Best Hostels in Antigua, Guatemala
Are you looking for the best hostels in Antigua, Guatemala?
Antigua is one of my favorite destinations in Central America. I spent a full month there studying Spanish, and then came back two more times because I liked it so much! This enchanting colonial city is a must-visit in Guatemala, known for its colorful buildings, quaint cobblestoned streets, and volcano views.
Here are some of the best things to do in Antigua:
- Explore the stunning colonial church ruins like Iglesia de San Francisco (my personal favorite), La Catedral de San Jose, and Convento Santa Clara
- Hike a nearby volcano like Acatenango (challenging) or Pacaya (easier)
- Walk up to Cerro de la Cruz for sweeping views over the whole town
- Visit Hobbitenango, a unique Hobbit-themed adventure park just outside Antigua
- Try local coffee and enjoy scenic views on an ATV tour
- Snap a photo at the famous yellow Santa Catalina Arch
- Take Spanish lessons at one of Antigua’s many Spanish schools (I spent a month in Antigua taking private one-on-one Spanish lessons five days a week for four hours a day for just $120 per week)
- Enjoy Antigua’s many rooftop cafes and bars at sunset
- Attend a chocolate-making workshop or Guatemalan cooking class
- Go shopping for souvenirs at the Mercado de Artesanías or Nim P’ot
Along with having tons of things to do, there are also many great places to stay in Antigua for budget travelers. Keep reading for my top recommendations on the best hostels in Antigua, Guatemala.
Where to Stay in Antigua, Guatemala
Antigua is a small and walkable city, so all of the hostels below are centrally located. You can easily walk to all the popular tourist attractions, restaurants, and bars in Antigua. For anything that’s a bit further away, or if you just don’t feel like walking, a tuk-tuk is only $1.50 to $2, and Ubers are typically $3 to $4.
Here are my top three picks for where to stay in Antigua, Guatemala:
- Best overall: Ojala
- Best party hostel: Tropicana Hostel
- Best for working: Selina
And here’s a full breakdown of the best hostels in Antigua.
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Ojala
Ojala is one of the nicest hostels not just in Antigua, but in the world! This boutique luxury hostel offers dorm rooms and private rooms. While I have not stayed here, I know several people who did, and they all raved about it. It’s affordable but does not sacrifice one bit on design and style.
With sleek and clean rooms, shared terraces with hammocks and lounge chairs, a trendy bar, and free included breakfast, this is one of the best places to stay in Antigua if you’re on a budget.
Maya Papaya
Another one of the best hostels in Antigua, Guatemala is Maya Papaya. While I did not stay at this bright and stylish hostel myself, I did visit it a couple of times and know several people who did stay here.
Maya Papaya has a fun, social atmosphere with lots of common spaces including an outdoor garden. There’s also a bar open at night, and free breakfast is served in the morning. The rooms are simple but nice, with a clean minimalistic style and pops of color. There are dorm rooms and private rooms available.
Selina
Finally, Selina is one of the most popular hostels in Antigua. Selina is a chain with many locations in Latin America, and while I did not stay at this property, I did stay at their property in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. I like Selina because you know what you’re getting, and the quality is pretty consistent.
This location has a swimming pool, a large outdoor common area with games, a bar, and a coworking space. There are dorm rooms and private rooms available, some of which have private balconies. This is the best hostel in Antigua if you need to get some work done, thanks to the dedicated coworking space.
Tropicana Hostel
Tropicana Hostel is the best party hostel in Antigua. I didn’t stay here, but I booked my Acatenango volcano hike tour through them, which I can highly recommend, as they have the best price in town AND offer you a lot more. (I was shocked when I found out some tour companies make you hike with your own camping equipment and set it up yourself — Tropicana doesn’t do that; they take care of setting up camp for you!)
But I did get to take a look around this hostel before my Acatenango tour, and it definitely seemed like a fun place to stay. There’s a swimming pool and a rooftop terrace and bar. If you’re looking for a social atmosphere, this is a great place to stay — just be prepared to not get much sleep if you stay here!
Somos
Another budget-friendly hostel in Antigua is Somos. This cute, plant-filled hostel is located right in the heart of Antigua, offering a great location and base for exploring this vibrant destination.
Dorm rooms and private rooms with private bathrooms are available. Somos has a shared courtyard and a rooftop terrace with volcano views where you can relax and meet other travelers. There’s also an outdoor hot tub and a bar, perfect for unwinding at night after a busy day of exploring Antigua.
The Purpose Hostel
Finally, one of the best hostels in Antigua, Guatemala is The Purpose Hostel. It’s centrally located in Antigua, just a short walk away from the best tourist attractions, restaurants, and bars.
If you’re looking for a comfortable and affordable place to stay in Antigua, this is a great option. This hostel has dorm rooms as well as private rooms with shared bathrooms. Some rooms are equipped with desks if you need to get some work done. There’s also a great rooftop terrace where you can hang out and relax.
Best Hostels in Antigua, Guatemala
This guide showed you the best hostels in Antigua, Guatemala.
To recap, my top three picks for where to stay are:
- Best overall: Ojala
- Best party hostel: Tropicana Hostel
- Best for working: Selina
Have a great trip and enjoy your stay in Antigua!
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