We hope you are as ready as we were to discover the best hostels in Lake Atitlan!
Seriously, this little lake is full to the brim with BIG spirited hostels that we fell in love with instantly.
Note: In this guide we include a range of hostels spread over the major towns surrounding Lake Atitlan. We’ve made sure to make it obvious where each hostel is located. Check the map to get a clearer overview of all hostel locations.
Get ready for lake views, hammocks, sustainable buildings and endless social opportunities.
Your shortcut:
- Selina Atitlan (Panajachel) – for digital nomads
- Eco-Hostel Mayachik (San Juan La Laguna) – for female solo travellers
- La Iguana Perdida (Santa Cruz La Laguna) – for backpackers
Any questions about hostels in Guatemala ?
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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
Having said that, we have included two great party hostels in this collection. But you know, they’re more suited to older party adults *wink wink*.
- Introduction
- 3 best hostels in detail
- #1 Selina Atitlan
- #2 Eco Hostel
- #3 La Iguana Perdida
- cheapest hostels in Lake Atitlan
- best hostels in Lake Atitlan for solo travellers
- fun party hostels in Lake Atitlan
- more hostels around Lake Atitlan
- discounts and promo codes
- How to book?
- all hostel and sights on a map
- FAQ
- Flights
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Lake Atitlan
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Lake Atitlan cost 9€ – 15€ per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room starts from 25€ up to 50€ 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.
Best Town to Stay in Lake Atitlan: Lake Atitlan is surrounded by a diverse collection of smaller towns, each offering its own vibe. While Panajachel is a popular gateway to the lake and our first choice, it’s good to know about the other towns with cool hostels in the area, too.
- San Pedro La Laguna
- San Juan La Laguna
- Santiago Atitlan
- Santa Cruz La Laguna
Hostel Locations: In this guide we include a range of hostels spread over the major towns surrounding Lake Atitlan. We’ve made sure to make it obvious where each hostel is located.
🎁 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 Lake Atitlan
Let’s jump right into the boutique hostels in Lake Atitlan.
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: | La Iguana Perdida |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | Eco- Hostel Mayachik |
| 🥳 Party Hostel: | Dreamboat |
| 👩❤️👨Couple Hostel: | Eco- Hostel Mayachik |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | Selina Atitlan |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Selina Atitlan |
| 🎒 For Backpackers: | La Iguana Perdida |
1. Selina Atitlan (Panajachel)
Let’s kick start with an excellent hostel located in popular Panajachel; Selina Atitlan.
“The comfortable Selina Atitlan is surrounded by crisp blue, inviting waters and a colorful culture.”
As with many of the Selina hostels worldwide, this particular accommodation offers stunning design, awesome social spaces and luxuriousness that may well make your jaw drop.
Come on, let’s walk around and discover…
- Dedicated co-working space
- Outdoor pool & playground
- Views of the lake from private beach bar
- A movie room
And, breakfast is included in your stay!
As always, Selina won’t let you down when it comes to excellent room choices.
Small and large dorms, twin, double and family privates – so many traveller types are catered for here.
The thoughtful layout and comfortable design of the rooms will make it difficult to know where to hang out… but we definitely suggest making the most of the communal areas.
Location: In Panajachel, our first choice when it comes to locations around the lake. It’s a wonderful mix of tranquility, nightlife, nature and craft markets.
This is one of the best hostels in Lake Atitlan for
- Digital nomads
- Families
- Groups
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
2. Eco-Hostel Mayachik (San Juan La Laguna)
If you’re keen for a more traditional stay in a place that’s immersed heavily in local craft traditions we highly recommend Eco- Hostel Mayachik.
San Juan La Laguna is a special place, and Eco Hostel adds serious value to your visit here.
“Sheltered by the surrounding mountains and volcanoes, it is populated by the welcoming Tz´utujil people.”
Mayachik is the ideal place to kick back, relax and unwind.
The traditional Mayan sauna, massage and access to a yoga platform will surely support this!
This hostel is made up of lots of gorgeous little buildings made from ecological materials. They make up dorm rooms, private bungalows and outdoor/indoor social spaces.
There is a lush organic garden on the property and a lot of the food grown there is prepared at the hostel restaurant!
Enjoy delicious vegetarian and vegan food with Guatemalan influences. Yum.
Some of the perks everyone gets to enjoy here:
- Hot showers
- Hammocks
- Communal kitchen
- Big garden space
- Free wifi and purified water
Cool: There are compost toilets here instead of flushing loos.
Every bungalow is tailored for different group sizes. You can opt for a bungalow for 2, 4 or 6 people.
The shared dorm sleeps a maximum of 8 people. There are bunks as well as a single and double bed in this room. Race ya for the double!
Location: San Juan is home to several local cooperatives including weavers, coffee growers and bee keepers. This is a remote area in the forest yet is still only 16km from Panajachel.
This is one of the best hostels in Lake Atitlan for
- Female solo travellers
- Couples
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
3. La Iguana Perdida (Santa Cruz La Laguna)
La Iguana Perdida officially opened in 1996 and back then there was no electricity or hot water. Safe to say this hostel has come a long way since then!
“We are your home away from home whether you come here to learn to dive, hike the trails, study Spanish, experience Mayan culture or simply lie in a hammock with a paperback or enjoy doing nothing at all.”
It also happens to the home of the only dive shop on Lake Atitlan! Why not take a PADI diving course whilst you’re there?!
We love the perfect mix of cosy, social, fun and gorgeous design of this place.
Just look at all the reasons to stay here:
- Lake views from the bedrooms
- Lakefront restaurant (breakfast & lunch)
- 3 course family-style dinner every night
- Saturday dress-up party & BBQ
- Hostel bar
As you can see, there’s no way you can get bored here!
Good to know: It’s not possible to bring your own food on to the premises so we suggest definitely making the most of the restaurant and group dinners.
The evening dinners are renowned for leading to hours of storytelling, board games, sing-alongs and very bad jokes. It will likely be a highlight of your stay.
La Iguana’s rooms range from simple to downright luxurious. There is something for everyone, froom shared dorms to double/triple privates and cute family rooms.
Happy Hour is enjoyed every night of the week with all of your favourite drinks on offer. But don’t worry, “Happiness is often permitted outside of happy hour. ”
Location: Santa Cruz La Laguna is another relaxed and wild area on the lake. This makes it an ideal place to be if you want to spend most of your time hanging out at the hostel. As you’re right on the waterfront it’s super easy to catch a boat to other parts of the lake.
This is one of the best hostels in Lake Atitlan for
- Backpackers
- Party animals
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
What about cheapest hostels in Lake Atitlan?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. Forget hotels!
We think, it’s not worth it to go with the cheapest hostel out there.
Why?
The difference is usually 1-2€ ($1-2) per night, and a lot of amenities are not included. This can be breakfast or linen.
However, if you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you wanna save every penny, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Lake Atitlan.
- Open Hostelworld with full list of budget places to stay in Lake Atitlan
- Order the listing by price
Simple as that.
Read: 15 hacks for booking hostels
Make sure you use then the other filters and rank per price.
Also keep a close eye on the ratings, especially the “extreme ratings”. Meaning, the best and worst. These ratings can give great insight on what to expect.
Best Hostels in Lake Atitlan for Solo Travellers?
What is seriously the best hostel in Lake Atitlan for solo-travellers?
Let’s so a quick recap as there are quite a few good choices dotted around the lake. Simple click to go to their full review.
- For female solo travellers: Eco-Hostel Mayachik
- For backpackers: La Iguana Perdida
- For party lovers: Dreamboat Hostel
Party Hostels in Lake Atitlan
Did someone say party… where?!
Oh do we have something great in store for you. Not one but two awesome party hostels in Lak Atitlan. Let’s go.
Dreamboat Hostel (Panajachel)
Dreamboat is a laid-back, fun and social hostel located in the heart of Panajachel.
“Once our bar closes, we’ll take you out to some of our favorite spots to keep drinking and dancing. “
Their daily activies include beer pong tournaments, tienda crawls, beersbie competitions and wizard stick nights!
And they happen to have the cheapest hostel bar in all of Guatemala (apparently).
Partying aside, make the most of the rooftop terrace with lake views, fully equipped kitchen and yummy street food right outside the door.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Mr. Mullet’s (San Pedro La Laguna)
Over in San Pedro is Mr. Mullet’s.
This hostel happens to have two bars! So as you can imagine, it’s a highly sociable place.
Other party-supportive perks of this hostel:
- 2 for 1 drinks at their nightly Happy Hour
- Beer pong tournaments
- Themed parties
- Pool competitions
The dorms are kept small here with 4, 6 and 8 beds so it’s possible to get a good night’s sleep when (if) you’ve had enough of partying.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Hostelworld
More Hostels around Lake Atitlan
Still hungry for more? Well alright then, good job we searched high and low and found you even more amazing hostels worth checking out.
Hideout Hostel (Santiago Atitlan)
As the name suggests, Hideout Hostel is set within a private bay which is accessible ONLY by boat – cool!
There is electricity here but it only comes on between 6pm to 9:30pm.
Therefore, we recommend staying here if you want to disconnect for a while and get back to nature.
It’s a perfect place for swimming, reading a good book, enjoying a sauna or simply hanging the day away in a hammock.
They offer 3 private rooms, 2 dorms, a bar, common area and two saunas. What else do you need?
Compare prices and read reviews at: Hostelworld
Mandala’s Hostal (San Pedro La Laguna)
Mandala’s Hostal is a lovely backpacker accommodation with a bohemian vibe.
If you’re not particularly interested in partying or an overly social atmosphere you’ll like this hostel.
The terrace on the fourth floor offers incredible views and an ideal spot to relax yourself.
Grab a drink and watch the sunset from up there!
To top it off, dorms are kept small and intimate with only 4-beds in the mixed and 5-beds in the female dorm.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
How to book?
We recommend using Booking.com or Hostelworld for your reservations.
Hostelworld is the most popular website when it comes to hostel bookings.
Read: a step-by-step guide on how to book with Hostelworld
On both platforms your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
We included the handy links to each of the recommended hostels. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
Here is the overview:
- Selina Atitlan: Booking.com | Hostelworld
- Eco-Hostel Mayachik: Booking.com | Hostelworld
- La Iguana Perdida: Booking.com | Hostelworld
We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible!
All of Lake Atitlan best hostels are popular; especially in high season. To make sure you end up in those stylish hostels, secure your room or bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
Any Discounts?
Currently, we have no special hostel discounts in Lake Atitlan. I know, it’s a pity. You can subscribe to our newsletter to receive our newest hostel discounts always to your inbox.
You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here.
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Our Favorite Hostels in Guatemala put on a map + sights
Let us have a look on the map. Below we list all three best Lake Atitlan 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:
- Volcán San Pedro
- Cerro Tzankujil (Nature Reserve)
- Volcán Atitlán
- Volcán Tolimán
- Reserve of Multiple Uses of Basin Lake Atitlán
- Mirador Kaqasiiwaan, San Juan La Laguna
Any questions about hostels in Guatemala ? 🤔
Join our Facebook Group!
Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
FAQ
Alright, you should have found your accommodation already. Below we list all the frequently asked questions. Have a look.
Flights to Guatemala ?
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.
Flights to Guatemala ?
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 guides
Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in Lake Atitlan.
We did the leg work for you and bring you more hostel guides to destinations:
- Best Hostels in Guatemala
- best hostels in Antigua Guatemala
- best hostels in Semuc Champey
- best hostels in Flores, Guatemala
- best hostels in Quetzaltenango
- 40 best hostels in Mexico
- best hostels in Leon Nicaragua
- 13 best hostels in Nicaragua
- best hostels in San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua
- best hostels in Caye Caulker, Belize
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
Was this useful? Do you have any questions, doubts?
Then please please leave us a comment. This list of awesome Lake Atitlan hostels should be as informative and useful as possible.
Your question will help me to understand what I have missed to mention.
Therefore, drop us a comment, we are keen to help you!
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 ONLY recommend places we know you will enjoy, no matter what.
At Hostelgeeks we will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. Our promise is to only share with you places we also recommend to our best friends and family!
Enjoy this fine hostel selection and all 5 Star Hostels.
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