How to get from Tulum to Bacalar
Are you looking for the best way to get from Tulum to Bacalar?
Once a sleepy lakeside town, Bacalar has since become a highly popular stop for any traveler heading around the Riviera Maya region of Mexico.
Here we can enjoy a kayak ride around the lagoon (or also head on a boat tour), get to know the peaceful town centre as well as take trips to lesser known Mayan ruins in the nearby region.
Tulum to Bacalar
In this guide we’ll explore the most popular ways of getting from Tulum to Bacalar. We’ll also take a look at where to stay as well as some other tips based on our time spent here.
Bacalar Quick Summary:
- 📍 Where is it: Southern Mexico
- 🗺 Difficulty Getting There: Moderate/Easy
- ⏱ Time needed: 2-4 days
- ☀️ Best Time to Visit: January-March
Where is Bacalar?
Bacalar is a small town that is located in the extreme south-east of Mexico (within the Quintana Roo state).
It’s very easy to access given its location close to both Cancún with its busy international airport, as well as the neighboring nation of Belize (meaning travelers can take a bus here when coming in from Central America).
Bacalar has a similar Caribbean climate to Tulum and other coastal areas here, even though it is located further inland. This means it’s hot year-round, and follows similar seasons of rainfall (the dry season is from December until April, whilst the wet season is from May until November).
Is Bacalar worth visiting from Tulum?
Ideally you’ll want to spend a few days enjoying everything Bacalar has to offer, however it’s also possible to make a day trip here and back too (using both public transport and by driving, which we’ll explore later on in this guide).
This makes Bacalar a convenient next stop after visiting Tulum, and especially for travelers who will head all around the Yucatán Peninsula (including other areas like Mérida and Cancún).
One of the best things you can do in Bacalar is to head on a boat cruise around the lagoon. Here you’ll make stops at many interesting attractions, such as the Pirate Canal, Bird Island as well as getting to see the ancient stromatolites around Cenote Cocalitos.
We also highly recommend visiting the ruins of Kohunlich, which are famous for their series of faces carved out of stone found on various temples and pyramids.
How far is Bacalar from Tulum?
Bacalar is located roughly 210 km south of Tulum. It takes roughly 2 hours to drive this distance (or 3 hours if using public transport), which again is made simple as you’ll be using the main 307 highway which cuts right through the Riviera Maya region.
In our experience this route makes sense logistically for those who are heading around the Riviera Maya region, given they are the closest two destinations in the area. You can also use the 307 highway here to reach other nearby gems too such as Mahahual.
Where to stay in Bacalar?
Bacalar is quite a small town, so you’ll find you can walk everywhere with ease. It’s also pretty safe in all areas, although we’d personally recommend staying closer to the lake (as this is where the majority of attractions are located).
Those who want to keeps costs low will want to stay at the Black Jaguar Hostel, which has both comfortable and spacious dorm rooms. It’s also situated just a couple of blocks away from the lake.
Looking for a mid-range accommodation option? Las Palmas Hotel is a great option, where you’ll be staying in a private room with an en-suite bathroom, and will be surrounded by beautiful gardens around the hotel.
If you’re looking for a deluxe stay, then Casa Chukum is the perfect option for you. Here you’ll be staying in a luxurious king-sized room, with the hotel also boasting an en-suite swimming pool and gardens. You’ll also be in the best location here, close to both the Bacalar Lagoon as well as the main plaza.
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How to get from Tulum to Bacalar
This is a fairly easy (and quick) route to travel when in this area of Mexico. Through our experience and research we’ve found 3 main ways of making the trip (at this time of writing).
ADO Bus from Tulum to Bacalar
By far the most popular option, the ADO Bus is both a reliable and low-cost method of getting from Tulum to Bacalar.
A one-way trip costs roughly $20, and will take roughly 3 hours. These buses leave often throughout the day too, making this option great for flexible travelers.
ADO as a whole is also one of the best bus providers you can use in this region of Mexico (as well as various other southern and central states). They have spacious seats, as well as the on-board air conditioning which is much welcomed in this hotter area of the country.
Car Rental from Tulum to Bacalar
Renting a car in Tulum to make the trip is also another solid option, and gives you more flexibility (leaving whenever you want and also making stops along the way to see various towns and sites).
Car Rentals in Tulum can start from as low as $5 a day, although the best options range from $10-20 a day. When driving from Tulum to Bacalar you’ll be able to cut down travel times to around 2 hours.
If renting a car is something that you want to do, then we recommend renting before in Cancún if possible where there are more options. You’ll then be able to explore the Riviera Maya freely before returning here to drop-off the vehicle (visiting other places along the way such as Playa del Carmen, Mérida and Valladolid).
Private Transport from Tulum to Bacalar
If you’re looking for a more unique and luxurious experience, then organizing your own private transport is by far the best option.
You’ll be able to book taxis with ease in Tulum, which will get you to Bacalar faster than any other option mentioned above (remember when renting you’ll need to allocate time to picking-up your vehicle, following directions, finding a parking space etc).
Prices start from around $200, however can also vary depending on what type of taxi you use as well as the amount of passengers traveling.
Alternatively you can book a private tour, which is best for those who are short on time (and like having a fully-customizable experience).
We highly recommend heading on this organized tour. As well as having private transport from Tulum to Bacalar, you’ll also visit awesome sites along the way such as the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve as well as the Zona Arqueologica de Muyil.
Getting from Tulum to Bacalar
And that’s all for this guide on how to get from Tulum to Bacalar.
Known for its incredible multi-colored lagoon, Bacalar is a great place to wind-down in for a few days. We’ll also find many interesting sites in and around the town, such as the San Felipe Fort as well as the various cenotes such as that of Cocalitos.
In this guide we’ve explored how to get from Tulum to Bacalar, as well as where to stay and what to do.
While you’re still here, be sure to read our Backpacking Riviera Maya Itinerary to learn how to plan your own trip around this memorable Mexican region.
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