Hola and a warm welcome to this ultimate guide covering the absolute best hostels in Chile, South America!
From major destination like Santiago and Valparaíso, to less visited areas such as Valdivia and Iquique; we’ve searched high and low to find the coolest hostels across the country.
Are these really the best hostels in Chile?
As hostel geeks, our geeky radar says 100% yes!
No doubt you’re planning a backpacking trip around this long, narrow piece of South America. And why not? It’s affordable, stunningly beautiful and full to the brim with great hostels.
Have a look at our guides to the best hostels in Santiago and best hostels in Valparaíso to make planning even easier.
Hostelgeeks is an independent travel brand collecting the world’s greatest hostels. This means, we do not belong to any booking or media agency.
Make sure you read through all our guides to hostels.
Here we cover all topics around hosteling, including situationship, packing lists, and design-led hostels to fall in love with.
List of Destinations with Top Hostels in Chile
Get your hiking boots ready and gather excitement for you’re about to discover boutique Chile hostels. We bring your epic hostels so you can easily forget about hotels.
FYI: Looking for Che Lagarto Hostel in Chile? Their hostels are only found in Uruguay and Brazil now.
In no particular order, the destinations covered in this guide are:
- Santiago
- Valparaíso
- Puerto Natales
- Pucón
- Arica
- La Serena
- Iquique
- Pichilemu
- Puerto Varas
- Punta Arenas
- Viña del Mar
- Valdivia
- San Pedro de Atacama
Also in this guide:
- Handy map pinpointing all hostels
- Discounts & promo codes
- FAQ
- More hostel guides
Here are all of the hostels on a map in case you’d like to get an idea of their location first.
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🏔️ Best Hostel in Santiago Chile: | Eco-Hostal Tambo Verde |
| 🚢 Best Hostel in Valparaiso: | Casa Volante Hostal |
| 🏖️ Best Hostel in La Serena: | El Arbol Hostel |
| 🐧 Best Hostel in Punta Arenas: | Hospedaje Magallanes |
| 🩴 Best Hostel in Viña del Mar: | Jaguar Hostel + Living |
| 🥾 For Trekking Lovers in Puerto Natales: | El Patagonico Hostel |
| 🏞️ For Nature Lovers in Pucon Chile: | Chili Kiwi Lakefront Backpackers |
| 🏄♀️ For Surfing in Arica: | Hostal Sunny Days |
| 🎒 For Backpackers in Iquique: | Backpacker’s Hostel Iquique |
| ♻️ For Eco Lovers in Valdivia: | Airesbuenos Hostel & Permaculture |
Best Hostels in Santiago, Chile
Ah yes, Chile’s capital and largest city. No doubt you’ll head here at some point on your Chilean journey, either as a stop over or to make the most of mountain and swimming opportunities.
Forget hotels in Santiago Chile!
Have a look below and discover your favourite hostel Santiago has to offer:
- Eco-Hostal Tambo Verde
- Rado Boutique Hostel (closed)
- Hostal Forestal
What about the best party hostels in Santiago Chile? It’s a good idea to jump over to our full guide to the best hostels in Santiago Chile.
Keen to have access to a swimming pool? Check out the awesome Ventana Sur Hostel.
Eco-Hostal Tambo Verde
Tambo translates to “a place of rest and exchange” in pre-hispanic times. Yet, Eco-Hostal Tambo Verde has kept this word very much alive!
With only 10 rooms here, it never feels overcrowded. The dorm has just 4-beds and private rooms are also available.
Enjoy a free breakfast, access to good wifi and a really cosy atmosphere. We especially love the green and flowery patio area where most of the guests hang out.
This is easily our favourite Santiago hostel.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Rado Boutique Hostel
Update: Rado has permanently closed its doors. We keep this content here for your information.
If you enjoy being close to pumping nightlife but appreciate a quite place to return home to, stay at Rado Boutique Hostel.
It’s a big hostel spread over four stories, with each room hosting a musical theme and wall art.
The super cool rooftop terrace is the perfect place to enjoy your daily free breakfast. Otherwise, escape the sun by relaxing in the living room or kitchen area.
Hostal Forestal
Hostal Forestal does not know what boredom is. There’s no time to find out with endless projects and a central location close to all the top sights of Chile.
If you want a great Santiago backpackers, you’ve just found it.
Join in free sangria nights and start the day with a yummy free breakfast out on the terrace. There’s bike hire, too which is a great way to explore the area.
Note: Whilst the rating on Hostelworld is low, this is representative of previous ownership. Reviews from the past 2 years have been high.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Best Hostels in Valparaiso
After a trip to the capital, it’s time to discover what Valparaíso has to offer. There’s definitely European feel here, plus family dinners and cocktails to be had. Let’s go!
We highly recommend:
Keen for more? Our full guide to the best hostels Valparaiso includes more detail & more hostels.
Casa Volante Hostal
Casa Volante Hostal is all about sustainable practise and this is reflected throughout the property.
There’s a huge room choice here, from cosy 4-bed mixed dorms to twin and double private and even family rooms suitable for four.
Over at the onsite La Scala retro bar you can treat yourself to a cocktail, lunch and dinner.
Or! Head to the coffee bar and grab a sweet bakery treat to enjoy alongside a coffee. Yes please!
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Maki Hostel
Let’s meet up on the rooftop of Maki Hostel where copious beanbags and lush green grass awaits.
On Saturdays the staff like to throw a party, and drinks can be ordered from the hostel bar. Yet, a decent night sleep can still be had thanks to the pod-style beds in shared dorms.
Female solo travellers will love the ladies only dorm here.
To top it off, the morning begins with a free breakfast whilst you use the free wifi to upload photos from the night before.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Casa Verde Limon
How about sleeping in a building built in 1925? Don’t worry though, a local artist resorted Casa Verde Limon into a wonderful backpackers haven.
Perks of staying here include:
- Trapeze & fabric rope to play with
- Spanish art classes
- Fully equipped kitchen
The overall design makes this feel like a home-away-from-home.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Best Hostels in Puerto Natales Chile: El Patagonico Hostel
We also have a full guide to best Puerto Natales hostels!
Two hours south of Torres del Paine National Park, Puerto Natales is the hub for travellers before/after visiting the park.
So, where to stay in the area?
The family-run and relaxing atmosphere at El Patagonico Hostel is set up to help you either prepare or recover from regional trekking excursions in Torres del Paine National Park.
To help with that, they offer camping gear rentals and bus tickets sales & private transfer bookings.
Breakfast is included and there is a good kitchen for cooking your own food. The common area is complete with plenty of seating and a cosy fireplace.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Best Hostels in Pucon Chile: Chili Kiwi Lakefront Backpackers
Pucón is an adventure tourism hub hugging Lake Villarrica which is overlooked by the looming snow-capped Villarrica volcano.
It’s home to endless hiking trails, water sports, rafting, skiing and kayaking opportunities.
When it comes to Pucon hostels, the only hostel we recommend is Chili Kiwi Lakefront Backpackers, aka Chili Kiwi Hostel.
It’s an award winning hostel with exceptional reviews. With possibilities of catching the sunset over the lake from a treehouse, we’re not surprised!
That’s right, sleep in a treehouse, private hobbit house, VW bus or in one of the warm, spacious rooms in the main house.
Make use of the three kitchens onsite, and swing happily in a hammock under the cherry tree.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Best Hostels in Arica: Hostal Sunny Days
For the surf lovers out there, Arica is a great place to visit for its surfing beaches. Morro Arica hill is also worth climbing for sweeping views over the area.
Hostal Sunny Days is our top recommendation for a safe, quiet stay in a residential suburb.
This is a no-frills hostel that is affordable for backpackers and close to all the best beaches.
Hire a mountain bike, use the communal kitchen and speak with staff about renting all the beach gear you could possibly need. Oh, and the dorms come with single beds instead of bunks!
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Best Hostels in La Serena: El Arbol Hostel
Looking for beach vibes and impressive architecture? La Serena is the place to go.
The one hostel we came across that we want to share with you is El Arbol Hostel.
This beautiful and cosy hostel is in the heart of the colonial downtown of La Serena, just four blocks from the main bus station.
Consistently high reviews mention time and again about the wonderful staff and yummy breakfast. It mostly attracts older travellers and couples, though there are shared dorms for solo travellers here, too.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Best Hostels in Iquique: Backpacker’s Hostel Iquique
Is it just us or does Iquique roll off the tongue so nicely? This coastal city boasts a historic district, seafront casino and is nearby to the Atacama Desert. Oh, and of course, beaches!
As the name suggests, Backpacker’s Hostel Iquique is a great base for backpackers… especially those that enjoy socialising and fun experiences.
Here’s a quick overview of what to expect:
- BBQ area
- Hostel bar & coffee shop
- Sea view balconies
- Pool & ping pong table
Downtown is an easy 10 minute walk, and one of the best beaches is right across the road.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Best Hostels in Pichilemu: The Sirena Insolente Hostel
What puts Pichilemu on the map? Surf!
In fact, Punta de Lobos is the best surf spot in the area and The Sirena Insolente Hostel happens to be just a 5 minute walk from the beach.
The hostel itself is really cool, made 90% with containers refurbished in local wood and sheep skin for top notch insulation.
Grab a surfboard and wetsuit from the rental, and speak with staff about signing up for surf lessons. Either that or rent a bike and explore that way.
Come evening, you’re granted free entrance into the only local nightclub in town. Why not fire up the BBQ and fill up before you head out?
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Best Hostels in Puerto Varas: MaPatagonia Outdoor Hostel
Within Chile’s Lake District is Puerto Varas city, nestled next to Lake Llanquihue with views of Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes in the distance. They are both still active!
Part of your gateway to Patagonia has to be spending a few nights at MaPatagonia Hostel. It’s the ideal start point for all your adventures.
After a big day out, return to this colonial house with high wooden ceilings, a toasty fireplace and spacious frontyard with BBQ.
Friendly staff know the area well and are eager to set you up with fun activities and adventures.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Best Hostels in Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas is a gateway to the Antarctic continent and captivates everyone with its pure air, serene atmosphere and sophisticated European architecture. As you sail through the Strait of Magellan, you will be amazed to see the penguins that kindly welcome you to the island.
- Hospedaje Magallanes – best for solo travelers
- Haiken Hostal – best for couples
- Hostal Casa Bike – best for groups
Read more: We have a detailed guide to the best hostels in Punta Arenas.
1. Hospedaje Magallanes
Should you decide to visit Punta Arenas to explore the surrounding wilderness or perhaps locate awesome street art, Hospedaje Magallanes is a top hostel to book your stay at.
It’s run by a German-Chilean family who also live onsite with their sons and friendly dog Emma.
A total of 16 guests can stay here at one time, spread over 5 quiet double rooms and one 6-bed mixed dorm.
The best bit? Most definitely the home-made breakfast with real coffee and German bread each morning. And yes, it’s included in the price.
Because of the nature of this family-run hostel, it’s suited to travellers that enjoy a relaxing stay.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Hostelworld
2. Haiken Hostal
Haiken Hostal allows guests to choose from 6 rooms, ranging from twin, double, and triple. All of them are spacious and allow one to balance between comfort and fair pricing.
There is also a fully equipped kitchen where you can easily cook meals. If you plan to travel by car, there are designated parking areas, and unlike other hostels, they’re free of charge.
Check prices at: Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Hostal Casa Bike
Hostal Casa Bike is one of the best hostels in Punta Arenas, ideally located at 223 Avenida Independencia.
There are plenty of gorgeous places to explore, so you will never be short of activities to indulge in this region. Besides being budget-friendly, the property also offers comfortable and clean accommodations that you’ll love.
Check prices at: Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Viña del Mar: Jaguar Hostel + Living
Right alongside Valparaíso is Viña del Mar and the two go hand in hand when it comes to beaches, gardens and high-rise buildings. This “Garden City” has some of the most popular beaches in the country.
Jaguar Hostel + Living has created a calm environment with a focus on communal areas so you can feel at home.
Out on the patio you’ll find a BBQ and hammocks – a good place to enjoy your free breakfast.
Choose between mixed and female-only dorms, basic and deluxe private rooms.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Hostelworld
Best Hostels in Valdivia: Airesbuenos Hostel & Permaculture
On the banks of the river in Valdivia you cannot miss the seafood market, because there’s a high chance you’ll see some seal lions lounging nearby!
It’s a wonderfully green city, most likely thanks to the three river that converge around it.
As for where to stay, we choose Airesbuenos Hostel & Permaculture every time.
This eco-friendly hostel has many sustainable features implemented into the design, such as:
- Vertical garden
- Solar hot water
- Central biomass heating
- A greenhouse kitchen
To top it off, it’s in a wonderful location just 5 minutes from the river, half a block from the supermarket and two blocks from great nightlife.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Best Hostels San Pedro de Atacama: Hostal Rural
Read: full guide to the absolute best hostels in San Pedro de Atacama.
Set on a high plateau in the Andes mountains, San Pedro de Atacama is seriously dramatic with surrounding volcanoes, salt flats, hot springs and geysers. Certainly worth a visit!
And quite honestly, Hostal Rural is the most striking out of all the hostels in this guide when it comes to design.
It’s no wonder thousands have stayed here and the rating is so high.
This magical place in the heart of San Pedro de Atacama is decorated with native-style paintings, mosaics and sculptured walls. Walk around and find…
- Hammocks & outdoor terrace
- A ‘chill cave’
- On-site bar
- Cosy mixed dorms
Friendly staff will happily help you book a tour to the world’s largest salt flat, Salar de Uyuni, as well as local tours.
Fill up on a free breakfast in the morning and see if there’s some al-fresco grilling happening at the BBQ in the evenings.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Hostelworld
Our Favorite Hostels in Chile put on a map + sights
Now you have all the information you need to decide on where to stay in Chile in style and on a budget.
Why not plan an epic road trip designed to visit your favorite hostels in this list?
On the map below you find all mentioned hostels to make your planning even easier
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Discounts & Promo Codes
Do you fancy a discount? C’mon, who doesn’t?!
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive exclusive promo codes we only share via email.
This list of the best Backpacker and Luxury Hostels, the 5 Star Hostels, will always stay up to date.
We will keep adding all the greatest budget accommodations. Whether it is a Design Hostel, Boutique Hostel, Eco or Green Hostel – we will have a close look on these backpacker accommodations.
FAQ
Alright, you should have found your accommodation already. Below we list all the frequently asked questions. Have a look.
More Guides for your Europe Trip
Besides the coolest hostels in Chile, we visited more great backpacker hostels in South America.
Make sure you read these guides. You will safe money and you will stay in safe, clean and fun hostels.
- best hostels in Mendoza, Argentina
- best hostels in Buenos Aires
- best hostels in Bariloche
- best hostels in Montevideo, Uruguay
- best hostels in Cusco, Peru
- 24 BEST hostels in Ecuador
Find all our hostel guides here.
Other 5 Star Hostels
Besides the listed accommodation, we also put together the best hostels in the world; the 5 Star Hostels.
We stayed in a former winery in Santorini, in a former jail-now 5 Star Hostel and many more. And we share all of those unique budget accommodations with you.
We unbox the hostels and check all their pros and cons. For each destination, there can be only 1 hostel be chosen to be a 5 Star-Awarded Hostel.
This is your shortcut to your hostel-picks, saving you lots of time in your accommodation research.
And for sure, it gives you the security of a top-hostel choice without any bad surprises.
Update: We now cover as well curated 3-best hostels guide to cities with no 5 Star Hostels such as Oslo, Seoul and Sydney.
Any questions?
Please please leave us a comment. We would be thrilled to help you. With your question you also help us to improve this article.
Safe travels,
The Hostelgeeks
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