About the ride from Bacalar to Playa del Carmen
Bacalar and its Lagoon of Seven Colors is a rising star on social media. With gorgeous water and lots of fun activities, it is well worth the effort to get to.
But no trip to the Riviera Maya would be complete without some time in the electric blue waters of the Caribbean. The same goes for the lively nightlife and mouth-watering cuisine found in the Yucatan.
A great place to sample them all is the tourist hotspot of Playa del Carmen.
With several options available, making the 275 km (170 miles) road trip between Bacalar and Playa del Carmen is a cinch.
Top things to see and do in Playa del Carmen
With a gorgeous shoreline and lots of shopping, Playa del Carmen is a fantastic choice for doing a bit of everything or absolutely nothing.
Here are some of the top attractions worth considering:
Shop your way down La Quinta: Playa del Carmen's 5th Avenue, also known as La Quinta, is the premier shopping spot. You can browse for souvenirs, survey boutique shops or search for handicrafts all in one convenient area. Plus, the abundance of dining and drinking options won't leave you hungry or thirsty.
Hit the beach(es): Playa del Carmen boasts beaches for all tastes. For convenience, you can lay on the brilliant sand just past the arch sculpture at Parque Fondadores, right in the heart of town.
Mamitas Beach is perfect if you're looking for some energy or a party.
Playacar Beach will offer a more secluded vibe for greater relaxation.
And the hidden gem of Coco Reef is pure bliss, tucked just off a side street.
Explore the national parks: The Yucatan has several national parks worth exploring, all within easy reach of Playa del Carmen.
Fans of history and beaches will love Tulum National Park's white sands and authentic Maya ruins a day trip away.
Divers and snorkelers! Don't miss Arrecife de Cozumel and Arrecife de Puerto Morelos National Parks so you can gaze at the world's second-largest barrier reef.
Party the night away: Once again, La Quinta is at the heart of what's happening in town, especially after nightfall. You can sip cocktails from a rooftop bar, dance the night away in one of many blaring clubs, or chill listening to live music in some hole-in-the-wall cantina.
The best part is that you will never be far from delicious street food served by vendors who set up shop after dark.
What to expect when traveling from Bacalar to Playa del Carmen
Most of the journey from Bacalar to Playa del Carmen will be through the jungle-covered interior of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Once you reach Tulum, you should get some occasional glimpses of the coast as you pass Playa Paraiso, Akumal and Puerto Aventuras.
Depending on your chosen form of transportation, the trip can take anywhere between 2.5-4 hours.
Coming from the still-developing shores of Bacalar, Playa del Carmen will seem downright urban by comparison. As you pull into town, you'll see streets filled with tourists while shops and vendors vie for their attention and dollars.
How to get from Bacalar to Playa del Carmen
Your choices for making this trip come down to three main options. You can hire a standard minivan or car, your most personalized (and expensive) option. Or you can do what budget travelers everywhere do and take the bus.
Minivans and cars are essentially a matter of renting your own private vehicle and driver.
A bus ride is completely public.
Here are some details to help you decide which is best for you:
By minivan
Private minivans, with a capacity of up to six passengers, are an excellent option for family or group travel.
Minivans have a set price regardless of the number of passengers, so the more people, the better the value. Prices for the van are around $460. Split between six people, it's about $75 per person.
The benefits of hiring a private minivan include allowing you to select your departure time, location, and drop-off point in Playa del Carmen. You'll get one 20 kg (44 lb) bag plus a handbag or small backpack.
Amenities include air conditioning and a little more space than in a car or bus. The ride generally takes about three hours.
By car
Cars follow the same principle as minivans, with the entire vehicle and driver at your disposal.
They hold a max of three passengers with an allowance of one 20 kg (44 lb) piece of luggage and a handbag/backpack per person.
Like minivans, cars will offer you the option to select your own departure time and location, with a drop-off at your Playa del Carmen accommodation.
This air-conditioned ride is usually the quickest, clocking in at about 2.5-3.5 hours. Prices start around $424.
By bus
Taking the bus is, by far, the least expensive option for getting from Bacalar to Playa del Carmen. This is especially true if you're traveling solo or as a couple and don't need an entire vehicle to yourself.
Buses that run this route are often quite comfortable, with air conditioning, reclining seats, WiFi and charging stations available depending on the operator.
Luggage restrictions are one bag weighing up to 21 kg (41 lbs) plus one small hand luggage per passenger. The trip takes about four hours, and departures run throughout the day.
Unlike cars and minivans, which are door-to-door service, you'll be picked up at the principal station in town: Terminal De Autobuses Bacalar.
Buses usually arrive at Playa del Carmen Alterna, just a few blocks from the waterfront.
When is the best time of year to visit Tulum?
December through April is the peak season in Playa del Carmen. It has the best weather for touring or spending your days at the beach.
Unfortunately, peak season means bigger crowds and higher prices, especially around Christmas and Easter when many domestic tourists arrive.
May and June can be scorching, and early fall (September and October) is the rainiest period. You'll see fewer tourists and better pricing, but there is a tradeoff.
How many days do I need in Playa del Carmen?
As a bonafide world-class tourist town, give yourself at least three days to do it right.
You'll need some time on the beach, some time in the water and some time in town just to hit the highlights. Many visitors come for a week or more. It all depends on how much partying or relaxing you hope to do.
Where to after Playa del Carmen?
Looking for more island bliss? You can't go wrong with Cozumel. It's a short 20-minute ferry ride, and it has a totally different vibe than Playa del Carmen.
If you're ready for some culture, Merida is the spot. It's about a three-hour drive, and you'll be in one of the culturally richest towns in the Yucatan.
