A charming boutique guesthouse on the shores of Laguna Bacalar with just 6 rooms, Casa Hamaca offers personalized service, colorful decor, and direct lagoon access with kayaks and paddleboards. The owners provide expert local knowledge and sustainable tourism is at the heart of the experience.
Casa Hamaca sits on Calle 16 in the town of Bacalar, directly on the western bank of Laguna Bacalar — the freshwater lagoon system known as the Lake of Seven Colors for its shifting gradients of turquoise, cobalt, and aquamarine. The property is a small boutique guesthouse of just six rooms, making it one of the most intimate accommodations in the Bacalar area. The town of Bacalar lies approximately 35 km north of the Belize border and is positioned well off the typical backpacker circuit; it draws travelers who specifically seek out the lagoon and the Spanish colonial fortress (Fuerte de San Felipe Bacalar, a 10-minute walk from the property).
The six rooms are individually decorated with colorful tile work, handwoven textiles, hammocks, and local artwork. Accommodation ranges from garden-view rooms to lagoon-facing rooms with private terraces directly above the water. A communal dock extends into the lagoon, and kayaks and paddleboards are available to guests at no additional charge. The clear freshwater is swimmable directly from the dock with no significant current or wave action. Breakfast is included in the room rate and emphasizes local produce and regional Yucatecan dishes. The owner-operated character of Casa Hamaca means service is genuinely personal — hosts provide tailored recommendations for the lagoon's best swimming spots, boat tours to the cenotes within the lagoon system, and local dining beyond the main tourist strip.
Casa Hamaca suits couples and solo travelers who value tranquility and authenticity over resort-scale amenities. There is no swimming pool, no full restaurant beyond the included breakfast, and no nightlife on-site. Wi-Fi is available across the property. Low season (May through October) brings frequent afternoon rain but smaller crowds and more competitive room rates.
Amenities
- lagoon access
- kayaks
- paddleboards
- hammocks
- wifi
- breakfast included
Location
Calle 16 No. 127, Bacalar, Quintana Roo 77930
18.6800, -88.3950 View on map
Highlights
- Direct lagoon dock access with kayaks and paddleboards included at no extra charge
- Six individually decorated rooms facing Laguna Bacalar's famed multi-hued waters
- Owner-operated with genuinely personalized service and deep local knowledge
- Breakfast included daily featuring regional Yucatecan dishes and local produce
- Walking distance to Fuerte de San Felipe Bacalar colonial fort (10 minutes)
Tips for visiting
- Request a lagoon-facing room with a private terrace when booking — these are the rooms that justify the stay and sell out first
- Swim from the dock before 8am when the water is at its clearest before afternoon boat traffic disturbs the sediment
- The hosts can arrange boat tours to Cenote Esmeralda and Cenote Cocalitos within the lagoon system for approximately 500 pesos per person
- ATM coverage in Bacalar town is limited — withdraw cash in Chetumal (40 km north) or before departing Cancun or Tulum
When to visit
November to April for dry season and the clearest lagoon water; May to October offers lower rates and fewer visitors.
Accessibility
The property is a small-scale colonial-style building; the lagoon dock and some room entrances involve steps. Not wheelchair accessible.