Bacalar Lagoon Road Trip from Tulum in a Classic Kombi
Bacalar is in Quintana Roo, but it is a long drive for a classic kombi that cruises at up to 70 km/h. Treat it as a trip of several days rather than a day out, split the drive with stops at Muyil and Sian Ka'an, and tell us your plan before you book so Martin can help you prepare.
Bacalar has a nickname that says it all: the lagoon of seven colors. Depending on the depth, the sand and the light, the water shifts from white and turquoise to deep blue within a few meters. It is quieter than the coast, it is a freshwater lagoon so you swim without waves, and it makes a beautiful finale for a longer kombi road trip.
There is one thing to be honest about from the start: Bacalar is far for a 70s van. Here is how to do it well.
Is Bacalar a good idea in a classic kombi?
Yes, if you treat it as a journey and not as a day trip. Keep these points in mind:
- Speed: the kombi goes up to 70 km/h. The highway south of Tulum is long and straight, and you will be overtaken a lot. That is fine.
- No A/C: the middle of the day is hot inside the van. Drive in the morning and late afternoon, and swim in between.
- Distance: Bacalar is inside Quintana Roo, our driving zone, but it is one of the longest drives you can do with us. Tell us before you book so Martin can review the plan with you.
- Fuel: the kombi runs on Magna. Fill up whenever you see a station on the long stretches.
New to manual vans? Our guide to driving in the Riviera Maya covers the basics, and Martin gives every driver a lesson at pick-up.
Split the drive: the best stops on the way south
Breaking the trip in two makes everything easier, for you and for the engine.
Cristal, Escondido and Kaan Luum
Just south of Tulum, on the road toward Chetumal, the Cristal and Escondido cenotes are an easy first swim. A little further on, the Kaan Luum lagoon is a turquoise preview of what you will see in Bacalar.
Muyil and Sian Ka’an
The Maya site of Muyil sits at the edge of the Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of jungle, lagoons and mangroves. It is a natural place to stretch your legs and have lunch.
A night halfway
If you prefer short days on the road, look for a campground roughly halfway, around the town of Felipe Carrillo Puerto, and do the second half the next morning. Campgrounds are always the easiest choice in a kombi, because you get a bathroom and electricity.
A five-day Tulum to Bacalar itinerary
- Day 1: pick up in Tulum Centro at 14:00, short drive and first night by the sea at Chamicos, about 20 minutes from Tulum.
- Day 2: early start south. Swim at Cristal or Kaan Luum, lunch around Muyil, and stop for the night halfway or push on to Bacalar if you feel fresh.
- Day 3: a full day on the lagoon. Swim, read, nap in the pop-up roof bed, cook dinner on the stove.
- Day 4: slow morning in Bacalar, then drive north in the afternoon light and sleep on the way.
- Day 5: back to Tulum, fill the tank and return the van by 12:00 (late return until 20:00).
Want more time? Many travelers add Cobá or a cenote day on the way back. See more ideas in our real kombi routes.
Enjoying Bacalar with respect
The lagoon is home to stromatolites, living rock-like formations that are extremely fragile. A few habits help protect it:
- Do not stand on or touch the stromatolites.
- Skip sunscreen before swimming in the lagoon. Cover up with a T-shirt or a hat instead.
- Take your rubbish with you and use the campground facilities.
- Keep music low at night. Part of Bacalar’s charm is the silence.
When to go
Roughly December to April is high season and the driest time of year. The official hurricane season runs from June to November, so keep an eye on the forecast if you travel then. Our guide to the best time to visit Tulum explains the seasons in detail.
Bacalar is also a good plan B when the coast has sargassum, since it is an inland lagoon. Seaweed levels change every year, so check conditions before you choose.
Make it your own
Bacalar rewards the travelers who slow down: one more swim, one more sunset, one more coffee by the water. If it is on your list, write to Martin with your dates before you book your kombi and he will help you plan the drive.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to drive from Tulum to Bacalar in a kombi?
Longer than in a modern car. The kombi goes up to 70 km/h and has no A/C, so plan a full day on the road with breaks, or split the drive in two.
Can I take the kombi to Bacalar?
Bacalar is in Quintana Roo, our driving zone, but it is a long trip for a classic van. Tell us your plans before you go so we can check the timing with you and give you tips for the road.
How many days do I need for a Bacalar road trip?
We suggest at least four or five days in total, so you have time to stop on the way, enjoy two nights by the lagoon and drive back without rushing.