Bacalar Travel Guide: Mexico's Hidden Gem
Bacalar, a southeastern Mexican town on the border of Belize, is gaining popularity for its newly coined title, 'The Maldives of Mexico.' This somewhat hidden gem is an absolute must-visit during your trip to Mexico. To make your trip simple, I have created a Bacalar Travel Guide with all the information and tips you need for your stay in this lagoon oasis. Bacalar could soon become Mexico's newest premier destination, so I recommend venturing here next!
Oh & as always practice sustainable tourism while traveling and respect the locals—Bacalar is their home :)
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Bacalar Travel Guide
Official Language: Spanish
Official Currency: Peso
Visa:
A valid passport is required for entry into Mexico. Typically, tourists are granted up to 180 days, which cannot be extended. There is no fee for entry. However, the length of stay is at the discretion of the immigration officer. While I have never encountered issues with being granted the full stay, there are stories of others not receiving the same treatment. Expect longer passport control lines and remember to remain patient and courteous! Click here for a list of countries that do NOT need a visa to visit Mexico.
How to Get to Bacalar:
Bacalar does not have an airport, so you will need to fly to one of the nearby airports. I suggest choosing one of the airports listed below. From there, you can take a bus, taxi, or rental car to Bacalar.
Airports & Their Distance From Bacalar
Chetumal (CTM): 38 KM (45 minutes)
Tulum (TQO): 202 KM (2.5-3 hours)
Cancun (CUN): 333 KM (4.5-5.5 hours)
Getting From the Airport & Other Locations in Mexico to Bacalar:
Option #1: ADO Bus
ADO is the largest bus company throughout Mexico, with most routes safe for tourists. You can take an ADO bus from nearly anywhere in Mexico to Bacalar. If you are coming from one of the airports listed above, there are direct bus routes from Cancun, Tulum, and Chetumal to Bacalar. Prices vary depending on the time of year and time of departure
Chetumal Airport: From the airport, you need to take either a taxi or an ADO airport bus 7 minutes to the Chetumal ADO Station. From this ADO bus station, it is an additional 1 hour or so bus ride to Bacalar.
Tulum Airport: There may be a direct ADO bus from Tulum Airport to Bacalar, however, you need to contact ADO directly to make sure it is running. Otherwise, you will take a 40-minute taxi or ADO bus to the ADO Bus Station in downtown Tulum. From there, you will take a second ADO bus 2 hours and 50 minutes to Bacalar.
For a complete guide on traveling from Tulum to Bacalar, head here!
Cancun Airport: Take an ADO bus, shared shuttle, or taxi from the airport to the ADO bus station in either Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum. You will then take an additional bus from one of these locations to Bacalar.
For a complete guide on traveling from Cancun to Bacalar, head here!
Option #2: Colectivo
A Colectivo is a shared van with other people heading to the same destination you are. These vans are favored by backpackers and travelers who have minimal luggage. There are many locations throughout Mexico where you can take advantage of this service. More specifically, Chetumal has vans that operate frequently in Bacalar.
Note: Colectivos can be small, cramped, and timely. Sometimes they will wait for a full van before departing. They do not always have working air conditioning. If you have a lot of bags or a large bag, they may turn you down for more passengers instead (more money for the driver).
Option #3: Private Taxi
A private taxi is always an option but can be quite pricey if you are coming from anywhere aside from Chetumal.
Bonus Tip: Transportation throughout the Yucatán Peninsula is on its way to becoming more accessible with the new Tren Maya Railway. Head here for more information and to stay up to date on what routes are open now!
For a detailed guide on how to get to Bacalar from anywhere in Mexico, head here!
Best Time to Visit:
Hurricane Season: June - October | Dry Season: November-April
The best time to visit Bacalar for optimal weather and the clearest waters is from November to April. However, the best deals on accommodations and other expenses are during the low season, which is the opposite of these months.
I spent the last week of June in Bacalar. It was quiet and peaceful, with few people around. During my stay, there was only one hour of heavy rain on one day. We did experience a few short showers here and there, but mostly it was sunny and hot.
The water still shimmered clear in the sunlight; however, the levels were higher than usual, and there was a slight green tint due to the rain, rather than the usual blue tint seen outside of hurricane season. Despite this, everything remained as beautiful as ever during my time there. If you are seeking the clearest, bluest water, I recommend visiting Bacalar outside of hurricane season.
Mode of Transport in Bacalar:
Bacalar is entirely walkable. A taxi, bicycle, or motorbike is only necessary to access areas like Laguna Bonanza and Los Rapidos.
Bicycle: A bicycle rental is around 150-200 pesos. Longer-term rentals offer a better chance at discounts. I always suggest bike locks in Mexico.
Taxi: Taxis are inexpensive in Bacalar. Getting around the downtown area is between 35-50 pesos, depending on where you are heading. Taxis to Los Rapidos and Laguna Bonanza are around 250 pesos each way.
Taxi Seguro Bacalar Phone #: +52-983-833-7421
Motorbike: If you are here short term, I suggest opting for a bicycle or taxi. For longer-term visitors, motorbikes will make the most sense if you prefer not to walk for everyday necessities. The cost per motorbike ranges from 650 pesos for a full day or 500 pesos for a half day, plus a deposit fee. The longer you rent, the better discounts you may get.
Where to Stay:
As mentioned above, Bacalar is small and walkable. I recommend staying in the central area to have easy access to most activities, restaurants, and other amenities within walking distance. However, I often found myself wishing I had stayed right on the lagoon to work on my laptop and enjoy a coffee with a view. If you can, I highly recommend staying right on the lagoon, especially if you are visiting for only a night or two.
Best Accommodation Options For Every Traveler
Best Backpacker/Hostel Option: The Yak Lake House - Hostal or Che Bacalar Hostel & Bar Adults Only
Best Low-Budget: Hostal & Suites Pata de Perro
Best Mid-Budget: Hotel Makaabá Eco-Boutique or Casa Chukum
Best Luxury: Blue Palm Bacalar
Pro Tips For Your Visit:
DO NOT FORGET MOSQUITO SPRAY… especially if you visit while it is raining.
Pack a mask and snorkel to get an underwater view in the lagoon!
Waterproof phone holders and dry bags are great for bringing valuables into the water with you.
A GoPro or underwater camera is ideal for capturing aquatic moments.
Most sunscreen, hair products, facial products, perfumes, etc., are not allowed in the lagoon or cenotes of Bacalar to help preserve their natural beauty. Be sure to plan accordingly and bring rash guards and caps if necessary.
Grocery Options:
There are not many grocery options in Bacalar with a large variety, although I think that will change over time. Your best bet is to head to the Mercado Municipal market to find everything you need. I prefer the fruit and vegetable Abarrotes next to the market. Prices are much cheaper compared to the rest of Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do You Need?
As I always say, this depends on who you are as a traveler and what you are looking for. You can get a good taste of Bacalar in a day, see it all in a jam-packed 3 days, or spread out your activities and enjoy a relaxing week in Bacalar.
Looking back at my time in Mexico, I wish I had stayed in Bacalar for a month and Tulum for only a week, rather than the other way around.
Are There Vegan Options?
YES! I practically lived at my 2 favorites:
Is It Safe?
This is a huge debate with Mexico in general, and it all depends on what you will be doing and where you will be going. I want to preface this by saying that I do not drink, wander around after 8:00 PM, or engage in any illegal activities. Bacalar felt extremely safe, and maybe one of the safest places I ventured to in Mexico overall.
How To Stay Safe:
This is all opinionated and based upon my experiences only, but you should always stay up to date with your country’s travel advisories regardless. Follow basic rules of safety while traveling, in addition to:
Don't walk around dark areas or non-tourist areas alone at night.
Keep valuables locked up and hidden in your room when you are not there.
Never carry large amounts of money with you (but carry some for bribes if needed).
Do not leave valuables unattended, and always lock up your bike and helmet (bicycle locks are necessary for extra safety).
Do not swing your phone, money, etc., around while walking or biking.
Do not argue, disrespect, or aggravate the locals. This is their home, to be fair, and you are a visitor.
Never travel without the right insurance in case of any sickness, injuries, or theft. Safety Wing is by far the best travel medical insurance. It has saved me numerous times by covering hospital visits when I was sick during my travels in Asia.
Emergency Contact Number: 9-1-1
Best Things to Do?
Find out here!
Digital Nomad Community?
Honestly, I am not sure, but they should be here— it is a perfect spot and is very relaxing! There are lots of expats around.
Cost of Living (Monthly) :
Bacalar is by far more affordable than a lot of places like Tulum. Food, accommodation, transport, etc. are less expensive. However, Bacalar sees less tourism and long-term digital nomads here, making it a little more underdeveloped in terms of grocery stores and long-term accommodation options. With that being said, I would still pick Bacalar way before I would consider Tulum.
