Bacalar is a small, peaceful town located only 30 minutes from Chetumal, in the southern part of Quintana Roo, Mexico. It has a unique history and is home to many natural attractions, making it a must-visit destination for many travelers.
Bacalar’s name is said to have come from the Mayan word for “place of reeds” since it sits uphill from the Lagoon of Seven Colors. The lake is of striking beauty, with waters changing colors depending on the time of day or weather conditions.
When I was there, I was pleasantly surprised that this place was not overrun by tourists!
While the town is tiny, I think it would be useful to create a handmade map for you so that you can find your way around easily and not miss out on any sights.
I’ll even add my favorite restaurant’s location on it that has delicious Calamari Burgers. Oh, and I highly recommend joining a sunset Paddleboard Tour (Thank me later!).
Our favorite hostels in Bacalar are:
- The Yak - best for Solo Travelers
- Che Bacalar Hostel & Bar Adults only - best for Social Travelers
- Guarumbo - best for Backpacker
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
1. The Yak
2. Che Bacalar Hostel & Bar Adults only
3. Guarumbo
Bacalar is full of colorful buildings and cobblestone streets, making it an ideal place to explore on foot. In the center of town, you’ll find Plaza Principal, which is the perfect place to sit and watch locals go about their daily lives.
The Bacalar lagoon is a stunning place you wouldn’t want to miss during your visit; it’s home to many species of fish and other aquatic life, as well as colorful water lilies that float on top of the lake.
So backpackers can visit the Lagoon of Seven Colors, explore Mayan ruins at nearby sites such as Dzibanché and Kohunlich, and stay at some of the best hostels in Bacalar to complete their busy day with a good night’s rest (or drinks at the bar?).
If you’re planning to travel around more, we have a guide on the best hostels in Mexico that should come in handy, as well as one for the best hostels in Tulum and Cancun.
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
What do we cover in this article?
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Bacalar
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Bacalar cost $12 – $25 per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room has an average price of around $60 per night. This is a rough average, just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on the season and holidays. Please always check the exact rates on Hostelz.com or Hostelworld.com.
Check-In and Check-Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3 pm), while the Check-Out time is before 11:00 (11 am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later.
Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
Perfect time to visit Bacalar: Although Bacalar is a great place to visit year-round, the best time to go there is during the dry season. If you want to see the area in all its glory, plan your visit between the months of November and May!
Pre-book your accommodation: Book ahead! Bacalar is a popular destination, especially during the dry season. If you want to be sure that there will be available hostel accommodation, don’t forget to book your stay ahead of time.
This will also leave more time to research the activities you’ll be doing during your visit!
Day trips: Look into day trips! Bacalar has plenty of options for day trips, from visiting nearby Mayan ruins to swimming with dolphins.
If you have time to spare, consider booking a day trip to get the most out of your visit!
Tours: There are so many things to do in Bacalar that it’s hard to find the time to do them all! One of the best ways to experience everything this beautiful town offers is by going on a tour of the area.
There are plenty of tour operators in Bacalar who can help you plan an excursion; just be sure to book ahead of time so that you don’t miss out on your favorite activities while staying there.
How to get around: Bacalar is small enough that it’s easy to walk around and explore all of its nooks and crannies.
You can take advantage of its convenient size to research the best restaurants and bars so that you can enjoy your time in Bacalar to the fullest!
🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels? (and websites to save $)
- 23 clever items: the hostel packing list to download
- How does the Hostelworld App work exactly? Our Advanced Guide
The 3 Best Hostels in Bacalar are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Bacalar.
- The Yak – best for Solo Travelers
- Che Bacalar Hostel & Bar Adults only – best for Social Travelers
- Guarumbo – best for Backpacker
These are our favorite hostels in Bacalar. We want to make your life even easier, so we put all accommodations on a map for you. We even added our own tips for favorite restaurants, things to see, and more.
1. The Yak
2. Che Bacalar Hostel & Bar Adults only
3. Guarumbo
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | The Yak |
| 🎒 for Backpacker: | Guarumbo |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Che Bacalar Hostel & Bar Adults only |
| 👫 For Socializing | Che Bacalar Hostel & Bar Adults only |
1. The Yak
The Yak is a gorgeous property located just two blocks from the St. Felipe Fort Museum and the city center.
Their private dock that stretches out into the lagoon provides an awe-inspiring view of the sunrise while you enjoy your morning coffee!
The hostel has a great outdoor area with hammocks and lounge chairs where you can relax after a long day of exploring.
This is one of the best hostels in Bacalar for a good reason: it has private rooms and shared dorms, all with their own private bathrooms.
The staff is friendly and helpful, and the communal areas are spacious and comfortable.
Whether you’re looking for a place to relax or a way to get your adrenaline pumping, The Yak is the perfect spot for an adventurous vacation.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
The bar offers free welcome drinks and a cozy atmosphere where you can meet other guests or just relax with a good book.
You can participate in some of the many activities available in the area, which includes kayaking tours through the lagoon, hiking trips along the beach, and surfing lessons!
They offer active and adventurous tours, emphasizing experiencing the natural environment up close. The staff focuses on providing an immersive experience that will make you feel like a local while you explore one of Mexico’s most beautiful destinations.
They are highly trained and professional, with a passion for travel – eager to share their knowledge of the area and make sure you have a great time.
The best choice in Bacalar for:
- Solo Travelers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. Che Bacalar Hostel & Bar Adults only
Che Bacalar Hostel & Bar Adults only opened its doors in September 2021, quickly becoming a popular destination for travelers worldwide.
Located only ten minutes from the town’s main square and a short walk from the unique “Laguna de Los Siete Colores,” this hostel provides an unbeatable location at affordable rates.
Che Bacalar features eight shared rooms and five private suites, so regardless of whether you’re traveling alone or with a group of people – there’s something for everyone! The hostel also has a bar where guests can enjoy cold beers and fresh fruit juices and meet other travelers.
It has friendly, experienced staff members who are always happy to help you plan your activities during your stay in Bacalar.
And it offers a daily lunch and dinner menu with vegetarian options.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
They also have a beautiful pool that makes for a great place to take a dip and relax after or before a busy day.
But beyond the food and drinks that this hostel has to offer, there are all kinds of engaging activities: from karaoke nights and beer pong tournaments to themed parties and roulette wheels – all of which make for a fun night out experience.
Plus, they have a coworking space, so you can work while you’re away from home!
Che Bacalar Hostel & Bar is one of the best hostels in Bacalar for a reason. It is the perfect place for travelers who want to soak up all the beauty of this incredible region while still having access to all of its highlights.
Overall, this charming hostel offers comfortable rooms, warm service from staff members, and plenty of amenities for travelers who want to explore the surrounding area.
So, If you are looking for a quiet place to relax and enjoy nature, this is the perfect option.
A great choice for:
- For Socializing
- Digital Nomads
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Guarumbo
Guarumbo is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for an affordable, comfortable, and friendly hostel in Bacalar.
Guarumbo’s location is another reason why travelers love it so much: it’s just 26 miles from Chetumal! This means that getting there is easy – you’ll have no trouble finding transportation options or getting around once you’ve arrived.
This backpackers hostel features a garden and terrace where you can relax after a long day of exploring. It offers clean and comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi and shared bathrooms.
If you want to splurge a little bit more on your vacation trip, you can choose one of the rooms with a balcony – it’ll be worth it!
Each bed in the dorm has a fan, light, and plug. There are also lockers for personal belongings. The bathrooms are shared but kept very clean.
The backyard is huge and well-kept by the staff, and the hammocks are just everywhere!
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
This is one of the best hostels in Bacalar, situated in a scenic region and filled with natural attractions, such as waterfalls, caves, and hot springs. It offers rentable bikes that you can use to explore these sites!
Guarumbo has all the amenities you need for an unforgettable trip: books and DVDs for rainy days; board games and puzzles for fun nights; music to keep you company when you’re alone; and an outdoor terrace to enjoy the sunshine.
They will do everything in their power to ensure that you will enjoy your stay there!
This is one of the best hostels in Bacalar for:
- Backpackers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Bacalar for Solo Travelers?
The best hostel in Bacalar for solo travelers is The Yak because it provides all the privacy you might want to have, as well as plenty of common and very social spaces to meet fellow travelers and make new friends.
This hostel’s location is also great for exploring everything Bacalar has to offer, and the very friendly and accommodating staff will ensure your trip goes smoothly.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
What about the cheapest hostels in Bacalar?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Bacalar.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Bacalar
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
Any Discounts?
You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the freshest hostel discounts directly in your inbox. We even have special discount codes we only share in the newsletter.
It is completely free to join!
How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
We included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
Read: Step-by-Step guide on how to book with Hostelworld
We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Bacalar best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
The coolest Hostel App you need comes as well from Hostelworld. It gives you super cool features like you can contact your hostel mates beforehand, ask questions, and make plans together. Find more details in our review of the app.
Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!
Need an eSIM Card for Bacalar?
Get your eSIM Card with Airalo.com instantly online. It is easy to set up and cheap! Read our review of Airalo here.
No more searching for mobile stores. Get your eSIM Card for now and enjoy it instantly after landing in your new destination.
Our Favorite Hostels in Bacalar put on a map + sights
We hope that the above recommendations for the best hostels in Bacalar have been helpful to you. To help you out with your, we also include a map of the town with our own special recommendations and the location of each hostel we mentioned.
We are sure that your stay in Bacalar will be unforgettable, as it is one of the most beautiful places in Mexico. A backpacker like you should not miss out on such an iconic destination!
Any questions about hostels in Bacalar? 🤔
Join our Facebook Group!
Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
FAQs
Here we share with you the most asked question:
What are the best hostels in Bacalar, Mexico?
The best hostels in Bacalar are:
- The Yak - best for Solo Travelers
- Che Bacalar Hostel & Bar Adults only - best for Social Travelers
- Guarumbo - best for Backpacker
Are hostels in Bacalar safe?
Not all hostels in Bacalar are necessarily safe, especially the one that offers the cheapest price in sketchy areas. It might be an illegal hostel, without the proper license to run and safety measures.
So in all fairness, it is best to check out Hostelgeeks.com because we feature safe hostels in Bacalar. You can find backpacker hostel with top ratings! Keep a close eye on the overall ratings on booking platforms!
If you are not secure, you can also email us and ask us!
What is the best hostel in Bacalar for solo travelers?
The best hostel in Bacalar for solo travelers is:
The Yak
Is Bacalar safe for traveling?
Bacalar is relatively safe compared to a lot of popular travel destinations in Mexico.
Safety and security aren't really an issue here, just be as cautious as you normally are in your day-to-day life, and you should be fine!
Any questions about hostels in Bacalar?
🤔Join our Facebook Group!
Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
Flights to Bacalar?
Bacalar has no airport, and you will need to take a bus or taxi to get there. The nearest Airport is Chetumal (CTM) Airport which is 21.3 km away.
We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.
Skyscanner has a bunch of cool features like Multi-City Trip. Instead of doing this research step-by-step, Skyscanner offers this flight planning tool.
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Surf Hostels:
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We also created a huge guide to hostels. Here we cover how to build lifetime friendships in hostels, the perfect packing list, and more.
Over to you
Do you have any questions left, maybe doubts? Then please leave it in the comment below. We are very keen to help you - and actually you would even do us a favor!
Your question will help us to improve this Bacalar guide.
Last note: Our commitment
This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter, and find the best place on a budget! We will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We are constantly updating all our guides to keep them as fresh and accurate as possible.
Safe travels,
The Hostelgeeks
