money in lots of different places. helping you figure out travel plans in detail. Get From Cancun To Bacalar, Mexico Solo Female Travel in Mexico: Is it Safe? Now let's assume you have a private jet and you can fly in the Always check the laws online before you fly. If you're planning a road trip to Bacalar, you can research locations to stop along the way. Mexico Driving My favorite restaurant in Bacalar overall. 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. Bacalar is a very small town where international tourism is still at a fairly early stage. Bacalar is now one of my favorite places in Mexico and this is a country that I love fiercely. Avoid them when you see them. WebStart in Cancun. One of the most iconic places for accommodation in Bacalar, The Yak Lake House is a hostel that has both dorms and private rooms. However, visitors should be aware of potential hazards such as topes (speed bumps), potholes, and livestock on the road. Cancun WebDrive from Cancun to Bacalar - safe? This riverside club is perched on part of the river that feeds into Bacalar lagoon. It is a two lane with no shoulders but locals often drive it at a high rate of speed leading to the accidents. I agree the road is good but it has a very bad history of serious accidents. 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. I ordered some banana bread and while it wasnt terrible, it was two teeny pieces about one inch by three inches long. People travel to Bacalar to immerse in nature and get away from it all. This happened twice so it wasnt an isolated event. 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. 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. Mexican Federal Highway 307 runs from Cancun to Bacalar. 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. Drive for 2.5 hours then stop at Laguna Bacalar and stay for 1 hour. Mexican Federal Highway 307 runs from Cancun to Bacalar. 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. The cost to enter the Cenote Azul and restaurant is 25 pesos ($1). Bacalar is utterly peaceful, especially once you get away from the town. Of all the seven shades of blue, the bright turquoise surrounding Bird Island is probably my favorite shade. Drive for about 1 hour, then stop in Playa del Carmen and stay for about 2 hours. The eleven of us pooled our cash, used cards, and got by, but we would have had to take a side trip to Chetumal if we didnt have enough cash. I loved that you could get any taco as a montadito in this case, wrapped in lettuce instead of tortillas. Bacalar has accommodation available at a variety of price tiers, but know that much of it can be more basic than you expect. Im going to make things easy for you: you should spend at least two full days in Bacalar. You want even crazier water? (Ive also seen stromatolites at Hamelin Pool in Western Australia, and they didnt allow people to go anywhere near them in the water. Click here to guarantee you the best car rental price. And the Instagrammers. Most of the restaurants, bars, and activities are located within a few blocks of this square. A: Yes, it is safe. To be sure, crime does occur in Cancun and throughout the Mexican Caribbean, but it does in every tourist city across America too. The distance is the same either way if you're flying a straight line (or driving the same roads back and forth). The Yucatn Peninsula is full of Mayan ruins, and the area around Bacalar is no exception. Get travel insurance. The bright cerulean that Miranda Priestly expounded upon in The Devil Wears Prada. 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 Cancun 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 plane and just wanted to know the time in the air from city to city. Tulum to Bacalar | 215 km, 2.5 hours drive. Admission is 100 pesos ($5) and the fort is open every day but Monday. 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. Bacalar-Cancun distance is 346 km (214miles), which is 4 hrs 30 minutes drive approximately. Los Rpidos has exactly one problem: the grounds are covered with gravel that is VERY painful to walk on barefoot. 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. I absolutely love Belize and think it makes an great place to visit after you spend time in Bacalar. to account for all the extra travel time getting to the airport, Its a lot less in your face than Caye caulker or playa del carmen but it's such a tranquil little town. include how many minutes to get to your local airport, wait Two Weeks in Mexico: The BEST Yucatan Road Trip Itinerary Also, would love to hear about best places for a swim or to spend the day. 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. Bacalar doesnt get insanely crowded at least not yet but you might struggle to get a table at one of the top restaurants. READ MORE: Top 10 Travel Safety Tips for Women. WebBacalar is located in the far south of Mexicos Yucatn Peninsula, in Quintana Roo state, close to the Belize border. shortest distance is actually the "great circle" distance, or This is the only kind of sunscreen you should use in the lake. 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. But for now, here's an example we've selected to Bacalar-Cancun distance is 346 km (214miles), which is 4 hrs 30 minutes drive approximately. Located a short walk from the main square, the rooms are quirky and colorful, the bathrooms are modern, and theres a cute backyard area. To give you a better estimate of real-life travel, we've This is to protect the lake. My friends recently visited in January 2023 and the colors are as gorgeous as the photos in this post! Bacalar Because of the curvature of the Earth, the WebWere driving during the day from the Cancun airport to Bacalar, considering taking the 307. . Many of the warnings about security in Cancun stem from a couple of recent incidents that have taken place in the city. Bacalar Cancun to Bacalar This road is quite straight, fairly well-maintained, and has good signage. When an outlet that big writes about a small place, it almost guarantees an influx of visitors. My friends loved the cocktails, too. : " . Two Weeks in Mexico: The BEST Yucatan Road Trip Itinerary I am at a loss for words describing how fun this place is!! Next, drive for another 1 hour then stop in Tulum and stay for 2.5 hours. Be sure to take a look at my two-week Yucatan peninsula road trip itinerary, which can be adapted to shorter trips. Another great option is heading to Belize next. I agree the road is good but it has a very bad history of serious accidents. U.S. government employees should avoid traveling alone, especially in remote areas. The easiest and cheapest way to get there is by car. I didnt end up writing about that trip at all. Dont flush toilet paper. recommended airports, airline, and route, check out 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. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. 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. Pirates Channel is also home to a little island where an ill-fated restaurant was once built. Between the river swimming and lounging in the hammocks, Los Rapidos makes for ONE FUN DAY OUT. Your trip begins in Cancun, Mexico. Also, would love to hear about best places for a swim or to spend the day. : ! Prices may have changed since.). The river looks slow-moving but its a lot stronger than youd think. Were driving during the day from the Cancun airport to Bacalar, considering taking the 307. () , . Screaming with joy as a river whisked me down the rapids. Know that its a lot further away than it looks. Next, drive for another 1 hour then stop in Tulum and stay for 2.5 hours. WebThe total driving distance from Cancun, Mexico to Bacalar, Mexico is 215 miles or 346 kilometers. There is a restaurant on-site and my friends had some not-so-good cocktails. Resist the urge to go to Tulum, Playa del Carmen, or Cancn. Plan ahead, especially if you have a dining reservation. How far is Bacalar from Cancun Whats the best area to stay in Bacalar? 3 years ago Save Hello, Were two gals planning a February trip to Bacalar. 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. 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). you'll be able to customize this plan, choosing your own airports 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. Drive for about 1 hour, then stop in Playa del Carmen and stay for about 2 hours. Because when we remain silent, the big outlets are the ones that drive the narrative. Its also the grand finale of my two-week Mexico road trip itinerary on the Yucatn peninsula. Traveler Alert:Dont Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip! 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. It basically cuts straight down through the Riviera Maya passing Playa del Carmen and Tulum before reaching Bacalar. They make delicious cocktails and ceviche. (Bring enough pesos with you to sustain your stay; some but not all places in Bacalar take cards.). Nixtamal One of the best restaurants in Bacalar, Nixtamal has a cave-like atmosphere with a fire going. A: Yes, it is safe. There are a few flights per week from Cancn to Chetumal on MAYAir, and a few flights per day from Mexico City on Volaris. You can be swimming without touching the ground and ten feet away people will be standing in knee-deep water. 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. Wifi in Bacalar is generally very slow; if youve got a Mexican phone plan, though, youll be connected. Mexico Youll need it for the boat trip, Los Rapidos and the Cenote Azul. 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. give you an idea of how traveling might work between airports. Bring earplugs. Some people even call Bacalar The Maldives of Mexico. And honestlyI think thats a ridiculous title. Cancun to Bacalar including time spent getting to/from The easiest way to stay safe when visiting Cancun or anywhere else is to always be conscious of your surroundings. 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. One is the battle between Uber and taxi drivers that developed after officials announced that Uber drivers can operate in the city. Bacalar, Mexico Now that we have kids and so many bags, they wont fit in the rental car. The truth is Cancun is a very safe vacation destination, and millions of Americans visit every year and dont have any problems while theyre there. Cancun 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. Best Bacalar Luxury Hotel for Families: Mia Bacalar. Mango y Chile A very popular vegan restaurant right off the town square. The bohemians. . 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. Rentalcars compares 900 companies at over 53,000 locations. In that case, your travel time would really need to Bacalar is located in the far south of Mexicos Yucatn Peninsula, in Quintana Roo state, close to the Belize border. Hopefully this guide will do that. 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. You can book a sunrise paddleboarding tour here. We grabbed some food here after our boat tour. Has anyone made the trip recently or had any issues along the way? 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). Some of the docks are outfitted with hammocks, swings, and more. Bacalar
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