Guatemala is one of the most incredible, dramatic and spectacular cities, with charming colonial towns and vibrant indigenous cultures. It is a large metropolis spanning towards the south of Mexico and has incredible historical and cultural sites. The good thing about this place is that, due to its size and popularity, you will always have a place to stay, with hostels being the most convenient lodging option. Today, we will provide you with our well-crafted list of some of the best hostels in Guatemala, which will ease your search for comfortable and budget-friendly accommodations.
The rainforest country was abandoned centuries ago, but the Maya continued living in the region, making it the heartland of ancient culture. Because of that, traditions and religious rituals are the main things that form Guatemala’s distinctive identity. Although still a developing nation, this country is known for its genuine and profound hospitality, cultural legacy, and breathtaking natural beauty that attracts worldwide visitors.
From the Coban monuments, consisting of a 1000-foot-long limestone bridge, to the largest indigenous market of Chichicastenango, where handicrafts, trinkets, textiles, and pottery are available for purchase, there are plenty of things that make Guatemala worth visiting.
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
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List of Cities in Guatemala with great hostels
Let’s waste no more time and jump right in to this great Guatemala hostel collection.
Here are all the destinations we cover in this guide:
- Antigua
- Lake Atitlan
- San Juan La Laguna
- San Pedro La Laguna
- Semuc Champey
- Río Dulce
- San Marcos La Laguna
- El Paredon
- Flores
More topics we cover:
- Introduction
- cheapest hostels in Guatemala
- discounts and promo codes
- How to book?
- All hostel and sights on a map
- FAQ
- Flights
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
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| ⭐ Best Hostel in Guatemala: | Ojala, Antigua |
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Mellow Hostel, El Paredon |
| 🏄♀️ Best for Surfers: | Driftwood Surfer beach hostel, El Paredon |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | Barbara’s Boutique Hostel, Antigua |
| ⛵ For Boat Lovers: | Boatique Hotel and Marina, Río Dulce |
| ♻️ For Eco Lovers: | Ch’i Bocol Community Hostel, Semuc Champey |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | La Iguana Perdida, Lake Atitlan |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Los Amigos Hostel, Flores |
| 🎒 For Backpackers: | Free Cerveza, Lake Atitlan |
| 🧘 Cozy Hostel: | Adra hostel, Antigua |
🎁 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
Quick Introduction to Guatemala
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Guatemala cost 8€ – 20€ per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room starts from 30€ up to 147€ 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 Hostelz.com or Hostelworld.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.
Backpacking Tips For Guatemala: Before we give you our list of the best hostels in Guatemala, let us first arm you with some useful backpacking tips.
- To spot the best sunset in Guatemala, visit Lake Atitlan. Towards its northern coast lies the tourist village of Panajachel, which boasts the most picturesque sunset views.
- Travel to the scenic colonial city of Antigua, which sits in a highland valley between three volcanoes and boasts Spanish colonial architecture, historic churches and old houses.
- Located in Guatemala City, the National Museum of Archaeology and ethnology houses many artefacts uncovered from the Mayan sites around the country. Built in 1898, it holds more than 20,000 artefacts and is a great place to explore the rich Mayan culture.
- Take a hike to the active volcano de Pacaya. The trail is relatively easy, and it takes around 2 hours to hike, giving you a lot of time to admire the view and nature.
- One of the popular backpacker destinations is the Rio Dulce river. It’s a gorgeous river with two towns, El Relleno and Fronteras, lying on either side. The place is famous for trekking and water activities, including the Finca Paraiso hike that leads to a hot spring and waterfall.
Best Hostels in Antigua
Antigua is a small city surrounded by volcanoes in southern Guatemala. There are a few very good hostels here.
Read: full guide to best hostels in Antigua Guatemala.
Maya Papaya, Antigua
We start our list of the best hostels in Guatemala with Maya Papaya. It’s a 4-star hostel that offers luxurious accommodation at affordable prices. Guests are provided with accommodation options, including private rooms, mixed dorms and female-only dorms.
There are ample indoor and outdoor communal spaces, including a garden, shared lounge, terrace and bar. The hostel also has a well-equipped kitchen, an onsite bar, and a restaurant where guests can enjoy delicious meals and drinks.
Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
Barbara’s Boutique Hostel, Antigua
Barbara’s is a boutique hostel surrounded by volcanoes in the heart of Antigua, Guatemala. The small colonial house is full of small details, making it a unique place worth visiting. All rooms are beautiful, spacious, clean and accommodate up to four people. The hostel features a garden, shared lounge, terrace, and common areas for the guests to hang out and socialize.
All facilities offered by the property focus on the comfort and safety of the guest. The hostel has installed monitoring cameras throughout the property to make your stay secure.
Book your stay at Barbara’s Boutique Hostel and enjoy the magical views of the city from the comfort of your room.
Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
Ojala, Antigua
Ojala is a 4-star property fully packed with in-house facilities to provide all travellers with a quality stay. Conveniently situated and close to attractions and interesting dining options, this luxury hostel combines modern design with traditional art, which makes it some of the best hostels in Guatemala. Apart from providing guests with comfortable rooms, it also offers a bar, free Wi-Fi, and two gardens to hang out and socialise.
If you wish to immerse yourself in rich culture and take a little piece of Antigua magic with you, book your stay in this hostel.
Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
Adra Hostel, Antigua
Adra hostel is a classic colonial house on one of the most iconic and picturesque Antigua – la Calle Real streets. It has beautiful architecture and a central patio where you can rest and soak up the sun. The hostel offers 5-star accommodation with a garden, terrace, bar and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. Rooms are nicely designed and have shared bathrooms with showers and hair dryers.
The hostel is strongly committed to protecting the environment and serves only organic produce grown by local community members. They use only water-saving devices in shower sinks and biodegradable cleaning products.
Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Lake Atitlan
Lake Atitlán is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Guatemala, and it is considered to be the most beautiful lake in the world. Best hostels in Lake Atitlan are:
Read: full guide to best hostels in Lake Atitlan.
La Iguana Perdida, Lake Atitlan
La Iguana Perdida has been a home away from home for travellers for the last 25 years. The hostel offers room to suit all budgets and provides a variety of spaces to work, play and enjoy. Located on the north shore of the magnificent lake Atitlan, it is a perfect spot to relax and admire the natural beauty. It consists of private rooms, spacious dormitories, and a rustic cabana where luxury rooms provide lake views, private baths and balconies. The on-site restaurant serves delicious meals prepared by the lovely Mayan staff and takes care of the guests’ vegetarian, gluten-free, and other dietary needs.
Enjoy your stay in a beautiful, serene setting overlooking a lake and volcano.
Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
Free Cerveza, Santa Cruz La Laguna, Lake Atitlan
Free Cerveza is a lakefront property overlooking 3 of Central America’s most famous volcanoes- Atitlan, Toliman, and San Pedro. The fun glamping hostel is located on the beautiful shores of Lake Atitlan and offers private glamping options for 1–3 people and a cosy lake house on the water. It features a bar, shared lounge, and garden and all the meals, including breakfast, lunch and dinner, is prepared by the gourmet Mayan Chefs.
The owners have built the property using eco-friendly materials and technology comprising recycled wood, LED lighting and glass bottles. If you wish to enjoy the unlimited facilities and equipment, arrange your stay in this hostel.
Compare prices at: Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in San Juan La Laguna
San Juan La Laguna is a municipality on the southwest shore of Lago de Atitlán. It consists of the village named San Juan La Laguna and three smaller aldeas (small villages) in the nearby mountain. We have one recommendation for a hostel here.
Chirris Hostel, San Juan La Laguna
Chirris hostel is a remodelled house in the centre of San Juan, a magical town in the lake of Atitlan. It’s a cosy space where local design, architecture and elements of modernity are integrated. The property emphasises an open concept with several common areas, a shared kitchen and a patio which can be used for co-working or as a living area.
If you wish to stay in a centrally located hostel with all basic amenities, book your stay at Chriris hostel.
Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in San Pedro La Laguna
San Pedro la Laguna Guatemala is known as the best place for nightlife around Lake Atitlan. The best hostel here is:
Zoola San Pedro Atitlan, San Pedro La Laguna
Zoola San Pedro is one of Guatemala’s best hostels and a great backpackers’ hub. It offers seven rooms in quadruple, double, twin and dormitory categories. It features a garden, restaurant, bar and shared lounge and offers a nightclub and free Wi-Fi throughout the property.
Located in the Solola department, the charming hostel is highly affordable. So, if you are looking for budget-friendly accommodation close to plenty of popular areas of interest, arrange your stay here.
Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Semuc Champey
Semuc Champey (Where the river hides under the stones) is a natural monument in the department of Alta Verapaz, Guatemala, near the Q’eqchi’ Maya town of Lanquín. It consists of a natural 300 m limestone bridge, under which passes the Cahabón River. The best hostels here are:
Read: full guide to best hostels in Semuc Champey.
Greengo’s Semuc Champey Hostel, Semuc Champey
Greengo’s is a jungle oasis nestled in the lush Semuc Champey valley. It’s just a 10-minute walk away from the famous pools and cascades and is surrounded by jungles, mountains, and a river. Guests particularly love this place because it combines natural beauty and serenity with the modern comforts of the home.
If you wish to spend your day relaxing by the pool or want to head out on an adventure-filled tour throughout the jungle, Greengo’s is the perfect place to start.
Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
Ch’i Bocol Community Hostel, Semuc Champey
Ch’i Bocol is one of the best hostels in Guatemala that believes in building a sustainable future. The hostel is focused on working on a long-term goal of 100% sustainability, and they utilise much of the food from their organic gardens and farms. It’s near Semuc Champey and requires a 30-minute hike to reach the property. Ch’i Bocol features the only community kitchen in the area, and the staff helps arrange daily tours.
Wish to be a part of an eco-friendly community and stay close to nature? Book your stay with Ch’i Bocol.
Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Río Dulce
The Rio Dulce is a 43-kilometre stretch of gorgeous river that also offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Guatemalan life. We have a full guide to the best hostels in Rio Dulce.
The best hostel here is:
Boatique Hotel and Marina, Río Dulce
Boatique Hotel is a perfect getaway for anyone who loves nature and wishes to experience the local culture. It’s located in the jungles of Guatemala and is accessible by only a 5-minute boat ride from the bustling town of Rio Dulce. The hostel is a perfect example of serenity and seclusion and offers travellers the choice from single beds to private cabana suits. The hostel provides entertainment and recreational water sports facilities for an ultimate experience.
Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in San Marcos La Laguna
San Marcos La Laguna is a village on the western shore of Lago Atitlán in the Sololá Department of Guatemala. The village is northwest of three volcanos Volcán San Pedro, Volcán Tolimán, and Volcán Atitlán. The best hostel here is:
Casa Ahau, San Marcos La Laguna
Casa Ahau is a home away from home in the beautiful valley of San Marcos. The hostel is super chilled, quiet and environmentally conscious, with an amazing shared living room and kitchen. It provides adult-only accommodation with a garden, shared lounge and terrace from where you can admire the lake and volcano views. Each room has a balcony and a shared bathroom with a shower and fridge.
Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in El Paredon
El Paredon is the surf destination of Guatemala and most people are out in the water around sunrise. The best hostels here are:
Cocorí Lodge, El Paredon
Located in El Paredon, the only surf town in Guatemala, Cocori Lodge is a unique paradisical place offering uncrowded waves. With great ambience, chilling hammocks and a beachfront bar, you will be entitled to the experience of a lifetime.
The hostel offers ocean-side private rooms with AC and shared bathroom facilities. There are also bungalow beach-style accommodations with a comfy mix of shared and dedicated female dorms. Some of the activities offered by this hostel include surf lessons, trivia nights, beer pong and paddle board mangroves tours.
Compare prices at: Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
Mellow Hostel, El Paredon
The Mellow Hostel is the only surf and lifestyle hostel located on the Pacific coast of Guatemala. The rooms are well-designed to provide maximum comfort while still being a budget option. All rooms have shared bathrooms except the superior suite, and there are plenty of common spaces where you can meet and hang out with other travellers
Compare prices at: Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
Driftwood Surfer beach hostel, El Paredon
Driftwood Surfer Beach is an oceanfront resort located in El Paredon. It’s a brand new hostel with a swimming pool, great ocean views, AC private rooms and dormitories. It also boasts a relaxing night bar, great local and international cuisine and hammocks.
Whether you want to relax, drink, surf or explore, the hostel takes care of everything you need.
Compare prices at: Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Flores
Flores is a small town located in northern Guatemala. It is known as a gateway to nearby Mayan ruins. It’s on an island on Lake Petén Itzá, linked by a causeway to the town of Santa Elena. The best hostels here are:
Read: full guide to best hostels in Flores.
Los Amigos Hostel, Flores
Los Amigos is a perfect base from where you can visit Tikal’s majestic ruins. It provides various accommodations, from multi-bed dorms to luxurious artistic private rooms with air conditioning and private bathrooms. There is also a shared kitchen that provides you with the facility to cook your meal, shared gardens and more. You can’t miss visiting its famous restaurant- the secret garden of Flores, where you can enjoy a culinary experience in the lush gardens.
Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
Hotel Peten Express Tikal, Flores
Located on the island of Flores, Hotel Peten is one of Guatemala’s best hostels for various reasons. It’s on the banks of the lake on the island of Flores, wrapped in quiet, serene and beautiful settings. The hostel provides five rooms with bunk beds, air conditioning and a bathroom facility.
Whether you wish to enjoy the swimming pool or relax in a jacuzzi, the hostel has everything you need.
Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
With this, we conclude our list. Guatemala is a beautiful place to explore and enjoy a memorable holiday, whether travelling alone or with your family. Before you embark on this incredible journey, consult this guide and utilise the information we provided!
What about the cheapest hostels in Guatemala?
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 Guatemala.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Guatemala
- 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.
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 Guatemala 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!
Need an eSIM Card for Guatemala?
Get your eSIM Card with Airalo.com instantly online. It is easy to set up and cheap! Read our review of Airalo here.
No more searching for mobile stores. Get your eSIM Card for now and enjoy it instantly after landing in your new destination.
Our Favorite Hostels in Guatemala put on a map + sights
How about we put all hostels that we just mentioned on a map? Of course, we did this for you.
Below you find our handmade map with all hostels, our secret tips, and so much more.
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.
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FAQs
Here we share with you the most asked question:
Flights to Guatemala?
Most international travelers fly into Guatemala City’s La Aurora International Airport (GUA). La Aurora is located within the urban environment of Guatemala City and is easily accessible.
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.
More handmade Guides for you
Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in Guatemala.
We did the leg work for you and bring you more hostel guides to destinations:
- Best Hostels in Antigua Guatemala and Cucuruchos Boutique Hostel
- Best Hostels in Semuc Champey
- Best Hostels in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala
- BEST Hostels in Rio Dulce
- Best Hostels in Flores
- Best Hostels in Lake Atitlan
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 Guatemala 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
