Distance 193 km (120.6 miles) | |
Price range US$ 19-US$ 431 | |
Ride Duration Range 2h-3h 55m | |
Earliest Departure 06:45 | |
Latest Departure 23:00 | |
Most Popular Operator |
To experience the Mexican coastline at its best, purchase a bus ticket and enjoy the three hour journey along the water. Tickets are extremely affordable and are regularly available throughout the day. Tulum is most known for its gorgeous white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and exotic nightlife. Also bring your camera and take pictures of the ancient Mayan ruins. The most pleasant weather is during peak travel season from December to April.
Fastest bus: 2h 35m
Cheapest bus: US$ 19
If you want more beach fun after enjoying Bacalar, take a shore drive north and head up to Tulum, where more exotic beaches await.
Making the connection is relatively easy and affordable. Additionally, it's only a 210 km (130 miles) trip.
You can get from Bacalar to Tulum in just under three hours by taking one of the many daily buses.
If you want to spend a little more money but have more control over your trip, hire a private car or minivan. You'll arrive at your destination in approximately two hours, depending on traffic and stops.
If you leave in the morning, you'll be at the beach before lunch.
There are two famous parts of Tulum.
The first is the ocean, where you can relax and enjoy the pristine beaches, immaculate scenery, and crystal-clear turquoise water. There are beach bars that stay open well into the night and water activities to keep you busy, including diving and snorkeling in the cenotes.
Tulum is also known for its Mayan ruins archaeological site, so have your camera ready. It's one of Mexico's most famous destinations.
Whether you're spending a day or a week in Tulum, there are plenty of things to keep you busy:
Check out the archaeological site. This used to be one of Mexico's incredible Mayan cities. There are temples and castles overlooking the ocean. Your camera will get a workout as you navigate along the site and discover the ruins. Hire a guide at the entrance, and the ancient city will come to life.
Hit up the Beaches. Check out Playa Paraiso. This stretch of golden sand is as pristine as you'll find in Tulum, with turquoise water and palm trees awaiting you. There are a couple of beach clubs and bars, and the jungle is not far if you want to go hiking. Just two miles to the south is an interdisciplinary museum called SFER IK that is worth checking out.
Go swimming or diving in the cenotes. Tulum is known for its breathtaking cenotes, which are natural sinkholes with sparkling fresh and clear water, perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling.
El Gran Cenote is one of the most popular in Tulum. This underground cavern has all sorts of marine life and stalagmites and stalactites. You might even make friends with a turtle or two.
Cenotes Dos Ojos is another top-rated attraction that's worth exploring.
Experience Aktun-Chen Park. This park has many activities, like swimming in one of the cenotes, taking a historical tour, visiting the jungle, or going on a little cruise along the river. The five million-year-old cave (no, that's not a typo) is a must-visit.
Party it up. If you're a night owl looking for fun, Tulum's nightlife won't disappoint. Plenty of beach bars and nightclubs play music well into the night. There are even more spots downtown.
There are three ways you can get from Bacalar to Tulum: by bus, car, or minivan.
All buses are shared, while cars and minivans are private transfers.
Buses will transfer you quickly and safely from Bacalar to Tulum, and the prices start at $21.
There are more than ten daily transfers, with buses departing Terminal de Autobuses Bacalar and arriving at Terminal Autobuses Tulum ADO.
Departures start in the morning and continue into the night. Total travel time is approximately three hours.
Some bus amenities include:
A/C
WC
Reclining seats
One bag and trolley bag per passenger
Tickets cannot be changed or canceled after purchase.
If you're going with a small group and want to take a private transfer, consider traveling by car.
Prices start at $392 for the group and can fit up to three passengers. A driver will pick you up at any Bacalar hotel at a time of your choosing and drop you off at any Tulum hotel.
The average travel time is approximately two hours.
Some car amenities include:
A/C
20 kg bag (44 lbs) and handbag per passenger
Free cancellation up to 36 hours before departure
Like cars, minivans are also private transfers, with the total travel time taking approximately two hours.
Prices for minivans start at $430 for the group, and it can fit up to six passengers. You will get picked up and dropped off at your hotels.
Some minivan amenities include:
A/C
20 kg (44 lbs) bag and handbag per passenger
Free cancellation up to 36 hours before departure
To take advantage of the best weather, plan your trip to Tulum between November and April.
Avoid December, January, and March, as these months see extra large crowds because of the holidays and spring break.
The summers are a little less crowded and not as expensive. However, it's very hot and extremely humid, and hurricanes are a risk.
After spending some quality time in Tulum, take a short trip north to one of the top beaches and nightlife spots in all of Mexico — Cancun. You can get from Tulum to Cancun by taking a bus or minivan. Bus prices start at $14 and take less than two hours to connect.
Cancun has some beautiful beaches, like Playa Norte and Playa Langosta, that are ideal for water activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, or boating.
If you want to stay up late, Cancun is legendary for its bars and nightclubs.
If you want to take a break from the beach, go into town and learn more about Mexican history and culture. The Maya Museum and El Rey Archaeological Zone are two attractions to add to your bucket list.
Tropical paradise takes on a new meaning in Quintana Roo. We’ll introduce you to the best beaches for leisure, partying, snorkeling, and more.
Say goodbye to your indecisions about which cenotes to visit in Tulum. We’ll let you in on our top five cenote recommendations here.
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