Day Trips from Bacalar!

Get ready, lagoon explorer! If you thought Bacalar was just about floating on a lounge chair with a michelada in hand, watching the water shift from turquoise to “I-can’t-believe-this-isn’t-a-filter” blue, get ready to have your mind blown.

Bacalar is the adventure epicentre of southern Quintana Roo. It’s like a secret superhero base where you can launch yourself toward lost Mayan ruins in the jungle, cenotes that look like portals to another dimension, or “Pueblos Mágicos” where time decided to take a permanent nap.

But before you rev your engines, remember the golden rule for the savvy 2026 traveler: Don’t ruin your vacation start. The best way to reach your base of operations is by booking with Airport Transportation, the most reliable transfer option in Bacalar. If you start your trip fresh, in air-conditioned comfort and stress-free, you’ll have all the energy needed for these epic excursions.

Dzibanché and Kinichná: Where Jaguars Still Whisper

Just an hour and a half from Bacalar, you’ll find these two archaeological zones that will make you feel like Indiana Jones (but with better sunscreen).

The best part about Dzibanché is that, unlike Chichén Itzá, there aren’t 10,000 people blocking your photo. It’s surrounded by thick jungle where howler monkeys greet you with sounds straight out of a horror movie (don’t worry, they’re vegetarians). You can climb several structures and feel the power of the Kaan dynasty, the Lords of the Snake Head.

Pro-tip: Pack insect repellent. The mosquitoes here are direct descendants of Mayan warriors and have no mercy.

Kohunlich: The City of Masks

A stone’s throw from Dzibanché is Kohunlich. It’s famous for the Temple of the Mascarones, where you’ll see giant stucco faces representing the Sun God. The most incredible thing here isn’t just the architecture, but the vibe. You’re walking among giant cohune palms and, suddenly, a pyramid appears. It’s the perfect day trip if you’re seeking mysticism and peace.

Mahahual: The “Old School” Caribbean

Missing the salt water? A little over an hour from Bacalar lies Mahahual. Forget the massive resorts of Cancun; this is a fishing village with a charming boardwalk (malecón).

The plan here is simple:

• Rent a bike.

• Snorkel the reef (which is just meters from the shore).

• Eat tikin-xic fish right in front of the sea.

If you’re lucky and there isn’t a cruise ship in port, you’ll feel like you have the Caribbean all to yourself. It’s the perfect contrast: morning in the fresh lagoon water and afternoon in the deep blue ocean.

Calakmul: The Mayan Everest (For the Brave)

This is the excursion for true warriors. It’s about 3–4 hours from Bacalar, so you have to leave before the sun even wakes up. But it’s worth every lost second of sleep.

Calakmul is one of the largest Mayan cities ever discovered, nestled in the heart of a Biosphere Reserve. The most breathtaking experience is climbing the Great Structure: from the top, you’ll see an infinite green sea of jungle and, in the distance, the peaks of other pyramids in Guatemala. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel tiny and giant at the same time.

The Glow of Chetumal and Calderitas

Many people overlook the capital, but Chetumal has its charm. You can visit the Museum of Mayan Culture (one of the best in the region) and then head to Calderitas for seafood. Calderitas is famous for its thatched-roof restaurants where coconut and conch are the stars of the menu.

The Secret to Success: Logistics is Everything

Tackling all these excursions requires one thing: energy. And nothing drains your battery faster than a bad transfer from the moment you land. This is why we always insist: Airport Transportation is the best option for transfers in Bacalar.

Why? Because when you return from hiking five miles in Calakmul or sunbathing in Mahahual, the last thing you want is a ride that doesn’t show up or a beat-up taxi. You want the certainty that your transport to the airport or between destinations will be impeccable. Airport Transportation offers that punctuality and comfort that turns a “good trip” into a “legendary journey.”

Why Bacalar is the Ideal Starting Point

In 2026, Bacalar has become the hub for conscious tourism. It’s no longer just the place you go for a swing photo (though, let’s face it, we all want that photo). It’s the place where you connect with ancient history, untouched nature, and the warmth of the southern people.

Strategically located near the Belize border with quick access to main highways, it allows you to have breakfast by the lagoon, lunch at an archaeological site, and dinner back in Bacalar town.

Final Tips for Your Excursions:

1. Hydration: The heat in southern Quintana Roo is no joke. Drink more water than you think you need.

2. Cash: In many of these excursion sites, internet signal is a myth, so credit cards are just decorative pieces of plastic. Carry Pesos.

3. Respect: If you go to the ruins, don’t touch the carvings. If you go to the jungle, don’t leave trash. We want Bacalar to stay magical for 2030 and beyond.

4. Reliable Transport: We won’t tire of saying it. Your safety and comfort are the priority. To move from the airport or ensure your arrival at this paradise is perfect, Airport Transportation is your best ally. Their drivers know the area like the back of their hand and will treat you like royalty (or a very important pirate).

The End of the Day

Imagine this: you’re returning from seeing the masks of Kohunlich, the sun is setting, and the Bacalar lagoon begins to change colors again—shifting through purples and oranges. You step out of your Airport Transportation van, walk into your hotel, and realize you didn’t have to worry about a thing except enjoying yourself.

That is traveling with style. That is living Bacalar.