From Cancun, it takes just over 4 hours to drive to Bacalar by car.
You can also take a bus from Cancun. The journey takes approximately 5.5 hours, and a ticket costs between 35 and 45 dollars. You can easily arrange bus tickets online through Bookaway.
From Tulum, it takes about 2.5 hours to drive to Bacalar by car.
You can also take a bus from Tulum. The journey takes approximately 3 hours, and a ticket costs between 20 and 30 dollars. You can easily arrange bus tickets online through Bookaway.
From Valladolid, it takes just over 4 hours to drive to Bacalar by car.
You can also take a bus from Valladolid. The journey takes approximately 5 hours, and a ticket costs around 30 dollars. You can easily arrange bus tickets online through Bookaway.
From Palenque, it's about a 7.5-hour drive to Bacalar by car.
You can also take a bus from Palenque. The journey takes approximately 10 hours by overnight bus, and a ticket costs between 50 and 60 dollars. You can easily arrange bus tickets online through Bookaway.
In this tropical paradise, you can certainly enjoy yourself for several days. In this article, we'll provide you with the best tips for an unforgettable time in Bacalar!
Note: On Wednesdays, no activities are allowed on Laguna Bacalar. The lake is closed to give the nature a break.
It's nice to drive to Cenote Azul and Sac-Ha by car or scooter. Cenote Azul doesn't have water as clear as Laguna Bacalar, but this cenote is about 90 meters (295 feet) deep. You can take a refreshing swim here surrounded by lush greenery, then enjoy a drink at the cenote's restaurant.
The beach at Sac-Ha has a relaxed vibe and is a great spot to enjoy Laguna Bacalar. You can lounge on the grass by the lake. The initial part of the lake is shallow, but as you walk further, it gets deeper. It's a perfect place to spend a leisurely afternoon and revel in the stunning blue waters.
Cenote Azul & Sac-Ha are also very popular with the local people. Therefore, you'll encounter many locals, adding to the Mexican atmosphere.
How to get there?
You can easily visit Cenote Azul and Sac-Ha on the same day. From Bacalar, it's about a 10-minute drive to Cenote Azul. From Cenote Azul, it's another 10-minute drive to Sac-Ha. From Sac-Ha, it's a 15-minute drive back to Bacalar. Keep in mind that if you're riding a scooter, it might take a bit longer due to slower speeds.
At Los Rápidos de Bacalar, you'll drift through narrow channels and mangroves of Laguna Bacalar propelled by a natural current. At the entrance, you can grab a life jacket for a relaxed float in the water. In the narrow channels of the lake, you'll notice many white round rocky formations in the water, known as stromatolites. These are layers of bacteria millions of years old. They contribute to the stunning colors of the water but are also quite fragile, so be careful not to damage them while in the water.
You can bring your snorkel gear to spot fish. Although we had our snorkels, we couldn't spot many fish. If you're keen on snorkeling, we recommend taking a second dip without snorkeling gear to simply enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
The entrance fee for Los Rápidos de Bacalar is approximately 7.50 dollars.
How to get there?
From Bacalar, it's about a 20-minute drive to Los Rápidos de Bacalar by car. It might take a bit longer if you're on a scooter.
A sporty way to explore Laguna Bacalar is by kayaking or paddleboarding across the lake. This allows you to discover the beautiful spots at your own pace and reach areas only accessible by kayak or SUP.
We definitely recommend spending a few hours in the morning or afternoon just chilling by the water. Keep in mind that access to the water is usually through a restaurant or similar spot, rather than having a beach where you can lay out. The advantage of being at a restaurant is that you can order drinks and relax in a comfortable chair while enjoying the water.
Laguna Bonanza is a less touristy spot in Bacalar. It's about a 15-minute drive by car, and it takes a bit longer on a scooter. You can relax by the lake here and even rent a kayak. From Laguna Bonanza, you can kayak to Los Rápidos de Bacalar, which adds an extra element of fun.
Bacalar is a charming town with delightful restaurants and shops. Some houses are adorned with murals, adding to its appeal. Around the central square, there are shops perfect for a bit of shopping. You'll also find Fuerte de San Felipe de Bacalar, a fort built by the Spaniards in 1733 to defend against pirate attacks. For just over 5 euros, you can explore its interior.
There are plenty of delightful spots around Laguna Bacalar to spend a leisurely afternoon. We enjoyed our time at La Playita, where we swam in the water. Additionally, there are various restaurants worth trying. We had a delightful meal at Bote de Leche, a charming restaurant with beautiful murals. Another recommendation is La Bikina Bacalar, known for its delicious tacos.