Kayaking is another fun way to explore Bacalar lagoon. I absolutely love Belize and think it makes an great place to visit after you spend time in Bacalar. I got octopus montaditos, they were incredibly delicious, and I felt like I saved a ton. Warning: the ADO site doesnt always take foreign cards, but they take Paypal. You cant always find this in Bacalar shops so be sure to buy some before you arrive. shortest distance is actually the "great circle" distance, or Now let's assume you have a private jet and you can fly in the Its also the grand finale of my two-week Mexico road trip itinerary on the Yucatn peninsula. Dont leave your belongings lying around. There are several ATMs on the main square in town, but none of them were working when we were there. 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. WebHere's a sample itinerary for a drive from Cancun to Bacalar. Dont touch the stromatolites. Share your tips! Almost all of my friends and I bought baseball caps for 100 pesos each ($5). READ MORE: Top 10 Travel Safety Tips for Women. Standing on the edge of a lake-enclosed cenote, as the water changed from light to dark. Has anyone made the trip recently or had any issues along the way? Warnings from U.S. officials and the government, as well as from news anchors, have been flooding social media and news outlets. I ended up floating down the river with my flip-flops on my wrists. Use biodegradable sunscreen exclusively. Mexico This should be your #1 priority while traveling to Bacalar. 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 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. Safety U.S. government employees should avoid traveling alone, especially in remote areas. The meat was sensational and the whole family was so warm and welcoming. 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. If you dont have a car, you can take a cab here. (The puppies might be grown up by the time you read this. WebBacalar is super safe. That would be my top recommendation. You can be swimming without touching the ground and ten feet away people will be standing in knee-deep water. Im convinced that its the most beautiful place in the country, and its proof that lakes can be much prettier than the ocean. I agree the road is good but it has a very bad history of serious accidents. To Bacalar 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. and flights. 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 Traveling around the Riviera Maya is safe in general and you should not encounter any problems on public transport. recommended restaurants, hotels, and things to do along They make delicious cocktails and ceviche. Of all the seven shades of blue, the bright turquoise surrounding Bird Island is probably my favorite shade. Get driving directions Alternatively, book a private transfer from the airport to Bacalar. If youre traveling throughout Mexico, know that cenotes dont provide towels you always need to bring your own. And being in nature is the perfect place to take time away from the Internet. from Cancun to Bacalar Now that we have kids and so many bags, they wont fit in the rental car. Youll need these. Recently we have been renting a car in Playa del Carmen and taking a private shuttle from the Cancun airport. It basically cuts straight down through the Riviera Maya passing Playa del Carmen and Tulum before reaching Bacalar. Now that we have kids and so many bags, they wont fit in the rental car. You must take highway 307 all the way to Bacalar. Cancun to Bacalar drive Bacalar is now one of my favorite places in Mexico and this is a country that I love fiercely. Bring earplugs. Bacalar is at its best weather-wise from December through March, though know its extremely busy and expensive over Christmas week and Holy Week. You can rent a kayak for the day here. . recommended airports, airline, and route, check out There are a few flights per week from Cancn to Chetumal on MAYAir, and a few flights per day from Mexico City on Volaris. There are lots of actions that you can take to preserve this environment. If you're planning a road trip to Bacalar, you can research locations to stop along the way. 3 years ago Save Hello, Were two gals planning a February trip 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). How far is Bacalar from Cancun It takes approximately 4h 58m to drive from Cancun Airport (CUN) to Bacalar. Only use biodegradable sunscreen. 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. WebBacalar is located in the far south of Mexicos Yucatn Peninsula, in Quintana Roo state, close to the Belize border. Instead, maybe youd like to sit on a dock with a beer in hand, watching the sky turn pink. Bacalar is a five-hour bus ride from Cancn International Airport, and its close to Tulum, Mahahual, and the Belize border if youre driving. We have been renting cars in Cancun and the Riveria Maya since 2013 and have already rented cars from the Cancun airport 5+ times. But if youre not a big group, you can join a boat tour here (with open bar!). If youre driving from Mrida to Bacalar, as I did with my friends, I have a GREAT lunch spot to recommend. Bacalar Yes, the driving distance between Cancun Airport (CUN) to Bacalar is 329 km. Several of the tourism professionals we met gave us permission to drone in Bacalar Lagoon and at Los Rapidos. Yes, the driving distance between Cancun Airport (CUN) to Bacalar is 329 km. At the same time, however, you need to be careful about writing guides about places like Bacalar. This narrow channel leads to the Caribbean Sea; historically, it was used by pirates. Most travelers to the Yucatn fly to Cancn, as it has the biggest airport and the most international flights. 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. . You can get an ADO bus from Bacalar to Mahahual; it takes one hour and 20 minutes. People who fall in love with the lake, but who understand the importance of protecting it, too. Bacalar WebThe total driving distance from Cancun, Mexico to Bacalar, Mexico is 215 miles or 346 kilometers. The choice is up to you. , (), , , () , : , Squid Game , . Samy). 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. Samys is a barbecue stand specializing in pork. Tulum is for the cool people. I hope you enjoy Bacalar as much as I did. Like the Cenote Negro, it suddenly goes from pale turquoise to navy blue as soon as you hit the drop-off. Staying Safe . Staying Safe . The single best way to see Bacalar is to take a boat tour of the lagoon. My favorite restaurant in Bacalar overall. Carry your repellant around with you in Bacalar they can bite you at any time of day, but theyre especially active at dusk. It is a two lane with no shoulders but locals often drive it at a high rate of speed leading to the accidents. Some people even call Bacalar The Maldives of Mexico. And honestlyI think thats a ridiculous title. 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. Also, would love to hear about best places for a swim or to spend the day. Consider bringing water shoesorsports sandals. It is a two lane with no shoulders but locals often drive it at a high rate of speed leading to the accidents. (Depending on how many stops) Are there crocodiles in Bacalar Lagoon? 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. It basically cuts straight down through the Riviera Maya passing Playa del Carmen and Tulum before reaching Bacalar. There are sufficient parking lots in Bacalar itself, and the journey from Cancun to Bacalar is easy and safe. People travel to Bacalar to enjoy a low-key, quirky town. In that case, your travel time would really need to Mango cardamom smoothies! There is a small museum on site telling the history of Bacalar. WebDrive from Cancun to Bacalar - safe? Bacalar-Cancun distance is 346 km (214miles), which is 4 hrs 30 minutes drive approximately. Resist the urge to go to Tulum, Playa del Carmen, or Cancn. The gourmands. Although the shooting is no doubt a scary incident, the fact is that the attack was likely directed toward individuals involved with drug dealing rather than tourists or hotel employees, none of which, as mentioned above, were injured during the attack. And so a big group of friends and I decided to plan a weekend trip to Bacalar. There are shaded seating areas with tables for eating, or you can sit back in lounge chairs. But since youre being pushed downstream, from one end of the river to the other, you cant get out at the same spot. That nearly derailed our trip. Avoid single-use plastics whenever possible. Vincenty formula. Eventually 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. Know that its a lot further away than it looks. U.S. government employees should avoid traveling alone, especially in remote areas. from the airport, based on how far the airport is from downtown. It ends in Bacalar, Mexico. 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. Two Weeks in Mexico: The BEST Yucatan Road Trip Itinerary Oh god, I certainly hope not. The soft aquamarine of a misty morning sky. With the airports selected, we can estimate the travel time to and 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. from Cancun to Bacalar I recommend you bring aLifeStraw Water Bottle, a bottle that purifies water as you drink it through its straw. This caused a fair amount of animosity from taxi drivers, to the point where they have even attacked Ubers with tourists in them, although none have been extremely violent and the attacks seem to have slowed down. ! The water was brown; the beaches were littered with seaweed; the ruins were overcrowded; everything was grotesquely overpriced. 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. Protect the lagoon and its people. Avoid them when you see them. 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. If you take these steps to protect yourself, you can have a safe and memorable vacation in Cancun. Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a popular activity in Bacalar. 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. Its absolutely on my list of top three places in Mexico at the very least! I agree the road is good but it has a very bad history of serious accidents. While tacos ranged from 85 pesos ($4.50) for cauliflower to 170 pesos ($9) for octopus, all montaditos were 90 pesos ($4.72). Bacalar is a very safe place to visit in Mexico. Because of the curvature of the Earth, the Some of the docks are outfitted with hammocks, swings, and more. Scroll down to see a more realistic calculation that takes Tulum to Bacalar. WebDrive from Cancun to Bacalar - safe? Bacalar gives you very good value for money a lot more than the aforementioned Mexican hotspots. They do sell water shoes at Los Rapidos. 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. Tulum to Bacalar | 215 km, 2.5 hours drive. to Bacalar The Cenote Azul, on the way out of Bacalar town, is a large open cenote. 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! And thats just during the day. Bacalar-Cancun distance is 346 km (214miles), which is 4 hrs 30 minutes drive approximately. That's what Trippy is perfect for, How far is Bacalar from Cancun Mango y Chile A very popular vegan restaurant right off the town square. You can take a cab there from Bacalar. One is the battle between Uber and taxi drivers that developed after officials announced that Uber drivers can operate in the city. Bring mosquito repellant. Alternatively, you can get from Tulum to Bacalar in the space of 3 hours. ! This spot specializes in steaks (though they also serve seafood) and the plating is beautiful. Click the button below to explore Bacalar in detail. Bacalar your total travel time for this trip. Safety Its crazy the lagoon is bright blue, then it suddenly drops off and turns the color of brand new dark-washed jeans. Small drones are permitted at Bacalar for now. The tourist areas in Cancun are monitored more than anywhere else in the city by the Tourist Police and by agents of the military. Get From Cancun To Bacalar, Mexico Laguna Bacalar is gorgeous, and the water is incredible shades of blue, but there are exactly ZERO white sand beaches here. Drive for about 1 hour, then stop in Playa del Carmen and stay for about 2 hours. YIKES. The closest airport to Bacalar is Chetumal, a 40-minute drive away but there arent a ton of flights to Chetumal. 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. plane and just wanted to know the time in the air from city to city. Traveling from Cancun to Bacalar takes around 5 hours when using the Ado buses and/or collectivos. Understand that there are no beaches in Bacalar, Mexico. That may seem like basic information, but some people come to Bacalar expecting to see beaches and are disappointed. A: Yes, it is safe. Cancun to Bacalar drive Another great option is heading to Belize next. Next, drive for another 1 hour then stop in Tulum and stay for 2.5 hours. There are so many ways to experience the beauty of the lagoon. Bacalar Even though Bacalar is a low-key place, it can be noisy in town at night. What else? Wait until you see sunset! 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. WebThe drive from Bacalar to Cancn Airport takes about four hours. to calculate the distance between cities. Cancun Always double-check online. Booking early can sometimes get you a lower rate. Cancun to Bacalar Driving My friends recently visited in January 2023 and the colors are as gorgeous as the photos in this post! fastest possible straight line between Cancun, Mexico and I ordered some banana bread and while it wasnt terrible, it was two teeny pieces about one inch by three inches long. Youll have lots of in-the-water photo opportunities at Bacalar! Because when we remain silent, the big outlets are the ones that drive the narrative. 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. This riverside club is perched on part of the river that feeds into Bacalar lagoon. 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. Drive for 2.5 hours then stop at Laguna Bacalar and stay for 1 hour. No brand name businesses, no resorts, not even Starbucks or McDonalds. Most of the photos in this post are from the boat tour. But for a real trip, there can be plenty of differences ), a full spa, and its like your own private corner of paradise. It ends in Bacalar, Mexico. Recently we have been renting a car in Playa del Carmen and taking a private shuttle from the Cancun airport. Let me show you what makes Bacalar magical! Bacalar is the name of the town and also the lake (Laguna de Bacalar en espaol). Tulum to Bacalar | 215 km, 2.5 hours drive. Cancun Airport (CUN) to Bacalar 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. And best of all are the musicians, two men who played ukuleles and sang SO beautifully and really added to the atmosphere. Dont wander off alone into unknown areas, and dont make yourself an easy target. This happened twice so it wasnt an isolated event. 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. helping you figure out travel plans in detail. Driving Located a short walk from the main square, the rooms are quirky and colorful, the bathrooms are modern, and theres a cute backyard area. Get travel insurance. distance from Bacalar to Cancun, or go to the main page Kimchi chicken sandwiches! In these cities, thieves and scammers target tourists and drug dealers solicit tourists. And they have PUPPIES THAT YOU CAN PLAY WITH!!! Most of the restaurants, bars, and activities are located within a few blocks of this square. While those cities host a lot of package tourists, Bacalar is built for independent travelers. The easiest way to stay safe when visiting Cancun or anywhere else is to always be conscious of your surroundings. 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. Pirates Channel is also home to a little island where an ill-fated restaurant was once built. Thanks! This is a very easy place to stay off your phone for a few days. Has anyone made the trip recently or had any issues along the way? Alternatively, you can bring areusable bottleand invest in aSteriPen water purifier(much better and faster than tablets). I sincerely hope this is not a sign of things to come in Bacalar. Drive from Cancun to Bacalar Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Always check the laws online before you fly. 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. Drive for about 1 hour, then stop in Playa del Carmen and stay for about 2 hours. Let's say you're actually planning a road trip to Bacalar, and you want to stop on the way to explore. 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.