10 BEST Hostels in Mexico (Insider Guide!)

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Before you book your accommodation, make sure you know where you want to base yourself in Mexico. The country is big and there is so much to see – you don’t want to end up miles from the hotspots you want to explore just because you haven’t done your research!

If you stick with our recommended hostels, your Mexico backpacking adventure is going to be a full blast. We’ve reviewed every single one of them and added our personal (and brutally honest) opinions into the sections, so it’s easier for you to choose!

And as a side note: If you want to find even more epic hostels, have a look at HOSTELWORLD. You can also filter all of your personal travel needs and find the perfect place for you.

1. Hostel La Candelaria – Valladolid | Best Hostel Overall

• Price: $
• Best for: Couples and solo travellers
• Highlights: The free breakfast and the ambience
• Dorm (mixed): From $14
• Private Room: From $34
• Address: Street 35 # 201-F x 42 and 44, Valladolid

The best hostel I stayed in was Hostel La Candelaria. Set in the gorgeous town of Valladolid, it felt like a perfect place to escape the busy cities, Hostel La Candelaria is ready and waiting with open arms.

The private rooms are not only very affordable but all kinds of cute too. The free homemade breakfast is simple, but a great way to keep costs down. Be sure to hire bicycles and explore on two wheels too to make the most of your stay in this romantic setting. I travelled alone here, which was amazing, but I would say that couples would really enjoy this place.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• Great location: I regret doing a Chichen Itza day trip from Merida, because it would’ve been so much easier from here
• Hammocks: I got wayyyy too comfortable with the local siesta culture, but it’s good to immerse in local traditions, right?
• Privacy curtains: Great for a bit of peace and quiet if you’re done socialising for the day

This Valladolid hostel offers a sense of authenticity and a splash of Mexican colorful charm, you will just love your time here without a doubt.

2. Moloch Hostel – Cancun | Best For Solo Travellers

• Price: $$
• Best for: Solo travellers
• Highlights: The bar, cafe and activities
• Dorm (mixed): From $17
• Address: Margaritas 54, Cancun

I loved my time in Moloch Hostel. As far as solo-friendly backpacking destinations go, Cancun is up there with the best as it’s easy to meet people to party with.

The laid-back party vibes flow freely and everyone knows everyone – at least everyone parties with everyone. There is a super welcoming vibe to Moloch Hostel and solo travelers will fit right in.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• Free games: Hard to get bored with so much to do here
• The pool: It’s a small intimate space rather than a big pool full of partygoers
• Near the bus station: It’s literally a 4-minute walk from the station which is super convenient

I also felt very safe here. Not only were the staff very welcoming, but the lockers were big enough to fit my 60l backpack inside with no issues. They also had warm showers, which isn’t the case everywhere I stayed in Mexico.

Set 20-minutes away from the main party strip, Moloch Hostel offers solo backpackers the best of both worlds. No booming bass keeping you awake here. The staff can help with everything from directions to VIP party passes.

3. Casa Angel Youth Hostel – Oaxaca – Best Cheap Hostel

• Price: $
• Best for: Digital nomads and people looking to make friends
• Highlights: Yoga and salsa classes
• Dorm (mixed): From $12
• Private Room: From $33
• Address: Tinoco y Palacios 610, Centro, Oaxaca, Oaxaca

Casa Angel Youth Hostel in Oaxaca is a top hostel for budget travellers. It’s probably the cheapest place I stayed in that was worth putting on this list. I did stay in some <$10 hostels during my Mexico travels, but trust me when I say you don’t wanna stay in those.

The hostel team here run daily events for guests to join for free. Be sure to schedule your time around these activities to make sure you get the most out of your time in Oaxaca. There is a walking tour on a Monday for example and a salsa class on a Thursday evening. The yoga is not to be missed either.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• Lucha Libre: Every Sunday at 5pm they run tours to see some of Mexico’s famous wrestlers in action
• Walking tours: They run free walking tours of Oaxaca every 2-3 days on average
• Decent breakfast: Eggs, yogurt and fruit are part of a healthy brekkie to start the day

On top of this, I found Casa Angel to be a decent spot to get some work done. There were plenty of desks available where I was able to get to work and write the freshest budget travel info on the web for all you broke backpackers out there!

It’s located pretty much in the heart of Oaxaca, so I didn’t have to wander far to explore the sites either.

4. Hostel Che Tulum – Tulum – Best Party Hostel

• Price: $
• Best For: Social backpackers looking for parties and activities
• Highlights: The jacuzzi and regular activities
• Dorm (Mixed): From $12
• Private Room: From $38
• Address: Calle Polar e/ Geminis Norte y Libra Norte, Tulum

Hostel Che Tulum is easily one of the best hostels in Mexico. This gem of a hostel is the perfect party pad. Offering the ideal mix of social vibes and even opportunities to sneak a romantic retreat into the mix too, Hostel Che Tulum is a real winner.

The whole place is kept in great order and the staff are some of the best around. All the mattresses are new and all the rooms have air-conditioning. The swimming pool is a great place to spend a lazy afternoon.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• The jacuzzi: The only hostel with a jacuzzi in Tulum, now that’s a big selling point for me
• Privacy curtains: Party hard and make new friends, or hide away and sleep in peace – both are options here
• Coworking area: They even have free coffee and AC to make a comfortable environment for you

They also have salsa and yoga nights, live music, pizza nights and other fun activities to bring people together before a good boogie session in the evening.

If you love this hostel, they also have a few other branches across the country to, including their Bacalar hostel which is also pretty decent.

5. Massiosare El Hostel – Mexico City – Best For Digital Nomads

• Price: $
• Best For: Social travellers looking for a homely feel
• Highlights: Free breakfast and the cafe
• Dorm (Mixed): From $14
• Private Room: From $40
• Address: Revillagigedo # 47, Corner with Victoria Street, Colonia Centro, Mexico City

Massiosare El Hostel is highly recommended by our team as it’s one of Mexico City’s best hostels, especially for solo travellers. This place gets nothing but rave reviews and they are hard earned. The place is always sparkling clean and tidy and the room rates are super cheap.

The free breakfast is the icing on the cake. That and the free Wi-Fi and in-house cafe too. For hustling digital nomads in Mexico that are just starting out, this is a top pick too.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• Great social/chill balance: I love hostels where you can meet people, but won’t be kept awake until 4am by loud parties, then woken at 6 by someone chucking up in the corner – Massiosare strikes that balance perfectly
• Homely feel: Unlike many of the corporate chain hostels, this has more of a family feel to it
• Roasted marshmallows: You may even be able to stick marshmallows in the bonfire under the stars

Set within the historic district of Mexico City, Massiosare El Hostel makes it super easy to explore this gigantic city and stay well within budget.

There’s a vintage feel to the place which is nice, although the breakfasts here are vegetarian…

6. Mayan Monkey Hostel – Cancun – Best Hostel in Cancun

• Price: $$
• Best For: Friend groups and solo travellers
• Highlights: Self catering facilities and the pool
• Dorm (Mixed): From $17
• Private Room: From $107
• Address: Blvd Kukulcan Km 9.5, Zona Hotelera, Cancun

Just steps from restaurants and bars, Mayan Monkey is in the heart of the action and a perfect spot to base some Cancun adventures. With lots of amenities for a comfortable stay, when you aren’t out exploring you can enjoy lagoon views, lounging with other guests and having a moment of relaxation.

The dorms are comfortable and modern with huge windows looking out to the lagoon and the natural surroundings. Perfect for solo backpackers or those in a group, Mayan Monkey is a top hostel for a central stay.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• Nice bar: The rooftop bar has a great atmosphere, and it’s right by the pool
• Cleanliness: I’ve stayed in some stinkers (both literally and metaphorically), but this is not one of them. The cleaning team do a great job here
• Great menu: They do some great scram here – the waffles are my absolute fave

I especially loved the pool and the activities on offer here. Mayan Monkey is famous for being a great place to do things with other travellers.

7. Sayab Hostel – Playa del Carmen – Best Hostel in Playa Del Carmen

• Price: $
• Best For: Stylish backpackers and solo explorers
• Highlights: The pool and bar
• Dorm (Mixed): From $14
• Private Room: From $60
• Address: Calle 6, Manzana 13, Lote 4, Playa del Carmen

Sayab Hostel is one of the most popular accommodation options in Playa del Carmen. Everything is nearby here. Bars, clubs, shopping malls, supermarkets, you name it.

There’s live music on quieter nights and DJs on louder ones as the pool and bar area get lively and guests come out to have a blast.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• Live music: Sometimes they’ll bring someone in for a jam by the pool, and we’re all about that vibe
• Dive centre: Good Vibes Diving are based right inside the hostel, so you don’t even need to leave to book your dives
• Free filtered water: Great for hydration, since you can’t drink the tap water in PDC

This chic and stylish hostel really does have the Instagram appeal. So much more than looks, Sayab Hostel delivers in reality too. The rad team of staff keeps the place in tip-top shape, always clean and tidy.

The dorms are just the right size and there are security lockers available for all guests too. Solo travelers can find their ‘Carmen crew by the pool or propping up the bar.

8. Oasis Hostel – Puerto Vallarta – Best Hostel in Puerto Vallarta

• Price: $$
• Best For: Party lovers
• Highlights: Family nights in
• Dorm (Mixed): From $20
• Private Room: From $50
• Address: Libramiento 222, Colonia Benito Juarez, Puerto Vallarta

This hostel in Puerto Vallarta is a top hostel in Mexico for party animals. Hosting “family nights” in every night, there is a real backpackers party vibe here, don’t let the “family” name mislead you, you aren’t gonna be watching Eastenders on the sofa here.

Authentic and wholesome, Oasis Hostel offers you the chance to kick back with good beer, good tunes and most importantly good company.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• Yoga terrace: Get the mats out and you can have a good stretch here
• Social environment: It’s one of the easiest places to make friends in Puerto Vallarta
• Shared kitchen: A great way to save money on dinner, get in early though as I found it was often busy in the evenings

They have a roodtop terrace where you can enjoy a spot of yoga, or a nice strong coffee to kickstart your day.

The rooms are basic but comfortable and most importantly cool, thanks to the air conditioning. The free breakfast is the perfect cure for a hangover and is served at the reasonable hours of 8 am until 10 am.

9. Nílu Cancún Zona Hotelera by Selina | Best Hostel in Mexico for Relaxation

• Price: $$$
• Best For: Digital nomads and chilled vibes
• Highlights: The pool and bar
• Dorm (Mixed): From $23
• Private Room: From $74
• Address: Blvd. Kukulkan Km 9 Zona Hotelera Cancun, Benito Juarez Quintana Roo, Cancun

Nílu Cancún Zona Hotelera by Selina Cancun in Mexico was built for every type of intrepid backpacker “Maybe I’ll just stay here forever” you’ll consider as you wonder about the vast area that is this hostel.

Offering a rustic, yet modern environment and reliable WiFi, Nílu Cancún has the digital nomad basics covered and then some. Guests have access to some luxuries like a massive lagoon pool, reading room, onsite bar and restaurant, and washing facilities.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• Spacious pool: Lots of room to have a good swim here
• Activities on offer: Speak to reception, and they’ll inform you of everything that’s going on
• Good bar: Don’t ask me how I know it’s good. Let’s just say, the following morning wasn’t…

There are plenty of spaces to work in at Nílu Cancún, and once that’s done there’s activities to join, morning yoga or, movie anyone?. The place is clean and the staff take good care of their guests. The hostel is super safe, you’ll have access to your own security locker and there is staff on reception 24-hours. If you can drag yourself away from work and the pool, the beach and food places are just nearby

There’s also a good chilled party vibe here. I spent my days reading books under the shaded terrace by the pool. By night, they had live music playing by the bar. It’s not a “wild party, get ruined and throw up in your dorm room” vibe, but a “chilled party with nice music” feel. For the mad parties, you’re only a few minutes away from several bars.

10. Che Nomadas – Merida | Best Hostel in Merida

• Price: $
• Best For: Social backpackers looking to make friends
• Highlights: Drinking games and the breakfasts
• Dorm (Mixed): From $14
• Private Room: From $60
• Address: 62 # 433 por 51, Centro, Merida

The best hostel I stayed in when I visited Merida was Che Nomadas. This gem of a hostel is actually of one of the most popular in the area.

The dorms on offer at Che Nomadas in Merida don’t break the bank. In fact, they offer outstanding value for money. A free breakfast comes as standard and there’s access to free Wi-Fi too.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• Beer pong championships: So you like beer pong eh? Then see if you can beat off the competition in the evening
• Themed parties: Che hostels love a good party, and here they have different themes
• Local recommendations: The staff here are knowledgeable and had some great cenote tips for me among other things

With karaoke and drinking games, this is a typical Che hostel experience. The biggest downside of this place is eventually having to leave!

There are 10 museums and over 50 galleries to explore in Merida. The staff will be more than happy to help curate and itinerary that suits you if you drop by the tours and travel desk.

Travel Safety Tips for Mexico

Whilst cartels aren’t the threat the media suggests, Mexico can still be a problem if you have an accident during too much partying in Cancun, or you fall ill from Mexico City’s street food.

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.

Picking The Right Hostel in Mexico

Well, Mexico’s hostel scene is pretty special, with a wide range of places catering for social backpackers who love to get involved in activities, drink at the bar, and have a good swim.

If we could pick just one, it would be Hostel Candelaria in Valladolid, which is very close to all the cool stuff you can find in the Yucatan Peninsula, especially Chichen Itza.

By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Mexico has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!

Let us know your thoughts. Which of these places tickles your fancy? Comment below if you know any other amazing spots we haven’t mentioned yet. The hostel scene is dynamic, so we’re always looking for new spots to hit up.

Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Mexico. Planning an epic trip all across Mexico or even North America itself?

Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered!

For more cool hostel guides around North America, check out:

• Best hostels in Cancun
• Best hostels in Oaxaca
• Best hostels in Puerto Escondido
• Best hostels in Sayulita

If you’re looking for somewhere different, you should also check out where to stay in Bacalar too.