Where to Stay in Bacalar 🇲🇽 – 4 Best Places for Every Traveler

Best Hotels: 🏠

• 💎 Luxury Hotel: Hotel Makaabá Eco-Boutique
• ✨ 5-Star: Our Habitas Bacalar - Adults Only
• 🏨 4-Star: Blue Caribe Bacalar Front Lagoon
• 🛏️ 3-Star: Hotel Sun Ha Bacalar
• 💸 Cheap: BACALAR INN Hotel
• 🏢 Apartment: Mayanah Bacalar
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For Families: Villa Santuario Lake front Oasis
• 🏩 For Couples: Bacalar My Love Front Laguna

Quick Guide to Best Areas to Stay: 📋

• 🌊 For Firt-Timers: Lagoon Front Area
• 🏙️ For Budget Travelers: Bacalar City Center
• 🌿For Nature: Southern Bacalar
• 🏝️ For Seclusion: North Shore

1. Lagoon Front – Best Place to Stay in Bacalar for First-Time Visitors

Direct lagoon access. The lagoon front gives you the real Bacalar experience with private docks, paddleboard rentals, and amazing seven colors water views. I found this area lets you jump straight into sunrise paddleboarding without paying for expensive lagoon tours. The water here ranges from turquoise in shallow areas to deep blue in swimming zones, creating the famous seven-color effect that looks different throughout the day.

Morning fun. Waking up next to calm waters means you can kayak to spots like Cenote Negro before all the tourist boats show up. The peaceful morning water makes paddleboarding super easy, and lots of waterfront places give you free stand up paddle gear. By 7 AM, you’ll have the entire lagoon to yourself with glass-like conditions perfect for photography and wildlife spotting – I’ve seen flamingos, herons, and even manatees during these early morning sessions.

Why it’s convenient. Staying right on the lagoon saves you money on getting to beach clubs and water activities. Most lagoon front spots have private piers, hammock areas, and you can swim right from your place. The convenience alone makes paying extra totally worth it.

Water sports central. The lagoon front is where all the adventure stuff happens in Bacalar. Yak Lake House does sunrise paddleboard sessions, and tons of operators rent kayaks to get to Pirates Channel and those cool stromatolite areas. Just know that equipment quality can be hit or miss.

Things to watch out for. Mosquitoes get crazy after sunset near the water. Bring strong bug spray and maybe look for places with screens. The lagoon doesn’t allow motorized boats on Wednesdays, which makes it super peaceful for paddling but limits your boat tour choices.

Best restaurants nearby:

• La Playita (lagoon-side eating with empanadas)
• Kai Pez (sunset views and drinks)

Best Hotels in Lagoon Front

Luxury Hotels

• Villas Mandarina Bacalar – This exclusive resort features private villas with direct lagoon access, offering stunning water views and premium amenities for a truly luxurious Bacalar experience.
• Aqua Viva, Pool, AC, Internet, Beach club – A modern resort with a private beach club, swimming pool, and air conditioning, providing upscale comfort just minutes from the lagoon’s most beautiful spots.
• Khaban Bacalar Hotel Boutique – This boutique property combines contemporary design with eco-friendly architecture, featuring unique rooms and personalized service in a sophisticated setting.

Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

• Villa Santuario Lake front Oasis – A lakefront villa offering comfortable accommodations with direct water access, perfect for families seeking affordable luxury with stunning lagoon views.
• Mi Kasa Tu Kasa Bacalar by Nah Hotels – This welcoming property provides cozy rooms with modern amenities and friendly service, located within walking distance of the main lagoon activities.
• Villas Eco-Románticas Kúuch Ka´anil – Eco-friendly romantic villas surrounded by tropical gardens, offering sustainable accommodations with private terraces and nature-focused experiences.

Best Hostels

• Hotel Brisas Bacalar – A budget-friendly option with comfortable rooms and a social atmosphere, perfect for backpackers looking to meet fellow travelers while staying close to the lagoon.
• Seven Blue House Village & Lodge – This charming lodge offers dormitory-style accommodations and private rooms in a village setting, ideal for budget travelers seeking authentic local experiences.
• Ecocamping Yaxche – An eco-camping experience with basic but comfortable accommodations surrounded by nature, perfect for adventurous travelers who want to connect with Bacalar’s natural environment.

2. Bacalar City Center – Where to Stay in Town of Bacalar for Budget Travelers

Walking distance to everything. The city center puts you right in the heart of Bacalar’s local life with easy access to the main square, local markets, and authentic Mexican restaurants. I love this area because you can walk everywhere and get a real taste of how locals live. The colonial-style buildings around the zocalo date back to the 1700s, and you’ll find families gathering in the square every evening while kids play soccer and vendors sell fresh coconut water for just 25 pesos.

Food scene central. Centro has the best concentration of local eateries serving traditional Yucatecan dishes at budget-friendly prices. The morning market near the zocalo offers fresh fruit, local snacks, and you can grab breakfast for under $3. Street food vendors set up around the square every evening. The market opens at 6 AM with vendors selling fresh tortillas, tropical fruits like rambutan and mamey, and local specialties like cochinita pibil that’s been slow-cooked overnight in banana leaves.

Budget-friendly activities. Staying in centro means you’re close to free activities like visiting the Fort of San Felipe and walking around the colorful streets. The public lagoon access points are within walking distance, and you can rent bikes cheaply to explore the area.

Transportation hub. Centro is where most buses and colectivos stop, making it super easy to get around without renting a car. You can catch rides to cenotes, nearby towns, or even back to Chetumal from here. The ADO bus station is right in the center.

Night life and social scene. This is where backpackers and budget travelers hang out in the evenings. The bars around the square stay open late, and there’s often live music on weekends. The social atmosphere makes it easy to meet other travelers and join group activities.

Best budget eats in centro:

• Tacos El Primo (best al pastor in town)
• Mercado Municipal (breakfast and fresh juice)
• Lonchería Lupita (comida corrida for $4)

Best Hotels in Bacalar Center

Luxury Hotels

• Hotel Circulo Bacalar – This sophisticated circular-designed hotel offers panoramic lagoon views from every room, featuring modern amenities and a unique architectural concept that maximizes the natural beauty of Bacalar.
• Hotel Maria Maria – A boutique luxury property with elegantly designed rooms and personalized service, located just steps from the lagoon with private terraces and premium comfort amenities.
• Hotel Makaabá Eco-Boutique – This eco-luxury retreat combines sustainable design with upscale comfort, featuring private gardens, spa services, and direct lagoon access for an exclusive Bacalar experience.

Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

• Casa CheJum Bacalar – A charming mid-range option offering comfortable rooms with traditional Mexican decor and modern amenities, perfect for travelers seeking authentic local hospitality at reasonable prices.
• Aldea Che-Eek , con acceso a un club de playa privado – This property provides excellent value with private beach club access, allowing guests to enjoy exclusive lagoon facilities without luxury hotel prices.
• Lura Bacalar – A contemporary hotel offering modern rooms with air conditioning and Wi-Fi, situated within easy reach of the lagoon and local restaurants at an affordable price point.

Best Hostels

• Hakuna Matata Glamping – This unique glamping experience offers comfortable tent accommodations with beds and basic amenities, perfect for budget travelers who want to stay close to nature while meeting fellow backpackers.
• Posada Antonia Bacalar – A cozy guesthouse with dormitory-style and private rooms, featuring a social atmosphere and common areas where travelers can share experiences and plan group activities.
• Casa Lima Bacalar – This budget-friendly accommodation offers simple but clean rooms with shared facilities, ideal for backpackers looking for an affordable base to explore Bacalar’s natural wonders.

3. Southern Bacalar – Where to Stay in Bacalar for Nature & Peace

Away from the crowds. Southern Bacalar feels like a different world compared to the busy lagoon front area. I discovered this quiet zone offers the same beautiful lagoon access but with way fewer tourists and a more peaceful vibe throughout the day. The southern shore has only a handful of small eco-lodges and family-run guesthouses scattered along 5 kilometers of coastline, meaning you might walk for 20 minutes without seeing another person.

Nature lover’s paradise. This area connects you directly to Bacalar’s natural side with easy access to mangrove channels, bird watching spots, and hidden cenotes. The morning paddle through the mangroves here shows you wildlife that most tourists never see. I’ve spotted over 15 different bird species including kingfishers, egrets, and even the elusive jaguar heron during my early morning kayak trips through the narrow channels that wind for kilometers into the jungle.

Family-friendly environment. Southern Bacalar works perfectly for families because it’s safer, quieter, and has shallow lagoon areas where kids can play safely. The beaches here are less crowded, and you’ll find local families enjoying picnics on weekends.

Eco-friendly focus. Many places in southern Bacalar focus on sustainability and eco-tourism. You’ll find solar-powered accommodations, organic gardens, and operators who really care about protecting the lagoon’s ecosystem.

Perfect for longer stays. The peaceful atmosphere and lower costs make southern Bacalar ideal if you’re planning to stay a week or more. The area has a small community feel where you’ll start recognizing faces and feel like a temporary local.

Local gems in the south:

• Cenote Azul (swimming and cliff jumping)
• Mangrove boat tours with local guides
• Organic farm visits

Best Hotels in Southern Bacalar

• Boca de Agua Bacalar – This stunning waterfront resort features overwater bungalows and suites with direct lagoon access, offering an intimate luxury experience with panoramic views of the famous seven-color lagoon.
• Our Habitas Bacalar - Adults Only – An exclusive adults-only retreat that combines bohemian luxury with sustainable design, featuring private terraces, infinity pools, and curated wellness experiences in a sophisticated jungle setting.
• Akalki Hotel y Centro Holistico – This holistic wellness resort offers luxury accommodations integrated with spa treatments, yoga sessions, and meditation spaces, perfect for travelers seeking both comfort and spiritual rejuvenation.

4. North Shore – Where to Stay in Bacalar for Seclusion

Private paradise. The north shore offers the most exclusive and secluded experience in Bacalar with private beaches, luxury eco-lodges, and boutique resorts that feel like hidden gems. I found this area perfect when you want to escape completely from everyday life. Access requires driving 15 minutes on unmarked dirt roads through thick jungle, and most properties have private boat docks that can only be reached by water taxi during high season.

Unique architecture. North shore properties showcase incredible eco-architecture with treehouses, overwater bungalows, and jungle lodges that blend perfectly with the natural environment. The design philosophy here focuses on sustainability without sacrificing comfort. Many structures use locally sourced hardwoods like mahogany and cecropia, with thatched roofs made from traditional palapa materials that keep interiors naturally cool even during the hottest afternoons.

Adult-oriented atmosphere. This area caters mainly to couples and adults looking for a sophisticated, quiet retreat. The vibe is more refined with wellness centers, yoga classes, and spa treatments integrated into the natural setting.

Pristine lagoon access. The north shore has some of the clearest and most beautiful parts of the lagoon with incredible visibility for swimming and snorkeling. The water here stays cooler and cleaner because of better circulation and fewer visitors.

Gourmet dining focus. Restaurants in this area emphasize farm-to-table cuisine, local ingredients, and creative presentations. The dining experience becomes part of the overall luxury retreat atmosphere with private terraces and lagoon views.

Activities for exclusivity seekers:

• Private cenote tours
• Personalized wellness programs
• Gourmet cooking classes

Best Hotels in North Shore Bacalar

Luxury Hotels

• Bacalari - Adults Only – This sophisticated adults-only retreat offers an intimate atmosphere with premium amenities and personalized service, perfect for couples seeking a refined lagoon experience without distractions.
• BOA BOA Bacalar – A luxury waterfront property featuring elegant accommodations with direct lagoon access, offering upscale comfort and stunning seven-color water views from private terraces.
• Puerta del Cielo Hotel Origen – This boutique hotel combines modern luxury with traditional Mexican design, providing exclusive amenities and a serene atmosphere just minutes from the lagoon’s most beautiful spots.

Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

• Deluxe Apartments Azure – Modern apartment-style accommodations with kitchenettes and comfortable living spaces, ideal for travelers who want more independence while staying close to Bacalar’s main attractions.
• La Galuna Bacalar – A charming boutique property offering cozy rooms with contemporary amenities and friendly service, providing excellent value for money in a convenient location.
• Hotel Casa Selva y Arte Bacalar -Gratis Bicis & Kayyaks – This eco-friendly hotel includes free bicycle and kayak rentals, making it perfect for active travelers who want to explore Bacalar’s natural beauty on a budget.

FAQ about Visiting Bacalar

What are the best hotels in Bacalar?

The best hotels in Bacalar range from luxury resorts like Mia Bacalar Luxury Resort to boutique properties like Hotel Rancho Encantado that offer direct access to the lagoon. Most top-rated accommodation in Bacalar features private docks, lagoon views, and eco-friendly designs that blend with the natural surroundings.

How do I get to Bacalar from Mexico?

You can get to Bacalar by flying into Chetumal airport and taking a 40-minute bus or taxi ride to reach this stunning destination in Mexico. The ADO bus service runs regularly from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and other major cities, making travel to Bacalar straightforward for most visitors.

What are the best things to do in Bacalar?

The best things to do in Bacalar include paddleboarding on the famous laguna Bacalar, exploring cenotes, and taking a tour of the lagoon to see the stromatolites. Lake Bacalar offers incredible swimming, kayaking, and boat tours that showcase the seven different shades of blue water.

When is the best time to visit Bacalar?

The best time to visit Bacalar is during the dry season from November to April when you’ll have perfect weather for lagoon activities and outdoor adventures. This period offers the most comfortable temperatures and minimal rainfall for your trip to Bacalar.

What should I pack for Bacalar trip?

Pack lightweight, quick-dry clothing, strong sunscreen, and insect repellent for your Bacalar trip since you’ll spend most time around the water. Don’t forget a waterproof phone case, comfortable water shoes, and reef-safe sunscreen to protect the delicate lagoon ecosystem.

Is Bacalar safe for tourists?

Bacalar is one of the safest destinations in Mexico with very low crime rates and a welcoming local community. The town has a relaxed atmosphere where tourists can walk around freely, and the main safety concerns are typical travel precautions like staying hydrated and protecting yourself from sun exposure.

Where to eat in Bacalar Mexico?

You can eat in Bacalar at waterfront restaurants serving fresh seafood, local taquerías offering authentic Mexican cuisine, and international spots catering to travelers. The lagoon-side dining options provide stunning views while you enjoy traditional Yucatecan dishes and fresh catches from the Caribbean waters.

What makes Bacalar lagoon so special?

The Bacalar lagoon is famous for its seven different shades of blue water created by varying depths and limestone formations on the lake bottom. This natural phenomenon, combined with ancient stromatolites and crystal-clear water, makes laguna Bacalar one of Mexico’s most photographed natural wonders.

How to find accommodation in Bacalar?

Finding accommodation in Bacalar is easy with options ranging from budget hostels to luxury hotels scattered around different areas of the lagoon. The best bacalar hotel options offer direct access to the lagoon, while budget-friendly places in town center provide easy access to restaurants and local life.

What types of lagoon tours are available?

Tour of the lagoon options include sunrise paddleboard sessions, full-day boat tours visiting cenotes, and private sunset cruises for couples. Most tours provide access to the lagoon’s famous blue holes, stromatolite formations, and hidden swimming spots that you can’t reach from shore.