Best Hostels in Bacalar | 10 AMAZING Places to Stay

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In this guide, I’ll explore Bacalar’s top hostels and have searched out some that cater to every type of traveller, ensuring your stay is as enchanting as the lagoon itself. Well, as enchanting as a hostel can be but you get the vibe!

From party hostels with beer pong to a waterside paradise that you’d be forgiven for thinking was a fancy resort, here are the best hostels in Bacalar for your next backpacking trip to Mexico.

The Yak Lake House – Hostal – Best Overall Hostel in Bacalar

There is no denying that the Yak Lake House is the best Hostel in Bacalar. Whether you’re backpacking up from Belize or down from Tulum, someone will have mentioned the epic parties, cruisy morning paddles, and beautiful lagoon-side setting at this awesome backpacker spot.

The outside deck is always filled with solo travellers catching a tan, eating breakfast, or getting ready for their sailing trip. It’s the best spot to be for all different types of vibes. It’s not completely filled with 20-somethings drinking their way through Mexico, but it’s also not full of digital nomads with their noses in a computer screen. Everyone is there to have fun and enjoy the stunning seven shades of blue in the lagoon.

My highlight of staying at the Yak was the sunrise yoga and paddle boarding (it really balanced out all the beers and tequila the night before!) Since the hostel is right on the lagoon, no need to wake up any earlier than necessary, just step outside your room and onto the dock for a peaceful morning session.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• Air-conditioned room
• Lagoon Front Sun Terrace
• Nightly Activities—Salsa dance lessons, live music, DJ’s

As I mentioned, the location is one of the best things about staying at the Yak. It really is one of the best places to stay in Bacalar. The lagoon is literally right out your back door, but it’s also close to the main square, making it a double win. You can head into town for 20 peso tacos and a few beers, then come back to the hostel for a sunset paddle tour.

The hostel is consistently putting on different events. When I was there, we had a Halloween party, a salsa night, and even a paint party. (I was only there seven days!) The hostel created the perfect atmosphere for meeting other travellers and making new friends.

I loved how inclusive and welcoming the staff was, always encouraging everyone to join in on the fun. If you’re a solo traveller in Mexico then it’s deffo a winner.

In addition to its amazing location and lively atmosphere, The Yak Hostel offers many amenities for its guests. As mentioned, each room is air-conditioned, providing a comfortable escape from the hot Mexican weather. The dorm rooms are spacious, and there are a few private rooms available as well.

Asana Bacalar – Most Affordable Hostel in Bacalar

Asana Bacalar Hostel is one of the cheapest hostels on the block but by no means does that mean you’re missing out on comfort or location. This EPIC hostel is located in the heart of Bacalar, right on the shores of the famous Lagoon of Seven Colors, where you can enjoy an unforgettable glamping experience or basic dorm room.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• Friendly staff
• FREE Bikes & Kayaks
• Views overlooking the Lagoon

 The hostel is locally run, and the staff are super friendly; they’re always happy to give you local tips or sort the best deals on tours and activities. As for the hostel itself, it’s an awesome little oasis on the Lagoon of severn colours, making it the ultimate chill out spot.

Asana offers both dorm rooms and private rooms, all of which are very affordable for those travelling on a budget. There is also a terrace with hammocks for guests to relax and hang out, as well as a fully equipped kitchen for those who want to cook their meals.

You can also make the most of the FREE bikes, Kayaks and join in one of their Yoga classes overlooking the Lagoon. For the price, location and amenities, this place is tough to beat.

Che Bacalar Hostel & Bar Adults Only – Biggest Party Hostel in Bacalar

For nights of beer pong and some potential skinny dipping (don’t look at me!) Che is the best hostel in Bacalar for partygoers. With TVs to watch sports and a full restaurant/bar on site, you may not feel the need to leave.

The vibe at Che is always high, and there are some little pockets in the courtyard where people can get to know each other. While I was here, it was a much younger crowd, lots of gap years and solo travellers, so the nights could get rowdy. If you’re looking for a good night’s sleep, ha, I’d be skipping this one!

The music is always pumping, and even other hostel dwellers seem to find their way to Che for the fun vibes. With pool games during the day to loads of drinking games at night, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet fellow travellers and get on the piss.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• New and clean dorms
• Upstairs Coworking Space
• Daily Activities

The tall concrete hostel is right on the corner of a main street that runs along the lagoon, making it easy to find. It doesn’t have the same rustic charm as other hostels in Bacalar, but it is fairly new, and everything was sparkly clean during my stay. As soon as the morning started, there were always cleaners there to keep the shared bathrooms and common areas spotless—a huge plus in my book.

I loved that there was an upstairs coworking space with desks and outlets, perfect for digital nomads in Mexico or anyone needing to get some work done during their travels. Although I could see how easily it would be to get distracted here—it’s the thought that counts. Ha!

It’s located opposite the lagoon, but it doesn’t have a private entrance; the public dock is just a few blocks down the road, so you’ll still have easy access to clear blue waters. And on days when you can’t be bothered to make it to the lagoon, you can go for a dip in the pool. There are loads of bean bags and chairs all around, making it perfect for relaxing under the Mexican sun.

La Embajada Hostel – Best Hostel for Large Groups in Bacalar

La Embajada Hostel is a small slice of Bacalar heaven. It’s bursting with life with colourful walls, open-air spaces, and a garden ideal for some morning yoga. The vibe is casual and welcoming, with hammocks to lounge in, an outdoor kitchen to whip up the finest noodles, and cosy spots to chill out after a busy day exploring.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• Laid-back, social vibe
• Lovely garden and chill-out areas
• Free breakfast & fully equipped kitchen

Location-wise, it doesn’t get much better. Just a short stroll to the lagoon and even shorter to the best tacos in town. If you’re travelling with a group of friends, you’ve got the choice of small dorms with 4-5 beds, which you could easily book out.

They also have wonderful yoga and sound healing classes, which are the ideal way to zen out after a busy day exploring. The free breakfast is a huge plus, lots of fruit, toast, and coffee. However, the only downside is that there is no AC in the dorms, but they have fans.

If you’re a solo traveller or backpacking with a group, this is the ideal spot to perch up and explore everything Bacalar has to offer.

Xibalba – Best Hotel with a Pool in Bacalar

Mexico is hot, regardless of the time of year! When it’s like that, what do we all crave? A dip in the pool, amirite? At Xibalba, your stay will feel more like staying at a resort than a hostel. The stunning pool area is the perfect place to cool off after a day of exploring. The boutique hostel only has seven rooms, and after a day, it starts to feel like home.

The rooms are all centred around the pool, giving it a tropical vibe. You will find a mix of guests, from a few solo travellers to couples. It’s more of a quiet hostel than all the others. So, if you’re looking for that peaceful escape, this is the perfect place for you.

The rooms are decorated with a boho flair. Macromes hang from the walls, and concrete showers give them a modern touch. This hostel has both private and dorm rooms, all with air conditioning. Thank God!

Could it be the best hostel in Mexico? Very possibly.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• Spacious Rooms
• Free Breakfast
• Parking

The roads in Bacalar aren’t the most pedestrian-friendly, which means wheeling a suitcase around isn’t the easiest. However, the location is exceptional when it comes to getting off the ADO bus and walking straight there. However, I do want to note that it’s about a 15-minute walk to the centre, but Bacalar is safe, so if you don’t mind a bit of a mosey, then it’s a great spot.

The dorm rooms are really spacious, with six beds. The top bunks actually hang from the ceiling so say goodbye to being woken up as your bunkmate climbs down. Right outside of the door is the pool, and trust me by 8 am it’s calling your name.

At any given time of the day, you can find groups of guests hanging out in the garden, giving you the opportunity to meet some friends and maybe find a few travel companions. Whether you want to spend your day down by the lagoon or have a quiet read by the pool, this hostel offers the perfect balance of relaxation and socialisation.

Not found your dream place to stay in Bacalar yet? Don’t worry, although some of these aren’t exactly hostels, they will certainly protect your wallet just like a hostel would!

Asana Bacalar Centro Magico

Located in the heart of Bacalar, Asana Centro Mágico is the ideal spot for backpackers to perch up wanting to bee in the thick of the action. Nestled right in front of the main park and just a short walk from the stunning Lagoon of Seven Colors, this hostel is surrounded by local restaurants and shops and cafes, putting the best of Bacalar on your doorstep.

Choice from mixed and female-only dorms with a comfy bed, a personal locker and a privacy curtain. If you’re feeling fancy, you can treat yourself to a private room for some added privacy. There’s a mean FREE breakfast and they offer a free kayak plus a day pass at their glamping in Bacalar lagoon. Sounds like a no-brainer to me. 

Hostal & Suites Pata de Perro

Pata de Perro is a budget-friendly option for couples or small groups of friends travelling to Bacalar. The rooms are styled in traditional Mexican decor and offer comfortable beds for a good night’s rest. The common area has cute little fairy lights and wicker hanging baskets that make for a comfy spot to relax and read a book.

The location is perfect, as it’s right in the centre of town, right around the corner from all the best eats and drinks. It’s also only 300 meters from the lagoon, and you can book a bike or a boat tour to explore the crystal-clear waters directly from the hostel’s tour desk.

There aren’t any dorms at Pata de Perro, but they offer a triple room and a family suite if you and a few friends are looking for a more private option. The attached restaurant and bar offer tasty meals at a discounted price since you’re staying there.

Hakuna Matata Glamping

I absolutely love this stay in Bacalar. Hakuna Matata Glamping is one of the best ways to experience the pueblo magico. And if you aren’t sure what that means, it’s just a recognition the country has given to certain places with cultural and historical value. Rest assured that Bacalar is one of those gems.

This glamping site offers beautiful straw teepees that are actually quite spacious despite how they look on the outside. The bungalows only sleep two, but there are rows of them, and you’ll share the larger common space with other guests. The staff here are also great and extremely welcoming. I can say out of all the places I stayed in Bacalar, I received the most “local” advice from them in terms of what to do.

The best part about Hakuna Matata Glamping is its location, just a few steps away from the public docks of the lagoon. It makes it easy to spend your days swimming and relaxing in the crystal clear waters. The breakfast was also a highlight; it’s not included, but it’s priced fairly, and you’ll be eating the yummiest traditional Mexican breakfast surrounded by billowing palm trees. Ideal!

Luna Room

One of the cheapest stays in Bacalar is this private room in a shared house. The room is spacious and clean, with access to a shared bathroom and shared common spaces. You can hang out in the hammocks or enjoy the garden area. The hosts are absolutely lovely and are keen on making sure all of their guests have an excellent time in Bacalar.

Breakfast is included, and it’s the perfect way to start the day: yummy huevos rancheros and fresh fruit with Mexican Coffee. The location is a bit far from the centre, but they rent out bikes, making the journey to and from town a breeze.

You will also have free access to Club Laguna Bacalar, a little bar area on the lagoon with kayaks, paddle boards, and other water activities available for use. You can also book one of the sunrise or sunset paddle board sessions at a discounted rate.

Guarumbo

Get out in nature at Guarumbo. This hostel is in the middle of what feels like the jungle but is just a 10-minute walk from the lagoon. The hostel is surrounded by nature, huge palm trees, and tropical birds, making it an excellent stay in Bacalar for those who want a quiet escape.

They have a lovely garden where you can relax while you enjoy a traditional breakfast. You can also chill out on the upstairs patio, which has roughly ten hammocks and gives you a 360-degree view of Bacalar over the treetops. With all the different communal areas, it’s easy to meet other travellers and make friends.

The tents, dorm rooms and privates are all very basic but clean and comfortable. They have a bar and coffee shop onsite, so you can grab a drink or snack whenever you need. There is also a communal kitchen to cook your own meals. The staff really go over the top to ensure guests feel at home and have a good time in Bacalar.

Travel Safety Tips for Bacalar

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

After travelling to Bacalar four times and staying in different hostels each time, I can confidently say that I know what I’m talking about when it comes to choosing the best hostel for your budget and travel style! Not that I’m blowing my own trumpet, but out of my somewhat niche skillset, this is what I excel in.

Bacalar is one of my favourite places in Mexico and literally anywhere you stay will have its plus and minuses. Staying on the water is my personal favourite, as the sunrises on the lagoon are like nothing I’ve ever seen. The stillness of the water and the reflection of the sky is truly breathtaking.

However, I’ve had my fair share of crazy nights at the ice cream bar in town, and having your bed just a few steps away is a major plus!

If you can snag a bed at The Yak Lake House—book it. It’s close enough to town, and the vibes are just unmatched. But you could spin a wheel and land at any hostel in Bacalar and have an epic time.