How to get to Mahahual, Mexico: all routes explained

This practical transport guide looks at 4 different ways on how to get to Mahahual, and I’ll also give you my personal opinion on which is the overall best route to take.

It’ll also touch on other important topics such as safety and when it is best to visit, as well as how to choose the right travel option for you depending on your budget.

How to get to Mahahual

Quick Answer: From my personal experience doing this journey, the best way to get to Mahahual is by bus from either Cancun or Playa del Carmen.

It’s also possible to get there from Tulum as well, which I’ll also cover in this guide.

This is a trip that must be done in 2 legs, and the 1st leg of the trip requires you to get to Bacalar first. You can also get to Mahahual from Chetumal as well, but it’s a longer ride.

Mahahual Quick Summary:

• 📍 Where is it: Southeastern tip of Quintana Roo
• 🗺 Difficulty Getting There: Moderate/Hard
• ⏱ Time needed: 2-3 days
• ☀️ Best Time to Visit: November-January

Where is Mahahual?

Located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico in the state of Quintana Roo, Mahahual is a small beach town that is 140 km from Chetumal, which is also not too far from the Belizean border.

Then the distance to Mahahual from Playa del Carmen is roughly 223 kilometres, and it takes approximately 4 hours to get here by bus with a pit stop in Bacalar.

Is Mahahual worth visiting?

Yes, 100%. I believe that Mahahual is worth visiting, and not only does it make a supreme choice for those who wish to have a laid-back beach experience, but also for travellers who are interested in getting involved with diving and snorkelling.

I’ve put pen to paper and written a guide covering things to do in Mahahual which make this beach town justifiable (considering the lengthy travel time involved).

It really does feel like you’re on the road to Central America on this trip, so brace yourself for a more rustic experience if travelling from the hubs of Cancun or Playa del Carmen.

Things to know before visiting Mahahual?

Staying Safe

When it comes to safety in Mahahual, there is not much to write home about.

With this town being so laid back and heavily reliant on new tourists coming in to feed the local economy, you can expect a low rate of crime and incidents.

That does not mean you will want to leave valuables lying around, but what it does mean is that you can enjoy your time here without constantly looking over your shoulder.

Of course pickpockets and sneaky thieves do still exist here, but as long as you have a retractable lock like this one (which I recommend), then you can confidently leave your backpack or suitcase back at your accommodation and have a trouble-free trip.

Getting Money Out

My readers know I don’t normally say this, but I recommend that you carry the bulk of your cash with you on your trip to Mahahual. This means taking out Mexican pesos (MXP) while in Cancun, Playa del Carmen or Tulum. This saves you money in the long run.

I don’t usually suggest carrying all your cash around with you in Latin America, but there are next to zero ATMs in Mahahual. Yes, they do exist; for example, there is one on the Malecón, but it can be unreliable, and you will have to pay commissions to withdraw cash.

There are some restaurants and even shops that accept cards, so you’re not completely left in the dark, but if you’re travelling Mexico on a budget, you’ll 100% want to carry cash.

How to get to Mahahual

After reading some important info and what to expect when travelling to Mahahual, are you ready to learn how to get there? Keep reading below to see my experiences from Mexico.

1. Mahahual from Bacalar by bus

Bacalar is by far the easiest place to get to Mahahual in terms of distance. Also, because of the fact you can work out the logistics much easier if you are already in Bacalar. When it comes to options, though, you only have two, and they are somewhat limited.

This route takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes and costs around $11 when travelling with a private company, which can be tricky since there are only so many seats available, so you must purchase your ticket in advance.

If you book with the Ado bus company, there is just one shuttle bus that leaves at 5 pm and you’ll book that at the Ado station in Bacalar.

You may find yourself waiting around, so you’ll want to carry some fruit or snacks with you since there are not many options here without walking back into the town of Bacalar.

2. Mahahual from Cancun by bus

Traveling from Cancun to Mahahual is one of the most popular routes for those who arrive in Mexico and wish to bypass other towns and go direct to Mahahual.

In this case, depending on whether you are traveling from Cancun Airport to Mahahual or from the downtown station, you’ll need to get an Ado bus ticket to be able to make the journey from Cancun to Bacalar and then follow the instructions on getting from Bacalar to Mahahual above.

I recommend that you purchase the ADO GL bus for this ride, as the seats are much more comfortable than the standard bus. To avoid getting stuck in Bacalar, aim to get a bus that arrives in Bacalar before 4 pm.

3. Mahahual from Playa del Carmen by bus

Getting to Mahahual from Playa del Carmen is similar to the way you get there from Cancun. All you have to do is get the bus to Bacalar from the Playa del Carmen ADO bus station on 5th Avenue or the ADO Alternate Terminal Playa del Carmen station.

Once you get to Bacalar, follow the instructions for getting to Mahahual from Bacalar above. The main difference with this route is that it is quicker than traveling from Cancun, so you will inevitably have more time to set off before leaving for the bus station.

Again, you’ll want to leave as early as possible so you can arrive in Bacar and secure your onward ticket to Mahahual. Also, remember to take out enough cash for your stay in Mahahual before getting on the bus.

Before leaving, remember to carry some Biodegradable sunscreen and a quality UV-protector sun hat with you for added sun protection if you haven’t packed already.

4. Mahahual from Tulum by bus

When travelling from Tulum to Mahahual, there are two options to choose from. You can either get a shuttle bus that drops you off in the same place as the ADO bus in Bacalar.

Or you can travel from Tulum to Bacalar with the ADO bus. The shuttle is cheaper but if comfort is a priority, you’ll want to go with the ADO bus. I would also go as far as to say that ADO buses are the safest option, especially when the weather is bad.

When planning out your Tulum itinerary, you may want to bolster Mahahual at the end of your trip; if you do, be sure to have 2 full days to allow for travel time and complications.

The roads can get pretty unsavoury in some areas as you get further south in this region, and when it is pouring down with rain, I have found the ADO bus to be the most comfortable and reliable service in these conditions.

Tulum from Bacalar shuttle bus times (for your return trip):

• 6:00 am
• 8:20 am
• 9:20 am
• 2:00 am

These are direct shuttle buses that leave from Bacalar to Tulum, and you will need to buy your ticket in advance, so be sure to get to the ticket agency at least an hour before.

Things to know about getting to Mahahual