South America Hostels
See our list of favourite hostels in South America below.
A big part of the backpacking lifestyle is where you stay and the people you cross paths with.
Whilst we mostly think about planning where to go and what to see, we don’t usually think too much about where we’ll stay until we’re almost here (or sometimes literally as we arrive).
However where you stay will be a big factor in your experience there, and take it from us – you don’t want to spend your time in a dingy, unsafe hostel with nothing going for it.
South America Hostels
In this guide we’ll explore everything regarding hostels in South America.
This includes why to stay in them, hostel etiquette as well as looking at some of the best hostels you can stay in South America.
Why Stay in a hostel in South America?
As backpackers we tend to stay in hostels because they offer a low-cost way of getting our heads down for the night.
But believe it or not, there are other reasons!
Let’s start this off by reminding ourselves why we stay in hostels:
Socialising
First it’s important to mention there’s no “right way” of backpacking and meeting people. I myself (George) prefer to meet locals when traveling, so obviously it’s a little more difficult to do so in a hostel.
However in general it’s a good place to start where you’ll meet interesting people from all over the world with a common interest or “mission”.
Hostels help you get connected quickly, with lots of open spaces, kitchens, pools, dorm rooms etc to make friends and start making plans for your stay.
Low Cost
Whilst budget may not be important for all travellers, it’s definitely more of a consideration for backpackers, and especially those traveling long-term.
Staying in a dorm room is one of the cheapest ways to keep costs down, with some costing as little as $4 for a night.
Also if you decide to stay longer (say more than one or two weeks) and you get to know the staff and owners, you may also even be able to get a discount on top of this already low-cost option!
Good Reference Point
By this we’re talking geographically. Most hostels (especially the more recognised and widespread brands) always look to locate themselves in the best areas.
This may be next to the beach, in the popular area of the city, near an important landmark etc.
Aside from being close to everything which is also an advantage, you’ll find it much easier to get acquainted with your surroundings and starting a building a solid reference point as you go and explore during your day. This makes it way less likely to get lost when coming back.
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Hostels in South America
Now let’s look at where is best to stay in each major city in South America.
We’ve explored all options, their facilities as well as drawing from our own experiences to provide our top recommendations below. So without further ado let’s take a look.
Republica Hostel Bogota
Hostel Features:
- Safe Neighbourhood
- Fresh Feel
- Great for Relaxing
Republica is one of our top picks for a stay in Bogotá. Located in the more upscale and safe district of Quinta Camacho, it’s close to lots of nightlife options as well as boutique cafes and shops.
The hostel itself has a very relaxing feel, with plants decorated throughout, and also a stunning old English architectural design which is a lot different from that found in most of the rest of the capital.
- 🏠 Address: Cra. 12 ##68-28, Bogotá, Colombia
- 🏘 Neighbourhood: Quinta Camacho
- 🚌 Nearest bus station: Flores
Los Patios Hostel Medellin
Hostel Features:
- Social Atmosphere
- Very Authentic
- Great Location
Los Patios is hands-down the best hostel for culture and atmosphere in Medellin. This multicultural hub is equipped with modern dorm-rooms and private rooms, as well as large open spaces and sleek lounges. It was ranked the best Large Hostel in the World in 2020, and for good reason!
- 🏠 Address: Cra. 43E #11 – 40, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
- 🏘 Neighbourhood: El Poblado
- 🚌 Nearest bus station: Poblado
Selina Miraflores Lima
Hostel Features:
- Social Atmosphere
- Good Value
- Great Location
Located in the trendy and safe district of Miraflores, Selina is the perfect place for socialising. With an on-site bar and daily group activities, you’ll feel right at home within a bustling district of Lima with tonnes of things to do and see.
- 🏠 Address: Calle Alcanfores 465, Mira 15074
- 🏘 Neighbourhood: Miraflores
- 🚌 Nearest bus station: Benavides
Kokopelli Hostel Cusco
Hostel Features:
- Perfect Location
- Social Atmosphere
- Solid Breakfast Included
Kokopelli was made for backpackers. This social hostel is perfect for meeting people, has very cheap dorm beds as well as an incredible buffet-style breakfast included in the price. It’s also just a couple of blocks from the Plaza de Armas – the heart of Cusco.
- 🏠 Address: San Andres 260, Cusco 08002
- 🏘 Neighbourhood: Centro Histórico
- 🚌 Nearest bus station: Terminal de Buses
Hostel Revolution Quito
Hostel Features:
- Good Value
- Close to Historical Centre
- Authentic Colonial Building
Hostel Revolution is one of the best located hostels in Quito. It’s sandwiched between the Historic Centre and La Mariscal, two of the most popular districts to explore. It’s a quieter hostel which is best for those looking to spend most of their time relaxing and exploring the city, and having it as the perfect base-camp to return to.
- 🏠 Address: Los Rios 11 y, Quito 170136, Ecuador
- 🏘 Neighbourhood: La Mariscal
- 🚌 Nearest bus station: Ecovia
El Nómada Hostel Asunción
Hostel Features:
- Perfect Location
- Relaxed Natural Setting
- Free Breakfast Included
A sleek yet peaceful hostel, El Nómada is located perfectly in the centre of Asunción, close to many of the street markets and important landmarks. With a range of both dorm beds and private rooms, this hostel is a great pick with its natural setting, pool and free breakfast included.
- 🏠 Address: Iturbe 1156, Asunción, Paraguay
- 🏘 Neighbourhood: Catedral
- 🚌 Nearest bus station: Teniente Fariña Street Bus Stop
Viajero hostel Montevideo
Hostel Features:
- Good Social Atmosphere
- Central Location
- Good Range of Sleeping Options
Located in the heart of Montevideo, Viajero House is one of the best located hostels in the capital, close to all of the must-see landmarks and attractions. Viajero has a cool and fun atmosphere, with an on-site bar and live music most nights of the week.
- 🏠 Address: Soriano 1073, 11100 Montevideo, Uruguay
- 🏘 Neighbourhood: Sección 1
- 🚌 Nearest bus station: 18 de Julio Bus Stop
HI-Onkel-Inn-1886
Hostel Features:
- High-Quality Refurbished Hostel
- Safe Area
- Close to Major Sights
Located in an awesome, refurbished colonial house, Hi-Onkel-Inn is one of the best hostels to stay in the Bolivian Capital. Not only is it close to some of La Paz’s best bustling markets and plazas, this hostel has also been awarded with the HI Quality Sign – making it one of the best and safest hostels in all of Bolivia.
- 🏠 Address: Galeria Colonial, Calle Colombia, La Paz, Bolivia
- 🏘 Neighbourhood: Belén
- 🚌 Nearest bus station: Prado Bus Stop
Milhouse Hostel Avenue Buenos Aires
Hostel Features:
- Best Social Hostel
- Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff
- Good Location
Milhouse Hostel is arguably the best social hostel in Buenos Aires. With events every night and hostel-hosted activities such as league football games and walking tours, you’ll certainly be busy here. It’s also located in a great area too. Milhouse also has relatively cheap dorm beds making it one of the best options for backpackers.
- 🏠 Address: Av. de Mayo 1245, C1085 CABA, Argentina
- 🏘 Neighbourhood: Retiro Retiro
- 🚌 Nearest bus station: Avenida de Mayo
Hostal Forestal Santiago de Chile
Hostel Features:
- Nice Location
- More Intimate Feel
- Good Value
Hostal Forestal is located right next to the Parque Forestal and Mapocho River, making it a great place to wind down and relax with nature at your doorstep. It’s small yet intimate feel means it’s a great place to meet people and find your feet when arriving in the Chilean Capital.
- 🏠 Address: Coronel Santiago Bueras 122, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile
- 🏘 Neighbourhood: Bellavista
- 🚌 Nearest bus station: Plaza Italia
Books Hostel Rio de Janeiro
Hostel Features:
- Best for Social Atmosphere
- Great Location
- Decent Breakfast Included
The best hostel to stay in Lapa when heading to Rio. Not only is it well connected, but Books Hostel is also located close to the beach, with many interesting attractions nearby. The hostel itself is perfect for those who love a lively atmosphere, with the infamous Books Bar full of different Caipirinhas and other Brazilian specialties.
- 🏠 Address: R. Francisco Muratóri, 10 – Santa Teresa
- 🏘 Neighbourhood: Lapa
- 🚌 Nearest bus station: Cinelandia
O-de-Casa-Hostel-Bar Sao Paulo
Hostel Features:
- Authentic Vibe
- Great Breakfast
- Perfect Location
O de Casa Hostel is the perfect place to base yourself when in São Paulo. Located along Vila Madalena, it’s a great area to get more of an authentic Brazilian atmosphere. The hostel has a great traditional breakfast included, with a more relaxed and chill atmosphere here.
- 🏠 Address: R. Inácio Pereira da Rocha, 385 – Pinheiros
- 🏘 Neighbourhood: Pinheiros
- 🚌 Nearest bus station: Rua Inácio Pereira da Rocha
Hostel Etiquette
When staying in hostels in South America there are some basic rules/etiquette that you can follow that can help make your stay more comfortable not just for you but for other travelers you may be sharing with.
Tip 1: Late-Night Dorm Respect
It’s easy to forget that everyone else also has busy itineraries, with other travellers who may have just arrived after a long bus or flight.
This is why it’s important to respect those trying to rest and not making noise or turning lights on at an unacceptable time.
We’d say anything after 10pm would start to annoy others. Just put yourself in the place of someone who wants to rest and you’ll see what we mean.
Tip 2: Sex in Dorm Rooms
We’re all human and love a good lovemakin’ every now and then.
However, the person sleeping underneath perhaps doesn’t want to hear everything, so it’s best to get a private room or go elsewhere in this case.
Sometimes dorm rooms do have sheets, and if there’s nobody else in the room then it’s really up to you. Again use common sense here and remember to respect others.
Tip 3: Bring Padlocks
This one is probably one of the most important on this list.
Whilst most tips focus on not being “that guy or girl”, this one is more focused on keeping your things safe. Whilst it’s true that most people are in hostels to travel and have fun, there is always the risk of someone deciding to pinch some of your things.
And even then someone may try to break in and steal what he or she can find. It’s always best to keep your things in a locker with a padlock, or at the very least with your bags locked up next to your bed.
Tip 4: Have your own Shower Gel Handy
Of course backpacking is a cheaper way of traveling, but this doesn’t mean totally free or use whatever you can find.
This seems to be a more common problem where people “borrow” others’ shower gel, so always have your own and not use anyone else’s. Nuff’ said.
Tip 5: Keep Things Clean
Rounding off our list is the same thing we were all taught in school; keep your area clean!
I always remember what a friend told me which is to act as if you’re a ninja, in that you leave the space exactly as you found it before you got there.
This includes the dorm room, bathroom, kitchen and other shared areas.
You probably wouldn’t be too impressed having just arrived to find everything dirty, so let’s not make it like that for someone else.
Why follow Hostel Etiquette?
Following these guidelines will not only help you make friends and be less of an asshole, but will also prevent any arguments or further along the line problems from taking place. We’re all here to explore and have fun remember.
Hostels in South America
And that’s all for our guide to hostels in South America!
Here we’ve covered some important points regarding hostels, including their advantages as well as basic etiquette to follow when staying in them.
We’ve also explored 12 of the best hostels in South America. We’re confident that they’ll give you a great base to explore each city and have a great time.
By staying in these hostels, you’ll then have a good reference point to then start exploring each country and moving around.
See this page on budget travel in South America to get yourself prepared for your trip.
👉🏽 P.S. If you’ve found this guide helpful, buy us a coffee here to say thanks! Or, support us by downloading our South America Travel Bible to get our best content.
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