Founded way before even the Incan Empire existed, the city of Huaraz is as old as it is blessed with natural settings. The backdrop to this Andean settlement – 3,050 metres above sea level, we might add – are peaks that make up the highest region of the Cordillera Blanca, including Peru’s tallest: Nevado Huascaran, at 6,768 metres above sea level.

Naturally staying in Huaraz is all about exploring the Huascaran National Park, hiking on rugged trails, scaling the peaks, getting to grips with climbing – or simply staying in town to marvel at that INSANE mountain view!

Finding the hostel that’s right for you can be a little tricky though. It all depends on your budget, what you want to do, how you like to travel, which can be a pretty tiresome task when faced with trawling through endless hostel sites…

Don’t worry! Help is at hand. We’ve got you covered with a super handy list of the best hostels in Huaraz to make sure you find the hostel that’s perfect for your itinerary AND your wallet.

So let’s see what’s going on in the hostel scene in Huaraz!

Quick answer: The Best Hostels in Huaraz

Best Hostels in Huaraz

Best Hostels in Huaraz

You’re backpacking Peru and want to have a real adventurous trip close to nature? Then Huaraz is the perfect stopover for you! It might not be on everyone’s travel list, but it’s definitely worth a visit and you’ll get back home with an incredible experience.

The hostels in Huaraz are considered to be some of the most unique hostels in Peru. You’re definitely in for a treat! Meet like-minded travelers from all over the world and enjoy a nice place to rest your head – while keeping the accommodation costs low.

Hiking in Cordillera Huayhuash, Huaraz
If you are up for a challenge, the rewards of this hike will be unmatched!

Best Andescamp Hostel – Best Overall Hostel in Huaraz

Best Andescamp Hostel best hostels in Huaraz
Best Andescamp Hostel is our pick for best overall hostel in Huaraz

Ok, so Best Andescamp Hostel is definitely the best overall hostel in Huaraz. That’s because staying here you’ll get an all round GREAT vibe, friendly staff, top location and all tied up in a budget bow of that cheap nightly rate. You couldn’t do much better, really!

It’s a quiet hostel that’s run by a friendly couple. That’s definitely a plus. Another huge plus are the hot showers and warm beds; it gets CHILLY in Huaraz, so that’s pretty much a godsend. Bonus: if you want to leave your luggage to do a multi-day trek, the luggage storage here is locked, so you know it’ll be safe while you’re away. Perfect.

Selina Huaraz – Best Party Hostel in Huaraz

Selina Huaraz best hostels in Huaraz
Selina Huaraz is our pick for best party hostel in Huaraz

Selina Huaraz is set in a charming old building that’s been renovated, and has some pretty stylish rooms. On top of that there’s a super chic bar that gets vibey in the evenings with plenty of guests and locals drinking and swapping stories.

The hostel actually puts on parties that go on until the early hours, which – for a not very party-centric town, definitely makes this one the best party hostel in Huaraz. But if you do need to get some sleep for an early trek, don’t worry: rooms are far enough away that any noise won’t bother you.

Looking for more places to party: Huaraz has a pretty happening nightlife scene!

Alpes Huaraz – Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Huaraz

Alpes Huaraz best hostels in Huaraz
Alpes Huaraz is our pick for best hostel for solo travelers in Huaraz

A nice, simple hostel with a big heart. How could it not be the best hostel in Huaraz for solo travellers? The terrace and common room areas are pretty amazing and are basically the nerve centres for all socialising in this Huaraz backpackers hostel. Great spots to meet and mingle.

There’s a friendly little bar on site where you can grab a few drinks and get chatting to people, which is definitely a great way to socialise. When you’ve made some travel buddies, book a trek through the hostel and head for the hills for awesome adventures.

Big Mountain Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Huaraz

Big Mountain Hostel best hostels in Huaraz
Big Mountain Hostel is our pick for best cheap hostel in Huaraz

Named presumably after that epic mountain backdrop, Big Mountain Hostel has a pretty handy location. It’s right near the central bus station, which means getting into (or out of) Huaraz is a breeze if you stay at this place. We love that sort of convenience.

Adding to the already good value of this top cheap hostel in Huaraz there’s a pretty substantial free breakfast on offer daily, there’s a communal to cook up your own meals too, and there’s big common spaces – room for everyone to stretch out and research their trip. The owner will look after your bags if you feel up for a trek, too.

Is This the Best Backpack EVER???
Aether Backpack

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

View on Osprey View on REI

Aldos Guesthouse – Best Hostel with a Private Room in Huaraz

Aldos Guesthouse best hostels in Huaraz
Aldos Guesthouse is our pick for best hostel with a private room in Huaraz

Aldos Guesthouse has some pretty stylish private rooms going on. The sizes are decent, the views from the windows are great, and the decor is pretty funky too. We’re going to go ahead and give you this one as our tip for the best hostel with a private room in Huaraz – they’re good AND affordable.

But of course it isn’t ALL about the private rooms. There’s a nice social vibe going on here, which is helped (at least, in part) by the amazing rooftop terrace where you’ll find amazing mountain views and foosball. If that isn’t a winning combo, we don’t know what is!

La Casa de Maruja BB – Best Hostel for Couples in Huaraz

La Casa de Maruja BB best hostels in Huaraz
La Casa de Maruja BB is our pick for best hostel for couples in Huaraz

A family-friendly place to say, we reckon La Casa de Maruja BB is the best hostel for couples in Huaraz. The hotel-like private rooms here are probably just what you want – especially if you’ve been staying in dorms for a while and feel like a bit of privacy and, um, comfort.

Also if you and your other half are keen hikers, then this youth hostel in Huaraz is a great option for you. Thanks to the SUPER knowledgeable staff, this hostel attracts plenty of serious trekking enthusiasts, making for a great place to share stories and tips about trekking in the area. Definitely useful to have this sort of info right at your accommodation.

Hostel Akilpo – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Huaraz

Hostel Akilpo best hostels in Huaraz
Hostel Akilpo is our pick for best hostel for digital nomads in Huaraz

Nice and modern with spacious dorms (no bunk beds!) and some nice little design touches – hello, parquet floors and wood panelling – this is EASILY our top pick for the best hostel in Huaraz for digital nomads. There’s loads of space for you and your laptop, the beds are super comfy and it feels like a little slice of luxury.

Hostel Akilpo also has a pretty awesome location. We’re talking views of the mountains from the balcony, as much as being close to eateries, bars and other amenities that you could wish for in Huaraz.

Travel with peace of mind. Travel WITH a security belt.
Active Roots Security Belt

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Hide Yo’ Money!

More Best Hostels in Huaraz

Hostel Climbing Point

Hostel Climbing Point best hostels in Huaraz
Hostel Climbing Point

Hostel Climbing Point is a great option if you’re looking for a top budget hostel in Huaraz. There’s a lot of good value for money going on at this place that goes beyond just the reasonable room rate. Think perks like free breakfast, welcoming (and knowledgeable) staff who’ll help you out with your travels, and comfy beds. We also like the garden/terrace area.

The location is also great. This Huaraz backpackers hostel is pretty much in the centre of the city – and with that awesome location comes a load of places to eat and drink, as well as shops pick up supplies from.

Hostel Casa del Montañista

Hostel Casa del Montanista best hostels in Huaraz
Hostel Casa del Montañista

A super nice place to stay located away from downtown noise, more of a natural setting. The rooms at Hostel Casa del Montanista are immaculately clean and well looked after. One thing we really love here is the garden – you can’t get much cuter (in terms of communal space) than that!

Staff at this top hostel in Huaraz are friendly and will help you out with anything you need; in fact, the owner of the hostel is often on hand to guests up from the bus stop and ferry you to and from the hostel free of charge. The hot showers are also AMAZING!

Vacahouse Huaraz B&B

Vacahouse Huaraz B and B best hostels in Huaraz
Vacahouse Huaraz B&B

One of the best cheap hostels going in Huaraz, Vacahouse Huaraz B&B is a homely, family-run place that offers up some great value for money in this high-altitude city. It’s a calm relaxing place to stay – just what you need before, or after, an epic trek in the mountains!

Other perks at this Huaraz backpackers hostel include a kitchen that’s well equipped for you to rustle up some food, staff who book you on some really informative, interesting tours for great prices, and free bicycle hire, which makes getting around the town an absolute breeze. And all of this just a few minutes from the main plaza. Bargain!

What to Pack for your Huaraz Hostel

Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from us, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straight forward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art we have perfected over many years.

Product
Description
Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!
Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!

Ear Plugs

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Keep your laundry organized and stink free
Keep your laundry organized and stink free

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Stay Dry With a Micro Towel
Stay Dry With a Micro Towel

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Make Some New Buddies…
Make Some New Buddies…

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!
Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!

FAQ about Hostels in Huaraz

Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Huaraz.

Travel Safety Tips for Huaraz

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.

Conclusion

We’ve come to the end of our guide to the best hostels in Huaraz and we think you’ll agree: they’re all pretty much amazing!

There’s a lot going on here and one (or maybe even more!) of our picks will definitely work for you.

Each of our guides to the best backpacker hostels has handy categories to make it MUCH easier to pinpoint and then choose the hostel (or hostels) that are going to suit you the best.

But if choosing just isn’t your strongpoint, we get it. Let us choose for you! Book Best Andescamp Hostel, the best overall hostel in Huaraz, and we guarantee you won’t be disappointed with your decision!

Looking for more info on travelling to Huaraz and Peru?

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!