Exploring Quintana Roo: Tulum to Bacalar Travel Guide
Bacalar, a southeastern Mexican town on the border of Belize, is gaining popularity among tourists for its newly coined title, 'The Maldives of Mexico.' This somewhat hidden gem could be on the verge of becoming Mexico's newest premier destination within the next few years.
Trying to navigate your way from the rustic jungle beach town of Tulum to Bacalar’s lagoon oasis but not sure where to start? Keep reading to find the only travel guide you need for a seamless and easy trip. Grab a coffee and some snacks, and get ready for this simple 3-hour journey to one of the most beautiful best-kept secrets of Mexico.
Tip: This can, of course, also be reversed to go from Bacalar to Tulum!
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Tulum to Bacalar: Travel Guide
Step 1: CHOOSE YOUR MODE OF TRANSPORTATION
THE OPTIONS:
The total travel time from Tulum to Bacalar is around 2.5-3 hours. To get in between the two, you can either rent a car, hire a private taxi, take a shared van / colectivo, or utilize the largest Mexican bus company: ADO.
CAR RENTAL:
Renting a car in Mexico is always an option if you prefer driving yourself and going on your own schedule. Since I have not done this option myself, I do not have exact costs but I believe the daily charge is around 35 USD minimum. I recommend rentals cars—they compare the prices of every rental company so that you get the best one!
PRIVATE TAXI:
This is the most expensive option and costs upwards of 200 USD.
COLECTIVO:
A Colectivo is a shared van with other people heading to the same destination you are. They are the best form of transportation for backpackers and travelers with less luggage.
I did not successfully locate any Colectivos for venturing from Tulum to Bacalar. However, ADO does offer “Conecta” options which are very similar to a Colectivo— they are often less expensive and slightly faster than the regular ADO bus.
ADO BUS:
I recommend taking the ADO bus since it is the cheapest and easiest option. Prices vary depending on the day and time. I suggest booking ahead to secure your ticket for the desired day and time. ADO frequently offers discounts on random days and times, so if you are looking for a deal and do not mind when you travel, be sure to list the buses from cheapest to most expensive.
Since you already have your ticket, when arrive at the Tulum ADO Station, you can go through the front doors, past the line of people waiting to buy their ticket and the ticket terminal, and out the back door to the bus waiting area. Buses have their stops indicated on signs above the windshield. If you are unsure or it is close to your departure time, ask the workers outside for assistance.
Pro Tip: There are small vendors inside the bus terminal selling water and snacks if needed. The restroom inside the terminal has a fee, while the restroom outside, near where the buses are, is free!
More Info. On Taking The ADO Bus…
How Long is the Bus?
The bus ride is a little under 3 hours.
Where Does Baggage Go?
Larger bags, suitcases, and any form of bag with wheels must go under the bus. My suitcases were either locked via a built-in combination lock (thank you TUMI), or locked with a mini padlock between zippers.
All of my valuables, including money, were in my backpack, which I kept near my feet throughout the bus ride. The bus was air-conditioned with cozy seats, adjustable shades, TV screens showing a movie (we had Scooby-Doo in Spanish), and a bathroom at the back.
Pro Tip: Not all people sit in assigned seats so be sure to get on the bus early! Sit further from the bathroom if possible… :)
Is the Bus Safe?
I have traveled numerous bus routes across the Yucatan Peninsula without any moments of uncertainty or nervousness. I often noticed solo young female travelers on my buses, which speaks volumes. However, I recommend extra caution, as always when traveling. Avoid riding buses at night or arriving after dark at your destination. If you are a heavy sleeper, it is best not to nap on the bus. Follow basic safety rules like keeping money discreet and avoiding conflicts with strangers.
Step 2: Arrive in Bacalar & Transfer to ACCOMMODATION
Congrats you made it from Tulum to Bacalar!
The ADO bus drops you in what feels like a random spot in Bacalar, but taxis are awaiting your arrival to take you to your accommodation. Be sure to agree to a price BEFORE getting into the taxi. I paid 50 pesos to get to my accommodation 2.5 km away.
To find all of the vital information you need to know about Bacalar and what there is to do, head here!
Note: Transportation throughout the Yucatán Peninsula is on its way to becoming more accessible and simple with the new Tren Maya Railway. Head here for more information and to stay up to date on what routes are open now!
