Where to Stay in Bacalar, Mexico: Best Areas and Hotels
Wondering where to stay in Bacalar? Bacalar is an underrated destination in Mexico and few people have heard of it.
It was one of our favorite places when we traveled here and we were completely enchanted by the blue and greenish crystal clear waters of the lagoon. Rent a kayak and explore the area, sail around the lagoon, visit the Pirate Channel, or enjoy a tropical cocktail on one of the docks.
In this post, you’ll find the best places to stay in Bacalar if you’re visiting for the first time, or if you are looking for unique hotels on Bacalar lagoon.
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Where to Stay in Bacalar
1. City Center – Best for Everyone
Where to stay in Bacalar if I arrive without a car? Bacalar is a magical town (Pueblo Mágico) in Mexico, famous for its beautiful crystal clear waters and the Lagoon of Seven Colors. There isn’t much to do in this quiet little town, so if you’re staying in the city, it’s important that your hotel is clean, comfortable, and in a good area close to everything.
On the plus side, there are plenty of great restaurants around the San Filipe fort and on the AV1 road north of the fort, so this is one of the best areas to stay in Bacalar if you’re arriving without a car. You can also rent bikes for free at most hotels to explore the city and the best beaches. As the city is small, it’s quick and easy to get around.
If you’re looking for a unique experience, you can also take a kayak from here to the Canal de los Piratas, one of the most beautiful spots. However, if you want to go further afield, you must book tours or even take a taxi to one of their favorite places, Los Rapidos.
Recommended post → Los Rapidos & Laguna Bonanza
The city center is the best place to stay if you are arriving in Bacalar by public transport or visiting the area for the first time.
Hotel Casa Hormiga
Casa Hormiga is an oasis of peace in the town, just a few minutes walk from the Lagoon. As you enter this well-designed lush tropical hotel, you will be completely enchanted by its calming atmosphere. The spacious rooms have a king-size double bed, private bathroom, covered terrace, and private jungle veranda.
Yoga classes in the morning are a great way to start the day. The hotel also holds rituals focusing on purifying the soul and restoring peace. Casa Hormiga is the perfect base to start your holiday and enjoy a relaxing stay.
Photo credit: Hotel Casa Hormiga
Blue Palm
Where to stay in Bacalar close to the restaurants? The Blue Palm is a beautiful Boutique hotel, centrally located close to bars, the best restaurants, and beaches. The rooms have everything you need for a relaxing stay. Free bikes are available at the hotel, which is a great way to get around the city.
Try a tropical cocktail by the pool or snooze in one of the hammocks over the water. The hotel’s restaurant serves a fusion of traditional Mexican dishes and modern-style cuisine to provide a truly memorable experience.
Photo credit: Blue Palm
Hotel & Suites Oasis
This boutique hotel is one block from the Lagoon and two blocks from Fort San Felipe. The suites have a kitchen, air conditioning, internet, television, and access to the beautiful swimming pool. The tidy and clean pool is a relaxing place to unwind during your trip, and the comfortable sun loungers are the perfect place to relax.
The suites are a good choice for families, while the hotel rooms are ideal for single travelers or couples. We think this is a great hotel if you’re coming to Bacalar without a car and want to stay close to the center.
Photo credit: Hotel & Suites Oasis
2. Outside the town – Best for Couple and Family
Where to stay in Bacalar if you are coming with family or a couple? The area outside the town is very peaceful and quiet so a great escape from the city noise. Whether you want to wake up to the peaceful lushness of the jungle or the sparkling waters of a lagoon, this area is perfect for getting away from it all and reconnecting with the beauty of nature.
Surrounded by nature, the hotels will give you a sense of tranquillity while you enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the lagoon. However, in this area, we recommend that you arrive by car, as there are no restaurants nearby. It’s also much easier and quicker to get to the city center by car, which is only 20 minutes away.
If you arrive without a car that’s no problem either, as most hotels will organise taxis into town and you can even book lagoon tours at the hotels.
We think this is the best area to stay in Bacalar if you like quiet and nature.
MBH Maya Boutique Hotel
MBH Maya Boutique Hotel is located 5 km from the city center, perfect for a private and quiet getaway. Surrounded by nature, the hotel has private access to the lagoon, where you can kayak at any time of the day.
Relax in fully-equipped rooms, enjoy sunrise yoga in the marina, and try the local cuisine in the hotel restaurant. Rooms overlook the jungle and lush vegetation or the lagoon, making your stay even more magical.
Photo credit: MBH Maya Boutique Hotel
Khaban Boutique Hotel
The Khaban is a Boutique hotel in a lovely location away from it all. The hotel on the waterfront offers free kayaks for guests to explore the lagoon. The rooms have balconies with hammocks, perfect for relaxing, reading, or an afternoon siesta.
Comfortable rooms surrounded by nature with unique views of the garden or lagoon. The hotel also organizes private and shared sailing trips to some of the most scenic spots in the area. The hotel is a good choice for families and couples who want a peaceful and quiet stay during their trip.
Photo credit: Khaban Boutique Hotel
Villas Ecotucan
Where to stay in Bacalar if you are looking for a quiet but still affordable hotel? This eco-friendly hotel is surrounded by an untouched lush green jungle. Free kayaks are available for rent, or you can go on a guided tour where you can see hidden lagoons.
Relax in secluded and spacious villas surrounded by nature, just steps from the water. Enjoy the sunrise while kayaking or join a popular birdwatching tour early in the morning. At Villas Ecotucan, you will have an unforgettable and relaxing stay by the lagoon in the middle of the jungle.
Photo credit: Villas Ecotucan
3. Near the Cenotes
Where to stay in Bacalar near the Cenotes? There are beautiful cozy hotels in this area with unique views. Dive into the fresh underground waters of nearby Cenote Azul, Cenote Esmeralda, and Cenote Cocalitos, where you can swim, snorkel or kayak.
This quiet area offers the perfect balance between comfort and relaxation. Relax in a chair on one of the hotel’s docks or in a cozy hammock and enjoy the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises, or simply swim in the blue and green lagoon.
We recommend that you look for restaurants in the city center, which is a cheap and short taxi ride away, or ask the hotel to provide you with a bicycle that will allow you to easily get around the city.
Hotel Amainah – Adults Only
Where to stay in Bacalar as a couple or with friends? Amainah is an exclusive adults-only hotel located next to the stunning Mexican lagoon. Its location puts the city center within a quick and cheap taxi ride.
The views from all over the hotel are magnificent, and private access to the lagoon makes this place even more special, with free kayaks available for exploring. The Caribbean-inspired restaurant serves ceviche, octopus, salads, and a variety of international delicacies, using local, fresh, and high-quality ingredients.
One of the best places to stay near Bacalar if you’re coming as a couple or with friends.
Photo credit: Hotel Amainah
Azulea Hotel & Spa
The hotel is located near the leading seven-colour lagoon of Bacalar and the Cenote Azul, where tranquillity meets adventure. Immerse yourself in the beauty and experience the hotel’s excellent location with direct access to the turquoise lagoon.
Comfortably furnished rooms and suites make your stay pleasant, cozy, and comfortable. Rooms also have a private balcony with a stunning view. The spa service creates a peaceful environment for relaxation and mental balance.
Photo credit: Azulea Hotel & Spa
Hotel CasaBakal
Hotel CasaBakal is conveniently located about 2km from the city center, which can be easily reached by bike, taxi, or even on foot. The rooms and bungalows are air-conditioned, equipped with everything you need, and have a beautiful view directly overlooking the lagoon.
Relax on the terrace, enjoy a delicious meal or a tropical cocktail by the pool, or go kayaking and explore the area. The hotel offers a breakfast buffet with various fruits, cheese, toast, yogurt, eggs and pancakes.
Photo credit: Hotel CasaBakal
My Love Front Laguna
Where to stay in Bacalar if you are looking for an affordable hotel with lagoon views? The location of My Love Front Laguna is beautiful, with large terraces of cabins overlooking the lagoon’s seven-coloured lakes. The cabins are spacious, well-maintained, and air-conditioned and some rooms have fridge facilities.
The hotel offers free kayaks and bicycles, making it very easy to get into town and explore the area. We think this is a very good value for money quiet hotel in Bacalar if you want to stay close to the lagoon.
Photo credit: My Love Front Laguna
Unique Hotels to stay Near Bacalar Lagoon
Our Habitas Bacalar – Adults Only
Where to stay in Bacalar if you are planning a romantic getaway? This spectacular hotel is located in the middle of the Mayan jungle, away from the crowds, a 10-minute drive from the city.
The rooms are like large tents, equipped with hot water and air conditioning, surrounded by jungle, providing comfort and tranquility while you reconnect with nature. Every morning there are various free yoga and meditation classes or take a sunrise paddle where you can see different animals.
We think Habitas is the perfect and quiet place to recharge your mind and soul.
Photo credit: Our Habitas
Boca de Agua
Located along the tranquil shores of the Lagoon, Boca de Agua offers a unique blend of luxury and nature. The hotel offers eco-friendly tree houses surrounded by lush greenery, where you can wake up to the sounds of nature every morning.
Walk to the Lagoon and relax by the crystal clear water, home to many small fish, turtles, and several birds. Experience the magic of sunrise or sunset by paddle board or kayak at the lagoon and see the flora and fauna on a sailing tour. The hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant offers culinary and varied delicacies, including vegetarian dishes.
If you’re looking for a luxury eco-hotel in a quiet location right next to the lagoon, then you’ve found one of the most unique in Bacalar.
Photo credit: Boca de Agua
Bacalar: FAQ
Top Tours
Sailing Tour
Boat Tour and Visit to the Cenotes
Private Sailboat Trip
Paddle Adventure at Sunrise
Best time to Visit
The best time to visit is from December to April. During this time, there is little rainfall, and temperatures are pleasant.
How to Get to Bacalar
The nearest airport is in Chetumal, the capital of Quintana Roo state, a 35-minute drive away. You can get to the town by taxi or book a bus ticket from the Chetumal Ado bus station.
From Cancun International Airport, you can easily reach the city by bus, which is a 4.5 to 5-hour drive away.
Where to Stay in Bacalar: Map of the Best Areas
We’ve categorized Bacalar into 3 areas to help you find the best places to stay.
We hope our post on the best areas and hotels in Bacalar helps you plan to choose where to stay. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
More Travel Guides about Mexico
- Ultimate Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary
- 10 Best Things to Do in the Yucatan Peninsula
- Guide to Visiting Chichen Itza
- Best Tulum Instagram Spots
- 7 Best Things to Do in Bacalar
- Los Rapidos & Laguna Bonanza
Travel Resources
Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
eSIM – Airalo
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway
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