is it safe to drive from cancun to bacalar

Head to Los Rapidos, where you can tear down clear teal river rapids, giggling the whole time. Most of the photos in this post are from the boat tour. Bacalar is a very safe place to visit in Mexico. If you have any extra days, feel free to fill them with whatever you want but please prioritize a boat trip and Los Rapidos. I know its not sexy, but travel insurance can save your life or finances if you have an emergency on the road. Traveler Alert:Dont Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip! 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. WebThe drive from Bacalar to Cancn Airport takes about four hours. Dont wander off alone into unknown areas, and dont make yourself an easy target. I LOVE LOS RAPIDOS! This is the only kind of sunscreen you should use in the lake. This post was most recently updated in January 2023. . People who fall in love with the lake, but who understand the importance of protecting it, too. Next, drive for another 1 hour then stop in Tulum and stay for 2.5 hours. If you take these steps to protect yourself, you can have a safe and memorable vacation in Cancun. A shimmering, beautiful lake exploding in seven shade of blue. Dont flush toilet paper. Samy). Enter your email address to subscribe to The Cancun Suns latest breaking news affecting travelers, straight to your inbox. into account all these factors to get a more accurate estimate 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. Screaming with joy as a river whisked me down the rapids. The meat was sensational and the whole family was so warm and welcoming. Kayaks are available for rent throughout the town if you see a place on the lake, chances are they have kayaks to rent. 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. 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. 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. 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. Lots of casual ramshackle businesses with a few snazzier spots thrown in. It is safe to drive from Cancun to Bacalar. Booking early can sometimes get you a lower rate. Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week. 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. Arrange a private shuttle to pick you up at the airport or hotel and bring you directly to Bacalar. Best of the Yucatn and the Caribbean Coast: Have you traveled to Bacalar? Drive for 2.5 hours then stop at Laguna Bacalar and stay for 1 hour. I got octopus montaditos, they were incredibly delicious, and I felt like I saved a ton. Bacalar is now one of my favorite places in Mexico and this is a country that I love fiercely. 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. plane and just wanted to know the time in the air from city to city. Youll need these. WebWere driving during the day from the Cancun airport to Bacalar, considering taking the 307. This is an incredibly popular breakfast spot, made for Instagram with its plant-filled courtyard and free trade market inside. () , . Bacalar is located in the far south of Mexicos Yucatn Peninsula, in Quintana Roo state, close to the Belize border. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members. Since my friends and I were traveling in a large group, we booked a private Bacalar boat tour. 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. I think we all cringed when we saw that. And if the huge presence of security personnel isnt enough, there are security cameras everywhere to help law enforcement catch criminals when a crime does occur. They make delicious cocktails and ceviche. Dont take drinks from strangers. Finally, drive for about 16 minutes and arrive in Bacalar. This road is quite straight, fairly well-maintained, and has good signage. Also, would love to hear about best places for a swim or to spend the day. Small drones are permitted at Bacalar for now. To get a better idea of how long this trip would really be, scroll down to calculate how many hours it would take if you drive with stops. 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. Let Bacalars beauty stand on its own without comparing it to somewhere else! 3 years ago Save Hello, Were two gals planning a February trip to Bacalar. 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. You cant always find this in Bacalar shops so be sure to buy some before you arrive. Tulum is for the cool people. Also, would love to hear about best places for a swim or to spend the day. 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. One of the reasons Cancun is safer than the news makes you think is that there is security everywhere. Always check the laws online before you fly. Its a lot less in your face than Caye caulker or playa del carmen but it's such a tranquil little town. 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). But more than that Bacalar is significantly safer than Quintana Roo hotspots like Cancn, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. This happened twice so it wasnt an isolated event. To see all the details on this itinerary, including 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. Im not the biggest fan of open cenotes they look more like lakes and are far less spectacular than cave-like semi-open cenotes but this was a pleasant place to stop for a swim. Now that we have kids and so many bags, they wont fit in the rental car. your total travel time for this trip. Several of the tourism professionals we met gave us permission to drone in Bacalar Lagoon and at Los Rapidos. ), On the first visit, when the nine of us got 2.5 kilos of meat, we paid 100 pesos ($5) each. Los Rpidos has exactly one problem: the grounds are covered with gravel that is VERY painful to walk on barefoot. Dont wander off alone into unknown areas, and dont make yourself an easy target. the flight planner: Trippy has a ton of information that can help you plan your trip to Bacalar, Mexico. The travelers who come to Bacalar are looking for something better somewhere away from the popular places with all-inclusive resorts, away from the xenophobes complaining that its dangerous outside their resort and Mexican food is just too spicy for them, away from the drug dealers asking people if they want coke. Bacalar is a very small town where international tourism is still at a fairly early stage. There are several ATMs on the main square in town, but none of them were working when we were there. 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. Get driving directions 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. It takes approximately 4h 58m to drive from Cancun Airport (CUN) to Bacalar. 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. Many of the warnings about security in Cancun stem from a couple of recent incidents that have taken place in the city. 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. Then again, some people prefer the isolation and quiet of being further out on the lagoon, eating most of their meals at their accommodation. This felt very much like a place capitulating to the Tulum aesthetic all style, no substance, and very overpriced. If you're planning a road trip to Bacalar, you can research locations to stop along the way. (Depending on how many stops) Are there crocodiles in Bacalar Lagoon? Yes, the driving distance between Cancun Airport (CUN) to Bacalar is 329 km. First off, Mexico is much safer than the media would have you believe. Click here to guarantee you the best car rental price. Cancns flights to Chetumal tend to be at awkward times for transfers. You must take highway 307 all the way to Bacalar. Mexican Federal Highway 307 runs from Cancun to Bacalar. What else? Or even better from Chetumal you can take a 90-minute ferry to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye! My friends recently visited in January 2023 and the colors are as gorgeous as the photos in this post! The water was brown; the beaches were littered with seaweed; the ruins were overcrowded; everything was grotesquely overpriced. Use biodegradable sunscreen exclusively. WebStart in Cancun. Eventually Tulum to Bacalar. Wait until you see sunset! Its not worth flying into another country to head straight for the border and going through immigration a second time. Here's the quick answer if you are able to make this entire trip by car without stopping. If youre looking for an affordable car rental in Mexico,I recommend using RentalCars.com. 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. WebWere driving during the day from the Cancun airport to Bacalar, considering taking the 307. Also, would love to hear about best places for a swim or to spend the day. Alternatively, book a private transfer from the airport to Bacalar. Some people even call Bacalar The Maldives of Mexico. And honestlyI think thats a ridiculous title. WE DEVOURED IT ALL. However, visitors should be aware of potential hazards such as topes (speed bumps), potholes, and livestock on the road. Dont touch the stromatolites. If you want to have easy access to the town, you want to be central. Dont leave your belongings lying around. The tourist areas in Cancun are monitored more than anywhere else in the city by the Tourist Police and by agents of the military. The Cenote Azul, on the way out of Bacalar town, is a large open cenote. "as the crow flies" which is calculated using an iterative Instead, maybe youd like to sit on a dock with a beer in hand, watching the sky turn pink. There are a few ropes up to catch you, and you can rent a lifejacket if youd like. Also, would love to hear about best places for a swim or to spend the day. The choice is up to you. Even if you dont go to Los Rapidos (WHY WOULD YOU NOT GO TO LOS RAPIDOS?! Next, drive for another 1 hour then stop in Tulum and stay for 2.5 hours. Bacalar doesnt get insanely crowded at least not yet but you might struggle to get a table at one of the top restaurants. Like the Cenote Negro, Cenote Esmeralda is located within the lake and you cant swim here. 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. 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. U.S. government employees should avoid traveling alone, especially in remote areas. Finally, drive for about 16 minutes and arrive in Bacalar. Bacalar is already part of the itinerary so you can easily add in more. Alternatively, you can get from Tulum to Bacalar in the space of 3 hours. Laguna Bacalar is gorgeous, and the water is incredible shades of blue, but there are exactly ZERO white sand beaches here. Here are the different ways to get to Bacalar. It basically cuts straight down through the Riviera Maya passing Playa del Carmen and Tulum before reaching Bacalar. 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. To be sure, crime does occur in Cancun and throughout the Mexican Caribbean, but it does in every tourist city across America too. That's what Trippy is perfect for, and flights. Start by reading the Trippy page on where to stay in Bacalar. If youre traveling throughout Mexico, know that cenotes dont provide towels you always need to bring your own. 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. Resist the urge to go to Tulum, Playa del Carmen, or Cancn. Avoid single-use plastics whenever possible. 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. 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. : ! If youre new to Mexico, Ive got news for you this is a noisy country. Its absolutely on my list of top three places in Mexico at the very least! Be gentle with the plumbing. If you take these steps to protect yourself, you can have a safe and memorable vacation in Cancun. Bacalar is the place to practice the fine art of chilling. Traveling around the Riviera Maya is safe in general and you should not encounter any problems on public transport. But Cenote Esmeralda itself isnt the attraction the area around Cenote Esmeralda is. Arrange a private shuttle to pick you up at the airport or hotel and bring you directly to Bacalar. recommended restaurants, hotels, and things to do along Click the button below to explore Bacalar in detail. 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. So why write a Bacalar travel guide at all? Those are the two best things to do in Bacalar. 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 Most travelers to the Yucatn fly to Cancn, as it has the biggest airport and the most international flights. With the airports selected, we can estimate the travel time to and (Depending on how many stops) Are there crocodiles in Bacalar Lagoon? (Ive also seen stromatolites at Hamelin Pool in Western Australia, and they didnt allow people to go anywhere near them in the water. So that means we really need airport, and get to your destination. Staying Safe . 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. How far is Bacalar from Cancun? Because when we remain silent, the big outlets are the ones that drive the narrative. include how many minutes to get to your local airport, wait The easiest way to stay safe when visiting Cancun or anywhere else is to always be conscious of your surroundings. Is Bacalar near Cancun? 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. The bright cerulean that Miranda Priestly expounded upon in The Devil Wears Prada. (The puppies might be grown up by the time you read this. their mezcal margaritas were! Hot water isnt always a given. Standing on the edge of a lake-enclosed cenote, as the water changed from light to dark. distance from Bacalar to Cancun, or go to the main page Thanks! There are 5 ways to get from Cancn to Bacalar: by bus, car, plane, or train. Kayaks are also available for rent. Bacalar is at its best weather-wise from December through March, though know its extremely busy and expensive over Christmas week and Holy Week. One should be spent on a boat trip on the lake and one should be spent at Los Rapidos. Its a special place, and so different from the rest of 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. While those cities host a lot of package tourists, Bacalar is built for independent travelers. WebDrive from Cancun to Bacalar - safe? Now let's assume you have a private jet and you can fly in the Get driving directions There are lots of tours and activities from sunset kayak tours to day trips around the lake. Plan ahead, especially if you have a dining reservation. Showering in cold water first thing in the morning is a wild way to wake up. Bacalar is utterly peaceful, especially once you get away from the town. There are lots of cool buildings on shore, something that Im sure will increase as Bacalar continues to develop. The main activity in the water is getting into the river and letting it carry you away downstream. If you're planning a road trip to Bacalar, you can research locations to stop along the way. This is to protect the lake. (For what its worth, I LOVE Belize and I think Belize and Bacalar paired together could make a great trip. 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. ! The distance is the same either way if you're flying a straight line (or driving the same roads back and forth). To give you a better estimate of real-life travel, we've WebBacalar is super safe. 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. This fort is located in the center of town, across from Bacalars main square. the airports, an estimated wait time of 2 hours at the airport for TSA Of all the seven shades of blue, the bright turquoise surrounding Bird Island is probably my favorite shade. I knew wed have a great time. Cancn is for spring breakers, partiers, and people afraid to leave their resorts; Playa del Carmen is for people who want to visit Mexico, but surrounded by the comforts of home. There is a restaurant on-site and my friends had some not-so-good cocktails. 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. travelers and answer some questions about Cancun! 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. This small island in the middle of the lake is home to migratory birds. Those establishments are equipped for increased crowds. So why write a Bacalar travel guide at all? Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. , . my two-week Yucatan peninsula road trip itinerary. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. I would advise not visiting during this time if possible, but if you do, be prepared to leave if a major storm hits. Because of the curvature of the Earth, the Los Rapidos is at the end of a long dirt road. There is a small museum on site telling the history of Bacalar. I was surprised at how good (and LARGE!) You can take a cab there from Bacalar. Ideally, you shouldnt flush toilet paper anywhere in Mexico, but the plumbing system is especially delicate in Bacalar. WebBacalar is located in the far south of Mexicos Yucatn Peninsula, in Quintana Roo state, close to the Belize border. The single best way to see Bacalar is to take a boat tour of the lagoon. 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! The cost to enter the Cenote Azul and restaurant is 25 pesos ($1). More info on this route:drive from Cancun to Bacalarroad conditionsalternate routesGoogle driving directions. Some of my favorite photos of Bacalar were shot from the Cenote Negro, aimed outward toward the lake. 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. Most of the restaurants, bars, and activities are located within a few blocks of this square. There are so many ways to experience the beauty of the lagoon. Tulum to Bacalar | 215 km, 2.5 hours drive. 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. People travel to Bacalar to immerse in nature and get away from it all. Its located on the edge of Bacalar town. Traveling around the Riviera Maya is safe in general and you should not encounter any problems on public transport. WebStart in Cancun. Tourists are not targets for pickpocketing, theft, or violent crimes, though you always should keep an eye on your belongings (in Bacalar and everywhere). If you happen to know Cancun, don't forget to help other If you take these steps to protect yourself, you can have a safe and memorable vacation in Cancun. Departure airport: Cancn International Airport (CUN), Arrival airport: Chetumal International Airport (CTM). 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. waiting for our flight, and making it to the destination. You can get an ADO bus from Bacalar to Mahahual; it takes one hour and 20 minutes. This is located in front of Hotel Kairs. Wearing water shoes or sports sandals would have been better. Normally, youd leave your sandals on shore. Mango cardamom smoothies! Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. 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. ADO buses run to Bacalar from destinations throughout the Yucatn. Mosquitos love lakes. shortest distance is actually the "great circle" distance, or The road is in good condition and is safe to drive. In other words, Bacalar doesnt force you to be offline, but if youre willing to do so, this would be a great place. Is there any chance of Bacalar remaining just as it is now? If you want to stay somewhere that feels high-end but doesnt break the bank, Casa Chukum is a great option. Bring a towel ideally, a quick-dry travel towel. give you an idea of how traveling might work between airports. Im serious. People travel to Bacalar to experience the beauty of its famous lagoon the Lake of Seven Colors. I sincerely hope this is not a sign of things to come in Bacalar. A: Yes, it is safe. That nearly derailed our trip. Now that we have kids and so many bags, they wont fit in the rental car. Scroll down to see a more realistic calculation that takes From Cancn you can hop on a five-hour bus to Bacalar. Its the kind of thing you dont think you need UNTIL YOU NEED IT. 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. 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!). You are going to be disappointed by comparison. This beach town on Mexicos Costa Maya is starting to get some similar Is this the next Tulum? buzz. The hipsters. for security, board and taxi on the runway, land at the other 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. Understand that there are no beaches in Bacalar, Mexico. : " . Between the river swimming and lounging in the hammocks, Los Rapidos makes for ONE FUN DAY OUT. But for now, here's an example we've selected to Drive for about 1 hour, then stop in Playa del Carmen and stay for about 2 hours. The water is not safe to drink in Bacalar. The free trade market was filled with clothing and art flowy dresses that were not remotely Yucatecan but made for Instagram, and crockery that my friend Nathan said he had seen sold for a fraction of the price elsewhere. Some of my friends decided to swim to the island and I knew theyd turn back exhausted long before they got there! Bacalar is a five-hour bus ride from Cancn International Airport, and its close to Tulum, Mahahual, and the Belize border if youre driving. This is a relatively short flight in a private plane, but you might be planning to book a commercial flight. No. It survived. La Pia This outdoor restaurant, hidden a bit from the street, has wonderful, healthy dishes and a friendly staff. While many of these docks are owned by hotels or restaurants, some are free for anyone to go and enjoy. Meanwhile, your likeliest danger in Bacalar is ending up with a painful sunburn from not reapplying your biodegradable sunscreen throughout the day. Warning: the ADO site doesnt always take foreign cards, but they take Paypal. . to calculate the distance between cities. Im convinced that its the most beautiful place in the country, and its proof that lakes can be much prettier than the ocean. (2023 Update: an earlier version of this post mentioned Hotel Kairos, where I personally stayed, but its now closed.). security lines and waiting at the gate, and the actual flight itself. Sometimes its normal sand, but sometimes it can be hard and sometimes its squishy mud. Its also the grand finale of my two-week Mexico road trip itinerary on the Yucatn peninsula. And best of all are the musicians, two men who played ukuleles and sang SO beautifully and really added to the atmosphere.
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