The water stretches so far that you could be forgiven for thinking you are looking out over the Caribbean Sea. Where Is Bacalar Located. Bacalar, Mexico might be less accessible than some other more popular places to visit in Mexico, but there are still so many things to do in Bacalar. The town of Bacalar was named a pueblo mágico or magic town in 2006. Often there are specials online and it’s cheaper to book there than at a bus station. It is one of many landmarks in the town. Buses are air-conditioned with comfortable seating. Kayaking or sailing are two popular eco-friendly things to do in Bacalar. If you can’t it on this trip consider them on your next trip. It’s all straight. One of the best places to visit in Mexico, there are lots of things to do in Bacalar. They also wait for you while you get your passport stamped at the border crossing. Empanadas de Chaya with its gouda cheese is another dish worth a try! When Fort Felipe was built in 1733, it provided some protection from incoming pillagers. Looking for more of Mexico’s hidden gems? Most of the buildings, however, were constructed between the 3rd and 7th Centuries. It cost us $84MXN ($4.30USD£3.30GDP) each. It’s open for breakfast and lunch. Fort San Felipe Bacalar has an entrance fee of 60 pesos and is open every day of the week except Monday. From Cancun, you can take the direct ADO bus to Tulum and connect there for the ADO bus to Bacalar (approx. A few days in Bacalar Mexico could be enough to appreciate its beauty and feel the magic, but you might be tempted to stay longer and enjoy the great atmosphere and the tranquillity, relax at the soothing view of the 7 shades of blue of the water and try all the lovely places to hang out, and why not, have some adventurous activities. If you get a taxi it costs approximately 35 to 50 pesos from the center of Bacalar. But first, we visited Casa Cenote near Tulum, where we got to swim with a big ol' Alligator. Bacalar can offer an authentic Mexican ‘’feel’’ that is unlikely to disappear any time soon. You can travel to Bacalar by bus on an ADO bus. Why stand up when you can sit down? The boat trip includes much-needed refreshments and is crewed by an experienced captain, guide and service staff. Bacalar is a wonderful destination where you can simply relax and enjoy the views, however there are also plenty of things to do nearby. Pay a visit to Isla Holbox! Car: Drive your own vehicle or rent a car. How to get to Bacalar? The Bacalar Lagoon is known as the ‘Lake of Seven Colors’ thanks to its multiple shades of blue and green, and it’s one of the most beautiful spots along the Yucatan Peninsula. Cancun is a similar distance away by road and it does have a daily connection by air with Chetumal, however, it’s an early morning flight that may not fit well with your international arrival. Practical: how to get to Laguna Bacalar in Mexico? I recommend La Playita restaurant - ask for a table by the water if possible - the views will take your breath away. There are a couple of places in town that sell delicious ice cream so save space for dessert. There is the chance to swim and snorkel, as well as keeping an eye out for birdlife. Keep on reading to get our practical guide to visiting Bacalar, Mexico. If you are traveling in Mexico, you need to make Bacalar … There are over 6,000 cenotes in Mexico, so you’re never far from one! It would be a crime to visit Bacalar without venturing out onto Laguna de Bacalar. Visiting Bacalar, Mexico. It is approximately 35 minutes by car from Chetumal airport to Bacalar. Obviously if you’re from Chicago, driving the 50 hours to Bacalar probably isn’t worth the mileage. TAKE A DIP IN LAGUNA DE SIETE COLORES. Welcome to one of the most beautiful places in Mexico--Lake Bacalar! How to get to Bacalar Visiting Bacalar can be a spontaneous day trip from Playa del Carmen as it’s 3.5 hour drive, 4.5 hour from Cancun, Merida or Belize and you can easily drive there yourself. You’ll arrive back to shore at the end of the day glowing, both from the mudpack and the refreshing peace of the lake. Lying just off the northern coastline of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Isla Holbox is an island paradise that you NEED to visit! Make sure to check out some of our other Mexico articles to fuel your wanderlust. Make sure you bring along a guide who’s familiar with the area. How to get to Bacalar Lagoon, Mexico. If you’re looking for a cool place to have lunch away from the heat of the day, El Fogon del Sur is the place to go. Click on the Bus route to see step by step directions with maps, line arrival times and updated time schedules. Bikes can also be rented to explore the area and taxis are relatively inexpensive should you need to escape the heat. If you gaze across its vast waters, you’ll feel like you’re chilling on the shores of the Caribbean. The easiest way to get to Bacalar is by bus, with daily departures from a number of places, including Cancun, Tulum and Belize City. Found just over a century ago by Raymond Merwin, they date back to 200 BC. Family-friendly El Fogon del Sur can cater for large groups and has a hip outdoor seating area. You can also reach Bacalar by the first class ADO buses, which leave multiple times daily from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum as well as other cities around the Yucatan Peninsula. Another option now is the Tropic Air flight from Belize City International airport to Chetumal . Bacalar is also near the Mexican border with Belize. Fly to Bacalar. However, it doesn’t have regular international flights, so overseas visitors have three more realistic choices. The pristine base helps emphasize the clarity of the water even further. How to get to Lake Bacalar. Companies who organize these tours provide you with light refreshments, and you might like to have a Sulphur mud-pack on your face from the rich mud at the bottom of the lake. The town still attracts more Mexicans than foreign tourist so is great for tourists who seek off the beaten track destinations – you’ll feel like you’re visiting real Mexico. From Cancun, you can take the direct ADO bus to Tulum and connect there for the ADO bus to Bacalar (approx. Related Article: Where to Stay in Tulum – Read before booking accommodation. How To Get To Bacalar Mexico. Related Article: Top Mayan Ruins in Mexico To Visit. The weather in Bacalar has temperatures are around 86 degrees all year round, only falling to 68 degrees at night – so you can soak in the sun all day and sleep like a baby in the cooler evenings. Bacalar is located in southern Quintana Roo and is right next to the 307 Highway, which makes getting there very easy. Cenote Azul is a deep well in Laguna de Bacalar. Kai Pez on Calle 20 offers you the chance to soak in the stunning views over the lake as you eat. On this tour, admire the lagoon from the water as you cruise along the Pirates' Channel, dive in to swim and snorkel at the Black Cenote and Cenote Esmerelda, and visit the Island of Birds to spot migratory birds. We got to see the 7 stunning shades of blues, greens and browns. Direct ADO buses drive from all these places to Bacalar. Mexico’s Department of Tourism named Bacalar a. The Fort is open six days a week, and if you’re looking for a bit of culture and education, there is a program of lectures which may interest you; take a look at the calendar of events when you arrive in Bacalar, Mexico. Given its location, the main activities in Bacalar are watersports, including waterskiing, fishing, swimming and canoeing. You’ll never run out of ways to fill your day while in Bacalar. There’s a program of events throughout the year in Bacalar, so even if you can’t visit in August, there is a good chance of something going on – such as an open-air concert – when you are visiting. Wander around and check out the House of the International Writer, the House of Culture and the Main Plaza too. Just take the bus that terminates in Chiquilá. Mexico Travel Tips They run early in the morning and get you to the ferry terminal in Belize City with plenty of time to catch the ferry to Caye Caulker. Fuertes San Felipe is a beautiful stone structure near the town square. Bacalar is situated just 3 hours south of Tulum, 5 hours south of Cancun, and 5 hours south of Merida making it a great addition if you’re already planning a trip to either of these locations. This area, anchored by the stunningly azure blue Lake Bacalar, has a Yucatan small-village feel and is absent of busloads of tourists. The roads from Tulum to Bacalar are well paved and relatively straight, so it is an easy drive where your biggest concern is going too fast and getting a ticket. Get a colrctivo or bus to Chetumal and change to a Belizean bus that goes to Belize City (Belizean buses are old school buses). Bacalar to Caye Caulker by Ferry Probably the simplest way to get from Bacalar to Caye Caulker is to take the bus to Chetumal, get a taxi to the San Pedro Water Jets office on the main pier (El Muelle Fiscal) and hop on the once-daily 3:30pm ferry to San Pedro. Make sure to fill up with gas before setting off, as there aren’t that many gas stations along the route. Bacalar is named “Laguna de los Siete Colores” (Lagoon of the Seven Colors) due to the varying depths and different shades of turquoise blue. We’ve to take ADO buses dozens of times between Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. Get a colrctivo or bus to Chetumal and change to a Belizean bus that goes to Belize City (Belizean buses are old school buses). It is a direct drive from Cancun (4 hours), Playa del Carmen (3 hours 15 minutes) and Tulum (2.5 hours). Mexico’s popular ADO buses run to Bacalar multiple times per day from Cancun (about 5 hours) and from Tulum (about 3 hours). This travel guide to Bacalar runs through all the ins and outs of the things Arrange to have a private shuttle pick you up at the airport or hotel and bring you directly to Bacalar. Get a Travel Insurance Quote for your trip today. History enthusiasts can enjoy the San Felipe Fort and museum, which is found in Bacalar itself. Bacalar is a great place for a vacation, whether you are traveling alone, with your loved one or as a family. There is no beach at Bacalar because it is set upon the lake edge, which lies slightly inland. Plan the best Bacalar adventure. Start sightseeing the minute your bus leaves the station. Because Bacalar in Mexico has not yet been discovered by mass tourism, there are not a lot of things to do in Bacalar. There’s an impressive, deep moat around the Fort which has ramparts to get great views over Laguna de Bacalar. If you have a car or a bike, it’s super easy to find and you will find signs both on the main road or the secondary one. Fort San Felipe Bacalar has an entrance fee of 60 pesos and is open every day of the week except Monday. There are 4 ways to get from Mexico City to Bacalar by plane, rideshare, bus or car Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and … Choose the best airline for you by reading reviews and viewing hundreds of ticket rates for flights going to and from your destination. No matter if you are on a luxury honeymoon in Mexico or backpacker looking for a cheap hostel, there is something for you in Bacalar. Just take the bus that terminates in Chiquilá. Take a look at the canons and the Costa Maya Museum, where you can see historical exhibits and murals depicting the history of Bacalar – including its pirates. 4 hours). Laguna Bacalar (Lake Bacalar) is the second largest freshwater lake in Mexico and is around 55km long and about 2km across at its widest point. Dinners can choose from fish tacos, regional Yucatec cuisine and some international options like pizza and steak. If you’ve been to Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen and are looking for somewhere new – consider a few days in Bacalar, Mexico! Much of the appeal is Laguna de Bacalar – firstly because it’s stunning, but also because of the activities, it provides for tourists. Laguna Bacalar is without a doubt, the most beautiful body of water I've ever seen. HAVE DINNER AT LA PLAYITA. This is the bus that comes from Playa del Carmen, so it’s simple from there, too! It’s really that awesome! Volaris, Aeroméxico and three other airlines fly from Los Angeles Airport (LAX) to Bacalar 4 times a day. Take a look at the canons and the Costa Maya Museum, where you can see historical exhibits and murals depicting the history of Bacalar – including its pirates. Find out the rest of our story here... 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, Luxury Bacalar Hotel | Mia Bacalar Luxury Resort & Spa –, Mid-Range Bacalar Hotel | Hotel Rancho Encantado –. While there are fun things to do in Chetumal, the capital city of Quintana Roo, it’s more likely you’ll be arriving to Bacalar lagoon via Cancun. Bacalar is a simply stunning lake located about 3 hours south of Playa del Carmen in Mexico. It's a very small town, so I couldn't imagine staying there for more than 2 nights, not a lot of action within town. ADO Bus to Bacalar. The added attraction of that part of Yucatan was the Mayan history and the wonderful sites that remained in good condition. You’ll see moss blanketing the land and temples which once stood proudly on it. Why wait? At over 90-meters deep, Cenote Azul is a must for experienced scuba divers visiting Bacalar, and for some visitors, one of the major reasons for coming in the first place. It’s a 4-hour drive from Playa del Carmen to Bacalar. The town still attracts more Mexicans than foreign tourist so is great for tourists who seek off the beaten track destinations – you’ll feel like you’re visiting real Mexico. From here, you can also take an ADO bus to Chiquila at 06:45 or 07:15. Impressive at any time of the day, but sunset is probably the best time of all. Alternatively, you can get from Tulum to Bacalar in the space of 3 hours. These 12 Bacalar Airbnbs are a guaranteed good time in one of the most beautiful spots in Mexico. We’d highly suggest spending a night or two in Bacalar if your itinerary Mexico allows. How to get there. Bacalar Lagoon, or Lake Bacalar is located on the very South Eastern tip of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula about 3 hours south of Playa Del Carmen or 4 hours south from Cancun.