How to get to Bacalar from Cancun
Bacalar, in Quintana Roo, Mexico, fascinates with its seven-colored lagoon, rich Mayan history, and the 18th-century San Felipe Fortress. Ideal for those seeking aquatic adventures and cultural exploration, it offers a unique blend of natural beauty and history. Its crystal-clear waters are perfect for kayaking and snorkeling, while nearby cenotes and Mayan ruins promise land adventures. This destination encapsulates the essence of the Mexican Caribbean, combining natural charm with historical heritage.
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How to Get to Bacalar from Cancun?
Getting to Bacalar from Cancun is a question we’ll answer for you next, as it’s a relatively straightforward experience and you can choose from several options depending on your preferences and budget.
Rent a Car
Renting a car is one of the most flexible and convenient ways to travel from Cancun to Bacalar. The journey takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. You’ll take Highway 307 south, passing through Playa del Carmen and Tulum, until you reach Bacalar. This route offers the freedom to explore other points of interest along the way.
ADO Bus
Traveling by bus is an economical and comfortable option. Companies like ADO offer direct services from the Cancun bus station to Bacalar. The journey can take between 5 to 6 hours, depending on the specific service you choose. Buses are typically modern, with air conditioning and WiFi.
Private Transportation
Private transportation offers comfort and flexibility. Ideal for those looking to avoid the stress of public transportation, it allows you to travel directly to your destination without stops, perfect for groups or families, ensuring privacy and space.
With private transportation, the trip can be customized by choosing schedules and routes. This option makes it easy to explore places at your own pace, with the possibility of making stops. Additionally, it adds a touch of luxury with personalized services, transforming the transfer into part of the vacation experience.
Flight (Less Common Option)
Currently, there are no direct flights from Cancun to Bacalar, as Bacalar does not have an airport. However, travelers can fly to the nearest airports, which are Chetumal and the newly announced airport project in Tulum (although the latter may not be operational yet or may not have direct services from Cancun at the time of your inquiry). Below, I detail how you can get to Bacalar from each of these airports:
Chetumal International Airport (CTM)
From Cancun to Chetumal: There are flights available connecting Cancun with Chetumal. The flight time is approximately 1 hour.
From Chetumal to Bacalar: Once in Chetumal, Bacalar is about a 40-minute drive or taxi ride away. Bus services are also available, though travel time may be slightly longer due to stops along the way.
Tulum International Airport – Felipe Carrillo Puerto (TQO)
Now, you might say why not fly to Tulum first since the airport is already open, but I have bad news for you; as of today, there are no direct flights to Tulum. There are private flights available; however, it’s not the best option because from Tulum to Bacalar, you still have to take a road trip of approximately 2 hours, and if there’s traffic, it’s even longer.
Conclusion
Bacalar, with its iconic seven-colored lagoon, offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and adventure, ideal for all types of travelers. Whether by road or considering flights to nearby airports, reaching Bacalar from Cancun is an accessible and versatile experience. Despite the absence of direct flights to Tulum, available land transportation options make the journey part of the adventure, allowing you to fully enjoy the cultural and natural richness of this jewel of the Mexican Caribbean.
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