Trinity Mass Schedule Batangas, Best College Choirs In The Us, Articles I

There are muskets, navigational instruments, sabers, and models of the boats that sailed these waters during the 17th Century. When you click on these affiliate links or use promo codes to purchase something, I will get a small commission of the purchase at no extra cost to you (in fact, sometimes it gets you an extra discount!). The Cancun Airport to Tulum drive time takes slightly less time at approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. 1. Its open for breakfast and lunch. From all-inclusive party resorts to the best spring break events, here's all you can in Cancun this spring break. Oozing laidback, mellow vibes, the sleepy town tends to draw curious travelers seeking less conventional places. Option 1: Rent a car and drive. Bacalar is situated in the state of Quintana Roo in southwestern Mexico, near the border with Belize. We were advised by news agencies and friends to stay inside for at least a few nights while the transfer took place as there were multiple shootings. The 18th-century church has a vaulted ceiling thats worth checking out. Theres live music in their lush, jungly patio and their breakfast dishes are amazing! Quintana Roo is most famous for two destinations: Cancun and the Riviera Maya.The latter is made up of several towns that sit along some of Mexico's prettiest beaches, including Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, and Tulum. What has happened to Tulum could happen anywhere that had such a dramatic rise in tourism in such a short time coming with huge amounts of money arriving to an area with low wages and underlying potential for corruption. Professional thieves attend big crowded events and steal phones from everywhere pockets, purses, bags, you name it. The towns main square is where youll find the colorful Bacalar sign (pictured). If you didnt know any better, you would think that this place is an idyllic Caribbean seaside town. We love the beach, good food, spirituality, culture, and good house/techno music, which are all things Tulum is well-known for. Its hometo various endemic birds such as the snail hawk and parrots. We bought our own scooter, had an apartment, and made friends in town locals, travelers, and expats alike. Top 15 Things to do in Tulum Complete 2023 Guide, We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, This was a Mayan Region well before the Spanish arrived in the middle of the 16, Century and was a regular target for pirates who sacked it in the middle of the 17, Century. I love: adventures, sunsets, brunch, bars, good food, hiking, viewpoints, nature, amazing accommodation, and anything unique. They know people are partying and they prey on anyone. Both our cards, my iPhone 12, and $200 more worth of cash were also vanished without a trace. They said the fine was something like 300 dollars but upon finding $150 in her wallet they took that, left the weed, and drove away. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Im not saying dont go Im saying BE CAREFUL. The Ultimate 10 Day Yucatan Road Trip Itinerary The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". However, I always recommend travelers to buy travel insurance, whether youre traveling for a year or a week. Around 10:30pm, with absolutely no warning, multiple police vehicles and ATVs stormed the site, leading everyone to basically disperse. The town still attracts more Mexicans than foreign tourists, so it is great for tourists who seek off-the-beaten-track destinations youll feel like youre visiting real Mexico. Stay on the Beach Road Somewhere Central and Populated. 11 years ago Save Hi, We are flying to cancun and rented a car to get to Tulum. Are there a lot of cars on this highway during the day? One guy spent the night in jail for trying to talk to police officers after his assistant crashed HIS car. Aneconomy rental car in Mexicoaverages just $200 for a whole week, which is less than $25 a day. Liability insurance in Mexico is necessary. How To Get from Tulum to Bacalar (4 Ways) - Every Steph Many temples of Chacchoben are still very much covered by foliage, awaiting for to be restored. Book a private transfer here and youll get picked up from the airport or hotel (in Cancun or Tulum) and dropped off in Bacalar. Scroll to the bottom to go straight to the tips. the passing thing is pretty hairy sometimes." Make SURE to have travel insurance AND to insure your belongings like electronics and phone. "Bacalar, The Maldives of Mexico" Some of the best spots to see Stromatolites in Bacalar are at Cenote Cocalitos and los Rapidos. GoPro Hero 7 for waterproof photos/videos! We got in contact with a friend who knows the police chief and told him this story of injustice. But what makes Laguna Bacalar even more special is the watercolor. Same schedule and recommendations as the two weeks Yucatan itinerary road trip. Most of the buildings, however, were constructed between the 3rd and 7th Centuries. Bus operators. Tulum to Bacalar from $41 | Private Car Transfer in 3 Hours Below are our top picks with stunning views of the lake, good value, and great locations. I have never been to Mexico, but I am planning to go to Tulum with my partner for a few days and then rent a car and drive down to Bacalar Lagoon to Re: Tulum to Bacalar Highway - Safety 3 years ago Save It can be busy. Bacalar Lagoon is a vast lake on the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico's Quintana Roo state. The laguna looks its best at midday, so aim for the 11am boat. Traveling to Tulum: Ultimate Tulum Travel Guide for 2023 Police and criminals in Tulum (and everywhere this is a common sense one) are more likely to lurk where there arent many people around. After returning from a venue at maybe 1-2am, we walked back to our scooter to find it gone. If youre planning to visit Belize, check out our list of things to do in Caye Caulker. Located inside the lagoon, Cenote Negro is a large open cenote with a depth of 250 feet. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We've rented cars here before and never encountered any problems but we've never ventured this far. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. But he also said that he couldnt find our phone, wallet, or credit cards because there is no evidence of them being there OR stolen as there are no cameras. Bacalar Mexico: My 2023 Guide to Bacalar Lagoon You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Ultimate Bacalar Lagoon Guide: Where to Stay, Eat & Play Snorkel mask and fins can be great for observing marine life and stromatolites in the lagoon. I also had a friend driving home at night in a car, who was pulled over for no reason and made to allow the cops to search everything in the car. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. We always use DiscoverCars.com as theyve consistently given us the best prices and customer service. You can take a bus from Akumal to Tulum via Zona Arqueologica Tulum in around 36 min. Heres an informative post on how to get from Bacalar to Caye Caulker. Even if 2 helmets dont fit inside your scooter, lock one inside the seat and lock the strap of the other inside the seat. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Taking the bus in Quinto Rio is relatively easy & straightforward and way more comfortable than you think. Tulum to Bacalar 2.5 hours or 133 miles (215km), Playa del Carmen to Bacalar 3 hoursor 173 miles (279km), Cancun to Bacalar 4 hours 15 minutesor 215 miles (345km), Merida to Bacalar 4 hours 15 minutesor 215 miles (345km), 350 Pesos (US$17.50) on a pontoon with luxurious seats, 600 Pesos ($30) on a sail boat with open bar and free snacks. Youll never run out of ways to fill your day while in Bacalar. Check out a few options to whet your appetite before arriving in this lovely part of Mexico. I also recommend Tulum Al Minuto as a news page they are quite liberal and brutally honest (occasionally graphic). Tulum to Bacalar drive - plan a road trip Admission is just 60 MXN ($3) per person. 2. Day 5: Bacalar - Uxmal - Merida. Your email address will not be published. As there is no Uber or ridesharing in Tulum, you must take taxis either by hailing them on the street or calling one you know. Bacalar is around a 4-hour bus journey from Belize City. Within the lagoon, youll find several islands the most popular of which is the Isla de los Pjaros (Bird Island). Heres our article on them if you are interested. Locally known as Laguna Bacalar, La Laguna de los Siete Colores (the 7 color lagoon), its a stunning freshwater lake that is so clear it lives up to its nickname. You can travel to Bacalar by bus on an ADO bus. Either buy an eSIM before traveling or a SIM card at the airport upon arrival. Trust me, its worth it. Theres also an awesome pirate skeleton on display, found when they excavated the Fort. Mexicos Department of Tourism named Bacalar aPueblo Mgico (Magic Town) in 2006, one of a number of lesser-known towns given such a title in recognition of its importance to the countrys tourism industry. This score drops to 77.78 at nighttime, which is still considered highly safe. You do need some cash to pay for boat trips and street food so make sure you bring cash with you. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Both of our Mexican and European credit cards work. Its really that beautiful! Without a car, youll be confined to overpriced, basic packaged tours with hordes, When you think of Mexico, you instantly think of the gorgeous white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. They are organized and bus terminals are easy to get to. Tulum is a 2-hour drive away, and Cancun 4 hours away. On the way back, the police pulled him over for no reason. About an hours drive from Bacalar, Kohunlich is a massive archaeological site spread across 20 acres of terrain. Clearly robberies can happen and injuries too, and it is important to be covered. Theres not a long list of things to do in Bacalar its the kind of place you go to swim, chill out and swing on hammocks. It wont be long before you see Laguna Bacalar popping up all over your Instagram feed. In Spanish, its known as Laguna de Los 7 colors, and the colors range from pale shades of baby blue to aqua to deep royal blues. This canal was once frequented by pirates in the 18th century. With fewer crowds, its easier to enjoy Bacalar, Mexico, and do so without breaking the budget. Mexico has no travel restrictions, and theres no need for proof of vaccine or PCR tests on the plane. Bacalar has plenty of accommodation, but it is still rather rural and the infrastructure is pretty basic. If you like to make the most of your time in a location or at a festival (with some sporadic struggle stories from 7 years on the road), dive right on in. Thank you so much!! She was fine, but its terrifying to be so close to something like that. However, this can sometimes take longer if you run into any traffic or road construction delays. They can also impound your car or scooter if it is unregistered. It made no sense at all and we couldnt talk any sense into the police by telling them he wasnt a part of it and was just looking for me, his girlfriend. Although our friends tiny beach dj set wasnt exactly an illegal event as they asked permission from the legal food truck they used power from, the police could have (and must have) construed it that way. From Cancun or Tulum, you can easily rent a car and drive to Bacalar. I would never even think about driving it after dark. Many travelers report that taking public transport around the peninsula is safe during the day. I know we wont be back to Mexico for a long, long time. The event includes music, entertainment, and all kinds of races. Corruption rose dramatically, as did theft. If youre lucky, you might even get seated inside the palapa tipi tent, like we did! Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In Spanish, he asked me a little question miss, what time is it? to which I stepped back and turned on my phone screen to tell him the time. 11:53 am Reserva de la Bisfera Sian-Ka'an. Obviously hotels in the town center are cheaper, as most restaurants and activities are located here. Bacalar is located on the Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, right near the Belize border. They threatened to take him into the station for drunk driving unless he paid a totally BS fine which happened to be the same amount of money he had in his wallet that they searched for no reason also. Renting A Car In Tulum: Is It Safe To Rent A Car In Tulum, Mexico? The drive was easy. Its a small airport, and you will need to transit in Mexico City to get here from abroad. That doesn't mean you can't enjoy turquoise-hued water. Having traveled to over 140 countries and lived in six of them, I am now a long-term expat in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Theres an impressive, deep moat around the Fort, which has ramparts to get great views over Laguna de Bacalar. While we lived there, there were protests about femicide, a cartel war period where people were encouraged to stay inside for nearly a week, nearly weekly shootings at one point in the main town and beach (one injuring a tourist), and unruly cops who would extort anyone they could. Here are the best places to stay in Bacalar: Located in town and on the lake, this is the best budget option based on reviews. Driving from Tulum to Bacalar Lagoon Mexico - Safety : travel - Reddit After a vacation in Bacalar, you may be faced with a tough choice should you tell anyone else about this magical place or keep it to yourself?! Also if they are on video the police may be less likely to steal things from you. Youll have to fly to a nearby airport and come by rental car, shuttle, or bus. Found just over a century ago by Raymond Merwin, they date back to 200 BC. We have visited Bacalar every year since 2018 and have stayed at many places around the lagoon. If youre looking to go off the beaten path in Mexico, Bacalar is perfect for you! really?!? Tulum to Bacalar Drive. They then said, I kid you not, breathe on me. Which, he did. The lagoon is just so stunning and the town so mellow and laidback, that you would want to spend at least a night here. Today, only a portion of the site is open to the public. Empanadas de Chaya, with its gouda cheese, is another dish worth a try! I most highly recommend getting your cash out at the supermarket, Chedraui, which is always crowded. People then confused will of course go to the police, who will let them know they committed a parking violation and their vehicle is impounded in one of 3 lots around Tulum. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Yet another way to see Laguna de Bacalar is to rent a kayak and drift slowly and silently over its waters. We knew nothing of any agreements they had made with anyone to play and for how long. Tulum to Bacalar Highway - Safety - Tulum Forum - Tripadvisor The easiest way to Bacalar is by renting a car in Mexico and driving yourself to Bacalar. Its original name has yet to be determined. Pre-book your bus tickets here to ensure availability. We suggest spending three nights in Bacalar to see the highlights and have some time to enjoy the peaceful natural beauty of Bacalar. Laguna Bacalar is of course the star of the show, and most activities are centered around the water. Tulum's safety when walking alone during the day has a high score on Numbeo of 89.81. If you cant it on this trip, consider them on your next trip. We visited Bacalar in November, and had glorious weather the whole time! It was tough at times but we really just hope that it can help others keep out of some of the same situations! It helps me stay on the road, maintain this blog, and continue my global lifestyle. Is it safe to drive? - Akumal Forum - Tripadvisor I have heard a few accounts of ATMs having a fake swipe card placed on top of the real ones, and also of people being followed or watched or attempted to be robbed after visiting an ATM. Getting to Los Rapidos by public bus (colectivo) Getting to Los Rapidos from Bacalar by local bus is the cheapest way but it can be challenging because the colectivo (minivan) will leave you on the main road and then you will have to walk for 2 km to get to Los Rapidos. This was a Mayan Region well before the Spanish arrived in the middle of the 16th Century and was a regular target for pirates who sacked it in the middle of the 17th Century. There are only two ATMs in the small town of Bacalar and theyre always out of cash. Bacalar can offer an authentic Mexican feel that is unlikely to disappear any time soon. Even with the names of the officers and a photo of the police car we were unable to get any information on the charges on our cards or missing wallet and phone. The police found one tiny empty baggie which they presumed to have housed some type of drugs at some point, and all three people in the car were made to pay a fine. I recommend getting a SIM card with internet data to make sure you stay cnnected while on the island. Youll see moss blanketing the land and temples which once stood proudly on it. Food trucks Budget travelers will love the food trucks parked along Avenue 1, the main street that runs parallel to the water. I live in Playa del Carmen, and I have been to Bacalar a few times now and the amount of visitors there is nothing compared to what we get here on the coast. It was not where we parked it, or anywhere else around. Over time, erosion creates caves and then modifies them. Thank you for your support! Alternatively, you may use, Top 10 things to do in Cancun during spring break. The police then accused him of drinking tequila and being drunk, and asked him to breathe on them again. Related Article: Top Mayan Ruins in Mexico To Visit. There are no cameras in the police station or newer cars (apparently they are making cars with cameras but this was an old one) to even verify we had these items, so clearly the police took all they could. Almost every guesthouse/hotel offers rental or free usage of kayaks. I also lost all my iPhone photos from Tulum so I dont have much, but I scavenged some DSLR pics from different music events we worked and saved some random stories I posted though our months there . Spends some time just staring at this beautiful lagoon and see how many different shades of blue you can count! Like witnessing a shooting while sitting at a patio dinner or being pulled over and robbed for no reason while driving at night, some things are inevitable in Tulum. We have also used Heymondo travel insurance for over a year and a half now, and they are absolutely amazing. Parroquia de San Joaquin near the Plaza Principal in Bacalar was built in the 18. There are a few typical Mexican dishes, with Tacos de Cochinita being the regional specialty, as well as shrimp and tuna, which you can enjoy with a salad or as a burger. They must pay a fine to the transit police AND the impound lot to get the vehicle back, which is split among all other parties. Tulum to Bacalar from $41 | Private Car Transfer in 3 Hours | Daytrip Best-seller 3,800+ reviews Private car transfer from Tulum to Bacalar Door-to-door in 2 h 30 min From $41 per seat Professional driver Sanitized vehicles One-way 2 passengers - 2 From To Departure -- select -- Time Risk-free Cancel 24 hours before departure for a full refund Top 20 Things To Do in Cozumel & Cant Miss Excursions! The reason? If you simply want a lunchtime snack, go for one of their delicious paninis or salads. Bacalar Lagoon (or Laguna Bacalar) is just a 2-hour drive from touristy Tulum, but it cannot be more different. But dont let that turn you off the shallow waters here are crystal clear and great for swimming (especially for kids). They took them to the police station, where they had them watch police beat up and kick other prisoners. 4 Ways To Get From Tulum To Bacalar In 2023 - Lets Travel to Mexico As you can probably tell from its name, the island is an excellent birdwatching spot (at certain times of the year). But the lagoon itself is massive and youll need to take a boat or kayak to explore different parts of it. 1 year ago Save Taxi versus rental car is really personal preference. This is more of a risk at the bigger cenote parties and villa parties, but police can really consider anything that hasnt paid them off as illegal. The Tulum police chief told me that they couldnt pursue looking for our phone or wallet that the police stole (or the guy who took 7000 pesos in bribes masked as a fine which was also corrupt) because there was no evidence of us having these items in the first place. Read my guide onhow to get a SIM card in Mexico. Mahahual is said to be an up-and-coming Tulum beach town, but its relatively quiet for now and receives more Mexican than foreign visitors. She was pulled over driving at night in Aldea Zama and the police demanded to search her bag. Its always good to stay up-to-date on current affairs in Tulum. Related Article: Where to Stay in Tulum Read before booking accommodation. Once here, its easy to see how Laguna Bacalar earned the nickname, Laguna de Siete Colores (lagoon of seven colors). For those who are planning to travel more of Mexico, check out other articles Ive written on Mexico: Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links i.e. On day 6, it's time to head to the most up-and-coming destination on this 10 day Yucatan itinerary, a place we've heard described as "what Tulum was 30 years ago": Bacalar. Cenote Azul is a deep well in Laguna de Bacalar. Its located on the best part of the lagoon (with the clearest waters)! Bacalar to Tulum - 3 ways to travel via bus, car, and shuttle - Rome2rio Having driven roads in Mexico, and depending on traffic, and construction and unknown events, I would plan on four hours, no less. Eliot was nearly attacked by someone inside the jail too. Restaurants specialize in locally-produced ingredients and fully cater to vegetarians and vegans. Wear a mask when you're in crowded places. Even being present at an illegal gathering can be considered by them as an arrestable offense. Bacalar is a lake, often called the Lagoon of Seven Colors thanks to the clear blue-green shades of the water. 15 Tulum safety tips. Most of the buildings, however, were constructed between the 3, Fuertes San Felipe is a beautiful stone structure near the town square. It took months to get back on track with our professional life, relationship, work, and physical and mental health. We book this private transfer service every time we need to get to Cancun airport from home. It was my daughters favorite thing to do in Bacalar! There is plenty to see in these lovely blue waters. I have likened it to the right shoulder being my lane and their shoulder being their lane, with the main roadway between the white lines being the wild wild west, where few rules apply. Many accommodations will give you a few taxi numbers that they know and trust especially if you are staying far from a main road, taxi stand, or somewhere taxis drive often. The closest airport to Bacalar is Chetumal International Airport (CTM), which is 45 minutes away by car. I would plan on something more like 2 hours, to be realistic, but it could take 3 hours+ if there is traffic. Is Tulum, Mexico Safe To Visit? Travel Safety Guide in 2022 There are muskets, navigational instruments, sabers, and models of the boats that sailed these waters during the 17. Los de Atlixco can cater to large groups and has a hip outdoor seating area. stay for about 1 hour. Yucatan Road Trip Itinerary: 2 weeks in Mexico - Travel Blog I heard of one instance however where a Swiss tourist was injured in the crossfire of a shooting that happened in the central town. Always be vigilant. Find the travel option that best suits you. The town still attracts more Mexicans than foreign tourists, so it is great for tourists who seek off-the-beaten-track destinations youll feel like youre visiting real Mexico. They are all terribly scary and carry huge guns, so theres no messing with them. They are living fossils that have been around for 3 billion years! Its the only way I have heard to get out of extortions. The main safety issue is cars passing into oncoming traffic, of which we have had a few hair-raising experiences. . Its a great place to relax after a hectic day exploring Bacalar, Mexico. Weve put together this Bacalar Mexico travel guide to answer all your questions and inspire you to add it to your Mexico bucket list! It's Best to Rent a Car Taking a Bacalar day trip from Tulum is technically possible by bus. When we arrived in Tulum in December, we bought our own scooter for $800 as we knew we would be around for at least 4-5 months and transportation here is super expensive. Check rates here. From petty tourist scams like stealing things from the beach, to break-ins and stolen scooters, here are some stories. The police will accuse you of being drunk with absolutely no test or no reason other than driving in a quiet neighborhood late at night (where no one can see them being corrupt). NEVER carry any drugs or anything that can be conceived as drugs on your person. Ive put together a super detailed Laguna Bacalar travel guide with the best things to do in Bacalar, how to get there, and the best hotels to stay. drive for about 2 hours. Check out my guide to renting a car in Mexico. This happens OFTEN and in many ways. maybe 10 years ago . 12. We spent about 3 hours hanging out on the beach in a huge area with maybe only 20-30 people around and other locals laying on the beach. These days, it is particularly important to have travel insurance that covers COVID-19. If youve got more time to explore Mexico, there are some beautiful places in Mexico nearby you should check out. Lastly, I have sprinkled fun Tulum photos throughout this post to show how incredible and amazing this town can be and to keep the mood light throughout some tough stories! Apparently cars OR scooters will go missing from beach road mainly, or other places. So, youve heard ALL of the bad. 2. Its absolutely magical floating down the rapids here we lost count of the number of times we drifted down the rapids. It is one of many landmarks in the town. Many say that how Tulum currently is, is how Playa del Carmen was a number of years ago but has since been calmed down. It was the first city in the region which the Spanish colonizers succeeded in taking in 1543. They didnt care at all. Stromatolites have been around for up to three billion years, and these fossils are still alive today! There was a shooting in October 2021 where TWO tourists died in a crossfire at a popular tourist restaurant that I personally have eaten at many times. Weve been making the trip to Laguna Bacalar just about every year since 2018. Chetumal does not have regular international flights but is served by Cancun and Mexico City. Century. I heard a story of a girl in the Tulum Girl Gang facebook group who was at dinner watching live music (making note that this was obviously a very legal and safe-seeming activity) who witnessed a shooting happen right outside the restaurant. Police always check at the entrance of the road heading down Tulum beach from the center, at night or at sunset when people are driving back and forth Tulum city and beach. Theres an impressive, deep moat around the Fort, which has ramparts to get great views over Laguna de Bacalar. Cancuns raucous spring break destination is only a five-hour drive away via Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Chetumal is the closest airport to Bacalar, around 45 minutes by road. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Unfortunately this one is especially for the ladies (although men should do it too). Alternatively, you can take a 2.5-hour taxi with fares from 3,500 MXN ($200.00). Often there are specials online, and its cheaper to book there than at a bus station. drive for about 53 minutes. Qualified scuba divers will find plenty of spots to explore. Everything about this situation was horrible. Bacalar may be a late developer in Mexicos tourist trade, but in some ways, that is to its advantage. $95 - $1300 3 alternative options Bus via Limones 3h 56m The boat trip includes much-needed refreshments and is crewed by an experienced captain, guide, and service staff.