Cidade Turismo
Mexico

Before you go

Your trip to Bacalar.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

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Bacalar – Quintana Roo Destination Bacalar and Costa Maya about 40 km from Chetumal

How to get there

  • Aeropuerto Internacional de Chetumal (CTM) Chetumal · 40 km
  • Terminal de Autobuses ADO Bacalar 1 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Confirm before booking. Chetumal airport (CTM) is about 40 km away, with taxis and vans. Bacalar has a Tren Maya station and buses from Cancún, Tulum and Mérida.

How many days

Two days: one for the boat trip and the fort, another for the Cenote Azul and kayaking.

When to go

From December to April the lagoon usually shows stronger colors. From May to October there is more rain.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

No. The village is explored on foot or by bicycle, and there are taxis to the Cenote Azul and the bathing spots.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Bacalar
  1. Morning
    Boat on the lagoon

    Take the morning boat tour of the lagoon, with stops at the Canal de los Piratas, Cenote Esmeralda and the Stromatolites.

  2. Afternoon
    San Felipe Fort

    In the afternoon, visit the San Felipe fort and the piracy museum, with views of the lagoon.

  3. Late afternoon
    Kayak at sunset

    In the late afternoon, paddle a kayak or stand-up paddleboard along the shore when the water is calm.

  4. Evening
    Dinner in the village

    Dine near the village square, with fish and Yucatecan dishes.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Bacalar?

Boat tour of the lagoon, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming at the bathing spots, the San Felipe fort and the Cenote Azul.

Is Bacalar far from Chetumal?

About 40 km, half an hour by car.

Is the water of the Bacalar lagoon fresh?

Yes, it is a freshwater lagoon fed by cenotes and underground rivers.

Can you use sunscreen in the lagoon?

Prefer biodegradable sunscreen, or none, to protect the water and the stromatolites.

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