is it safe to drive from cancun to bacalar
This was a huge contrast to Bacalar and especially Los Rapidos, where they just asked you not to stand on the stromatolites.). This post was most recently updated in January 2023. The distance is the same either way if you're flying a straight line (or driving the same roads back and forth). I ordered some banana bread and while it wasnt terrible, it was two teeny pieces about one inch by three inches long. This has ended and was back to normal in 2022. Dont take drinks from strangers. There are lots of actions that you can take to preserve this environment. (whether it's first class or coach). WebStart in Cancun. give you an idea of how traveling might work between airports. Solo Female Travel in Mexico: Is it Safe? Its one thing to write about cocktail bars in New York or museums in Paris. the way, check out the full road trip planner: In the quick calculation above, we assumed you had a private A: Yes, it is safe. It is a two lane with no shoulders but locals often drive it at a high rate of speed leading to the accidents. Bacalar feels like a secret treasure located in the middle of nowhere but dont worry, its very easy to get here, even if youre relying on public transportation. , (), , , () , : , Squid Game , . 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. Click the button below to explore Bacalar in detail. Alternatively, you can get from Tulum to Bacalar in the space of 3 hours. If youre in the mood for sandy beaches and crashing waves, I recommend heading to nearby Mahahual. The gourmands. They do sell water shoes at Los Rapidos. But for now, here's an example we've selected to Has anyone made the trip recently or had any issues along the way? Staying Safe . Stromatolites look like flat rocks sitting in the water, but theyre actually alive some of the worlds oldest living beings, and key in providing oxygen. U.S. government employees should avoid traveling alone, especially in remote areas. There are tour companies all over Bacalar, and you will constantly be offered rides from people on the street. 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. Almost all of my friends and I bought baseball caps for 100 pesos each ($5). 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. Its crazy the lagoon is bright blue, then it suddenly drops off and turns the color of brand new dark-washed jeans. 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. The river looks slow-moving but its a lot stronger than youd think. Bacalar is basic in a lot of ways. Next, drive for another 1 hour then stop in Tulum and stay for 2.5 hours. This is the only kind of sunscreen you should use in the lake. Also, would love to hear about best places for a swim or to spend the day. of your actual flight time. . Let me show you what makes Bacalar magical! Wait until you see sunset! This has been the narrative for quite some time. The easiest and cheapest way to get there is by car. Get driving directions Limit your drinking. If youre looking for an affordable car rental in Mexico,I recommend using RentalCars.com. Its absolutely on my list of top three places in Mexico at the very least! That would be my top recommendation. While tacos ranged from 85 pesos ($4.50) for cauliflower to 170 pesos ($9) for octopus, all montaditos were 90 pesos ($4.72). Finally, drive for about 16 minutes and arrive in Bacalar. Barbanegra One of the higher-end Mexican spots in town with outstandingly good food and drinks. This happened twice so it wasnt an isolated event. 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. I didnt end up writing about that trip at all. Sometimes its normal sand, but sometimes it can be hard and sometimes its squishy mud. This spot specializes in steaks (though they also serve seafood) and the plating is beautiful. Its not worth flying into another country to head straight for the border and going through immigration a second time. Located a short walk from the main square, the rooms are quirky and colorful, the bathrooms are modern, and theres a cute backyard area. Traveling from Cancun to Bacalar takes around 5 hours when using the Ado buses and/or collectivos. Get used to late night music, firecrackers, celebrations, and two people next to each other trying to drown out the others music. 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. There are hammocks in the clear waters, just waiting to be posed in for Instagram (thats where the cover photo in this post came from). WebThe total driving distance from Cancun, Mexico to Bacalar, Mexico is 215 miles or 346 kilometers. Only use biodegradable sunscreen. Fort San Felipe is a remnant from the days when Bacalar was being attacked by pirates but today its a fun place to explore and enjoy views over the lake. Located right on the lake and a short stroll from Bacalar, the rooms are simple and the emphasis is on social living. Arrange a private shuttle to pick you up at the airport or hotel and bring you directly to Bacalar. Bacalar is situated in the state of Quintana Roo in southwestern Mexico, near the border with Belize. Tulum to Bacalar. 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. It is safe to drive from Cancun to Bacalar. (2023 Update: an earlier version of this post mentioned Hotel Kairos, where I personally stayed, but its now closed.). 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. In late 2019 the New York Times published a feature on Bacalar titled Is this the next Tulum? Mexicos Caribbean coast may be known for its clear blue water, but trust me, Bacalar lagoon turns the volume up even higher. Rentalcars compares 900 companies at over 53,000 locations. I agree the road is good but it has a very bad history of serious accidents. Bacalar is a very small town where international tourism is still at a fairly early stage. Samys is a barbecue stand specializing in pork. Ideally, you shouldnt flush toilet paper anywhere in Mexico, but the plumbing system is especially delicate in Bacalar. so go ahead and check the reverse directions to get the Understand that there are no beaches in Bacalar, Mexico. Mexican Federal Highway 307 runs from Cancun to Bacalar. Dont wander off alone into unknown areas, and dont make yourself an easy target. Tourists are not targets for pickpocketing, theft, or violent crimes, though you always should keep an eye on your belongings (in Bacalar and everywhere). Mosquitos love lakes. Arrange a private shuttle to pick you up at the airport or hotel and bring you directly to Bacalar. And the Instagrammers. If youre looking to experience the brightest, clearest, most shimmering body of water of your life, I have some advice: travel to Bacalar, Mexico. 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. Youll have lots of in-the-water photo opportunities at 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. This fort is located in the center of town, across from Bacalars main square. I got octopus montaditos, they were incredibly delicious, and I felt like I saved a ton. 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. Bacalar is already part of the itinerary so you can easily add in more. Let's say you're actually planning a road trip to Bacalar, and you want to stop on the way to explore. In terms of photography, the Cenote Negro is a great vantage point for capturing all shades of the Lake of Seven Colors. This should be your #1 priority while traveling to Bacalar. waiting for our flight, and making it to the destination. When an outlet that big writes about a small place, it almost guarantees an influx of visitors. The water will be a bit warmer and so will you. However, visitors should be aware of potential hazards such as topes (speed bumps), potholes, and livestock on the road. No brand name businesses, no resorts, not even Starbucks or McDonalds. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. To be sure, crime does occur in Cancun and throughout the Mexican Caribbean, but it does in every tourist city across America too. 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. It survived. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. their mezcal margaritas were! I ended up going down the rapids with my flip-flops on my wrists rather than suffer that painful gravel. This is the single most important advice I can give you. There are so many ways to experience the beauty of the lagoon. Hot water isnt always a given. my two-week Yucatan peninsula road trip itinerary. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. You can book a sunrise paddleboarding tour here. WebBacalar is super safe. You can rent a kayak for the day here. There are lots of tours and activities from sunset kayak tours to day trips around the lake. I LOVE LOS RAPIDOS! 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 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. 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. Were driving during the day from the Cancun airport to Bacalar, considering taking the 307. 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. What else? Service is slow. You dont want drunk people spilling their tequila sunrises into that gorgeous blue water! Nixtamal One of the best restaurants in Bacalar, Nixtamal has a cave-like atmosphere with a fire going. 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. Cancun to Bacalar including time spent getting to/from Small drones are permitted at Bacalar for now. : ! Visiting cenotes is one of the best part of traveling in Mexicos Yucatn Peninsula. Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a popular activity in Bacalar. I absolutely love Belize and think it makes an great place to visit after you spend time in Bacalar. ! Wifi in Bacalar is generally very slow; if youve got a Mexican phone plan, though, youll be connected. But Cenote Esmeralda itself isnt the attraction the area around Cenote Esmeralda is. Whats the best area to stay in Bacalar? (Bring enough pesos with you to sustain your stay; some but not all places in Bacalar take cards.). Why not remain silent? Protect the lagoon and its people. shortest distance is actually the "great circle" distance, or Of all the seven shades of blue, the bright turquoise surrounding Bird Island is probably my favorite shade. On the second visit, we got 3.5 kilos and paid 150 pesos ($8) each. Cancns flights to Chetumal tend to be at awkward times for transfers. 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. Avoid single-use plastics whenever possible. Bacalar is a five-hour bus ride from Cancn International Airport, and its close to Tulum, Mahahual, and the Belize border if youre driving. Playa del Carmen to Bacalar | The easiest way to stay safe when visiting Cancun or anywhere else is to always be conscious of your surroundings. 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. If youre interested in doing this, go for it!). Realistically, you'll probably want to add a buffer for rest stops, gas, or food along the way. It probably wouldnt have survived had we been in salt water. Now that we have kids and so many bags, they wont fit in the rental car. 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. We are a bit in the Wild West in terms of drone laws, so keep in mind that this could change anytime. Traveling from Cancun to Bacalar takes around 5 hours when using the Ado buses and/or collectivos. And the most overrated restaurant in Bacalar is El Manat. fastest possible straight line between Cancun, Mexico and The bright cerulean that Miranda Priestly expounded upon in The Devil Wears Prada. There are shaded seating areas with tables for eating, or you can sit back in lounge chairs. Its located about a 20-minute drive outside Bacalar, past the Cenote Azul. Bacalar is located only 215 km from Tulum which is 2hrs and a 30-minute drive. Wearing water shoes or sports sandals would have been better. If you take these steps to protect yourself, you can have a safe and memorable vacation in Cancun. Dont flush toilet paper. Those establishments are equipped for increased crowds. Its a special place, and so different from the rest of Mexico. Depends on your budget, but I like Casa Chukum for a mid-range hotel and Yak Lake House for a budget-friendly spot. The inky navy reserved for exclusive high-end fountain pens. 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. 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). Plan ahead, especially if you have a dining reservation. 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. Bacalar doesnt get insanely crowded at least not yet but you might struggle to get a table at one of the top restaurants. Laguna Bacalar is gorgeous, and the water is incredible shades of blue, but there are exactly ZERO white sand beaches here. Mango y Chile A very popular vegan restaurant right off the town square. Share your tips! We have been renting cars in Cancun and the Riveria Maya since 2013 and have already rented cars from the Cancun airport 5+ times. I recommend you bring aLifeStraw Water Bottle, a bottle that purifies water as you drink it through its straw. Even if you dont go to Los Rapidos (WHY WOULD YOU NOT GO TO LOS RAPIDOS?!
Where Do Celebrities Stay In Aruba,
Articles I