About the ride from Bacalar to Belize City
Travelers planning a visit to Bacalar in Mexico are likely drawn to its hidden gem — the spectacular Lagoon of Seven Colors.
After you have experienced a boat trip on this shimmering body of water, it's time to make your way to Belize City.
Keep your camera handy for the 3.5-hour bus or minivan journey to enjoy the beautiful scenery through the Yucatán Peninsula.
Both options provide an affordable way to cross the border between Mexico and Belize.
Cool things to do in Belize City
Once you arrive in Belize City, it's time to learn about the country's exciting history. Let's take a look at some of the most popular attractions to include in your itinerary.
Visit the well-known Baron Bliss Lighthouse: This iconic landmark honors Henry Edward Ernest Victor Bliss, a member of the English aristocracy. Without giving too much of the history away, Bliss donated his fortune to Belize, and with it, he requested the lighthouse to be built.
Take a walk inside St. John's Cathedral: As the oldest surviving building constructed by Europeans in Belize, you will want to check out the well-preserved architecture of this Cathedral. The antique pipe organ and the colonial-era tombstones are important to its history.
Spend time at the Museum of Belize: Once a prison, the museum now showcases Belize's history, including its Mayan heritage and colonial past.
Check out the swing bridge: Located at the heart of the city, this structure is the world's oldest operational manual bridge. While it used to be open every morning and evening, it now only opens on special request.
Take some day trips. Some of the country's most popular sites are just a few hours away, like Caye Caulker, the Belize Zoo, and the Mayan Ruins of Altun Ha.
How to travel from Bacalar to Belize City
When it comes time to book your travel between Bacalar and Belize City, there are two main options: a bus and a minivan.
Either way, you are crossing the international border between Mexico and Belize. Have all of your travel documents handy for passport control. You will also need cash on hand to pay the immigration fees.
Option one: Bus
Starting from $42
The air-conditioned bus journey, operated by Marlin Espadas, takes about 3.5 hours — it varies a bit depending on the traffic and the number of stops.
You will meet at Maya Cabana Jardin in Bacalar, and the drop-off point will be the Marlin Espadas office in Belize.
Before boarding the bus, you will need to present your Bookaway voucher, which will be exchanged for the supplier's ticket.
Take note of the luggage restrictions: a 25 kg (55 lbs) suitcase and one handbag per person.
Option two: Minivan
Starting from $61
Adrenalina Tours offers an air-conditioned minivan journey between Bacalar and Belize City. Typically, the departure time is 8.30 a.m., so you'll arrive around noon, allowing you time in the afternoon to explore.
The benefit of booking this transportation is that you will be picked up from outside your hotel. The drop-off in Belize City is at the Atlanta Express office at San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi.
Keep in mind that when booking, the ticket is non-refundable.
Guests can travel with up to 35 kg (77 lbs) of luggage per person, as well as one handbag.
What is the journey from Bacalar to Belize City like?
As you say goodbye to the Lagoon of Seven Colors, your journey through lush green countryside will begin. The road towards the border will take you through small, charming Mexican villages where you can catch a glimpse of local life.
After traveling for approximately 37 km (23 miles), you will arrive at the Mexico and Belize border. Here, you will get out of the vehicle for passport control and customs. The crossing time can vary, depending on the time of the day and the traffic.
To ensure a seamless process, have your passport, departure flight details, and cash ready to enter Belize for the immigration officers.
Whether you have booked a bus or minivan, the staff on board will be there to answer any questions. However, Google Translate is helpful if you do not understand some of the questions you are asked.
Afterward, you will continue your journey to Belize City by bus or minivan. Sit back and relax as you take in the countryside and small villages of the new country.
As you start to approach the coast, get ready for the sparkling blue ocean surrounding Belize City.
When is the best time to visit Belize City?
Belize City is a year-round destination, but the dry season from December to April offers the most pleasant weather. Temperatures range from 21-28°C (70-83°F), making it ideal to explore all the city offers.
However, great weather and holidays mean more tourists, so prices, particularly for accommodation, are higher.
It's possible to visit during the rainy season, from May to November, but be sure to check the weather forecast, as the occasional hurricane makes an appearance in Belize City, especially in September and October.
Where to travel after Belize City?
After a few days in Belize City, it may be time to head to some neighboring islands.
Caye Caulker is known for its laid-back vibe and picturesque turquoise waters. It will take you less than 1.5 hours from Belize City to Caye Caulker to reach a new paradise.
Otherwise, you could also go to San Pedro, which has beautiful beaches and abundant marine activities. From Belize City to San Pedro, it will take 30 minutes by water taxi.