Guatemala is increasingly becoming one of the hottest destinations to backpack in the world with thousands of twenty-something travelers heading to the incredible country for a trip of a lifetime.
Known for its legendary temples, breathtaking volcanic landscapes, and gorgeous swimming spots we can see why Guatemala is becoming a sought-after travel destination. It is also home to one of the most incredible bucket list sites, Tikal National Park, which is an Ancient Mayan City that has the most spectacular pyramid ruins.
As Guatemala’s backpacker scene is increasing so are its places to stay including hostels! The country now has one of the best selections of epic hostels in Latin America. Whether you want an eco-hostel in the mountains or somewhere with a vibrant bar area, there is a little something for everyone in Guatemala.
To help you find the best hostels in Guatemala we have created this list of 5 of the coolest hostels in the country!
Does this sound interesting to you? Have a scroll below to find out more
Quick Answers – The Coolest Hostels in Guatemala
#1 Best Overall Hostel in Guatemala – Maya Papaya
#2 Best Party Hostel in Guatemala – Madala’s Hostal
#3 Best Luxury Hostel in Guatemala – Ojala Hostel
#4 Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Guatemala – Mellow Hostel El Paredon
#5 Coolest Hostel in Guatemala – Eco-Hostel Mayachik San Juan La Laguna
#1 – Maya Papaya
Best Overall Hostel in Guatemala
- Cost – $$
- Location – 1ra Calle Poniente #20 , Antigua
- Reviews → Check on Hostelworld
Why we like Maya Papaya Hostel…
Set in the heart of backpacker favorite Antigua, Maya Papaya is our top pick for the overall best hostel in Guatemala. The hostel has a luxurious yet homely vibe with luxurious facilities but also an extremely welcoming team and social atmosphere. On-site you will find multiple indoor and outdoor hangout areas along with a boujee on-site bar which boasts an awesome selection of tasty and budget-friendly cocktails.
Maya Papaya Hostel is perfect for…
The hostel is great for all types of travelers and backpackers on a budget with the hostel offering awesome social facilities along with comfortable and deluxe rooms. Whether you want a bubbly dorm room to meet other travelers or a cozy private room the hostel has a little something for everyone.
The hostel also has a complimentary and traditional Guatemalan breakfast included which we’ve heard is super tasty. Maya Papaya Hostel has no curfew and the reception is open 24 hours a day so you don’t have to worry about being locked out.
Editor’s Recommendation! These are the staff pick for the top hostels in Antigua (for all budgets!)
#2 – Madala’s Hostal
Best Budget Hostel in Guatemala
- Cost – $
- Location – San Pedro La Laguna, Zona 2, Segundo Acceso P. , San Pedro la Laguna
- Reviews → Check on Hostelworld
Why we like Mandala’s Hostal…
We love the facilities at Mandala Hostal including its fourth floor terrace which has the most spectacular views overlooking the town. Here you can watch the most spectacular sunset with a drink in your hand with backdrops of lakes and volcanoes. The hostel also has a partner travel agency who can help you book the best activities to do in San Pedro la Laguna along with giving you some great discounts.
Madala’s Hostal is perfect for…
The next hostel on our list is for those savvy backpackers who want great facilities but at some of the most budget friendly prices in the country. Mandala’s Hostel is located in the stunning San Pedro La Laguna and provides some of the best value bests in the city. Despite being extremely affordable the hostel has some great facilities including a fully-equipped kitchen, a sociable lounge area along with ultra comfortable beds.
#3 – Ojala Hostel
Best Luxury Hostel in Guatemala
- Cost – $$$
- Location – 7ma Avenida Norte #1 , Antigua
- Reviews → Check on Hostelworld
Why we like Ojala Antigua Hostel…
The hostel has an epic location in Antigua with it being centrally located and surrounded by colonial architecture, luscious gardens, and incredible views of the volcanoes.
The hostel is also home to some of the most luxurious dormitories we’ve seen in a hostel! Ojala Antigua Hostel offers fluffy duvet comforters, a blackout privacy curtain, and charging points at each bed. The hostel has also been recently revamped with brand new bathrooms and epic common spaces so you are guaranteed to enjoy a luxurious dormitory life at Ojala!
Ojala Antigua Hostel is perfect for…
The hostel is great for digital nomads with the hostel offering high-speed Wi-Fi have for all guests! You can also work with this high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the hostel including in the dorm rooms, common areas and the coffee shop and bar. Speaking of the coffee shop and bar you can grab some of the tastiest selections of food and drink beverages which can be enjoyed in a bright and bubbly environment.
#4 – Mellow Hostel El Paredon
Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Guatemala
- Cost – $$
- Location – 4 Calle Lote 139, Caserio El Milagro , El Paredon
- Reviews → Check on Hostelworld
Why we like Mellow Hostel El Paredon…
We love the location of Mellow Hostel with it being located beachside in a small fishing town on the pacific coast called El Paredon Buena Vista. The hostel is only two blocks away from a white sandy beach where there are plenty of things to do. Whether you want to test out your surfing skills, look for some epic marine wildlife on a snorkeling adventure, or just want to top up that tan by soaking up the beaming Guatemalan heat.
Mellow Hostel El Paredon is perfect for…
For those who are traveling solo and want to meet other like-minded backpackers with an awesome social atmosphere and plenty of common spaces to hang out in. This includes a pool bar and sun deck where you can wake up with a refreshing smoothie in the mornings or chill with some new mates with a beer in hand.
If yoga is your thing then the hostel offers donation-based classes from time to time which is the ultimate place to relax with some epic views.
#5 – Eco-Hostel Mayachik San Juan La Laguna
Coolest Hostel in Guatemala
- Cost – $$
- Location – Colonia La Esperanza, San Juan La Laguna , Lake Atitlan
- Reviews → Check on Hostelworld
Why we like Eco-Hostel Mayachik San Juan La Laguna…
The final hostel on this list is our top pick for the coolest hostel in Guatemala! MayAchik is an eco-hotel located in San Juan La Laguna and provides a peaceful retreat in a natural environment. The hostel offers a range of accommodation options including private rooms and our spacious economic dorms all of which are energy efficient and built from ecological materials. If you’re feeling a bit more luxurious you can also check out the hostel’s private bungalows they’re epic!
Eco-Hostel Mayachik San Juan La Laguna is perfect for…
For those who want a unique and relaxing experience in Guatemala with the hostel offering the perfect place to relax and unwind amongst nature. There is also plenty to do nearby the property including the breathtaking hike to the India Nose and San Pedro volcano.
If you’re ready to experience some very tasty and environmentally friendly foods then you have to check out the hostel’s on-site restaurant. The restaurant offers delicious vegetarian and vegan food all of which come with Guatemalan influences and are made with fruits, vegetables, and herbs that are grown on-site in a lush organic garden.
Need a place with more energy? Try one of Central America’s top party hostels!
Conclusion to the Best Hostels in Guatemala
So there you have it that’s our ultimate guide to the best hostels in the beautifully scenic country of Guatemala. As you can tell there is a great selection of them available from chic hostels in the heart of Antigua, unique eco hostels at Lake Atitlan, and hostels with incredible outdoor pools like Mellow Hostel in El Paredon!
We really hope this article has helped you with your travel planning for Guatemala or perhaps it has persuaded you to add the incredible country to your bucket list. If you do end up using any of our recommendations please do let us know it would be great to hear from you guys.
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