ADO, Mexico's largest bus company, offers services from Quintana Roo state and the Yucatan to Bacalar. The journey from Cancun to Bacalar by bus is available, with prices ranging around $75 USD for roundtrip tickets​.

You can drive from Cancun or Tulum to Bacalar via Highway 307/Chetumal-Cancun. The drive from Cancun takes about 4-4.5 hours, while from Tulum it's approximately 2.5-3 hours​.

The closest airport is Chetumal International Airport, less than 45 minutes away by car. However, many travelers find it more convenient to fly into Cancun International Airport due to the higher volume of flights​. There is also a new airport in Tulum which is 2.5 hours from Bacalar with some international flights.

A stay of at least 2 nights is recommended to fully enjoy Bacalar. This allows for a day to explore the lagoon by boat, another day for activities like visiting Los Rapidos, and some leisure time to relax​.

Popular activities include taking a boat tour of Bacalar Lagoon, relaxing in the pools of Cenotes Cocalitos, and visiting El Encanto for its private beach and kayak rentals.

The ideal time to visit Bacalar is between January and March when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer crowds. It's recommended to avoid hurricane season from August to October and the peak season in December when prices are higher.

Bacalar enjoys warm weather year-round. The hottest months are April to June, with temperatures climbing before peaking in summer. The rainy season extends from September to November, with October being particularly wet​​. The temperature year round typically varies from 19 °C to 32 °C and is rarely below 15 °C or above 34 °C.

Renting a car is a popular option for exploring Bacalar and its surroundings. It's important to have a valid driver's license, and renters aged 21-24 may incur an additional fee. The average rental cost is around $20-$40 USD per day.