I’ve said this before many years ago and I still stand by it: for adventurous souls who want to dip their toes into backpacking, Mexico is the perfect place to start. I go in-depth about why it’s so great for new backpackers in this post, but we’ll dive right into another reason right now. The hostel scene in Mexico is world-class. Mexico is already an affordable country, and staying in hostels will save you even more money. Best of all, these hostels in Mexico deliver unforgettable travel experiences while still being budget-friendly. As a backpacker, few countries out there top Mexico.

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And hey, if this post helps you out, show some love and support for the blog and help keep my adventures going by buying me a beer! My adventures are entirely self-funded, so any show of support is greatly appreciated. It allows me to keep providing free travel guides and creating travel content to help you all travel the world.

Puerta Vieja Hostel – San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas

I can’t say enough good things about Puerta Vieja. I stayed here for over a month and it has become a second home to me. Where do I even begin with Puerta Vieja? First of all, dorms start at $8 a night. That’s pretty standard for Mexico. Oh wait. That includes breakfast, dinner, and two nights of free cocktails per week. You don’t just get a piece of toast and some jam for breakfast either. You get fed here, and they accommodate to vegetarians, vegans, and even gluten-free people. Dinner is always something new, but the pizza nights are unbeatable.

The dorms are cozy and each bed has curtains for extra privacy. Private rooms work out to around $20 a night, which can honestly be cheaper if you have two friends to split it with. And yes, each one of you still gets the free breakfast and dinner every day. Yes, I know what you’re thinking, but no, there isn’t a catch. This hostel is just unbeatable, from its perfect location, social events, and incredible value.

The Ultimate San Cristobal de las Casas Bucket List: 50 Things To Do

Casa Angel Hostel – Oaxaca de Juarez, Oaxaca

Oaxaca is a must-visit destination for anyone going to Mexico. It might be my favorite place in the entire country, boasting beautiful scenery, cultural activities, and the arguably the best food in Mexico. A good home base for exploring this city is essential, and I didn’t find anywhere better than Casa Angel. I’ve stayed at Casa Angel several times now, including for my birthday back in 2018. It has a great social atmosphere, and any given night, there’ll be something going on at the rooftop bar with beautiful views of Oaxaca City.

The Complete Travel Guide to Oaxaca City

Casa Caracol – Xilitla, San Luis Potosi

Casa Caracol is one of the coolest hostels I stayed at in Mexico. The entire property has a super chill vibe to it, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature in a calm, tranquil setting. You can stay in a cabin or in a teepee, with both private and shared options. Best of all, it’s right across from the famed Edward James Surrealist Garden. This mystical castle in the jungle feels like Alice in Wonderland meets Lord of the Rings. I had the best psychedelic adventure of my life while I was in Xilitla, and staying at Casa Caracol absolutely augmented the experience.

A Guide To Visiting Xilitla, San Luis Potosi

Hostal Leonora – Puebla, Puebla

This hostel is set in a historic 17th century building that will make you feel like a princess. Right in the heart of colonial Puebla, staying here puts you right in the action of arguably Mexico’s most beautiful big city. You can truly feel the history breathing through the walls and floors of Hostal Leonora. This is just one of those hostels that you have to stay at to understand what I’m trying to say. This hostel could be a museum.

Vivo Escondido – Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca

This hostel was one of my favorites when I first backpacked through Mexico. Although Puerto Escondido has exploded in popularity, therefore bringing in newer, fancier hostels, Vivo Escondido will always have a place in my heart. This small hostel located close to Playa Carrizalillo is special. It has all the amenities you’ll need for a beach getaway, like a swimming pool, bar, and rooftop terrace overlooking the ocean. Most importantly, Vivo Escondido has that hostel vibe and culture that is essential and inimitable.

The Backpacker’s Complete Guide to Puerto Escondido

Ekko Hostel – Tepoztlan, Morelos

If you want a few days of peace, quiet, and mountain views, go to Ekko Hostel in Tepoztlan. It is easily one of the best hidden gems of a hostel in Mexico. Just over an hour south of Mexico City, the pueblo magico of Tepoztlan serves as a popular weekend getaway from the big city life. It is well-known among Mexican tourists, but for international travelers, it’s still relatively unknown.

Ekko Hostel is one of the only hostels in the town, but dang, is it a good one. Their massive backyard offers an unobstructed view of the mountains that can’t be beat. While a little pricier, you get your money’s worth at Ekko Hostel. I never mind paying a little more for accommodation that takes extra care in being eco-friendly and sustainable. This is the perfect hostel to chill out, read a book, and connect with nature. It is about a 20-minute walk to the main part of town, which is the only downside. A colectivo can get you to and from the village for less than 10 pesos, though.

The Backpacker’s Guide to Tepoztlan, Morelos

Cabanas Balamjuyuc – Mazunte, Oaxaca

Thank god that not all Mexican beach destinations are as pricy as Tulum, right? Although the dorm beds start at $7 a night, Cabanas Balamjuyuc boasts a view that you can’t put a price on. Overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean, this place is pure bliss. Lazing the day away in their hammocks while sipping on avocado smoothies was how we spent most of our days until it cooled down enough to head to the beach to play volleyball. Be warned, though. The hike back up from the beach is one heck of a climb.

The Backpacker’s Guide to Mazunte, Oaxaca

Bohostel MX – Guadalajara, Jalisco

This is one of the nicest hostels I’ve ever stayed at. I’m talking worldwide, not just in Mexico. It is clean, modern, and aesthetic af. Located right in the heart of Guadalajara’s bustling Chapultepec district, you’ll find some of the city’s best restaurants, bars, and clubs. For my fellow digital nomads and remote workers, you won’t find a better hostel in Guadalajara. Bohostel is further outside of the historic city center, but Ubers are cheap. It takes about 45 minutes to walk there, but the walk is nice and you’ll run into a few attractions along the way.

The hostel has everything you could want from your home base in Guadalajara. That includes a common kitchen, a library, common areas, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city. It doesn’t get much better than Bohostel.

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Che Nomadas – Merida

Merida can get unbearably hot, and the highlight of Nomadas is its massive swimming pool. I don’t think I’ve sweat anywhere in Mexico as much as I did in Merida, and that is an achievement. Close to all the action of Merida’s historic center, this hostel is an ideal home base for exploring this beautiful city and the surrounding wonders of the Yucatan. It seems like it’s been purchased by the Che chain recently, but if they manage it like they manage their Q.Roo properties, then I know this hostel is in good hands.

Bonita Escondida – Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca

This is the hostel that’s currently taking Puerto Escondido by storm. While I stayed loyal to my beloved Vivo Escondido, all I heard my last time in Puerto was people raving about how great Bonita was. I try to do my part in supporting the little guys, but with how popular Puerto Escondido has become, it’s hard to slow the rapid development. Money talks, and Bonita Escondida clearly has the money to put together a beast of a hostel. This place is luxury at a backpacker’s budget. With a convenient location close to the nightlife of La Punta, it’s definitely a partier’s hostel. Most of the people I met who were staying at Bonita were a bit too frat bro-ey for me, but it is what it is.

Selina Puerto Escondido – Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca

As much as I prefer staying in locally-owned hostels, Selina in Puerto Escondido was just undeniably a cut above the rest. It’s the only place along the beach that has reliable Wi-Fi, so I found myself squatting at their cafe before eventually deciding to just stay there. It’s located right on Zicatela Beach, although a bit further away from the nightlife and action of La Punta. For digital nomads trying to call Puerto Escondido home, Selina is a great place to stay, relax, and work.

The Best Places to Work Remotely in Mexico

Hostel Che – Tulum, Quintana Roo

Tulum has exploded in popularity as Mexico’s premier destination. I stayed at a few hostels in Tulum, and Hostel Che is one of the only ones that has managed to retain the backpacker vibe. Hostel Che has been renowned among the backpacker trail long before Tulum’s recent boom in popularity, so it is a tried-and-true hostel for travelers of all paths.

The Backpacker’s Guide to Tulum

Hostal Mundo Joven Catedral – Mexico City

I’ve stayed at Hostal Mundo Joven Catedral twice and had contrasting experiences. The first time I stayed here, I absolutely loved it. The hostel had a great breakfast and a beautiful terrace overlooking the Zocalo. The hostel organized tours and it was easy to meet people and make friends. The volunteers would take us all out, whether it was to a Lucha Libre match or a walking tour. The second time I stayed here, it didn’t really have that social atmosphere anymore. Maybe it was just a slow few days, but for that unforgettable first stay, I’ll give it the benefit of the doubt. If you come to Mexico City for sightseeing, then this hostel is perfect, both for its location and its organized tours.

How To Spend Three Days in Mexico City

Tribu Hostel – Isla Holbox

Isla Holbox, although rapidly growing in popularity, is still one of Mexico’s best alternative beach destinations. I first visited in 2017 during the low season, and it was the perfect beach getaway after the craziness of Cancun. I stayed at Tribu Hostel, a beautiful property steps away from the beach. Tribu also organizes activities, from sightseeing tours to yoga classes. For a more wholesome experience after the wild nightlife of Cancun, stay at Tribu Hostel.

Hostal Casa Taxco – Taxco de Alarcon, Guerrero

In a few years, I can see Taxco becoming one of Mexico’s most popular travel destinations. I came to Taxco on a whim. I was growing more comfortable with just winging my way around Mexico and I just hopped on a random bus to see where it would take me. It took me to Taxco, which quickly became one of my favorite small cities in Mexico. I stayed at Hostal Casa Taxco, steps away from the city center and with a stunning panoramic view from their terrace.

The Backpacker’s Guide to Taxco de Alarcon

Casa Lupita Homestay – Guanajuato, Guanajuato

Guanajuato didn’t have much of a hostel scene while I was there. There were a few hostels, but none of them really stood out. The best one I stayed at was Casa Lupita Homestay. It had a great location and had a cozy, family-run vibe. It is a bit smaller, and didn’t have much of a social vibe outside of the common kitchen. However, if you’re looking to chill out for a couple of days, it is perfect.

The Backpacker’s Guide to Guanajuato City

Mayan Monkey Hostel – Tulum, Quintana Roo

Dang, is this place nice. It almost feels illegal for a hostel to be this nice. It’s one of the best values you could ask for in Tulum. A lot of places boast luxury on a backpacker budget, but Mayan Monkey actually delivers. The rooms are nice, the common areas are nice, and the pool, bar, and outdoor areas can’t be beat. You could laze your entire day away at Mayan Monkey and not feel guilty about it. The only downside is that it is a bit of a walk to both the beach and Tulum town, but the hostel rents bicycles that can take care of that problem real quick.

The Complete Guide To Traveling Tulum on a Budget

The Beehive Experience – Tulum, Quintana Roo

Just outside of Tulum town is the massive wellness center of Holistika. This is the place to be if you want to immerse yourself in nature, art, and peace. This place is hippie luxury lifestyle at its peak. Thankfully, they also have dorm room options, known as The Beehive Experience. Although pricy, starting at a whopping $60 per night for a bed in a shared dorm, this can be your treat yo’self moment.

Cielito de Maria Hostal – Zacatecas, Zacatecas

Zacatecas is an often-overlooked travel destination. I visited for a few days, and the Pink City was absolutely worth the visit. The historic city center is one of the most beautiful in Mexico, with many of its buildings and churches built out of the pink stone unique to Zacatecas. I stayed right next to the main plaza in a beautiful colonial building turned hostel called Cielito de Maria. There aren’t many hostels to choose from, as Zacatecas isn’t really on the backpacker trail quite yet, but Cielito de Maria was a fantastic home.

The Backpacker’s Guide to Zacatecas

Posada del Abuelito – San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas

While Puerta Vieja is far and away the best hostel in San Cristobal, that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few worthy runner-ups. Posada del Abuelito was a great home base for my first few days in San Cristobal. It is in a quieter neighborhood but still just a short walk away from the city center. For some peace and tranquility, Posada del Abuelito is an excellent hostel.

The Backpacker’s Guide to San Cristobal de las Casas

Hostal La Isla – San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas

Another of my favorite hostels in San Cristobal is La Isla. For $10 a night, I had a private room here with a view overlooking the mountains. The cats, Greta and Leon, also always slept in my room, so that was a big plus. The hostel has more of a hippie vibe, but the community is very cozy and tight knit. It’s got a great location close to everything, and the value is unbeatable.

My Family in Monterrey – Monterrey, Nuevo Leon

While Monterrey may not be on the usual backpacker trail, it is definitely a city worth visiting. The mountains surrounding Monterrey are among the most beautiful in Mexico. The city itself is vibrant and exciting, with top-notch nightlife and a beautiful historic center. Right in the colonial center, you’ll find My Family in Monterrey, a hostel that just opened this year but already gets everything right. If your travels take you through Monterrey, definitely stop by.

The Backpacker’s Guide to Monterrey

Hostal La Vie En Rose – Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes

Aguascalientes doesn’t get much international tourism, but this small city ended up being one of my favorites in Mexico. While big enough to have everything you need, it doesn’t quite have the chaos of somewhere like Guadalajara or Mexico City. The hostel I stayed at here was Hostal La Vie En Rose. I was the only guest for the three nights I was there so I basically had an entire mansion to myself. Like I said, Aguascalientes goes quite overlooked. However, this hostel is a great home even if you just plan on stopping by for a day or two.

Selina – Tulum, Quintana Roo

The only hostel that I’d recommend on Tulum’s beach is Selina. I stayed at a cheaper one and man, was it awful. While pricy, Selina delivers all the luxury that you could want from a holiday in Tulum, as long as you don’t mind sharing a room. Tulum’s Zona Hotelera can be absolute chaos getting to and from so it helps a lot if you stay on the strip itself. For nightlife and beach days, I can’t deny that Selina is a great place to stay, even if Tulum wasn’t particularly my favorite.

El Mexa Hostel – Santiago de Queretaro, Queretaro

Queretaro might be one of the most underrated cities in Mexico. I visited Queretaro after San Miguel de Allende, and was shocked at how few tourists there were for a city arguably just as beautiful as San Miguel. I came mostly to check out Pena de Bernal, but ended up staying for a few days enjoying the laid-back vibes of the historic city center. I stayed at El Mexa Hostel which puts you in walking distance of all the attractions of the colonial city center. The hostel is spacious, clean, and very budget-friendly.

A Guide to Visiting Pena de Bernal, Queretaro

Shop My Complete Mexico Itinerary

Be sure to check out my complete Mexico backpacking itinerary, a jam-packed 77-page guide covering 33 of my favorite destinations in magical Mexico.

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If this post helped you out, show some love and support for the blog and help keep my adventures going by buying me a beer! My adventures are entirely self-funded, so any show of support is greatly appreciated, and allows me to keep writing helpful travel guides and creating travel content to help you all travel the world on a budget.

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