, . 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. To Bacalar I had one of the best weekends ever in Bacalar. The cost to enter Los Rapidos is 100 pesos ($5) for adults and 50 pesos ($2.50) for children (2023 note: theyve unpublished their prices so it might be more expensive now). I sincerely hope this is not a sign of things to come in Bacalar. So now we can finally get an idea of the total travel time from Im serious. On your boat trip in Bacalar, youll drop by a stunning area El Canal de Los Piratas, or Pirates Channel. This beach town on Mexicos Costa Maya is starting to get some similar Is this the next Tulum? buzz. Your plane flies much faster than a car, so the flight time is about 1/5th of the time it would take to drive. Bring a GoPro or waterproof camera. Its located about a 20-minute drive outside Bacalar, past the Cenote Azul. If you would rather be in a really nice place right in Bacalar town, where you can walk to all the restaurants, I recommend Hotel Carolina. If youre traveling solo in Bacalar and looking to meet friends, The Yak is a great spot for that reason. Get used to late night music, firecrackers, celebrations, and two people next to each other trying to drown out the others music. Traveling from Cancun to Bacalar takes around 5 hours when using the Ado buses and/or collectivos. Some of my friends decided to swim to the island and I knew theyd turn back exhausted long before they got there! (Bring enough pesos with you to sustain your stay; some but not all places in Bacalar take cards.). Here are the different ways to get to Bacalar. There are shaded seating areas with tables for eating, or you can sit back in lounge chairs. I loved that you could get any taco as a montadito in this case, wrapped in lettuce instead of tortillas. This monitoring greatly deters the presence of criminals in these tourist hotspots, which means tourists who stick to these areas are pretty safe. The hipsters. Bring earplugs. If youre looking for an affordable car rental in Mexico,I recommend using RentalCars.com. from the airport, based on how far the airport is from downtown. I knew wed have a great time. The tourist areas in Cancun are monitored more than anywhere else in the city by the Tourist Police and by agents of the military. Scroll down to see a more realistic calculation that takes I didnt go, but as soon as I came back, all my blogger friends admonished me for not eating here! Bacalar is the place to practice the fine art of chilling. The distance is the same either way if you're flying a straight line (or driving the same roads back and forth). This small island in the middle of the lake is home to migratory birds. Vincenty formula. (For what its worth, I LOVE Belize and I think Belize and Bacalar paired together could make a great trip. I agree the road is good but it has a very bad history of serious accidents. 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. Dont touch the stromatolites. My friends loved the cocktails, too. The main activity in the water is getting into the river and letting it carry you away downstream. The water is not safe to drink in Bacalar. More often violent crimes take place in neighborhoods that tourists really have no need, or no business, being in. The Cenote Azul, on the way out of Bacalar town, is a large open cenote. Bacalar is located only 215 km from Tulum which is 2hrs and a 30-minute drive. the way, check out the full road trip planner: In the quick calculation above, we assumed you had a private Dont take drinks from strangers. Its hot during the day and warm at night, but you might want to bring a cardigan in case you get a cooler night. Some people even call Bacalar The Maldives of Mexico. And honestlyI think thats a ridiculous title. Share your tips! 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. People travel to Bacalar to get away from the package tourist crowds. Stromatolites look like flat rocks sitting in the water, but theyre actually alive some of the worlds oldest living beings, and key in providing oxygen. 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. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. you'll be able to customize this plan, choosing your own airports Dont step on the stromatolites. I use andrecommendWorld Nomads for trips to Mexico. The road is in good condition and is safe to drive. Also, would love to hear about best places for a swim or to spend the day. Half Of Cancun Tourists Leave Their All-Inclusive Resorts During Vacations, Here Is Where They Go, This Off Path Beach Near Cancun Is The Perfect Place To Escape The Crowds, The Cancun Sun is an Off Path Enterprises production, original sound Worldwide Travel Guide . There are sufficient parking lots in Bacalar itself, and the journey from Cancun to Bacalar is easy and safe. Much of Bacalar is walkable, but if youre going further afield, call a taxi. No. Tulum to Bacalar | 215 km, 2.5 hours drive. Im so glad I decided to travel here. WebThe total driving distance from Cancun, Mexico to Bacalar, Mexico is 215 miles or 346 kilometers. 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. No brand name businesses, no resorts, not even Starbucks or McDonalds. They make delicious cocktails and ceviche. 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. I loved the huevos bacalareos, scrambled eggs with chaya, red salsa, and a bit of cheese. Finally, drive for about 16 minutes and arrive in Bacalar. This post was most recently updated in January 2023. Those establishments are equipped for increased crowds. We are a bit in the Wild West in terms of drone laws, so keep in mind that this could change anytime. 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. 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. Wifi in Bacalar is generally very slow; if youve got a Mexican phone plan, though, youll be connected. 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While tacos ranged from 85 pesos ($4.50) for cauliflower to 170 pesos ($9) for octopus, all montaditos were 90 pesos ($4.72). Tourists are not targets for pickpocketing, theft, or violent crimes, though you always should keep an eye on your belongings (in Bacalar and everywhere). give you an idea of how traveling might work between airports. Get driving directions 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. What else? If you happen to know Cancun, don't forget to help other Traveling around the Riviera Maya is safe in general and you should not encounter any problems on public transport. Bacalar is located in the far south of Mexicos Yucatn Peninsula, in Quintana Roo state, close to the Belize border. Rainy season runs roughly from June through November, with the rainiest months in September and October. Note: reef-safe sunscreen is the same as biodegradable sunscreen. The coolest site at Kohunlich is the Temple of the Masks, a pyramid flanked by human-like masks. 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. Next, drive for another 1 hour then stop in Tulum and stay for 2.5 hours. If youre traveling throughout Mexico, know that cenotes dont provide towels you always need to bring your own. Bacalar In that case, your travel time would really need to But I had no idea just how spectacularly beautiful Bacalar would be. That would be my top recommendation. There is a restaurant on-site and my friends had some not-so-good cocktails. This was a huge contrast to Bacalar and especially Los Rapidos, where they just asked you not to stand on the stromatolites.). Wearing water shoes or sports sandals would have been better. Between the river swimming and lounging in the hammocks, Los Rapidos makes for ONE FUN DAY OUT. 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. Some of my favorite photos of Bacalar were shot from the Cenote Negro, aimed outward toward the lake. However, visitors should be aware of potential hazards such as topes (speed bumps), potholes, and livestock on the road. If youre in the mood for sandy beaches and crashing waves, I recommend heading to nearby Mahahual. 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. Its absolutely on my list of top three places in Mexico at the very least! So that means we really need ), a full spa, and its like your own private corner of paradise. And best of all are the musicians, two men who played ukuleles and sang SO beautifully and really added to the atmosphere. Bring a towel ideally, a quick-dry travel towel. Driving Arrange a private shuttle to pick you up at the airport or hotel and bring you directly to Bacalar. Alternatively, you can bring areusable bottleand invest in aSteriPen water purifier(much better and faster than tablets). Eventually It takes approximately 4h 58m to drive from Cancun Airport (CUN) to Bacalar. 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. Next, drive for another 1 hour then stop in Tulum and stay for 2.5 hours. If you forget something, there are shops and sellers in town. 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. Know that its a lot further away than it looks. Playa del Carmen to Bacalar | You dont want drunk people spilling their tequila sunrises into that gorgeous blue water! It basically cuts straight down through the Riviera Maya passing Playa del Carmen and Tulum before reaching Bacalar. 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. Use biodegradable sunscreen exclusively. Plan ahead, especially if you have a dining reservation. But for most of us, we're going to be flying on a commercial airline 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). 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. Now that we have kids and so many bags, they wont fit in the rental car. How far is Bacalar from Cancun? Bacalar is the name of the town and also the lake (Laguna de Bacalar en espaol). WebThe drive from Bacalar to Cancn Airport takes about four hours. Mexicos Caribbean coast may be known for its clear blue water, but trust me, Bacalar lagoon turns the volume up even higher. 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. Rentalcars compares 900 companies at over 53,000 locations. 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. Mexico The road is in good condition and is safe to drive. Best day tours in Bacalar, Mexico The staff ask you not to wear any sunscreen while swimming in the cenote, not even biodegradable sunscreen. ), 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. But for now, here's an example we've selected to into account all these factors to get a more accurate estimate Let's say you're actually planning a road trip to Bacalar, and you want to stop on the way to explore. Protect the lagoon and its people. I think we all cringed when we saw that. It ends in Bacalar, Mexico. I personally dont think the New York Times piece goes far enough. Dont flush toilet paper. Your boat will likely dock a good distance from Bird Island. Located a short walk from the main square, the rooms are quirky and colorful, the bathrooms are modern, and theres a cute backyard area. (2023 note: these were the prices in early 2020. Of all the seven shades of blue, the bright turquoise surrounding Bird Island is probably my favorite shade. Some of the docks are outfitted with hammocks, swings, and more. 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. Or even better from Chetumal you can take a 90-minute ferry to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye! I use andrecommendWorld Nomads for trips to Mexico. Bacalar has so many wonderful restaurants and one incredibly overrated restaurant that of COURSE I will name. Has anyone made the trip recently or had any issues along the way? Bacalar Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week. Now that we have kids and so many bags, they wont fit in the rental car. Progress is happening whether we want it to or not, and its selfish to insist a place remain pleasing to your travel memories when locals could use the economic opportunity that comes with development. Cancun WebHeres my shortlist of the top Bacalar resorts: Overall Best Bacalar Luxury Hotel: Habitas Bacalar. There are lots of tours and activities from sunset kayak tours to day trips around the lake. 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. shortest distance is actually the "great circle" distance, or Dont Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip! If you dont have hot water, shower in the late afternoon. The water was brown; the beaches were littered with seaweed; the ruins were overcrowded; everything was grotesquely overpriced. Resist the urge to go to Tulum, Playa del Carmen, or Cancn. 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. Click here to guarantee you the best car rental price. I recommend staying within a 10-minute walk of the zcalo, which is the main square in the center of town. Visiting cenotes is one of the best part of traveling in Mexicos Yucatn Peninsula. Thanks! (Depending on how many stops) Are there crocodiles in Bacalar Lagoon? While those cities host a lot of package tourists, Bacalar is built for independent travelers. The bright cerulean that Miranda Priestly expounded upon in The Devil Wears Prada. We got hit by a gust of wind and the mast knocked the drone into the water, which usually destroys drones, but our captain Felipe jumped in and grabbed it quickly. If youre looking to experience the brightest, clearest, most shimmering body of water of your life, I have some advice: travel to Bacalar, Mexico. 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. And so a big group of friends and I decided to plan a weekend trip to Bacalar. Its a lot less in your face than Caye caulker or playa del carmen but it's such a tranquil little town. A shimmering, beautiful lake exploding in seven shade of blue. To see the details on this flight plan, including This is to protect the lake. Best Bacalar Luxury Hotel for Families: Mia Bacalar. The easiest way to stay safe when visiting Cancun or anywhere else is to always be conscious of your surroundings. Im convinced that its the most beautiful place in the country, and its proof that lakes can be much prettier than the ocean. 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. Also, would love to hear about best places for a swim or to spend the day. To Bacalar Dont wander off alone into unknown areas, and dont make yourself an easy target. I spent two months living in the city of Mrida, Mexico. We grabbed some food here after our boat tour. and flights. 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. 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!). Now let's assume you have a private jet and you can fly in the Staying Safe . ! Bacalar Limit your drinking. so go ahead and check the reverse directions to get the This road is quite straight, fairly well-maintained, and has good signage. 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. from Cancun to Bacalar Small drones are permitted at Bacalar for now. Like the Cenote Negro, Cenote Esmeralda is located within the lake and you cant swim here. Its nothing like the Maldives. During these months you have the least rainfall of the year and more pleasant temperatures. U.S. government employees should avoid traveling alone, especially in remote areas. No, Bacalar is quite far from Cancun, being on the opposite side of Tulum. There are lots of actions that you can take to preserve this environment. Traveling from Cancun to Bacalar takes around 5 hours when using the Ado buses and/or collectivos. Next, drive for another 1 hour then stop in Tulum and stay for 2.5 hours. WE DEVOURED IT ALL. Alternatively, book a private transfer from the airport to Bacalar. Drive for 2.5 hours then stop at Laguna Bacalar and stay for 1 hour. My favorite restaurant in Bacalar overall. WebHere's a sample itinerary for a drive from Cancun to Bacalar. This should be your #1 priority while traveling to Bacalar. In fact, the most important ways to stay safe in Bacalar are common sense. That may seem like basic information, but some people come to Bacalar expecting to see beaches and are disappointed. Tulum to Bacalar | 215 km, 2.5 hours drive. 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. for security, board and taxi on the runway, land at the other I hope you enjoy Bacalar as much as I did. . This is following a couple of isolated incidents that recently took place, but rarely do they tell the whole story. It takes approximately 4h 58m to drive from Cancun Airport (CUN) to Bacalar. More info on this route:drive from Cancun to Bacalarroad conditionsalternate routesGoogle driving directions. 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.
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