Planning a trip to Bacalar but unsure where to stay? The Explorean Kohunlich is an amazing all inclusive resort option that offers both comfort and adventure. Whether you’re into relaxation or exploring, this spot has something for everyone in the middle of the jungle!

Places Close by The Explorean Kohunlich You Must See

We originally came to visit the Kohunlich ruins, but after arriving, we found out it was closed. Construction of the Mayan Train is underway, and the access road crosses unfinished train tracks, making the area tricky to navigate. With all the traffic and bridge work going on, we opted to visit Becán instead.

Archaeological Zone of Becán

We chose this site for its impressive grandeur compared to others in the area. As a preclassic Mayan site, its buildings are absolutely awe-inspiring. Though it seemed smaller at first glance, we still spent hours exploring the temples and soaking in the rich history.

The site features a large ball court, a main pyramid temple with climbable stairs, and several other fascinating structures. While I was there, I was lucky enough to see a Resplendent Quetzal fly by. Keep an eye out for this special bird, as it holds deep significance in Mayan mythology. Known as the “blue bird,” the Resplendent Quetzal was considered an outcast or outlaw, playing an important role in their cultural stories.

Bacalar Lagoon

Nearby you can dive into the magic of Bacalar Lagoon, Mexico’s “Lake of Seven Colors,” where crystal-clear turquoise waters stretch as far as the eye can see. Perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing or simply relaxing on its serene shores, this hidden gem offers a peaceful escape with natural beauty that’s nothing short of breathtaking.

If you’re craving an off-the-beaten-path paradise, Bacalar will steal your heart. We wrote all about our 2 weeks in Bacalar here.

The Explorean Kohunlich Room Type Selection

The hotel offers three room types: Bungalow 1 King and Cabaña, both with a king size bed, which made them less family-friendly for us. We stayed in the Bungalow 2 Double. All the comfortable quiet rooms include a large private bathroom and elegant furniture

We visited in September, and while it was extremely hot and humid, the air conditioning worked great, making it comfortable to sleep in the double beds. They did not include a coffee maker like most comforts of a 5-star hotel, which was a bit inconvenient for those of us who need our morning caffeine. On the bright side, they delivered a thermos of coffee and a few snacks in a cute picnic basket to our patio, which was a nice touch!

All the rooms come with a safe box to store your valuables and travel documents securely. The bathroom was equipped with standard essentials like towels and a hair dryer, providing everything you need for a comfortable stay.

The Explorean Kohunlich Reviews and Amenity Specifications

• Free Wi-Fi Speed: The wireless internet speed averaged around 25-30 Mbps, which I found pretty decent given the remote location of the resort. Overall, I’d rate it 3.5 out of 5 stars.
• Early Check-in & Baggage Holding Available: We didn’t use the early check-in service, but we did arrive ahead of time and were able to enjoy the public areas at no additional cost.
• Wall Sockets for Charging: They have standard American plugs, so if you’re traveling from overseas, you’ll need to bring an adapter for your devices.
• Bed, Sheets, and Furniture Comfort Level: The bed was medium-firm with a pillowtop, which gave us a great night’s sleep. The sheets were soft, and the furniture was comfortable, including a cozy textile hammock instead of the typical fishnet style. Overall, I’d rate it 4 out of 5 stars.
• Level of Noise Inside and Outside During Day Time and Night Time While Sleeping: Being in the jungle, the only sounds we heard were the region’s wildlife and birds, which added to the experience. At night, it was peaceful and quiet—definitely a 5 out of 5 stars for the tranquility!
• Water Pressure & Water Temp: The water temperature and pressure were average, meeting industry standards. I’d give it 3 out of 5 stars.
• Shuttle Service: As an exclusive hotel, they offer a convenient shuttle service from Chetumal International Airport, making arrivals smooth and stress-free.
• Customer Service: The multilingual staff was amazing! They went above and beyond for my birthday, decorating the bed and the dinner table at the restaurant, making our stay truly special. Definitely a 5 out of 5 stars for the exceptional service!
• Bell & Maid Service: We often travel with a lot of stuff, and the Bell Service was fantastic at helping us move everything from the car to the room—they even carried our backpacks if needed. The maid service was also top-notch, delivering fresh coffee first thing in the morning and keeping the rooms spotless. Both services deserve a solid 5 out of 5 stars!
• Customer Complaint Resolution Experience: We really didn’t have any complaints during our stay.

Critique for The The Explorean Kohunlich Hotel and Recommendations

If I had to offer a critique, it would be that the staff should inform guests that the archaeological sites may be closed upon arrival. Also that the property is pretty spaced out and providing transportation to and from your villa would help a lot for those with mobility issues.

We really enjoyed how friendly the staff was to us and the welcome amenities. They offered a welcome beverage as we were checking in and a little gift for the kids.

The Outdoor Swimming Pool

The highlight of our stay was relaxing by the long pool and the hot tub. These public areas featured an open bar, allowing us to order food from the kitchen while enjoying the beautiful tropical jungle views.

Where to Eat at The Explorean Kohunlich

Being an all-inclusive resort means that the on-site restaurant is included in your room rate. This restaurant serves excellent food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They offer different meal times, and instead of a permanent menu, the options are presented verbally, creating a more interactive dining experience.

Dinner was located in their main restaurant area right next to the pool. You have the option to eat “snacks” by the pool or to dine in the restaurant. You can expect a 3 course menu. They tell you the options available for the night but always have regular options like burgers and chicken nuggets if you’re not feeling fancy. Here’s what a meal looked like in the restaurant.

Gourmet dining starts around 5 PM, and they even decorated our table for my birthday, which was such a cute touch! The menu featured a variety of gourmet dishes, including tuna and ribeye steaks, and it changes daily, adding great variety to the dining experience.

The kids could order classic food choices like cheeseburgers and fries, along with fruit, sodas, and pretty much anything else you can think of. Just ask your waiter, and they might need to check with the kitchen, but we never heard a “no” from them.

The Best Time to Visit & Things to Know About Visiting The Explorean Kohunlich

Depending on your preference, fall, winter, and spring provide the best outdoor experiences. Summer can be hot and humid, with the added risk of hurricanes.

The hotel’s schedule activities

The resort offers the ultimate adventure with its maximum jungle experience, where you can immerse yourself in lush greenery and exotic wildlife right outside your door. Or you can sign up for the daily adventure tour, the tours offer enjoyable activities everyday from walks in the jungle to kayaking on Lake Bacalar.

How to Get to The Explorean Kohunlich

The hotel provides a free transfer from Chetumal Airport, as well as transportation to and from the hotel’s scheduled activities. While getting here can be challenging with public transportation, we recommend renting a car or using private transport for a smoother experience.

Frequently Asked Questions on Visiting The Explorean Kohunlich

Does the Explorean Kohunlich have a gift shop?

Yes, they do! It’s closed on Sundays, but they offer a variety of gifts and travel essentials.

Does the Wi-Fi work in the rooms?

We had internet access in our room, even though some reviewers mentioned that it was only available at the front desk and pool area. We had access the entire time no matter where we were within the property.

Should I stay here on a trip to the Yucatan with my family?

You and your family will have a fantastic time enjoying the resort facilities here. We’ve loved exploring the local area, even though the ruins of Kohunlich were closed. The all-you-can-eat and drink options make everything so easy and enjoyable. I highly recommend visiting one of the local Mayan sites—they’re truly mind-blowing! Just bring bug spray as the mosquitos are the only thing that makes visiting the Yucatán undesirable.