Reaching Bacalar, Mexico: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tackling Bacalar, Mexico: Navigating by Bus, Car, and Plane - a Comprehensive Guide

Looking to explore the vibrant, colorful town of Bacalar and its famous "Lake of Seven Colors"? This stunning nature spot, located on the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, is a must-visit with its impossibly clear, cyan waters fed by underwater cenotes.

Getting to Bacalar is a breeze from various regions across the Yucatan Peninsula and beyond. Here's a breakdown:

Flying to Bacalar Mexico: Closest Airports
Chetumal International Airport: Situated approximately 40 minutes from Bacalar, this airport has one direct flight route between Mexico City and Chetumal. Prices for private transfers to Bacalar start from $51.89 USD.
Navigating from Cancun to Bacalar

Miss the hustle and bustle of Cancun? Here's how to get to Bacalar from this popular tourist hub:

Driving: Take Highway 307 south all the way to Bacalar.The journey typically lasts about 4 hours, though it can stretch to 6 hours during heavy traffic hours.
Bus: Hop aboard an ADO bus in Cancun, offering frequent departures starting at 6 AM up to midnight. The trip takes approximately 6 hours and costs around $500-600 MXN.
Bypassing Cancun Airport to Bacalar
Buses from Cancun Airport to downtown Cancun depart frequently, taking around an hour from T3 or 45 minutes from T2, and cost $110 MXN.
Taxis to the central bus station are costly, while private transfers can be more convenient for late-night arrivals.
Stepping Off in the Riviera Maya (Playa del Carmen & Tulum)
Playa del Carmen to Bacalar: The ADO bus takes 4 hours and typically costs $400-500 MXN. Departures are frequent from 7:40 AM, with around one bus per hour until 7:30 PM. Note that buses leave from the Playa del Carmen Alterna station.
Tulum to Bacalar: The ADO bus takes 2 hours 50 minutes and usually costs $370 MXN. Departures are also frequent, with around one bus per hour until 9 PM.
Journeying from Merida
ADO buses from Merida arrive in Bacalar after 5 hours and cost $630 MXN. Most buses leave from the Mérida Centro Histórico ADO station. There are typically five departures per day, with the first at 7:30 AM and the last at 6 PM.
Traversing from Palenque
The bus takes about 9 hours and, oddly enough, only night buses are available, arriving in Bacalar at either 2:40 AM or 4 AM. These buses are operated by AV, a sister company of ADO. They may not be as luxurious as ADO buses, but they're still comfortable.
Driving from Palenque to Bacalar takes around 6 hours, though it's advised to seek advice from locals due to apparent safety concerns and potential road blockages in Chiapas state.
Transit from Belize
By Bus: Take a bus from Belize City to Chetumal, then change for a bus to Bacalar (direct ADO bus service is temporarily suspended; consult the ADO website or the terminal for details).
By Ferry: Water taxis service destinations in Belize from both Caye Caulker and San Pedro, followed by a taxi or bus to Bacalar.
By Car: The drive from Belize City to Bacalar takes around 3 hours; be sure to check with your rental car company about taking your vehicle into Mexico to avoid invalidating your insurance.
Is Driving from Cancun to Bacalar Safe?
Quintana Roo state, where Bacalar is situated, is generally considered safe. Be cautious of potholes while driving along the 307 and fill up at the only gas station in Felipe Carrillo Puerto as there are no other stations between Tulum and Bacalar. Police may ask for bribes during regular traffic stops, but this is rare and shouldn't deter you from driving.
Journeying from Further Afield
If you're coming from outside the region, it's best to fly into the nearest airport and take a bus or drive to Bacalar. For example, there are direct flights from Mexico City to Chetumal Airport.

For a scenic road trip, embark on the 4-hour drive along Highway 307 from Playa del Carmen, embracing the vibrant lifestyle and scenic landscapes that the Yucatan Peninsula's tours have to offer.
An enticing coastal journey awaits as you hop on a bus from Merida towards Bacalar, providing an opportunity to enjoy the bliss of travel while coasting through the remarkable destinations in this intriguing region.
If you've already explored the tours of Cancun and seek a change of pace, consider embarking on a nettle-fueled road trip, traversing the 4 hours to Bacalar, ultimately diving into the enchanting turquoise waters of the Lake of Seven Colors.