Tulum & Bacalar Tour: An Honest Day Trip Review
So, you’re thinking about doing the “Tulum Bacalar 7 Colors Lagoon Day Trip with Transport,” right? That’s very understandable, considering how many cool pictures you’ve likely seen. People are always posting photos on Instagram of this unbelievable, nearly otherworldly, turquoise water. Very pretty, yet photos never quite give you a real sense of what a trip is like. I went on this trip, so you can see what I actually experienced, how it all panned out, what was rad, and what might’ve been a bit less enjoyable.
Setting Off to Tulum: More Than Just Ruins
Okay, so the first leg is Tulum, and it’s really early! In fact, my tour pickup time was somewhere around 7 a.m., which, honestly, is pretty early if you are attempting to embrace those chill vacation vibes. Anyhow, they generally want to get you there before it gets totally packed with fellow tourists. Anyway, there’s just a small amount of walking from the bus to the site entrance, too. Very handy. When you get inside, that first view of the ruins set against the ocean actually is pretty spectacular.
These old Mayan buildings aren’t huge, too, such as Chichen Itza, or anything, however, the setting is totally unique. They’re basically right on the cliffside, so, with the Caribbean stretching out behind them. That means you’ll get a load of photo opportunities. Also, they are picture perfect! The tour guides tend to provide some interesting history. Very neat. One story the guide related was how the location of Tulum acted as a strategic trading post and fortress way back when. We are talking about, controlling maritime routes. It all contributes to understanding what you’re seeing, and how they fit in the big picture.
Oh, just one tip: the sun could be seriously intense, so I totally recommend taking a hat and wearing sunscreen, more or less no matter the time. Plus, comfy shoes are really a must, since there’ll be a bit of walking involved, you know? In a way, exploring the site shouldn’t take you hours, maybe an hour and a half, give or take. After that, generally, you’re headed for the really refreshing, cenote swim before going onward to Bacalar.
Cenote Stop: A Refreshing Dip
After those ruins, that cenote stop is more or less the thing you want. If you don’t know what cenotes usually are, that, they are basically sinkholes filled with the most unbelievably crystal-clear, freshwater, and, honestly, some of the ones around Tulum are seriously magical. The one we stopped at actually had these cool little platforms, you know, so that you could jump into the water if you’re feeling up to it.
Plus, is that the water is so clear? Basically, you could see all the way to the bottom. Keep an eye out! If you’re a good swimmer. Seriously cool, right? Also, floating there is the absolute nicest thing to do after baking under the sun at Tulum. That, really it kind of re-energizes you. Do you know what I mean? Most cenotes have a lot of facilities, such as changing rooms and showers. It’s almost convenient. Plus, there might very well be some snack vendors around too, so bring cash if you become peckish.
Basically, before getting back on the bus. Spend around an hour or so there. Also, I felt that’s more or less a sweet spot in terms of time, too, to cool down before we headed to the next stop. Then we drove towards Bacalar. You are, in for a treat.
Bacalar’s Lagoon of Seven Colors: Is It Real?
Bacalar Lagoon, also known as the “Lagoon of Seven Colors,” really lives up to that name, honestly. Anyway, there’s just these differing depths of water plus varying shades of sand that give the water a bunch of hues. I felt those hues actually vary from super pale turquoise to very deep sapphire. I did the boat tour and wow, it’s quite delightful and generally lasted a couple of hours, so we can actually absorb a good amount of time.
Anyhow, that captain stopped at various spots. Such as, some super-shallow areas, where you are able to get out and wade, and some awesome spots for swimming. We are free to splash around for awhile, while there I saw all sorts of colorful birds too! Just really gorgeous creatures, actually.
And listen, a cool tip that I wish I would’ve paid extra attention to? If you will, bring a reusable water bottle with you. Usually they will provide water on tour, however, is that when the sun beams down, believe you me, that you’ll wish you packed extra. If you want to feel rejuvenated by crystal-clear waters. Be certain not to sleep in. As, the early wake up time is a killer.
Lunch in Bacalar: A Taste of Local Flavors
Ok, I felt really pleased with lunch at Bacalar because we all are pretty much famished following being out on that boat. So, too you’ll likely get a buffet-style set-up. The spot that we stopped at offered chicken, fish, and vegetable dishes. Very much, everything had such local seasonings. So I loaded up my plate with just about everything.
Seriously, food’s always way better when you’ve put a little physical energy into doing awesome stuff, you know? Just about, lots of people that were with me also ordered some beers, so, too the tour guides really made us relax. While there, everyone exchanged fun stories, too! Just super relaxed and cool vibes.
While there, there’s likely vegetarian choices if meat isn’t your jam. It is pretty nice to realize that when travelling overseas. Usually, everyone has around 60–90 minutes here prior to returning to that tour van again. We headed for a small tienda nearby so as to grab something, very easy to achieve in terms of its situation. The overall location may depend though. If you ask me, a midday rest, following exploring Bacalar is a wonderful way to do so.
The Ride Back: Time to Relax or Reflect
Okay, that drive from Bacalar to Tulum could be long. Really long. Is that the case? Be mindful that it all depends on how many drop-offs happen prior to reaching where you’re lodging. This, too, is ideal so as to take naps, read some kind of a book. This is what I would consider, recharging from that sun before diving back inside civilization, anyway. Also, is there wifi connectivity upon that shuttle? Nope, and you actually won’t want this anyhow. You will very much want to doze off.
Just about, when you finally get dropped off, is there any reason to feel sad? Sure. Really think back upon all the marvelous locations you just visited and relish at those glorious photos that you obtained to showcase to people once returning, that day? Seriously, do it.
Is This Tour Right for You? Weighing the Pros and Cons
Okay, so who actually will get the maximum amount of fun out of that tour? As a matter of fact, it is for persons who have restricted period, and wish to peek at many unique destinations in that Yucatan inside of one day. Is that your speed? If, in fact, that you are all about independent travel. As in, doing stuff at your own tempo and lingering someplace slightly further. As well, maybe that whirlwind trip actually doesn’t really quite feel right.
Is that you dislike very early morning wake-up calls? Then simply just think hard. Also, should that sound great? This, too, is a great approach for socializing because on the trip, there’ll be scores of others such as your and everyone pretty much just desires great times!
Essential Tips for the Tulum-Bacalar Day Trip
- Dress Light: Like your lightweight garments may ensure to continue being calm plus relaxed with humid climate conditions.
- Swimsuit Ready: Just about bring that swimsuit! You’ll desire to immerse with crystal blue water associated with cenote too.
- Cash is King: That’s always practical to hold any amount associated with Mexican pesos pertaining to snack foods or souvenirs alongside method.
- Eco-Friendly Sunscreen: Typically pick just a sunscreen it does not damage that delicate environments inside cenotes plus lagoons!
- Reusable Bottle: Make certain to continue being watered, through carrying your refillable liquid bottle always to you.
Basically, if those bits of information, everyone must be able to plan so this experience will unfold efficiently for your usage of period, funds also satisfaction!
#travel #Tulum #Bacalar