Guide
From Holbox to Bacalar: the peninsula, house to house
The route links five independent houses, from the island of Holbox to the Bacalar lagoon, with a village in eastern Yucatán, the scrub forest of the Ring of Cenotes and the walled city of Campeche along the way. There are four transfers between houses; the one from Campeche to Bacalar takes a full day. If you want to close the loop, you can add the return to Holbox. The stops let you discover the land between stays: choose the ones that interest you and keep time to enjoy the house you arrive at.
Who it is for: travelers with time who want to discover very different landscapes of the peninsula and stay several nights in each house.
Arrival and departure: the route starts near Cancún, with the ferry from Chiquilá to Holbox, and ends in Bacalar. From there you can fly from Chetumal airport, about 45 km from Azul Nomeolvides (about 45 minutes), or drive to Cancún airport, about 325 km away (just over four hours of driving). You can also travel it in reverse or start at another house. If you rent a car and return it in another city, confirm the conditions with the rental company.
The route, leg by leg
The pace of the trip
Five houses, five ways of living in the peninsula:
- a seafront villa on an island with almost no cars;
- a rescued casona (a large traditional house) in a village;
- suites in the scrub forest, among cenotes;
- 18th-century casonas inside a city wall;
- cabins on stilts beside a lagoon.
Spend several nights in each and set aside the Campeche to Bacalar leg as a travel day.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to return to Holbox?
No. The return to Holbox is optional. If you fly out of Cancún, you can drive from Bacalar to the airport without going back to the island.
Do I have to start in Holbox?
No. You can start at the house closest to your arrival airport and follow the order you prefer.
How long does it take from Campeche to Bacalar?
About six and a quarter hours of driving, about 430 km, without stops. It is the longest transfer between the houses.
Can the trip be done by Tren Maya?
This guide covers the journey by road. To travel by train, check with the operator which services run on your dates and which connections you need.
Does the time change along the way?
Yes. Quintana Roo, where Holbox and Bacalar are, is one hour ahead of Yucatán and Campeche. Driving time does not change, but your local arrival time does.
How do I get to Holbox?
By car or transfer to Chiquilá, then by ferry; there are almost no cars on the island. Ferry timetables, with the operator.
Each house is independent. Booking, prices and policies, on each house’s official website: Casa Cat Ba (opens the official website in a new tab), Casona Los Cedros (opens the official website in a new tab), Galopina Casa Silvestre (opens the official website in a new tab), Casonas MX (opens the official website in a new tab) and Azul Nomeolvides (opens the official website in a new tab).
Reviewed on October 12, 2026.
A route of independent houses in Holbox, Espita, Seyé, Campeche and Bacalar. Each house is a destination. Together, they make the journey.