Bacalar or Tulum: Which is Better?

Trying to decide between Bacalar or Tulum? You’re not the only one. These two destinations are some of the most beautiful places in the Yucatan Peninsula—and while they’re just a few hours apart, they offer totally different experiences.

I’ve spent time in both towns and love them for very different reasons. Tulum is bigger, busier, and full of curated experiences, from stylish beach clubs to jungle yoga studios. Bacalar, on the other hand, is smaller, quieter, and built around the kind of slow mornings you’ll actually remember.

Both places have beautiful water, good food, and that signature boho vibe—but that’s where the similarities end. Bacalar is centered around a calm, crystal-clear lagoon with cheap taxis and low-key charm. Tulum has a world-famous beach, big-name hotels, and a lot more action.

If you’re debating which one is right for your trip, this guide breaks it all down: where to stay, what to eat, how much it costs, and the vibe you can expect. Whether you want sunrise swims in freshwater or mezcal cocktails at a beach club, this post will help you figure out which destination fits your travel style best.

Happy travels to Mexico!

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Bacalar or Tulum: A quick glance

If you’re torn between Bacalar and Tulum, you’re not alone. As Bacalar grows in popularity travelers are finding it more difficult to choose which one is best for them. While both destinations have a boho vibe, trendy cafés, and solid food scenes, they offer very different experiences overall.

Let’s break it down.

Bacalar is smaller, more relaxed, and has a more local feel. You won’t find the same crowds or curated tours here. In fact, we were the only Americans I ran into during out trip. And that’s what makes it charming.

It’s incredibly walkable, taxis are affordable, and prices for activities and food tend to be lower than in Tulum. And instead of the beach, Bacalar’s main draw is its Lagoon of Seven Colors—a massive freshwater lagoon with calm, crystal-clear water perfect for swimming, kayaking, and floating the day away.

Tulum, on the other hand, is much faster-paced with more things to do, from cenote hopping to beach clubs and Mayan ruins. It’s grown more expensive in recent years but still offers a range of accommodations and experiences for different budgets. It’s also the only choice with all-inclusive options between the two.

And if beaches are your thing, Tulum’s coastline is one of the best in Mexico—wide stretches of soft sand and turquoise waves that still impress even with the growing crowds.

Can you visit both? Many travelers choose both, choosing to stay in Tulum for the majority of their trip and visit Bacalar for a night or two. You can easily do so on a 3-hour ADO bus ride from Tulum. But if you’re trying to decide where to base yourself, this guide will help you figure out which destination better matches your travel style.

Why Choose Bacalar

Bacalar has quickly become one of my favorite places in Mexico—and once you see that lagoon in person, you’ll understand why. It’s a small town with a much slower pace than Tulum, and that’s exactly what makes it special.

Everything in Bacalar feels a little more relaxed and a lot more affordable. Taxis are cheap, activities don’t come with tourist markups, and you’ll find a mix of local and tourists restaurants, too. It’s the kind of place where a beautiful boat ride or a few hours kayaking across the Lagoon of Seven Colors costs far less than a beach club day pass in Tulum.

And speaking of the lagoon—it’s a completely different experience from Tulum. The water is calm, shallow in many spots, and shifts between incredible shades of turquoise and deep blue. It’s peaceful and absolutely stunning, too.

Bacalar is perfect for travelers who want to slow down. It’s where you come to float, unplug, and enjoy the simple pleasures. If your idea of a good trip is a peaceful swim followed by fish tacos under a thatched roof, Bacalar might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Why Choose Tulum

While Tulum’s newfound popularity has come with a more touristy feel but certainly different than Playa del Carmen. Yes, it is touristy but it’s more about the boho feel that’s not totally authentic to Mexico. You’ll find shops selling whicker bags and hammocks and restaurants with California-style burritos and acai bowls everywhere. And there is a strong focus on sustainability with solar-power and farm-to-table dining experiences.

And Tulum’s quieter charm and nicer beaches brings higher costs, especially with its newfound popularity. You can save money staying in Tulum Pueblo, which is a quick bike or car ride to the beach, but the prices are also increasing inland. Food, too, is more expensive in Tulum.

But if you know where to look you can still find deals, just don’t expect acai bowls with local prices. There are also many things to do there are near Tulum, with access to historic sites, a UNESCO biosphere reserve, and many amazing cenotes. If you can DIY these experiences they can still be fairly affordable, too.

Let’s Compare Them

Getting There

Tulum is much easier to reach thanks to its new international airport. With direct flights from several major cities and easy transportation into town, it’s become one of the most accessible destinations in the Yucatán.

You can also easily get to Tulum through the Cancun Airport, which is just a 2-hour drive away.

Bacalar, on the other hand, takes a bit more effort to get to—but it’s doable. If you’re coming from Tulum or Cancun, the ADO bus is the most common option. It’s a comfortable ride that takes around three hours from Tulum.

You can also hop on the Tren Maya, though its schedule is more limited and less frequent than the bus.

All to say, while Tulum is a quicker and more direct trip for most travelers, getting to Bacalar is still relatively easy if you don’t mind the journey.

Cost to Visit

If budget is a big part of your trip planning, Bacalar still holds the edge. While prices have been creeping up—especially for lagoon-front stays—it’s still much more affordable than Tulum overall.

You’ll save even more by staying just a few blocks off the lagoon, where boutique hotels and guesthouses offer great value at around $50 or less a night. Even if you splurge on a lagoon-view stay, it’ll cost far less than a beachfront hotel in Tulum.

Tulum has far more high-end boutique hotels and all-inclusive resorts, most with price tags to match. Even mid-range options can feel overpriced these days.

Experiences in Bacalar are also significantly cheaper. Most activities are local and low-key, with a strong DIY feel. You can access cenotes for as little as $2.50, rent a kayak on your own, or book a relaxed sailing trip without a luxury markup.

Tulum, by contrast, leans heavily on packaged tours, curated wellness experiences, and higher-end excursions—all of which add up quickly.

Food is the only are where I think Bacalar and Tulum are similar. Both have cheap, local favorites outside the center of the tourist zones but are also fulled with upscale, boho decor eateries with prices to match.

Taxis in Tulum are also notoriously overpriced, while Bacalar’s remain relatively fair. Between hotels, transportation, and activities, Bacalar is the better choice for travelers looking to do more without spending more.

Where You’ll Stay

Where you choose to stay in Bacalar or Tulum will really shape your experience—and your budget.

In Bacalar, most accommodations are small boutique hotels, eco-lodges, or locally-owned guesthouses. Lagoon-front properties are in high demand, and while prices are going up, they’re still much cheaper than Tulum’s beachfront hotels.

You’ll find beautiful stays with sunrise views over the lagoon for under $150 a night. And staying just a few blocks inland can easily cut that price in half. Bacalar doesn’t have all-inclusive resorts, which keeps the vibe more local and low-key.

Tulum, on the other hand, has a much wider range of accommodations. You’ll find high-end boutique hotels, luxury wellness retreats, and a growing number of all-inclusive options. It’s also the only one of the with big-name chain hotels like Hilton, IHG, and Hyatt. So if you’re looking to book on points, Tulum is your best (and only) option.

Most of Tulum’s luxury hotels are in the beach zone, where prices often start at $300+ a night. Staying in Tulum Pueblo is cheaper, but you’ll need to factor in time—and cost—to get to the beach.

All to say you can find hotel rooms under $75 a night in both places but if you’re tight on a budget Bacalar’s options will be more extensive with quicker access to the water and better rooms.

Walkability

Bacalar is much more walkable than Tulum. The town is small, flat, and easy to explore on foot. Most hotels, restaurants, and shops are within a few blocks of each other, and getting around rarely requires more than a quick walk or an affordable taxi ride.

Tulum is far more spread out. The beach zone and the town (Tulum Pueblo) are about 3 miles apart, so walking between them isn’t realistic. You’ll either need to bike, rent a scooter, or pay for taxis—which can get pricey fast. While certain pockets of Tulum are walkable, getting around the whole area definitely takes more planning (and more pesos).

Food Options

Both Bacalar and Tulum have fantastic food options with a mix of local and upscale spots. You’ll find trendy cafés, waterfront dining, and beautifully designed restaurants in both towns, especially around the main tourist zones.

However, if you’re after cheap, local eats, you’ll need to wander a bit. In both Bacalar and Tulum, the most affordable and authentic food is just outside the touristy areas.

Tulum has more variety overall, especially if you’re looking for vegan, wellness-inspired, or international menus. Bacalar leans more casual and local, but the food is still a major highlight.

Things to Do

Tulum definitely wins when it comes to the number of activities. Between food tours, guided cenote tours, Mayan ruins, yoga studios, and day trips to nearby sites, there’s always something to do.

Bacalar is more centered around the lagoon—and that’s kind of the point. Most activities here revolve around the water: sunrise sails, paddleboarding, swimming, or just floating lazily near a dock. It’s less about curated experiences and more about slowing down and enjoying the natural setting.

You won’t find as many guided tours or organized excursions in Bacalar, but if you love nature, peace and quiet, and doing things at your own pace, it’s a dream.

Nightlife

If nightlife is a big part of your travel plans, Tulum is the clear choice. There’s always something happening after dark. The nightlife scene has definitely grown with the town’s popularity, and while it leans more, you’ll still find plenty of places to dance, drink, and stay out late.

Bacalar, by contrast, is much quieter once the sun goes down. There are a handful of bars and casual spots to grab a drink, but most places wind down early.

Beaches

Bacalar doesn’t have a beach. Instead, it has the Lagoon of Seven Colors, and while it’s not the ocean, it’s still one of the most beautiful bodies of water in Mexico. The water is calm, crystal clear, and shifts between vibrant shades of blue and turquoise.

You’ll swim off docks, float in cenotes, and maybe even take a sailboat ride at sunrise. It’s peaceful, swimmable, and perfect for lazy days on the water. And in a lot of ways better than the ocean – especially since many hotels give you access.

Tulum, on the other hand, has one of the most famous stretches of beach in the country. White sand and turquoise waters make it a dream for beach lovers. Nowadays you’ll have to pay a premium to be right on the beach but you can find plenty of hotels nearby, making it an easy walk.

If you’re all about waves and ocean breezes, Tulum is the better fit. But if you’re open to a different kind of water experience—with fewer crowds and calmer vibes—Bacalar’s lagoon might just win you over.

Accommodation Options in Tulum and Bacalar

Whether you’re looking for a lagoon-front guesthouse or a design-forward boutique hotel, both Tulum and Bacalar have some standout stays. Here are a few favorites to help you find the perfect base for your trip.

Where To Stay In Bacalar

Where to Stay in Tulum

Where To Stay In Tulum Pueblo

Where To Stay On Tulum Beach

The Final Verdict: Bacalar vs. Tulum

Both Bacalar and Tulum are incredible destinations—but they offer very different travel experiences. The best choice really depends on what kind of trip you’re after.

Bacalar is ideal for travelers who want to slow down and soak up nature. It’s smaller, quieter, more walkable, and far more budget-friendly. You won’t find ocean waves or big-name resorts here, but you will find calm mornings on the lagoon, affordable local eats, and that charming small-town feel. If you’re craving peace, simplicity, and a break from the crowds, Bacalar delivers.

Tulum, on the other hand, is made for travelers who want more structure, more options, and more energy. It has a bigger food scene, more guided experiences, stylish hotels, and one of the best beaches in Mexico. It’s not cheap—but it does have something for everyone, especially if you’re booking with points or planning a more upscale stay.

Still can’t decide? Honestly, do both. Spend a few days soaking in the stillness of Bacalar, then head to Tulum for some beach time and buzzy nights. The contrast between the two might end up being your favorite part of the trip.

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