Short answer: The three best hostels in Antigua Guatemala are Maya Papaya (polished and social, the top pick for solo travelers and couples), Barbara’s Boutique Hostel (homey and central, great for solo women and older travelers), and The Purpose Hostel (a friendly community project loved by backpackers and families). Compare live prices for all three on Hostelz before you book, since Antigua fills up fast.
Thinking about a trip to Central America? Maybe you’re after volcanoes, rainforests and Mayan ruins. If so, let us show you the absolute best hostels in Antigua Guatemala.
Honestly, two things stand out most in Antigua: the hostels and the scenery around them. You can soak up colonial charm, climb a volcano and still have a proper social hostel to come back to.
Not far from here you’ll also find the best hostels in Lake Atitlan.
Your shortcut:
- Maya Papaya – perfect for solo travelers
- Barbara’s Boutique Hostel – top pick for female solo travelers
- The Purpose Hostel – great for backpackers
We’re so excited to show off this collection. Solo travelers, couples and 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 and nearby Lanquín.
Over in neighbouring Mexico you’ll also find the best hostels in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca and more. Here’s our guide to all the top hostels Mexico has to offer.
- Introduction
- 3 best hostels in detail
- cheapest hostels in Antigua Guatemala
- best hostels in Antigua Guatemala for solo travellers
- fun party hostels in Antigua Guatemala
- more hostels worth a mention
- discounts and promo codes
- How to book?
- all hostels and sights on a map
- Plan your trip: when to go, how long, getting around, safety
- Flights
- FAQ
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here, plus every “Best Hostels In” guide we’ve written.
Quick Introduction to Antigua Guatemala
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Antigua Guatemala cost around €5–10 per night for a dorm bed. A private room starts from €39 and runs up to €79. That’s a rough guide, not a promise. Prices swing with season and holidays, so always check live rates on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com, or compare both at once on Hostelz so you’re not stuck flicking between tabs.
Check-in and check-out: Check-in is usually from 15:00 (3pm), with check-out before 11:00 (11am). Most places store luggage if you arrive early or leave late. Just ask whether storage is free or costs extra, since it varies.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels? (and websites to save $)
- 23 clever items: the hostel packing list to download
- How does the Hostelworld App work exactly? Our Advanced Guide
The 3 Best Hostels in Antigua Guatemala
Let’s jump straight into the boutique hostels. Here’s the quick comparison first, then the full write-ups below.
We’ve put all three on the map, which you’ll find 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 |
Best Hostels in Antigua Guatemala Compared at a Glance
| Hostel | Best for | Vibe | Area | Standout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maya Papaya | Solo travelers, couples | Polished, social, design-led | Central, 500m from Santa Catalina Arch | Free Guatemalan breakfast, courtyard bar, family dinners |
| Barbara’s Boutique Hostel | Female solo, couples, older travelers | Homey, boutique, colonial | Central, ~3.5 blocks from Central Park | 5pm cake, rooftop, female-only dorm (adults only) |
| The Purpose Hostel | Backpackers, families | Friendly, social, community-run | Quiet street near Tanque la Unión | Rooftop garden with 3-volcano views, free coffee, volunteering |
How to Pick the Right Antigua Hostel
Not sure which one is you? Here’s the shortcut.
- First solo trip, want to meet people: Maya Papaya
- Couple: Maya Papaya or Barbara’s Boutique Hostel
- Female solo traveler: Barbara’s Boutique Hostel
- Older traveler who wants calm: Barbara’s Boutique Hostel
- Backpacker: The Purpose Hostel
- Travelling as a family: The Purpose Hostel (or Maya Papaya, under-13s in privates)
- Cheapest bed, full stop: compare all three live on Hostelz
Hostelgeeks Tip: Antigua is tiny and the good hostels fill up fast, especially around Semana Santa (Holy Week), when the whole town books out months ahead. Compare your dates on Hostelz early so you’re not stuck paying triple or commuting in from Guatemala City.
1. Maya Papaya
Let’s kick off with our #1 hostel in this part of the world. For a more luxurious experience at a hostel price, we can’t recommend Maya Papaya enough.
This crew of hotel pros genuinely knows what the words comfort, design and luxury mean. Seriously.
They understand that details matter, which is why you get:
- FREE traditional Guatemalan breakfast
- fluffy duvet covers
- indoor and outdoor hangout areas
- Netflix (sometimes you just need it, right?)
And that’s not all.
There is also an onsite bar with daily drink specials, including their famous mojitos for just Q20.
The bar sits out in the courtyard, which is a lovely spot to hang out: shade, sun and plenty of seating.
Be sure to join the family dinners and free market tours that run during the week. That’s exactly why we rate it so highly for solo travelers. It’s genuinely easy to meet people here.
As for the rooms? You’re spoiled for choice.
Good to know: this hostel is child-friendly (under-13s in private rooms only).
You’ve got luxurious privates for couples, cosy 4-bed mixed dorms, a sociable 14-bed dorm, and that all-important female-only dorm.
Location: 500 m from the 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
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
2. Barbara’s Boutique Hostel
Coming in a close second is Barbara’s Boutique Hostel.
And yes, it’s another boutique hostel, full of gorgeous design and homely warmth.
Read: 28 Handpicked Boutique Hostels
It’s a small old colonial house right in the centre of Antigua, packed with history and the kind of little details you’ll catch yourself photographing.
So, what makes 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
All part of the deal at Barbara’s place.
There’s a lovely range of rooms for different travelers, too.
Good to know: there’s a maximum stay of 14 nights, and it’s adults only (18+).
Prefer a mixed dorm? There are 4, 6 and 10-bed options, plus a 6-bed female-only dorm. Otherwise treat yourself to a private: there’s a budget double, and a double with private bathroom for those with a bit more to spend.
Drop your bags and head for the common areas. Meet people in the courtyard, or get chatting in the comfy lounge over cake and tea. There’s a rooftop too, don’t forget.
Location: about three and a half blocks from Central Park. You’re in the centre of Antigua, so most sights are a comfortable walk away.
This is one of the best hostels in Antigua Guatemala for:
- Female solo travellers
- Couples
- Older travellers
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
3. The Purpose Hostel
The Purpose Hostel is aptly named. They’ve got a clear reason for opening this space to travelers:
“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.”
Sounds pretty good, right?
Worth being part of while you’re in Antigua. Stay here and you’re supporting the local community just by sleeping.
Alongside mixed and female-only dorms, there’s a deluxe family suite for up to 4 people.
The best bit is the rooftop, which doubles as a little garden. From up there you can see all three volcanoes, with plenty of space for yoga, chilling or just a coffee.
Speaking of which: free coffee every morning.
Want to know something else cool? The staff are learning sign language to welcome the deaf community and guests. This place isn’t just about selling beds.
It also works as a training facility and community skills centre, and there are short and long-term volunteering spots. Just ask the awesome staff to find out more.
You pay it forward to the community, and they pay it forward to the backpacker crowd. Win-win.
Location: a quiet neighbourhood, but just a short stroll from great restaurants, sights and nightlife. Central Park is 5 blocks away and Tanque la Unión 2 blocks.
This is one of the best hostels in Antigua Guatemala for:
- Backpackers
- Families
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Cheapest Hostels in Antigua Guatemala
Antigua is already one of the better-value spots in Central America, with dorm beds starting around €5. But if you want the lowest price for your exact dates, it pays to compare before you commit.
The quickest way to find the cheapest bed for your dates:
- Open Hostelz
- Add your dates and number of travelers
- Let Hostelz compare the offers across Hostelworld and Booking
Then book wherever it lands cheapest. Easy.
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.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Antigua
- add your dates
- 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
So what’s the best hostel in Antigua Guatemala for solo travelers? Of course, our #1 pick comes up again.
Maya Papaya really is the best hostel for solo travelers here.
Not only do they offer a great spread of rooms (female-only, small and large mixed dorms, and affordable privates), there are also loads of easy ways to meet people. Join a family dinner or one of the free market tours during the week, and the courtyard-bar is perfect for striking up a conversation. See you there.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Party Hostels in Antigua Guatemala
Update: Sorry, dear readers, our go-to party hostel in Antigua has closed, and right now we don’t have a replacement we’d vouch for.
The good news: the three hostels above are all super social, so meeting people is easy. And the bars around Central Park more than cover a night out.
More Hostels Worth a Mention
We used to list a few more Antigua favorites here, but several have since closed their doors. You’ll find our old write-ups at the bottom of this guide, kept for the memories. For anything currently open beyond our top three, compare live options on Hostelz or check the map below.
Discounts and Promo Codes
Any current Antigua discounts or promo codes show up here, so it’s worth a quick look before you book.
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.
Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!
How to Book?
We recommend booking through Hostelworld or Booking.com, the two big platforms where your payment is protected and your bed is confirmed straight away. Not sure which has the better rate? Run the hostel through Hostelz first to compare both in one go, then book wherever it’s cheaper.
Book early, too. Antigua is small and the best hostels sell out in high season and around Semana Santa.
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Our Favorite Hostels in Antigua put on a map + sights
Let’s take a look at the map. Below we’ve pinned all three of the best Antigua Guatemala hostels.
Personally, we plan every trip with a map like this, all the sights and possible hostels in one view. Figured it would help you plan too.
We’ve also added the main attractions you’ll want on your radar:
- 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 🔥
Plan Your Antigua Trip
When to Visit
The dry season, roughly November to April, is the easiest time to visit, with clear skies and the best volcano views. The green season (May to October) brings afternoon rain but fewer crowds and lower prices. The big one is Semana Santa (Holy Week, around Easter), when Antigua’s famous processions and sawdust carpets fill the streets. It’s spectacular, and the whole town books out months ahead, so plan early or avoid it if crowds aren’t your thing.
How Many Days Do You Need?
Two to three days is enough to wander the cobbled streets, see the cathedral ruins and the Santa Catalina Arch, and eat your way around the market. Add a day or two if you want to hike Acatenango, which is an overnight trip. Plenty of people plan three nights and end up extending. Antigua has that effect.
Getting There and Around
You’ll fly into Guatemala City’s La Aurora airport (GUA), about an hour from Antigua depending on traffic. The standard way in is a pre-booked shared shuttle straight to your hostel, which is cheap and the easiest option for first-timers. Private transfers and Uber also work. Try to arrive in daylight and skip the local “chicken buses” for the airport run. Once you’re in Antigua, the whole town is walkable, so you won’t need transport beyond your own two feet (and the cobblestones are no joke, so pack decent shoes).
Is Antigua Guatemala Safe?
Antigua is one of the most traveler-friendly spots in the country and feels relaxed by day and night, with normal precautions. Stick to shuttles or Uber over street taxis, don’t flash valuables, and use bank-attached ATMs during the day. One specific thing worth knowing: don’t hike the smaller volcano viewpoints (like Cerro de la Cruz) alone, as they’ve had robberies. Cerro de la Cruz now usually has tourist-police patrols, and the big Acatenango hike is fine because you go in a commercial group. Volcán de Fuego is active and monitored, and the licensed tour operators follow the safety guidance, so go with a reputable one.
Flights
Sorted your hostel? Time to look at flights. You’ll be flying into Guatemala City (GUA), the country’s main international gateway, then shuttling out to Antigua.
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.
FAQ
The questions travelers actually ask before booking Antigua, answered fast.
What is the best hostel in Antigua Guatemala?
It depends on your trip. Maya Papaya is the best all-rounder for solo travelers and couples, Barbara's Boutique Hostel is the homey pick for solo women and older travelers, and The Purpose Hostel is the social, community-run choice for backpackers and families.
How much does a hostel in Antigua Guatemala cost?
Dorm beds run roughly €5–10 per night and private rooms start around €39. It's one of the better-value destinations in Central America, but compare live rates on Hostelz before you book.
What is the best area to stay in Antigua?
Antigua is small and walkable, so anywhere within a few blocks of Central Park or the Santa Catalina Arch is ideal. All three of our top picks sit in or near the historic center.
Is Antigua Guatemala safe?
Yes, it's one of the safest spots in the country for travelers with normal precautions. Use shuttles or Uber rather than chicken buses, don't flash valuables, and withdraw cash from bank ATMs in daylight.
Is Antigua safe for solo female travelers?
Yes, it's a popular and very doable solo-female destination. Barbara's Boutique Hostel and Maya Papaya both have female-only dorms, and the usual night-time caution applies.
What is the best party hostel in Antigua?
Our former party-hostel pick has closed, so there isn't one we'd currently single out. The three top hostels are all social, and Antigua's bars around Central Park cover the nightlife.
What is the best hostel for backpackers in Antigua?
The Purpose Hostel: affordable, friendly, and a genuine community project, so your stay supports local training and skills programs.
How many days do you need in Antigua?
Two to three days for the town itself, plus an extra day or two if you want to hike the Acatenango volcano overnight.
When is the best time to visit Antigua?
The dry season (November to April) has the clearest skies. Semana Santa (Holy Week) is the city's most famous event, but it's packed and books out far in advance.
How do I get from Guatemala City airport to Antigua?
It's about an hour by pre-booked shared shuttle, which is the standard and easiest option. Private transfers and Uber also work. Aim to arrive in daylight.
Can you hike a volcano from Antigua?
Yes. The headline hike is Acatenango, an overnight trip where you watch Volcán de Fuego erupt after dark, with Pacaya as a shorter alternative. Always go with a licensed commercial guide.
Do hostels in Antigua include breakfast?
Many of the best ones do. Maya Papaya, Barbara's and The Purpose Hostel all offer breakfast or free coffee, though it's worth checking per hostel.
Should I book Antigua hostels in advance?
Yes, the town is small and sells out in high season and around Semana Santa. Compare and book early on Hostelz to lock in the best price.
More guides
Alright, that’s your answer to where to stay in Antigua Guatemala. Don’t forget to consider a trip out to the best hostels in Semuc Champey and the best hostels in Flores, Guatemala.
We did the legwork for you and have more hostel guides across the region:
- best hostels in Guatemala
- best hostels in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala
- 13 best hostels in Nicaragua
- best surf hostels in Nicaragua
- 44 best hostels in Costa Rica + 5 star hostels
- best hostels in San Juan, Puerto Rico
- best hostels in Mexico City part of the 40 best hostels in Mexico
- best hostels in Puerto Escondido, Mexico
- best hostels in Panama City, Panama
- best hostels in Rio Dulce
- best hostels in Caye Caulker, Belize
- best hostels in San Pedro, Belize
- best hostels in Belize
You’ll find all our new and updated Best Hostels In articles here.
We also put together a huge guide to hostels, covering how to build lifelong 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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