Bacalar to Palenque tickets

About the ride from Bacalar to Palenque

Between the mesmerizing Lagoon of Seven Colors and its status as a Pueblo Magico, Bacalar is a highlight of Southern Mexico. 

However, it's not the only one. 

Just a bus ride away in Chiapas State lies one of the premier Mayan ruins and UNESCO World Heritage sites in the country — Palenque. 

Surrounded by lush jungle and tucked inside a national park, the Palenque ruins are well preserved and a wonder to explore. But that's not all there is to see. 

Palenque is also home to gorgeous waterfalls, soft adventure opportunities, and wildlife encounters that are worth experiencing firsthand. And while it's an 8.5-hour drive to get there, you'll find that the payoff will be well worth the effort.

Unique things to see in Palenque

Sure, Palenque may be remote, but that only adds to its appeal.

Check out some of the top things to see and do in Palenque:

1. Get your inner explorer on at the Palenque Ruins. Just outside Palenque's town is the Zona Archeologica Palenque, the premier destination and the top reason people come out here. 

This well-preserved complex of Mayan ruins engulfed in jungle looks like something from an adventure movie. With many interesting buildings to see, you can easily spend a full day exploring. Hire a local guide to explain what you're looking at.

Pro tip: Get there when the gates open to enjoy the site without those pesky crowds. Not only will you get there before the tour groups descend, but you will also be treated to seeing the ruins shrouded in mist — a perfect addition to your photo album or Instagram feed!  

2. Expand your knowledge at the Museo de Sitio. Your entrance ticket to the ruins should also include a visit to the onsite Museo de Sitio. 

This museum showcases a wealth of artifacts, exhibitions, and sculptures from the city's historical past. After wandering the ruins, this museum will give you a glimpse of what things were like in its heyday and provide a helpful slice of context about what you just witnessed.

3. Chase waterfalls in Palenque National Park. While the Palenque ruins are within Palenque National Park, they shouldn't be your only destination. 

Scattered in this jungle preserve are some truly amazing waterfalls. With a height of 115 feet (35 meters), Misol-Ha Waterfall is quite impressive, and you can take a refreshing dip in the pool at its base. 

Also, check out the Agua Azul Waterfalls, which sport a turquoise color that looks more like Bacalar's lagoon than a forest river. Here, too, you can take a dip and soak in the natural beauty around you.

4. Support conservation and preservation at Aluxes. Wildlife enthusiasts will want to stop into this eco-park/rehabilitation. 

Here, you can observe and even interact with a number of rehabilitated animals, from macaws to monkeys to jaguars. You can also explore the park's lush gardens and onsite lake — all at a very reasonable price that goes towards supporting the native ecosystem.

What to expect when traveling from Bacalar to Palenque

There's no way around it — an overland trip from Bacalar will take 8.5 to 9 hours to cover the approximately 300 miles (482 kilometers) separating the two. 

Fortunately, these journeys take place in the form of an overnight bus ride, which means that you can go to sleep in Bacalar and wake up in Palenque.

The ride will take you from the flat coastal areas of Quintana Roo through the jungle-covered nether regions of Campeche. After briefly passing through Tabasco, you'll enter Chiapas, where Palenque sits right at the threshold of the forest-clad hills.

Getting to the ruins will require additional transportation, but the regular shuttle from town is both cheap and runs frequently. 

How to get from Bacalar to Palenque

It's a long slog by bus from Bacalar to Palenque, but fortunately, the service is relatively comfortable, convenient, and, overall, a good value. 

Bus

Buses start at a price of $44 and vary in amenities depending on the operator. In all cases, you can expect it to be air-conditioned, and one large bag (up to 46 lbs/21 kg) and one handbag per passenger is allowed. 

The daily departures usually occur either very late at night or in the overnight hours of the morning.

For around $10 more, you can upgrade to a higher-class bus, often referred to as First Class. Considering how much time you will spend on it, it's safe to say it's worth every penny.

First Class buses offer all the amenities of regular buses, plus some added perks. You'll have reclining seats to make sleeping much more comfortable. Additionally, having a restroom on board provides peace of mind, especially during an 8.5-hour journey.

Regardless of the type of bus you choose, you will want to bring a light jacket, hoodie and perhaps even long pants with you, as the air conditioning can get downright chilly in the cabin. 

All buses depart from the Terminal de Autobuses Bacalar, which is in front of the ADO bus ticket office on the main drag of Highway 307. 

Buses arrive at the Central de Autobuses ADO the following morning. This is located right on Route 199, the main road into town. 

When is the best time of year to visit Palenque?

Heat and humidity are always part of the forecast when visiting Palenque, no matter what time of year you arrive. 

There is a little less chance of precipitation and slightly cooler weather between November and March. To avoid the crowds, stay clear of Christmas and Easter when domestic tourism surges and hotel prices go up.

How long should I stay in Palenque?

You could technically speed through the ruins, museum and national park in one day, but why?

A far better option is to set aside at least two days to visit the ruins without being rushed, then explore the national park and take a dip at one or both of its famous waterfalls. 

Where to travel after Palenque

Moving on from Palenque, you have some hidden Mexican gems well within your reach. 

Just a few hours away by bus, you can explore the heritage of the Olmec civilization, which is showcased in Villahermosa. 

Alternatively, you can escape the heat and take in the natural beauty and charm of the lovely San Cristobal de las Casas.