Yulia Saf 
Hola traveler, welcome to your ultimate guide on where to stay in Bacalar! I visited Bacalar and loved it so much that I now call it one of my favorite places in Mexico (and I’ve seen quite a lot of it)!
I crafted this comprehensive guide where I share all the details about the best hotels, transportation, things to do, and places to eat in this corner of paradise to help you plan your stay.
After reading this article, you’ll have a clear idea of which hotel to book, what attractions to see first, and how to get around!
In short, pick a hotel near the Bacalar Lagoon to experience the most magical sunrise and enjoy tranquility, or go for a place in town for easy access to attractions.
Wherever you stay, book your place in Bacalar in advance because the best ones really sell out quickly!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
These are the best hotels that are up for grabs in Bacalar:
Contents
Overview of where to stay in Bacalar
This quiet yet developing town with just over 12,000 residents is often off the radar for tourists due to its remote location, almost by the border with Belize. But a trip here is so worth it if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of big, party towns of Mexico and be at one with nature!
Bacalar is home to the “Lagoon (or Lake) of Seven Colors,” a huge 42-km (26-mi) freshwater lagoon that is the main attraction in the area. It has 4 beautiful cenotes, unique rocks, and even ancient Mayan ruins nearby!
There are basically 2 parts of Bacalar where you can look for a hotel: in town or by the lagoon.
You’ll find plenty of lagoon-front lodges, and they’re so magical. If you value seclusion and the thought of waking up and catching the sunrise on a kayak or SUP on the turquoise lagoon, book a hotel here. But in this case, I recommend renting a car so you can get to town for sightseeing and dining.
On the other hand, if you don’t drive, it’s best to stay in town. Bacalar is small anyways, so all the restaurants and points of interest will be within a walking distance. Plus, all tours to the lagoon and the surroundings start from the town! I stayed in town and I think it was a great decision.
Best hotels in Bacalar, Mexico
Now let’s get to the most important part! I handpicked a list of the 12 most amazing hotels in Bacalar and sorted them nicely according to budget. Pick your favorite and book in advance for peace of mind!
Luxury hotels in Bacalar
The price range for luxury hotels in Bacalar that I cherry-picked for you ranges from US$180 to US$300 per night for 2 people. I listed them from the most to the least expensive.
Hotel Amainah
This adult-only 5-star resort has fantastic views of the lagoon and top-notch amenities, including an outdoor pool, a hot tub, bike rental, and more. It’s one of the best hotels to stay in Bacalar for couples on a romantic getaway!
Our Habitas Bacalar
This 5-star hotel is one of the top-rated places to stay in Bacalar, Mexico! It has a beachfront location, a delicious breakfast, a large outdoor pool, and plenty of opportunities for water activities. That sunrise paddle I mentioned earlier – you can do it in this hotel!
Azulea Hotel & Spa
An amazing 5-star resort with a rejuvenating spa on-site and a waterfront location! You can do all the water sports activities your heart desires, swim in the outdoor pool, and enjoy private access to the lagoon! Plus, they serve a lovely continental breakfast every morning and offer free parking.
Cristalino Lagoon Front Hotel
This unique hotel has a perfect location overlooking both the cenote and the lake. It has spacious rooms and 2 outdoor pools! It’s one of the latest 5-star resorts that opened in 2024, and so far, it’s received all the best reviews!
Mid-range hotels in Bacalar
Now let’s check out the best mid-range hotels in Bacalar! Their price ranges from US$90 to US$120 and I listed them from the most to least expensive.
By the way, most of the hotels in Bacalar are 3-star hotels and fall in this price category.
Amigos Hotelito
Here’s a hotel with an unbeatable location with superb views of the lagoon. Enjoy your cozy room with a private terrace and hammocks overlooking the lake and then take the free kayak for your own adventure on the lagoon!
Casa Chukum
This is where I stayed and had a lovely experience! We arrived late at night since we took a bus from Playa del Carmen, and the hosts were so accommodating. The hotel is located in town literally steps from the action in Bacalar. During checkout, a person at the reception took a picture of us with a Polaroid camera and handed it as a souvenir! That was so nice!
Hotel Aires
Such a lovely property that looks as if it came out of a travel magazine! Lush gardens, modern interior, and the most romantic pool setup make this a nice place for couples, but they also have family rooms! Plus, there’s a hot tub you can enjoy after a day at the lake.
Zensus Eco Boutique Hotel
What a lovely boutique hotel with a focus on eco-sustainable tourism with gorgeous gardens and spacious, private rooms. The past guests here love the breakfast and how the hotel is set in a quiet location by the lagoon. For me, the highlight is the outdoor pool décor in the evening with all the romantic lights and trees around!
Budget hotels in Bacalar
You’ll find plenty of budget hotels in Bacalar between U$10 to US$80 per night for 2 people! I listed the best ones below from the most to least expensive.
Hotel Sun Ha Bacalar
Enjoy this lovely 3-star hotel with a pool, a delicious restaurant, and tropical décor, just perfect for a relaxing vacation in Bacalar! There’s also free parking and free Wi-Fi! This is one of the most popular hotels for this price category in Bacalar, so better book months in advance!
Teki Sha
One of the top-rated accommodations in Bacalar with a lovely garden and pool, clean rooms, and free parking. You can use the free bikes to get around the city, which is a big plus! Also, everyone says the staff here goes the extra mile to make you feel welcome!
Casa Coral
This private home has the sweetest owners and it’s the perfect place to stay if you want to experience the local life in Bacalar. It’s a bit further away from the city center but it’s still walkable to the waterfront and restaurants in 20 minutes.
Guarumbo
One of the most affordable places to stay in Bacalar in tents or dorms for as little as US$10 per night! The property also has breakfast and free Wi-Fi! The location is a 10-minute walk from the lake. They also have an awesome rooftop where you can lie around in a hammock or practice yoga.
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Tips for visiting Bacalar
Now that we’ve sorted accommodation for you, here’s what else you should know to help you plan your stay in Bacalar!
- The best time to visit Bacalar is from November to March. This is when you can expect the most pleasant and dry weather. For water activities, visit from late January to late April.
- Make sure to bring sunblock that’s reef-friendly and use it every time you go in the lagoon or are exposed to the sun for long. If you’re sensitive to sun, avoid bikinis and get some UPF long sleeve shirts instead.
- Also, bring your own mosquito repellent as the local ones aren’t as reliable.
- Bacalar is very safe to visit. You won’t have to worry about your safety while staying here. Petty crime can occur but it’s not common.
- I recommend you stay at least 3 days in Bacalar so that you can explore everything this beautiful Mexican town has to offer.
- You’ll find ATMs across town in Bacalar, you can easily locate them on Gmaps. Cash is king in Mexico, so have enough of it.
How to get to Bacalar
There are at least 4 different ways to get to Bacalar. I’ll briefly explain all options so you can plan your trip according to the one that suits you best!
By car
Car is the best way to get to Bacalar if you’re already planning a road trip in Mexico. It’s safe, gives you much more freedom, and there are plenty of hotels with free parking in Bacalar.
You can rent a car in Cancun or another city on your arrival. When I visited Riviera Maya on my honeymoon (this was a separate trip from the Bacalar one), we did a car rental and it was perfect! We could stop along anytime to capture nice views, have a break, and explore random small towns without depending on anyone else’s schedule!
By the way, I have a whole article on renting a car in Mexico where I share my experience and some useful tips, so be sure to check it out!
By bus
I came to Bacalar on a bus from Playa del Carmen. We lived in Playa for a month and decided to visit Bacalar, but we didn’t have a car then. The bus is one of the most popular transportation methods in Mexico because it’s cheap.
The ride from Playa to Bacalar took us 4 hours, which was a bit long, but the good part is that the ride is comfortable, and they have TVs playing telenovelas and a toilet inside.
I recommend the ADO bus service since they run across the whole region. You can take a bus to Bacalar from basically any place in the region (Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, etc). Just book your ticket in advance on the official website because it can be cheaper than buying at the bus station!
Since Bacalar is close to the border with Belize, many travelers take a bus (or drive) to Belize to tick off a new exotic country from their bucket list! It’s around a 3-hour drive and I totally recommend the trip! If you’re interested, we have a whole article on where to stay in Belize, check it out below!
By private transfer
A private transfer is a good option to get to Bacalar if you want to avoid the hustle of navigating public transport but you don’t drive. Plus, if you stay in Bacalar town (rather than the lagoon), you can get around just fine using just your feet or bicycles, so you won’t need a car.
You can book private vans from basically any location (especially airports) in the area. For example, this operator can take you from Chetumal Airport to Bacalar for less than $US40 per person. It is more expensive than a bus from Chetumal (US$10), but they can pick you up directly at the airport and drop you off at your desired location.
On a day tour
Some people decide to visit Bacalar on a day trip. This may be a good idea if you’re really short on time, but I don’t recommend it for a simple reason.
The ride to Bacalar is long. It’ll take you at least 2 or 3 hours to get there and the same amount of time to go back. This leaves you with very little time to explore Bacalar and truly experience its essence.
After all, Bacalar is all about relaxation, catching that sunrise on a kayak, and living life slowly. You don’t want to skip all that by rushing on a tour!
Things to do in Bacalar
I really enjoyed nature in Bacalar and trying all the different water activities. In this section, I share a quick list of my 6 favorite things to do here:
1. Take a lagoon tour
I’m sure a tour of the lagoon will be the highlight of your trip! Did you know that Bacalar’s Laguna is Yucatan’s largest (and longest) freshwater lake? With its clear, turquoise water, many different depths, and a fascinating rock system, it’s a pleasure to explore on a boat tour!
2. See stromatolites
That fascinating rock system I talked about earlier, well, it’s the stromatolites! These rock formations are fossils of some of the oldest forms of life in the world (older than 3.5 billion years, almost as old as the Earth)! They’re super fragile, though, so don’t step on them or touch them with your kayak in the Bacalar Lagoon!
3. Go kayaking and SUPing on the lagoon
The best way to experience Bacalar Laguna is to go kayaking or SUP! I mentioned going during the sunrise for fabulous views, but if you’re not staying near the lagoon and your hotel doesn’t offer kayaks, you can always book a tour!
4. Try seafood in La Playita
Bacalar may be small, but it has amazing places to try local seafood! La Playita (map) is my favorite laid-back place to eat fish tacos! They even have kayaks and access to the lagoon, so you can easily spend a day here!
5. Visit the Cenote Azul
Cenote Azul (map) is one of the most beautiful cenotes in Mexico, with a deep blue color and a depth of 90 meters (300 ft). It’s one of the deepest cenotes in the country! You can swim in its clear waters (vests are available for rent at the site), and there’s a nice restaurant by the cenote where you can grab a bite when you get hungry.
6. Visit local markets
Bacalar has such a laid-back vibe, it’s a great place to explore local life without the huge crowds. Visit the central market of Bacalar (map) to try delicious tacos, get some fresh produce, or even get a haircut like a local!
Check out the full list of the best things to do in Bacalar in my dedicated guide on the topic, all from my personal experience:
Where to eat in Bacalar
Last but not least, these are the best restaurants to eat in Bacalar!
- La Orden del Gallo ($$$) – a top-notch atmosphere with spectacular cocktails, perfect for a romantic date night on a Friday night. Try their shrimp tacos!
- La Playita ($$) – an amazing lagoon-front place for relaxation, water activities, and the best seafood! After you eat, chill in the hammocks sipping your favorite cocktail, and you’ll forget about all the worries in the world!
- El Manati Bacalar ($$) – the best eatery in town for breakfast, plus it’s really spacious. They serve delicious chilaquiles and have the most beautiful garden.
- Mango and Chile ($$) – the go-to place for all the vegans visiting Bacalar, it’s open all day long and apparently has the best vegan burgers in town!
- Mr. Taco ($) – the best budget place to eat tacos in Bacalar, it’s also popular for breakfast.
| 👑 Luxury price: | US$200 |
| 💵 Mid-range: | US$100 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | US$50 |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Mia Bacalar Luxury Resort |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | Mi Kasa Su Kasa |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Zensus Eco Boutique Hotel |
FAQs about the best Bacalar hotels
👑 Which are the best places to stay in Bacalar for luxury?
Our Habitas and Hotel Amainah are some of the most highly-rated Bacalar, Mexico resorts! They’re located just by the lagoon, have stunning views, and 5-star service.
✔️ Is Bacalar worth visiting?
Definitely yes, Bacalar is one of the best places to visit in Mexico. It’s home to the beautiful Bacalar Lagoon, a stunning lake with fresh and crystal clear waters.
💚 Is Bacalar safe to visit and walk around at night?
Yes, Bacalar is a tranquil town and is really safe, especially if you compare it with other cities in the Quintana Roo state like Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.
📅 How much time should you spend in Bacalar?
If you want to enjoy the lagoon waters and all the natural attractions of Bacalar you should spend at least 3 full days here.
🌅 When is the best time to visit the Bacalar lagoon?
December through March is the best time to visit the lagoon in terms of weather. Many tourists say that March is the nicest month for a visit.
🏨 What is the best hotel to stay in Bacalar on a budget?
Hotel Sun Ha Bacalar and Guarumbo are both excellent options for budget travelers. They have all the amenities you need for a pleasant stay, with Sun Ha even boasting a small pool.
🫰 How expensive is Bacalar, Mexico?
Bacalar is not very expensive, especially if you compare it with other popular destinations in the country like Tulum, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and others. On average, travelers spend around US$35 per day in Bacalar.
Final thoughts on where to stay in Bacalar
You’ve reached the end of my comprehensive guide on where to stay in Bacalar! Hopefully, you now have an idea of what this lovely place has to offer and what type of accommodation to book!
With all the options, it can be hard to choose, so I’ll share 2 of my favorite places to stay here:
- Hotel Amainah – a beautiful 5-star resort with an even better location, perfect for a romantic getaway
- Casa Chukum – I loved every moment of my stay here and if you ask me, it’s the best place to stay in Bacalar
Again, it’s best to book a hotel closer to the lagoon to be more at one with nature, and stay in town if you don’t have a car and want an immersive local experience.
Wherever you stay, remember to book your Bacalar hotel in advance to grab the best deals!
Also, if you have any questions or would like personalized advice for your stay in Bacalar, drop me a comment below! I’ll be glad to help!
Safe travels,
Yulia
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