Hostels in Bacalar
32 Hostels in Bacalar, MexicoAbout Bacalar
🛶 Hostels in Bacalar for Backpackers & Solo Travellers: Lagoon of Seven Colours, Kayaks & Cenotes
Bacalar in 2026? This small town in southern Quintana Roo sits on a long freshwater lagoon famous for its shades of blue. It is usually calmer than the beach towns further north, and a favourite place to slow down, paddle at sunrise and swim in clear water.
🏠 Where to Stay in Bacalar
Hostels in Bacalar are mostly in the small town centre or along the lagoon shore. Hostelworld.com lists over 32 Hostels in Bacalar, all rated by travellers like you, with more than 8199 reviews. In Bacalar hostels you can usually find:
- Dorms and private rooms, some right on the water
- Docks, hammocks and lagoon access
- Kayak and paddleboard rental
- Shared kitchens and relaxed common areas
💡 Pro tip: Sunrise is often a magical time to paddle on the lagoon, when the water is calm and the colours are at their brightest.
🏆 Top Hostels to Stay in Bacalar in 2026
Looking for top-rated Hostels in Bacalar? According to Hostelworld.com travellers, these are two crowd favourites:
- The Yak Lake House - Front Lagoon – ★ 9.42/10 – The Yak Lake House - Front Lagoon
- CHE Bacalar Hostel & Bar – ★ 9.16/10 – CHE Bacalar Hostel & Bar
🗺️ Neighbourhoods to Explore
- Town centre & zócalo – The main square, small restaurants and food stalls that usually appear in the evening
- Fort of San Felipe – An old Spanish fort above the lagoon with a small museum
- Lagoon shore – Docks, swimming spots and laid-back cafés, often with lagoon views
- Cenote Azul – A deep, round cenote just south of town, usually good for a swim
- Los Rápidos – A section of the lagoon further south, where you can often float with a gentle current
🚌 Getting Around Bacalar
- From the airport: Chetumal Airport is the closest; Cancún and Tulum airports are further but have more flights
- Buses: Long-distance buses usually link Bacalar with Tulum, Cancún, Playa del Carmen and Chetumal
- Taxis & colectivos: Taxis and shared vans go to cenotes and spots along the lagoon
- Walking & biking: The town is small and easy to explore on foot or by bike
⛵ Boat Trips and Stromatolites
Boat and sailing tours usually visit the Canal de los Piratas, Isla de los Pájaros and shallow spots with white sand. The lagoon is also home to stromatolites, rock-like formations that are very old and fragile. Bacalar is a Mexican Pueblo Mágico, a title given to towns with special cultural value.
💡 Pro tip: Use biodegradable sun cream and don't stand on the stromatolites, as they are protected and easily damaged.
🌍 Want More Hostel Adventures?
Check out other top-rated hostels across Mexico → Mexico Hostels