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Are you headed to San Pedro de Atacamal? Leaving the comfort of the cities behind, you are about to embark on an adventure unlike any other! Nestled into the Andes Mountains in North Eastern Chile, you will find yourself entering a totally alien environment. With its towering volcanoes and exploding geysers, you WILL BE witnessing scenes not found anywhere else on earth.
With such stunning natural wonders, San Pedro de Atacama is not short on great hostels. But with so many different places to choose from, your head may start spinning when it comes down to picking one backpacker’s hostel to book into. But worry not, amigo. I’ve got you.
That is exactly why I made this ultimate guide to all the best hostels in San Pedro de Atacama! Now you will be able to find that one perfect hostel after looking over my list. Your base of operations when heading out to explore the off worldly wonders of the salt flats, hot springs, and orange Mars-like ridges awaits.
Lace-up your hiking boots and get ready to hit the trail, you will find yourself exploring the salt flats before you know it.
Let’s get into San Pedro!
Photo: @Lauramcblonde
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in San Pedro de Atacama
- Best Overall Hostel in San Pedro de Atacama – Hostel Rural
- Best Hostel in San Pedro for Solo Travellers – Hostal Campo Base
- Best Cheap Hostel in San Pedro de Atacama – Sol Atacama Hostel
- Best Party Hostel in San Pedro de Atacama – Backpackers San Pedro
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in San Pedro de Atacama – Rural La Florida
The 5 Best Hostels in San Pedro de Atacama
You are about to take the first steps that will bring you closer to exploring all the natural beauty hidden away in the Andes Mountains. Before you can start this amazing backpacking Chile adventure, you will need to find that one hostel to call home. With each stay a little different from the last, keep your eyes peeled for that hostel that best fits how you like to travel!
1. Hostel Rural – Best Overall Hostel in San Pedro de Atacama
- Dorm (mixed): From $17
- Private Room: From $49
- Address: Centro, Calle Calama 257, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
The first thing that will blow you away about this one-of-a-kind hostel is its unique bohemian style. With its hippie colours, relaxing hammocks, and laid-back atmosphere, Hostal Royal makes for the perfect place. You can just grab a cushion, lounge around, and hang out with the other backpackers – sounds like the best place to be.
Other than the chill vibes, Hostal Rural will hook you up with meals from the onsite cafe, drinks from the bar. There’s even a shared kitchen if you are looking to save some money by cooking up your own meals.
Why you’ll love this hotel:
- Free Wifi
- Free Breakfast
- Private Rooms
To top everything off, there are tours to Salar de Uyuni. Hostal Rural makes for one of the best hostels in San Pedro de Atacama to base yourself out of! Whether you’re here for some culture and a private room, or dorm rooms and a social vibe, it’s all here.
San Pedro is a heaven where you budget backpackers and first-time travellers can call home before heading out to the volcanoes. The free wifi helps you stay connected to the folks at home and research all the natural wonders around the joint. Make sure you ask the staff for any hot tips on the area, local knowledge is always best.
The private rooms at Hostel Rural are complete with hot showers, epic tiling and eclectic art. In fact, the whole hostel is full of this trippy art and mosaics, and there’s a DJ who plays music that matches the vibe.
2. Hostal Campo Base – Best Hostel in San Pedro for Solo Travellers
- Dorm (mixed): From $32
- Private Room: From $60
- Address: Pachamama 657, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Hostal Campo Base is an elite hostel for solo travellers in South America for many reasons. First and foremost, there are the private rooms available and the small, intimate dorm rooms that are almost sure to guarantee you a good night’s sleep. I mean, how are you ever going to enjoy your own company, let alone make new friends, if you’re cranky and sleep deprived?
Free Breakfast is a big highlight for anyone, bringing down the average price you’re paying and getting your day off to a good start. There’s free wifi too, while we’re talking freebies, so you can stay connected to friends and family around the world. The hot showers at Hostal Campo Base are divine and feel luxurious in this sweaty climate.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Close to the City Centre
- Fully Equipped Kitchen
- Great Social Areas
The friendly host at Hostal Campo Base is himself a traveller and happy to help with anything you need. Whether you want to take the free city maps and figure it out for yourself or set up a trip to Valle de Luna, he’s your guy. You’ll save money too if you make new friends and go together.
Being within walking distance of the city centre is a huge bonus, no public transport to figure out and anything you need is at your fingertips. There isn’t a swimming pool, but the hostel features hammocks to lounge in and enjoy the shade.
There are private rooms as well as dorms, so you can stay however you feel comfortable. Solo female travellers might be glad to know there are female-only dorms available. This is a great option if you don’t want to splash out on a private room and still feel secure.
3. Sol Atacama Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in San Pedro de Atacama
- Dorm (mixed): From $8
- Address: Ignacio Carrera Pinto 664, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
For all of you long-term hardcore travellers, finding the cheapest hostel in town is essential for staying on the road as long as possible. When travelling to this Chilean town, Sol Atacama Hostel is your go-to place for the cheapest hostel in San Pedro de Atacama. While this isn’t the cheapest hostel in San Pedro, there’s a hook-up on Atacama desert tours that really adds value.
This backpackers’ hostel offers so much more than budget beds. They will also hook you up with a shared kitchen where you can save some extra money by cooking your own meals. There’s also an onsite cafe, and even a bar if you’re feeling lazy or splurgy.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free Wifi
- Private Rooms
- Social Vibe
No matter if you are looking to just relax on the sunny terrace or get the party started by playing beer pong… This hostel will give you a backpacker experience unlike any other. Run by travellers, they understand what you need at this Chilean hostel – there’s a youth hostel, social vibe here.
There are laundry facilities here, too, if you want to cut more costs and save on getting your laundry done. There’s an epic book exchange here and board games, so heaps of things to do to save and not spend money. The Valle de la Luna Tour at this hostel truly slaps, so keep that in mind if you want to venture to the Moon Valley.
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View on Osprey4. Backpackers San Pedro – Best Party Hostel in San Pedro de Atacama
- Dorm (mixed): From $20
- Private Room: From $49
- Address: Portal del Inca #486,, Condeduque, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
So you have explored the Atacama Desert and the salt flats, now you are wondering where the party is at! When staying at Backpackers San Pedro, they will bring the party right to you. This hostel will kick things off by serving you a drink from the bar.
With drink specials every night, you will quickly find yourself trying everything on the menu. When it comes to getting the party started, you will have your choice of relaxing by the bonfire, grabbing some barbeque, or hitting the dancefloor! After a night of chatting with the other backpackers and partying it up, Backpackers San Pedro will have you back on your feet ASAP.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free Wifi
- Swimming Pool
- Free Open Bar Four Nights a Week!
If you’re just kicking about, feeling dusty, let the onsite cafe sort you out with a hot meal from their onsite cafe. There is no free breakfast, but that’s because most of the people who are here just party then hop on a tour… and the tours provide a breakfast – clever! Technically, these guys are not a party hostel, but they bring the vibe with Chilean wine tastings, pisco sour masterclasses, and activities.
There’s a beautiful outdoor patio with hammocks to relax in and a bonfire to gather around when it’s cold. There are bike rentals too… Is there any better way to cruise around a new town than with a light buzz on while riding a bike? I don’t think so.
There is the option for a private room or dorm rooms here, so you can choose how much sleep you get, basically. That being said, the dorms are small, so I doubt there’d be too much noise, but you never know, ya know?
5. Rural La Florida – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in San Pedro de Atacama
- Dorm (mixed): From $14
- Private Room: From $44
- Address: Tocopilla 406, San Pedro de Atacama, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
After spending a few days taking videos and finding stories in the Andes Mountains, you will probably need to be grounded for a few days. In order to catch up on some much-needed editing and writing, this backpackers’ hostel can help facilitate that. Rural La Florida will have you typing in one of the cheapest beds in San Pedro de Atacama, one reason I think it’s a win for Digital Nomads.
But it’s not all work here, you will also have your choice on spreading out into the lounge or rocking back and forth in a hammock! Other than the lounges and the inviting swings, you can also grab a free meal every morning from the cafe. Nothing like lining the stomach and fueling up before opening up your laptop and getting back to work.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free Breakfast
- Free Wifi
- Lots of Workspace
Regardless of whether you are a digital nomad or not, Rural La Florida is one of the best places in San Pedro de Atacama to call home! The artisanal, local craftsmanship of this hostel is a treat to immerse yourself in and offers comfortable accommodations. You can choose a private room or a dorm room, too.
I highly recommend getting a private room if you’re staying awhile; the dorm here can get quite crowded. But if that’s not in the budget, I feel ya! Just make sure you plan to spend as much time outside as possible, working in the common areas and enjoying the surrounding beauty.
You’re located right in the city centre, which is good for getting snacks to power you through the work day… Or popping out for a spot of lunchtime shopping, maybe? Either way, fire any questions to the friendly staff, they’ve got the best intel on where to go and what to see.
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 Epic San Pedro de Atacama Hostels
Yep, there are more, plenty more, in fact! If you haven’t found the one that calls to you yet, don’t stress it, amigos, I have a few more bangers to choose from.
Hostal Kirckir
- Dorm (mixed): From $21
- Private Room: From $47
- Address: Pachamama 645, 1410000 San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Hostal Kirckir is a delight to stay at, with two swimming pools, this is the perfect place to stay if you feel the heat. Even if you’re half lizard like me, it’s a refreshing delight to jump in the pool after a day in the desert. THere’s a great free breakfast on offer too which is always appreciated.
There are private rooms and dorm rooms so you can stay wherever makes you feel comfortable. The 24 hour reception is a comfort and manned by friendly staff who will be happy to help you with anything. From sorting trips to Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) to finding the bus station, they’re there for you.
Anka Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $28
- Private Room: From $80
- Address: Toconao 500, 1410000 San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
This hostel offers a fabulous city centre location and is light and airy, a welcome relief from the desert heat. Real guest reviews rate the breakfast on offer as excellent and the staff as friendly and helpful. To the point where they’ll prepare you a snack to take with you if you’re leaving early.
The private rooms have private balconies which is an absolute treat and there’s a kitchen to use. A fabulous way to save money by cooking your own meals.
Hostal Lackuntur
- Dorm (mixed): From $34 (2-night stay)
- Address: Pasaje Las Parinas 456, 1410000 San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
This place matches the average cost of hostels in San Pedro but feels like a resort – big win if you ask me! Hostal Lackuntur is a fabulous hostel in San Pedro if you’re here for some serious rest and restoration. There isn’t a huge social vibe (obviously, this depends on who’s staying there at the time) so anticipate chill vibes.
If you’re here to embrace the zen, may I suggest booking a private room? Mostly for the fact that the bunk beds in the dorm rooms don’t have privacy curtains, so unless you have a snooze bundle
with you… That bright desert sun might wake you up.
Casa Voyage Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $14
- Private Room: From $47
- Address: Lascar 368, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
When staying at Casa Voyage Hostel, you should be ready for late nights sitting around the bonfire, meeting other backpackers, and great traditional meals served daily! The name of the game at this backpackers’ hostel is kicking back and hanging out with the other guests. With Casa Voyage Hostel’s lounges and hammocks, you will have ample room to spread out and simply relax.
With its shared kitchen, you will also have the option of cooking your own meals or making something special for your new friends at the hostel. Top it all off with having some of the cheapest beds in San Pedro de Atacama, this is one backpacker’s hostel that will check all of the boxes!
Mamatierra Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $32
- Private Room: From $75
- Address: Pachamama 615, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Get ready to cosy up into one of the most comfortable hostels in all of San Pedro de Atacama! Although you will have to pay a few pesos more when compared to some of the other hostels in town… Mamatierra will make every cent worth it by having you stay in the softest beds and in a hostel with the most laid-back atmosphere in the entire city!
Get ready to pull up a chair and enjoy the breeze from the outdoor terrace. You will find that there are so many different ways to enjoy kicking back and relaxing at this hostel. Complete with its very own cafe serving up a free breakfast every morning, you will find nothing lacking at this backpackers’ hostel!
Aji Verde Hostal
- Dorm (mixed): From $17
- Private Room: From $48
- Address: Ckilapana 69 A – Solcor, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
You came to San Pedro de Atacama to enjoy all of the beauty and wonder of the driest desert in the world, the Atacama Desert. There is no other hostel in the entire city where you can better experience the desert than at Aji Verde Hostal. You’ll find cosy dorm beds for a cheap price at this youth hostel, and luxury tents on the property.
With its massive garden, this hostel makes for the perfect place to just lounge about and soak in that warm Chilean sun! Complete with a cafe serving up delicious meals, Aje Verde Hostal will make you feel right at home.
Hostal Iquisa
Backpacking as a couple can be easy. While on the dorm room road, without your own personal room to retire to, the romance may begin to fade. Let’s reignite the flame of love by having you stay in this hostel, giving you some of the cheapest private rooms in San Pedro de Atacama.
Hostal Iquisa will put you up in sunny and spacious accommodations without breaking the bank. But this is just the beginning. This hostel will also have you lounging by the pool, lounging about on the terrace, and grabbing a meal at the onsite cafe.
Chill Out Backpackers Hostel
After being on the road for a while, you’ll want a hostel where you can kick back and hang out with the other backpackers. Chill Out Backpackers Hostel starts out with offering its guests relaxing lounges and terraces to lounge around in. But what will really have you up chatting with the other guests is the weekly events.
Start out with grabbing a beer from the onsite bar, but the real party starts when you start playing beer pong or dancing to the DJS. These guys come to the hostel to show you the time of your life! Complete with a cafe and even a shared kitchen, you will have everything from great drinks and delicious food offered right from your hostel!
Casa Campestre
When compared to the rest of the best hostels in San Pedro de Atacama, Casa Campestre is a homely youth hostel. This hostel’s bright colours, lived-in lounges, and thoughtful touches feel like staying at a friend’s place friends rather than paying to sleep in a dorm room.
With its very own shared kitchen, a homey lounge, and a terrace where you will find nightly bonfires… This is one backpacker’s hostel where you will find yourself extending your stay night after night!
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting San Pedro de Atacama
Everyone knows you need good hostel insurance when you’re travelling, get yours now, book your hostel and focus on the adventure ahead, worry-free.
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.
FAQs About Hostels in San Pedro de Atacama
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in San Pedro de Atacama.
What to Pack for Your San Pedro de Atacama Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
How much does a hostel cost in San Pedro de Atacama?
A dorm bed ranges from $13 to $35 per night, while private rooms can start from $30 to $90 per night, depending on the accommodation. Many hostels in South America are relatively cheap, and it’s kind of nice to splurge a little bit if you have the means. If hot showers and a swimming pool are important to you, you can get it.
What are the best hostels in San Pedro de Atacama for couples?
While there are quite a few good options in the city, I’d have to go with Hostel Rural for a truly lovely little spot. This hostel is great for couples to retreat to while in San Pedro, there are loungey common areas, hot showers (save water, shower together!).
What are the best hostels in San Pedro de Atacama near the airport?
The nearest airport to San Pedro de Atacama is in Calama, which is over 70 miles away. Rural La Florida is just the best hostel for this. Aside from the aesthetic accommodation, they offer an airport transfer service.
Final Thoughts on San Pedro de Atacama’s Hostels
San Pedro de Atacama is not only one of the most unique and astounding places on the planet… But all the hikes and geysers of the Andes Mountains will also have you continually begging for more. I feel like this is one of these places you come to tick off the list and find yourself never wanting to leave.
From the volcanoes to the Atacama Desert, there are few places in the world where you can find such a diverse range of nature. With your nightlife in the city to adventures in the wilderness, every day and night in San Pedro de Atacama is an adventure!
Before you can strap up your backpack and begin your treks, you will first have to book yourself into a hostel. With everything from party hostels to dorm rooms perfect for simply kicking back and relaxing,. There are so many different ways to enjoy San Pedro de Atacama!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stay at Hostel Rural. At least bite the bullet and book your first couple of nights there, you can always move if you don’t match the vibe.
If you have ever travelled to San Pedro de Atacama, I would love to hear about your trip! Let me know if there are any great backpackers’ hostels I may have missed in the comments below.
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
- Check out our Backpacking Chile guide for in-depth info for your trip.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate South America backpacking guide.
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