From Cancun to Bacalar: Our Two-Weeks in Mexico

We just wrapped things up in the first country on our Central America itinerary, and we are already behind our schedule. 

We arrived with grand plans of efficiently ticking off each destination. Then, Isla Mujeres happened. Specifically, my toe decided to stage a dramatic protest against our rigid schedule by engaging in a passionate, albeit painful, tango with a rogue piece of… something. Let’s just say it involved a lot of blood, a few moments of panic, and a sudden, unexpected appreciation for the local pharmacy’s bandaid supply. 

We almost stuck to the original itinerary and the days we’d allotted for each place. That would have meant skipping Los Rapidos, one of Bacalar’s biggest draws. There was simply no way my toe would heal fast enough to make it work. But then I remembered all the photos and videos of people floating happily down the channel. And honestly? How could I possibly miss that? Plan officially rerouted!”

We decided to settle down in Bacalar for a week to let my toe heal. We fell in love with the unhurried rhythm of life here, the warm smiles, and the incredible, authentic local cuisine. 

So, yes, we’re behind schedule. But honestly? Who cares? We’ve discovered a slice of paradise, and my toe, finally healed and ready for adventure, is proof that sometimes, the best moments are the ones you never planned.

CANCUN:

We know it’s not the usual backpacker haunt, but since it was the most convenient airport for us to fly in, we decided to spend a few days there. We were curious to see what this popular destination has to offer beyond the resorts. 

Trip Tips:

You can conveniently get to downtown Cancun and to the hotel zome using public transportation. Check out my previous blog post to see how to avoid overpriced airport taxis.

Getting around the Cancun Hotel Zone is also a breeze! Buses run frequently, with tons of stops along the way. Just press the stop button when you’re near your destination. Easy, convenient, and at 12 pesos a ride, super affordable!

Playa Delfines in the Hotel Zone is a gem! Easily accessible by bus, it’s clean with beautiful water. A much better experience than Playa Coco Bongo, which sadly suffers from a considerable amount of trash. If you want a nice, clean beach, Playa Delfines is the way to go!

Restaurants we tested:

Mar de Miel Zona Hotelera (Breakfast) – Coffee here was a real treat. 

Deli Barlovento (Breakfast) – Enjoyed they Maya Eggs and Supreme Breakfast Burrito. 

Tacos Los Chachalacos (dinner) – If you feel like tacos, this place makes really good ones. We recommend their Tacos Pastor. So delicious.

Carnitas Michoacan (dinner) – Both tacos and chillaquilles were pretty good here

CENOTE CHICHIKAN

Cenotes are fascinating natural wonders, particularly prevalent in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico. The word “cenote” comes from the Mayan word “ts’ono’ot,” meaning “well.” Essentially, a cenote is a natural pit or sinkhole. It forms when the limestone bedrock collapses, revealing the groundwater beneath. Cenotes can vary greatly in appearance. Some are open-air pools, while others are partially or fully enclosed caves. Their water is often incredibly clear as it’s filtered through the limestone. 

This Chichikan is a popular stop on many Chichen Itza tours. If you’re visiting independently, I’d recommend arriving early. Many tour groups schedule their lunch breaks here, so it can get quite crowded during those peak times.

CHICHEN ITZA

Chichen Itza was everything we hoped for and more! We were completely blown away by the fascinating history and stunning architecture. A truly unforgettable day. Huge thanks to SAT Mexico Tours for a fantastic tour experience!

ISLA MUJERES

Isla Mujeres: where golf carts reign supreme and sunburns are a souvenir. Think of it as Cancun’s chill little sister, who prefers flip-flops to heels and naps in hammocks to nightclubbing. It’s the kind of place where you can spend your entire vacation perfecting the art of doing absolutely nothing. Punta Sur with its rugged, rocky cliffs that rise above the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea provides stunning panoramic views while the North Beach (Playa Norte) is the best place to take a dip in the warm water.

For an authentic and on the budget lunch, don’t miss Tacos Y Quisadillas la Porriquia.

PLAYA DEL CARMEN

Playa del Carmen, oh Playa del Carmen. We arrived with dreams of sun-kissed relaxation, and instead, we got… well, let’s just say our hotel, the charmingly named Hotel Quinta Santa Anita, decided to express its artistic side with abstract sheet and towel stains. And the Wi-Fi? Apparently, it only works on the lower floors. That did not do us much good since they put us at the very top. As for the beaches? Imagine a seaweed monster decided to throw a party, and the cleanup crew brought in bulldozers.

However, we’ll admit, Quinta Avenida was lively! A bustling mix of restaurants, bars, and souvenir stands. Not our vibe, but if you’re into that kind of scene, you’d probably love it.

Restaurants we tested:

Lara & Luca (breakfast) – Lovely cafe and bakery. 

La Ceiba de la 30 (breakfast) – The food and the atmosphere were the reason we came here twice. Mayan eggs were super good. And the yogurt with fruit, well, I could easily eat that every day.

BACALAR

Bacalar, our final and absolute favorite stop in Mexico, was the perfect place to slow down. We spent a blissful week here, letting my toe heal and taking the time to truly relax. It also gave us the opportunity to plan our next adventure, Belize, in detail. A truly special place.

The only letdown was the lagoon tour with Day Tours Bacalar, a company we chose based on their strong online reviews. Unfortunately, we felt we missed out on learning more about the lagoon, as our guide spent most of the tour on his phone (even as he was driving the boat). It was a shame, as the lagoon itself is stunning.

But then we visited Los Rapidos! Talk about redemption! Floating down that channel was pure joy. We had so much fun, we completely lost track of time, spending six hours there. 

Restaurants we tested:

El Paste 2 (breakfast) – Really good coffee, delicious empanadas

Enamora (breakfast) – Enjoyed this restaurant quite a bit. Good breakfast options and a pleasant outdoor seating.

Hakuna Glamping (breakfast) – They have a small restaurant with outdoor seating. Their avocado toast and Maya eggs were incredible! 

El Manati (breakfast/lunch) -This restaurant is seriously cool! Not only is the food absolutely fantastic, but they also have an art gallery and a beautiful outdoor seating area. It’s a feast for the eyes and the stomach!

Navieros Bacalar (lunch/dinner) – This is a fantastic seafood restaurant with reasonably priced entrees. Try Camaron a la Crema or if it’s a hot day, the Shrimp Coctail is amazingly refreshing.

Los Atlixo (dinner) – We weren’t quite impressed with this one. The Tacos Pastor we had here came short with the meat being quite dry.

La Playita (dinner) – Very nice restaurant right on the lagoon. Food was great, though a little bit on the pricey side

El Valiente (dinner) – This place isn’t fancy, but it’s got a great vibe, and the staff is wonderful. But honestly, it’s the food that kept us coming back! We’ve been there three times. Those enchiladas? Seriously delicious. Plus, the prices are fantastic!