is it safe to drive from cancun to bacalar

Its absolutely on my list of top three places in Mexico at the very least! 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). But be careful its very tough to land a drone on a boat. I ended up floating down the river with my flip-flops on my wrists. WebHeres my shortlist of the top Bacalar resorts: Overall Best Bacalar Luxury Hotel: Habitas Bacalar. for security, board and taxi on the runway, land at the other Bacalar is a very safe place to visit in Mexico. 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 youre looking for an affordable car rental in Mexico,I recommend using RentalCars.com. I hope you enjoy Bacalar as much as I did. 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. 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. Next, drive for another 1 hour then stop in Tulum and stay for 2.5 hours. I was surprised at how good (and LARGE!) Recently we have been renting a car in Playa del Carmen and taking a private shuttle from the Cancun airport. If you want to have easy access to the town, you want to be central. You can get an ADO bus from Bacalar to Mahahual; it takes one hour and 20 minutes. I ordered some banana bread and while it wasnt terrible, it was two teeny pieces about one inch by three inches long. And they have PUPPIES THAT YOU CAN PLAY WITH!!! 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. We grabbed some food here after our boat tour. Small drones are permitted at Bacalar for now. Only use biodegradable sunscreen. And being in nature is the perfect place to take time away from the Internet. If you take these steps to protect yourself, you can have a safe and memorable vacation in Cancun. to account for all the extra travel time getting to the airport, Children get in for free. 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. I absolutely love Belize and think it makes an great place to visit after you spend time in Bacalar. You must take highway 307 all the way to Bacalar. Head to Los Rapidos, where you can tear down clear teal river rapids, giggling the whole time. Like the Cenote Negro, it suddenly goes from pale turquoise to navy blue as soon as you hit the drop-off. Normally, youd leave your sandals on shore. I want to send Samys as much business as possible. 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. Be sure to take a look at my two-week Yucatan peninsula road trip itinerary, which can be adapted to shorter trips. This fort is located in the center of town, across from Bacalars main square. 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. the flight planner: Trippy has a ton of information that can help you plan your trip to Bacalar, Mexico. Cancns flights to Chetumal tend to be at awkward times for transfers. Hot water isnt always a given. Bacalar gives you very good value for money a lot more than the aforementioned Mexican hotspots. There is a small museum on site telling the history of Bacalar. There are sufficient parking lots in Bacalar itself, and the journey from Cancun to Bacalar is easy and safe. Tulum to Bacalar. Plan ahead, especially if you have a dining reservation. 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. ), the texture of the bottom of the lake can beless than pleasant. 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. Dont take drinks from strangers. Bacalar-Cancun distance is 346 km (214miles), which is 4 hrs 30 minutes drive approximately. 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. Rentalcars compares 900 companies at over 53,000 locations. Nixtamal One of the best restaurants in Bacalar, Nixtamal has a cave-like atmosphere with a fire going. Carry your repellant around with you in Bacalar they can bite you at any time of day, but theyre especially active at dusk. Bacalar is situated in the state of Quintana Roo in southwestern Mexico, near the border with Belize. , . The meat was sensational and the whole family was so warm and welcoming. As soon as I visited Bacalar, I knew I was determined to write a Bacalar travel guide one that would help all of you have as good a time here as I did, my dear readers. But for most of us, we're going to be flying on a commercial airline I got octopus montaditos, they were incredibly delicious, and I felt like I saved a ton. , (), , , () , : , Squid Game , . 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. More info on this route:drive from Cancun to Bacalarroad conditionsalternate routesGoogle driving directions. Thanks! In other words, Bacalar doesnt force you to be offline, but if youre willing to do so, this would be a great place. the way, check out the full road trip planner: In the quick calculation above, we assumed you had a private Here's the quick answer if you are able to make this entire trip by car without stopping. The bohemians. And so a big group of friends and I decided to plan a weekend trip to Bacalar. Also, would love to hear about best places for a swim or to spend the day. Cancun to Bacalar including time spent getting to/from Hopefully this guide will do that. Yes, the driving distance between Cancun Airport (CUN) to Bacalar is 329 km. Share your tips! Click here to guarantee you the best car rental price. Arrange a private shuttle to pick you up at the airport or hotel and bring you directly to Bacalar. I loved the huevos bacalareos, scrambled eggs with chaya, red salsa, and a bit of cheese. Staying Safe . So why write a Bacalar travel guide at all? Note: reef-safe sunscreen is the same as biodegradable sunscreen. Best day tours in Bacalar, Mexico This felt very much like a place capitulating to the Tulum aesthetic all style, no substance, and very overpriced. WE DEVOURED IT ALL. from the airport, based on how far the airport is from downtown. Finally, drive for about 16 minutes and arrive in 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. Now that we have kids and so many bags, they wont fit in the rental car. I think we all cringed when we saw that. recommended restaurants, hotels, and things to do along . Some people even call Bacalar The Maldives of Mexico. And honestlyI think thats a ridiculous title. Several of the tourism professionals we met gave us permission to drone in Bacalar Lagoon and at Los Rapidos. You must take highway 307 all the way to Bacalar. Let Bacalars beauty stand on its own without comparing it to somewhere else! 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 This happened twice so it wasnt an isolated event. Bacalar-Cancun distance is 346 km (214miles), which is 4 hrs 30 minutes drive approximately. I knew wed have a great time. BRING ENOUGH PESOS TO LAST YOUR WHOLE TRIP. 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!). I know its not sexy, but travel insurance can save your life or finances if you have an emergency on the road. Bacalar is located only 215 km from Tulum which is 2hrs and a 30-minute drive. Best day tours in Bacalar, Mexico Like the Cenote Negro, Cenote Esmeralda is located within the lake and you cant swim here. READ MORE: Top 10 Travel Safety Tips for Women. Lock up your valuables in a portable safe. There are lots of actions that you can take to preserve this environment. I agree the road is good but it has a very bad history of serious accidents. Showering in cold water first thing in the morning is a wild way to wake up. There are a few ropes up to catch you, and you can rent a lifejacket if youd like. Even if you dont go to Los Rapidos (WHY WOULD YOU NOT GO TO LOS RAPIDOS?! Pirates Channel is also home to a little island where an ill-fated restaurant was once built. But if youre not a big group, you can join a boat tour here (with open bar!). Next, drive for another 1 hour then stop in Tulum and stay for 2.5 hours. Kayaks are also available for rent. First off, Mexico is much safer than the media would have you believe. 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. This narrow channel leads to the Caribbean Sea; historically, it was used by pirates. This beach town on Mexicos Costa Maya is starting to get some similar Is this the next Tulum? buzz. Solo Female Travel in Mexico: Is it Safe? their mezcal margaritas were! You can take a cab there from Bacalar. Depends on your budget, but I like Casa Chukum for a mid-range hotel and Yak Lake House for a budget-friendly spot. This is located in front of Hotel Kairs. Even though Bacalar is a low-key place, it can be noisy in town at night. Drive for about 1 hour, then stop in Playa del Carmen and stay for about 2 hours. 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. 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. Click the button below to explore Bacalar in detail. People travel to Bacalar to get away from the package tourist crowds. If you dont have a car, you can take a cab here. If you take these steps to protect yourself, you can have a safe and memorable vacation in Cancun. 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. We have been renting cars in Cancun and the Riveria Maya since 2013 and have already rented cars from the Cancun airport 5+ times. Booking early can sometimes get you a lower rate. The choice is up to you. 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 Samys is a barbecue stand specializing in pork. My favorite restaurant in Bacalar overall. This has ended and was back to normal in 2022. To be sure, crime does occur in Cancun and throughout the Mexican Caribbean, but it does in every tourist city across America too. Standing on the edge of a lake-enclosed cenote, as the water changed from light to dark. Now let's assume you have a private jet and you can fly in the Arrange a private shuttle to pick you up at the airport or hotel and bring you directly to Bacalar. 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. 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. WebDrive from Cancun to Bacalar - safe? I use andrecommendWorld Nomads for trips to Mexico. So now we can finally get an idea of the total travel time from 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. put together a flight itinerary with actual airports. Has anyone made the trip recently or had any issues along the way? From Cancn you can hop on a five-hour bus to Bacalar. I spent two months living in the city of Mrida, Mexico. 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 You want even crazier water? 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. Yes, the driving distance between Cancun Airport (CUN) to Bacalar is 329 km. Start by reading the Trippy page on where to stay in Bacalar. This was a huge contrast to Bacalar and especially Los Rapidos, where they just asked you not to stand on the stromatolites.). Lots of casual ramshackle businesses with a few snazzier spots thrown in. I loved that you could get any taco as a montadito in this case, wrapped in lettuce instead of tortillas. The water is not safe to drink in Bacalar. Bacalar is at its best weather-wise from December through March, though know its extremely busy and expensive over Christmas week and Holy Week. This is the only kind of sunscreen you should use in the lake. The single best way to see Bacalar is to take a boat tour of the lagoon. 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 easiest way to stay safe when visiting Cancun or anywhere else is to always be conscious of your surroundings. Almost all of my friends and I bought baseball caps for 100 pesos each ($5). At the same time, however, you need to be careful about writing guides about places like Bacalar. , : , . Next, drive for another 1 hour then stop in Tulum and stay for 2.5 hours. Dont flush toilet paper. Los Rpidos has exactly one problem: the grounds are covered with gravel that is VERY painful to walk on barefoot. Avoid single-use plastics whenever possible. Vincenty formula. Be gentle with the plumbing. Most of the photos in this post are from the boat tour. Hurricane season officially runs from June through November on Mexicos Caribbean coast, but the biggest hurricanes tend to hit from August to October. This is the single most important advice I can give you. The closest airport to Bacalar is Chetumal, a 40-minute drive away but there arent a ton of flights to Chetumal. If you're planning a road trip to Bacalar, you can research locations to stop along the way. 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. Mexican Federal Highway 307 runs from Cancun to Bacalar. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members. Mexican Federal Highway 307 runs from Cancun to Bacalar. You might have to go to several shops to find what you need. Instead, maybe youd like to sit on a dock with a beer in hand, watching the sky turn pink. Alternatively, you can bring areusable bottleand invest in aSteriPen water purifier(much better and faster than tablets). A shimmering, beautiful lake exploding in seven shade of blue. 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 WebWere driving during the day from the Cancun airport to Bacalar, considering taking the 307. More often violent crimes take place in neighborhoods that tourists really have no need, or no business, being in. Its located about a 20-minute drive outside Bacalar, past the Cenote Azul. That's what Trippy is perfect for, WebThe total driving distance from Cancun, Mexico to Bacalar, Mexico is 215 miles or 346 kilometers. Rentalcars compares 900 companies at over 53,000 locations. Bring a GoPro or waterproof camera. But I had no idea just how spectacularly beautiful Bacalar would be. This road is quite straight, fairly well-maintained, and has good signage. : ! The water was brown; the beaches were littered with seaweed; the ruins were overcrowded; everything was grotesquely overpriced. Bacalar is utterly peaceful, especially once you get away from the town. If you happen to know Cancun, don't forget to help other Los Rapidos is one of the most fun places Ive been in Mexico. That would be terrible. That nearly derailed our trip. A: Yes, it is safe. 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. (Bring enough pesos with you to sustain your stay; some but not all places in Bacalar take cards.). 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. It basically cuts straight down through the Riviera Maya passing Playa del Carmen and Tulum before reaching Bacalar. The toilets take awhile to refill between flushes. It survived. Drive for 2.5 hours then stop at Laguna Bacalar and stay for 1 hour. The cost to enter the Cenote Azul and restaurant is 25 pesos ($1). And best of all are the musicians, two men who played ukuleles and sang SO beautifully and really added to the atmosphere. The road is in good condition and is safe to drive. Youve already been to a much better place. WebStart in Cancun. Know that its a lot further away than it looks. (Ive also seen stromatolites at Hamelin Pool in Western Australia, and they didnt allow people to go anywhere near them in the water. But for a real trip, there can be plenty of differences Bacalar is a very small town where international tourism is still at a fairly early stage. ARRR! Because when we remain silent, the big outlets are the ones that drive the narrative. Most of the restaurants, bars, and activities are located within a few blocks of this square. Get driving directions 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. I hear the veggie burgers are great. Kayaks are available for rent throughout the town if you see a place on the lake, chances are they have kayaks to rent. Whats the best area to stay in Bacalar? ! Rainy season runs roughly from June through November, with the rainiest months in September and October. Has anyone made the trip recently or had any issues along the way? Avoid them when you see them. 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. In terms of photography, the Cenote Negro is a great vantage point for capturing all shades of the Lake of Seven Colors. Your boat will likely dock a good distance from Bird Island. Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a popular activity in Bacalar. Service is slow. 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. There are a few flights per week from Cancn to Chetumal on MAYAir, and a few flights per day from Mexico City on Volaris. People travel to Bacalar to experience the beauty of its famous lagoon the Lake of Seven Colors. There are lots of cool buildings on shore, something that Im sure will increase as Bacalar continues to develop. Or even better from Chetumal you can take a 90-minute ferry to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye! See below for more details on how to get to Bacalar by plane, bus, and car. Traveling around the Riviera Maya is safe in general and you should not encounter any problems on public transport. Scroll down to see a more realistic calculation that takes The easiest and cheapest way to get there is by car. Its one thing to write about cocktail bars in New York or museums in Paris. Im going to make things easy for you: you should spend at least two full days in Bacalar. Bacalar is already part of the itinerary so you can easily add in more. If youre traveling throughout Mexico, know that cenotes dont provide towels you always need to bring your own. If youre in the mood for sandy beaches and crashing waves, I recommend heading to nearby Mahahual. And thats just during the day. Staying Safe . Playa del Carmen to Bacalar | Is there any chance of Bacalar remaining just as it is now? This has been the narrative for quite some time. Bacalar has accommodation available at a variety of price tiers, but know that much of it can be more basic than you expect. The distance is the same either way if you're flying a straight line (or driving the same roads back and forth). Most travelers to the Yucatn fly to Cancn, as it has the biggest airport and the most international flights. Another great option is heading to Belize next. In that case, your travel time would really need to Consider bringing water shoesorsports sandals. Tulum to Bacalar | 215 km, 2.5 hours drive. This small island in the middle of the lake is home to migratory birds. If youre traveling solo in Bacalar and looking to meet friends, The Yak is a great spot for that reason. Your boat trip will give you a good amount of time to explore Pirates Channel ours gave us about an hour! The best time to visit Bacalar in terms of weather is from December through March. There are so many ways to experience the beauty of the lagoon. My friends loved the cocktails, too. . If youre driving from Mrida to Bacalar, as I did with my friends, I have a GREAT lunch spot to recommend. Also, would love to hear about best places for a swim or to spend the day. 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. Best Bacalar Luxury Hotel for Families: Mia Bacalar. Great beers; skip the hummus; the true highlight was the scallop aguachile (like ceviche but much spicier) quite possibly the best dish I ate in all of Bacalar. of your actual flight time. 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. Traveler Alert:Dont Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip! Dont touch the stromatolites. 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. ), 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. 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. 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. Dont wander off alone into unknown areas, and dont make yourself an easy target. Bacalar is the place to practice the fine art of chilling. 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. But since youre being pushed downstream, from one end of the river to the other, you cant get out at the same spot. Your plane flies much faster than a car, so the flight time is about 1/5th of the time it would take to drive. WebBacalar is located in the far south of Mexicos Yucatn Peninsula, in Quintana Roo state, close to the Belize border. helping you figure out travel plans in detail. give you an idea of how traveling might work between airports. WebHere's a sample itinerary for a drive from Cancun to Bacalar. Departure airport: Cancn International Airport (CUN), Arrival airport: Chetumal International Airport (CTM). 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. While many of these docks are owned by hotels or restaurants, some are free for anyone to go and enjoy. Youll have lots of in-the-water photo opportunities at Bacalar! Im serious. airport, and get to your destination. Has anyone made the trip recently or had any issues along the way? Bacalar is located in the far south of Mexicos Yucatn Peninsula, in Quintana Roo state, close to the Belize border. you'll be able to customize this plan, choosing your own airports I use andrecommendWorld Nomads for trips to Mexico. 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.

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