5-Day Mexico Itinerary: Exploring Bacalar, Tulum & Cenotes

Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula is a paradise of turquoise waters, lush jungles, and breathtaking cenotes. Our 5-day itinerary took us from Cancun to the serene waters of Bacalar, the vibrant beaches of Tulum, and the hidden gems of nearby cenotes. If you're looking for a mix of adventure and relaxation, this itinerary is for you!

Introduction to Bacalar

Bacalar is often called the "Maldives of Mexico," thanks to its stunning Laguna de los Siete Colores (Lagoon of Seven Colors). Unlike the ocean, Bacalar is a freshwater lagoon, meaning a stunning array of blue hues created by different depths and mineral compositions. It's an off-the-beaten-path paradise, offering a peaceful escape from the crowded tourist areas.

Day 1: Arrival in Cancun & Drive to Bacalar

Our adventure began with a flight into Cancun, where we picked up our rental car and embarked on a scenic five-hour drive to Bacalar. Though long, the drive was smooth, offering glimpses of the lush Mexican countryside. Upon arrival, we checked into Akalki Eco Resort & Holistic Center, a stunning waterfront hotel that looked like something straight out of the Maldives. We unwound with a peaceful evening in our hotel room, soaking in the stunning blue hues and a spectacular sunset.

Day 2: Exploring Bacalar & Los Rápidos

We visited Los Rápidos first thing in the morning, a natural lazy river where the crystal-clear waters flow between stunning stromatolites. We spent hours floating, relaxing, and enjoying the serene surroundings before heading back to town for food at a local restaurant. I highly recommend you visiting right when it opens, as it got extremely busy later on during the day.

Day 3: Drive to Tulum

We spent the morning at our hotel in Bacalar, relaxing and tanning by the lagoon until we had to check out around noon. Then we started our drive to Tulum, which took about two and a half hours. Once we arrived, we headed straight to the beach to catch the sunset over the ocean, which was a breathtaking way to be welcomed to Tulum. We went back into town to grab dinner and settled into our hotel for the night.

Day 4: Tulum Beach Day

Tulum’s beaches are some of the most beautiful in Mexico. We spent the entire day basking in the sun and playing in the waves. Instead of visiting a beach club, we simply put a towel down and lay on the beach for free—highly recommend!

One thing to note: the nicer side of the beach, is controlled by hotels. We had to walk through a hotel or restaurant to access the beach, which can sometimes be an issue if the business does not want to let you pass (even though they legally have to allow access). If you’re visiting, be prepared to navigate this or ask politely for entry.

Day 5: Exploring Nearby Cenotes

No trip to the Yucatán is complete without visiting its famous cenotes. We started the day at Cenote Calavera, also known as the "Temple of Doom." This cenote is famous for its three holes that allow adventurous visitors to jump straight into the water below. The main opening has a ladder, making it easy to get in and out, while the two smaller holes offer a thrilling free-fall entry. The water is deep and refreshing, and we even spotted a few tiny fish swimming around. This is a great spot to visit first thing in the morning, as it gets busy later in the day.

Our second stop was Cenote Yax Kin, a quiet spot mostly visited by locals, even on a sunny Sunday. This cenote is more open, making it a great place to tan and relax, as it doesn’t get super crowded. The water is shallow in some areas, and there are plenty of spaces to lounge around and unwind.

Our final cenote stop was Taak Bi Ha, an underground cave cenote filled with stalactites (icicle-shaped mineral formations that hang from the ceiling of caves) and home to bats, making it a truly unique experience. This is a good spot to visit at the end of the day, as it's smaller and doesn’t have much to do beyond swimming and admiring the rock formations.

It was the perfect way to end our trip before heading back to Cancun for our flight home the next day.

Final Thoughts

This 5-day itinerary offered the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and stunning natural beauty. From the peaceful waters of Bacalar to the lively beaches of Tulum and the magical cenotes, every moment felt like a dream. If you're planning a short trip to Mexico, this route is one you'll never forget!

However, if we were to do it again, we'd probably skip Tulum. If you’ve never been, it’s worth visiting at least once, but it was super touristy, expensive, and not very accessible unless you wanted to spend a lot of money.

See more stories and photos from our trip on my instagram page: @hikeswithkiki

Food Notes

We found that the food was quite disappointing and overpriced, especially in Tulum.

Places We Wouldn't Recommend:

• Mr. Taco in Bacalar – Came highly rated online but was not good. The food was cheap, though.

• Taqueria Silveria – Recommended as a local spot, and yes, there were only locals there when we went, but the tacos were extremely dry. The food was cheap, though.

• La Taueri in Tulum - small portions, overpriced, mediocre food. We spent about $50 here and was still hungry afterwards.

Places We Recommend:

• Madre Masa in Bacalar– We had the best pulled pork sandwich here. Highly recommend.

• IXCHEL in Bacalar – Great spot for breakfast/brunch.

• El Fogon in Playa del Carmen – A great stop on the way back to Cancun.