3 Best Hostels in Antigua Guatemala – Boutique Design that deserves 5 Stars and a big Thumbs Up

3 Best Hostels in Antigua Guatemala

Considering a trip to Central America? Perhaps you’re looking to experience volcanoes, rainforests and Mayan sites. In that case; let us show you the absolute best hostels in Antigua Guatemala.

Quite honestly, the thing that most stands out in Antigua is the hostels and the stunning surrounding scenery. It’s possible to bask in colonial charm, climb volcanoes and enjoy a good old fashioned party hostel in this city.

Not too far from here you can also discover the best hostels in Lake Atitlan.

Your shortcut:

  1. Maya Papaya – perfect for solo travelers
  2. Barbara’s Boutique Hostel – top pick for female solo travelers
  3. The Purpose Hostel – great for backpackers

We’re so excited to show off this hostel collection. Solo travellers, couples & backpackers, this guide is for you.

Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.

This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…

  • are tired of crappy hostels!
  • want a social Hostel to actually meet people
  • are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience

NEW: best hostels in Semuc Champey & nearby Lanquin.

In neighbouring Mexico you can also find the best hostels in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca and more. Here is our guide to all top hostels Mexico has to offer

What we cover in this article?

You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.

Quick Introduction to Antigua Guatemala

Average price for a bed: Hostels in Antigua Guatemala cost 5€ – 10€ per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room starts from 39€ up to 79€ per night. This is a rough average just to give you an idea.

Prices always depend on season and holidays. Please always check exact rates on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.

Check-In and Check Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3pm), while the Check Out time is before 11:00 (11am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.

🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:

The 3 Best Hostels in Antigua Guatemala

Let’s jump right into the boutique hostels in Antigua Guatemala.

  1. Maya Papaya
  2. Barbara’s Boutique Hostel
  3. The Purpose Hostel

We put all three accommodation on the map, you will find the map at the end of the article.

Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type

🦸 Solo Traveler: Maya Papaya
🙎‍♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: Barbara’s Boutique Hostel
🎒 For Backpackers:The Purpose Hostel
👩‍❤️‍👨Couple Hostel: Barbara’s Boutique Hostel
👨‍👩‍👦 Family Hostel: The Purpose Hostel
👩‍💻 For Digital Nomads: Maya Papaya
🧘 Cozy Hostel: Maya Papaya

1. Maya Papaya

Ok let’s dive in and kick-start with our #1 hostel in this part of the world. For a more luxury experience (with a hostel price), we can’t recommend Maya Papaya enough.

This collection of hotel professionals really know what the words comfort, design and luxury stand for, seriously.

They understand that details are important, which is why they provide…

  • FREE traditional Guatemalan breakfast
  • fluffy duvet covers
  • indoor and outdoor hangout areas
  • Netflix (sometimes it’s needed , right?)

But that’s not all!

There is also an onsite bar with daily drinks specials, including their famous mojitos for just Q20.

The bar is actually located out in the courtyard which is also a beautiful space to hang out in. There’s shade, sun and plenty of seating.

Make sure you also join in on the family dinners and free market tours that are offered during the week. This is why we rate this a top hostel for solo travellers – it’s so easy to meet people here.

As for the rooms? Well, you’re in for a treat as there are plenty of options to choose from.

Good to know: This hostel is child friendly (under 13s allowed in private rooms only).

From luxurious private rooms for couples, cosy 4-bed mixed dorms and a sociable 14-bed dorm. Not to mentinon that all important female only dorm!

Location: Situated 500 m from Santa Catalina Arch and 8 km from Hobbitenango.

This is one of the best hostels in Antigua Guatemala for

  • Solo travellers of every kind
  • Couples
Book Maya Papaya here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Maya Papaya is one of the best hostels in Antigua Guatemala
Maya Papaya

Maya Papaya is one of the best hostels in Antigua Guatemala

Maya Papaya is one of the best hostels in Antigua Guatemala

2. Barbara’s Boutique Hostel

Coming in close at second place is Barbara’s Boutique Hostel.

And yes, it’s yet again another boutique hostel full to the brim with gorgeous design and homely vibes!

Read: 28 Handpicked Boutique Hostels

The building is a small old colonial style house located in the centre of Antigua Guatemala. It too is full of history and details that you’ll find yourself taking pictures of.

Let’s see; what kinds of things make a hostel feel like home? How about…

  • A complimentary and filling breakfast
  • Cake at 5pm
  • Privacy curtains for some ‘you time’
  • Hot, powerful showers
  • A kitchen with working oven

It’s all to be enjoyed at Barbara’s place!

There’s also a lovely range of rooms on offer for different traveler types.

Good to know: there is a maximum stay of 14 nights and only people aged 18+ can stay.

Perhaps you prefer a mixed dorm. Great, there are 4, 6, and 10-bed options, with a 6-bed female only dorm thrown in.

Otherwise why not treat yourself to a private room. For budget travellers there is a budget double, and those with a bit more cash can book a double with private bathroom.

Drop your bags and head to the common areas.

Meet people in the courtyard, or strike up a conversation in the comfy lounge area over cake and tea. There’s also a rooftop, don’t forget.

Location: Stay here and you’ll be around three and a half blocks from Central Park. As you’ll be situated in the centre of Antigua, most of the sites are within comfortable walking distance.

This is one of the best hostels in Antigua Guatemala for

  • Female solo travellers
  • Couples
  • Older travellers
Book Barbara’s Boutique Hostel here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Barbara's Boutique Hostel is one of the best hostels in Antigua Guatemala Barbara's Boutique Hostel is one of the best hostels in Antigua Guatemala Barbara's Boutique Hostel is one of the best hostels in Antigua Guatemala

3. The Purpose Hostel

The Purpose Hostel is aptly named in that they have a clear purpose for opening up this space for travellers:

“We connect likeminded people locally and globally to create and nurture a culture of enthusiasm, support, respect, inclusiveness and kindness that allows us all to learn, grow and play together.”

How great does that sound?

Certainly something you may consider being a part of during your time in Antigua Guatemala. Stay here and you’re doing good to support the local community just by sleeping!

Alongside mixed and female-only dorms, there is also a deluxe family suite perfect for up to 4 people.

Without doubt the best part of this hostel is the rooftop area which is also a mini garden. From up there you can see all three volcanoes and there is plenty of space for yoga, chilling and simply enjoying a cup of coffee.

Speaking of coffee: it’s on offer for free each morning!

Want to know something else super cool? The staff are learning sign language to include the deaf community and guests. It’s not just about selling beds to travellers.

This hostel does in fact also serve as a training facility and community skill centre.

Short and long-term volunteering opportunities can be found here. Just speak with the awesome staff to find out more.

You pay it forward to the community, and they pay it forward to the backpacker community. It’s a win-win!

Location: In a quiet neighbourhood of town, yet just short stroll from great restaurants, sights and nightlife. Central Park is 5 block away, and Tanque la Union is 2 blocks away.

This is one of the best hostels in Antigua Guatemala for

  • Backpackers
  • Families
Book The Purpose Hostel here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

The Purpose Hostel is one of the best hostels in Antigua Guatemala The Purpose Hostel is one of the best hostels in Antigua Guatemala The Purpose Hostel is one of the best hostels in Antigua Guatemala The Purpose Hostel is one of the best hostels in Antigua Guatemala

What about the cheapest hostels in Antigua?

Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Antigua.

  1. Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Antigua
  2. add your dates
  3. Order the listings by price

Simple as that.

Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.

Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.

Best Hostels in Antigua Guatemala for Solo Travellers?

What is seriously the best hostel in Antigua Guatemala for solo-travellers? Of course we are going to mention our #1 hostel in Antigua here!

Maya Papaya really is the best hostel for solo travellers.

Not only do they offer a great range of rooms – female only, small & large mixed dorms and affordable privates – but there are also plenty of ways to meet new people here.

Join a family dinner and free market tours that happen during the week. The courtyard-bar area is also a great place to get chatting.

See you there!

Book Maya Papaya here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Maya Papaya is one of the best hostels in Antigua Guatemala

Party Hostels in Antigua Guatemala

Update: Sorry dear readers, our recommendation for a party hostel in Antigua has now closed. Right now we do not have an alternative party hostel to recommend.

The places above are super social and it is easy to meet people.

Any Discounts?

You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the freshest hostel discounts directly in your inbox. We even have special discount codes we only share in the newsletter.

It is completely free to join!

How to book?

The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.

We included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.

Read: Step-by-Step guide on how to book with Hostelworld

We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Antigua best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.

The coolest Hostel App you need comes as well from Hostelworld. It gives you super cool features like you can contact your hostel mates beforehand, ask questions, and make plans together. Find more details in our review of the app.

Download the Hostelworld App here

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Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!

The best way to find hostels: Hostelgeeks website and Hostelworld App

Need an eSIM Card for Antigua?

Get your eSIM Card with Airalo.com instantly online. It is easy to set up and cheap! Read our review of Airalo here.

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Need an eSIM Card for Antigua?

Our Favorite Hostels in Antigua put on a map + sights

Let us have a look on the map. Below we list all three best Antigua Guatemala hostels on a map.

Personally, we love to plan our trips with a map having all sights and potential hostels on it. We thought this map will help you with planning your trip too.

We also included the main tourist attractions you’ve to know in this list:

  • Santa Catalina Arch
  • Cerro de La Cruz
  • Central Park
  • Tanque La Unión
  • Convento Capuchinas
  • Iglesia de la Merced

Any questions about hostels in Antigua? 🤔

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Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥

Flights to Antigua?

We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.

Skyscanner has a bunch of cool features like Multi-City Trip. Instead of doing this research step-by-step, Skyscanner offers this flight planning tool.

Our Step-by-Step Guide to Skyscanner

review of Skyscanner flight searches

FAQ

More guides

Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in Antigua Guatemala. Don’t forget to consider taking a trip to discover the best hostels in Semuc Champey and best hostels in Flores, Guatemala.

We did the leg work for you and bring you more hostel guides to destinations:

You can find all our new and updates articles for Best Hostels in here.

We also created a huge guide to hostels. Here we cover how to build lifetime friendships in hostels, the perfect packing list and more.

Over to you

Do you have any questions left, maybe doubts? Then please leave it in the comment below. We are very keen to help you - and actually you would even do us a favor!

Your question will help us to improve this Antigua guide.

Last note: Our commitment

This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter, and find the best place on a budget! We will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We are constantly updating all our guides to keep them as fresh and accurate as possible.

Safe travels,
The Hostelgeeks

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A complete guide to the best hostels in Antigua Guatemala for solo travellers & backpackers

CLOSED: Cucuruchos Boutique Hostel

Update: Ah what a shame! Our 5 star hostel closed its doors permanently in 2020, sorry.

Our #1 hostel is a 5 star hostel. It’s an awesome design-led hostel and an accommodation that will be the highlight of your trip to Antigua Guatemala.

Kick off your shoes and step inside Cucuruchos Boutique Hostel. It’s without doubt the best hostel in Guatemala. This used to be an ‘after party’ venue, so you can expect a perfect location, uber cool design and comfy, clean digs.

We love how this old colonial building holds tons of history and small details inside its four walls.

The consistently high reviews say it all.

“Great place to stay, but don’t tell too many people!”

Our favourite spot is surely the rooftop. There are some great views from up there, and you’ll find weights and yoga mats to use.

To be honest, there is lots to get excited about:

  • 24/7 reception & no curfew
  • Intimate, cosy common areas
  • Shared kitchen + long dining table
  • Privacy curtain, plug + light in dorms

Each room is beautifully designed with privacy and boutique vibes in mind.

There are mixed dorms, a female-only option and a double room for the couples out there.

To help settle you in, a free breakfast is offered each morning. And everyone raves about it!

Note: groups are considered as long as they all share the same room. A minimum booking of 3-nights is required.

Location: All of the main sights of Antigua are within walking distance. This hostel is located in the centre of the city, just a block and a half from the Central Park. Tanque La Union is just around the corner.

This is one of the best hostels in Antigua Guatemala for

  • Solo travellers
  • Groups

CLOSED: Bigfoot Hostel Antigua

Update: Bigfoot has permanently closed its doors.

How about jumping into a jacuzzi after a big day hiking one of the volcanoes?

You better stay with Bigfoot Hostel in that case.

We fell in love with the design of this place – it’s super impressive, especially the onsite Antiguan courtyards!

What else is there?

  • Vibrant bar & restaurant
  • Oversized single beds
  • Pet friendly private rooms
  • 24-hour reception
  • Super fast Wifi

To top it off there is a handy tour agency running at the hostel. They offer great advice, booking and very reasonable prices.

Stay here and you’ll be in the heart of Antigua surrounded by restaurants, cafes and great nightlife.

Bigfoot Hostel is one of the best hostels in Antigua Guatemala

CLOSED: Matiox Hostel Antigua

Update: Matiox has permanently closed.

Yet another seriously cool and hip hostel worth checking out is Matiox.

Once again there is an onsite bar and hot tub for everyone to enjoy. Woohoo!

“Without doubt the best hostel I’ve stayed in so far during my 13 month trip around the world.”

But don’t take her word for it. Just look at these inclusions:

  • Fully-fitted kitchen
  • Chill area with TV & Netflix
  • Hammocks & sofas
  • Privacy pod beds

See you there.

Matiox is one of the best hostels in Antigua Guatemala

CLOSED: Three Monkeys Hostel

Are you in search of a hostel that supports fun, giggles and cheap drinks?

Look no further and book your stay with Three Monkeys Hostel.

We have to admit, this is not technically a party hostel. Instead it encourages a social and fun atmosphere whilst still maintaining a level of privacy.

This is supported by:

  • Beautiful garden & patio area
  • Intimate bar
  • Comfy lounge w/ books, TV & sofas

Have a few drinks with new friends at the hostel, and once it closes at 10pm head to the nearby nightlife. Sorted!

Three Monkeys Hostel is one of the best party hostels in Antigua Guatemala Three Monkeys Hostel is one of the best party hostels in Antigua Guatemala

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