BEST Hostels in Oaxaca for Backpackers! (2023 Guide)
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Looking for the best hostels in Oaxaca? You’re in the right place!
Oaxaca City (pronounced wa-ha-ka) was one of our favourite places in Mexico. Not only is it great for budget backpackers, but it’s full of local traditions, culture and authentic Mexican food.
If you’re visiting Oaxaca for the first time, staying in a hostel is the best way to do it. This way you’ll get to know the area, be in a good location close to the main square and save money (hostels in Oaxaca are cheap!)
In the following post, I outline everything there is to know about some of the best hostels in Oaxaca. From the vibe and atmosphere to the facilities like air conditioning and wifi, and the all-important price.
NOTE: This post is about Oaxaca City, not the whole state of Oaxaca. Click here if you’re looking for the best hostels in Puerto Escondido (also in Oaxaca).
So, let’s get down to the best hostels in Oaxaca in 2022!
Other Oaxaca posts:
- Is Puerto Escondido Safe? Solo Female Travellers Advice (2022)
- Oaxaca Day of the Dead: Insider Guide + Tips For 2023!
- Can You Drink The Water In Oaxaca? 2023 Updates
- What To Wear in Oaxaca (That Isn’t Ugly) 2023 Guide
- How To Get From Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido (2022 Guide)
Best Hostels in Oaxaca
Make sure you have travel insurance to have extra peace of mind when staying in hostels in Oaxaca! As a previous solo female traveller myself, I always use SafetyWing for insurance. They have the best cover for backpackers, and signing up is easy! You can check out their cover here.
Oaxaca Area Guide
If you’re backpacking Mexico and visiting Oaxaca for the first time, it’s likely you will stay in one of three areas. These three areas include:
Not sure which area to stay in? Don’t worry, Oaxaca is walkable. We didn’t get in a single taxi throughout our time there, as the streets are safe and easy to walk around. But if you’re unsure, stick to Centro Oaxaca.
- Oaxaca Centro Historico (and Downtown)
- Jalatlaco
- Xochimilco
Throughout this post, I’ve listed where each hostel is in relation to these three main areas.
1. El Cielo Oaxaca
😀 Best for: backpackers and couples who want to be in the centre of Oaxaca, with a low-key socialising option as well as party vibes
⭐️ Overall Rating: 8.8 (Fabulous)
📍 Location: Centro Oaxaca
💸 Budget: Low (£)
🥳 Hostel vibe: A mix of socialising and relaxing
❄️ Air conditioning: No
💻 Wifi: Strong
🍽 Kitchen: Yes
🏊♀️ Facilities/extras: Swimming pool, onsite bar, large communal and co-working areas, additional paid breakfast, bike hire
🏖️ What’s nearby?: The main attractions in Oaxaca. El Cielo is only a 5 minute walk from Zocalo, as well as Jalatlaco (although in the other direction).
Find out more on Hostelworld.com.
El Cielo is the perfect hostel for first-timers in Oaxaca. It’s centrally located, safe, easy to get to from the ADO bus station and has everything you need! The staff are super friendly and welcoming, and go out of their way to make sure you feel comfortable.
You also get a free shot of mezcal on arrival (if you want it!) which is always good!
If you need to work, there’s a large co-working space. The wifi isn’t the best in the dorm rooms, but works well in the communal areas.
The private room we stayed in in El Cielo was one of our favourites in Oaxaca – it was more of a mini apartment! We had our own dining space as well as en suite and bedroom, and really could not have asked for more.
El Cielo is our first choice for backpackers and couples who want a mix of socialising, activities and relaxing.
2. Casa Angel Hostel
😀 Best for: young backpackers who want to socialise, party and meet new people to explore with
⭐️ Overall Rating:9.1 (Superb)
📍 Location: Centro, a 5-minute walk from Santo Domingo Church
💸 Budget: Low (£)
🥳 Hostel vibe: Young, party hostel
❄️ Air conditioning: No
💻 Wifi: Strong
🍽 Kitchen: Yes
🏊♀️ Facilities/extras: onsite bar, board games, games room, deluxe pods, modern decor, large communal co-working area, yoga classes, walking tours, BBQs, happy hours, salsa class and mezcal experiences.
🏖️ What’s nearby?: The main square and tourist attractions of Oaxaca.
Find out more on Hostelworld.com.
“Definitely a place to party, not to sleep.” – Hostelworld.com review, 2022.
Casa Angel is the best hostel in Oaxaca if you’re a backpacker who wants to party. It’s open to all ages, but the majority of backpackers staying here are 24 and under.
The rooftop bar plays music until the early hours, and organises events outside of the hostel if needed. Most people are here to party, so you can easily get swept up into it if you want to!
Casa Angel also organise mezcal experiences, salsa classes, happy hours and yoga classes, so becoming bored isn’t really an option!
Stay at Casa Angel if you want to party, drink mezcal and meet other like-minded backpackers who like dancing into the early hours of the morning.
3. Ticuchi Hostel
😀 Best for: couples and backpackers in Oaxaca who want a mix of socialising and drinking.
⭐️ Overall Rating: 9.4 (Superb)
📍 Location: Downtown Oaxaca, 5 blocks from the Zocalo
💸 Budget: Low (£)
🥳 Hostel vibe: A mix of socialising and relaxing
❄️ Air conditioning: No
💻 Wifi: Strong
🍽 Kitchen: Yes
🏊♀️ Facilities/extras: pods with a curtain, large outdoor space, ping pong table, large lockers, swimming pool, organised events, armchairs, BBQs, onsite bar.
🏖️ What’s nearby?: This hostel is in downtown Oaxaca, which is about a 5-7 minute walk to the main Zocalo. It is an area full of locals and traditional Mexican markets, with less backpackers and touists. However, the main tourist areas are nearby.
Find out more on Hostelworld.com.
Usually fully booked, this hostel is the perfect place to meet new people and socialise. If you want cheap drinks, the bar is cheap, and is right next to the pool with music playing throughout the day.
The staff at Ticuchi are friendly and welcoming, and will help with any activities or tours you wish to do. It’s also located just a short walk from the centre of Oaxaca, making it a popular place to stay for backpackers.
Ticuchi is the perfect hostel for socialising but not needing to stay out until 6 in the morning!
4. Iguana Hostel Oaxaca
😀 Best for: backpackers who want to meet new people and socialise with cocktails and beer.
⭐️ Overall Rating: 9 (Superb)
📍 Location: Centro
💸 Budget: Low (£)
🥳 Hostel vibe: A mix of socialising and partying
❄️ Air conditioning: No
💻 Wifi: Strong
🍽 Kitchen: Yes
🏊♀️ Facilities/extras: onsite rooftop bar and breakfast available. Large communal areas for co-working.
🏖️ What’s nearby?: The main square and tourist attractions of Oaxaca.
Find out more on Hostelworld.com.
Iguana Hostel is a great place to stay during your time in Oaxaca. With an optional homemade Mexican breakfast each morning, and organised activities on the rooftop each night, the atmosphere is friendly and social.
Similar to the city of Oaxaca itself, the hostel is bright, colourful and sunny. Although the rooms are basic, the shared facitilies are excellent and well-maintained.
Iguana has a chilled vibe, with a rooftop bar that sells cheap beer and delicious cockails. It’s a great place to meet other people, has a fun atmosphere and is good value for money!
5. Hostal Central
😀 Best for: digital nomads in Oaxaca
⭐️ Overall Rating: 9.8 (Superb)
📍 Location: Downtown Oaxaca, a few blocks from the Zocalo
💸 Budget: Medium (££)
🥳 Hostel vibe: Chilled and relaxed
❄️ Air conditioning: No
💻 Wifi: Strong
🍽 Kitchen: Yes
🏊♀️ Facilities/extras: TV room, large communal spaces, high-speed wifi, free city tour, maps, board games
🏖️ What’s nearby?: This hostel is in downtown Oaxaca, which is about a 5-7 minute walk to the main Zocalo. It is an area full of locals and traditional Mexican markets, with less backpackers and touists. However, the main tourist areas are nearby.
Find out more on Hostelworld.com.
Hostal Central is the perfect hostel in Oaxaca for digital nomads. With large shared areas and services that include an outdoor garden, a dining area with a daily breakfast, a large shared kitchen and even a TV room with Netflix and Youtube.
The wifi is strong and reliable, and the communal spaces are great for making calls working online. There are also a couple of co-working cafes if you fancy changing up your work desk.
It’s important to note that Hostal Central is a *tad* more expensive than some of the other hostels in the area, and it is in downtown Oaxaca, a few blocks from the main centre.
6. Azul Cielo
😀 Best for: backpackers who want to relax, learn Spanish and enjoy the culture and traditions of Oaxaca.
⭐️ Overall Rating: 8.9 (Fabulous)
📍 Location: Centro (a 5-10 minute walk to Zocalo)
💸 Budget: Low (£)
🥳 Hostel vibe: Chilled
❄️ Air conditioning: No
💻 Wifi: Strong
🍽 Kitchen: Yes
🏊♀️ Facilities/extras: rooftop terrace, board games, activities, onsite bar, yoga classes, Spanish classes, free bikes, complimentary Mexican breakfast.
🏖️ What’s nearby?: The main square and tourist attractions of Oaxaca.
Find out more on Hostelworld.com.
Azul Cielo is a vibrant yet relaxed hostel just 10 minutes from the main square in Oaxaca. It’s perfect for couples and backpackers who want to enjoy Oaxaca without the endless nights of partying.
An added touch is the free Mexican breakfast, where everyone sits together and socialises. It’s also a great way to organise any tours or activities with the people in your hostel if you’re a solo backpacker.
One of my favourite things about Azul Cielo is the chance to take Spanish lessons. If you’re backpacking Mexico, Spanish is way more important than you’d think. Take advantage of this hostel and book in for some lessons whilst you stay!
7. Niyana
😀 Best for: spiritual backpackers
⭐️ Overall Rating: 9.5 (Superb)
📍 Location: Centro
💸 Budget: High (£££)
🥳 Hostel vibe: eco-friendly, chilled and spiritual hostel.
❄️ Air conditioning: No
💻 Wifi: Strong
🍽 Kitchen: Yes
🏊♀️ Facilities/extras: Dry toilet, ecofilter, rainwater harvesting, solar heaters, composting, recycling, outdoor terrace and patio, unique room decor, rooftop.
🏖️ What’s nearby?: The main square and tourist attractions of Oaxaca.
Find out more on Hostelworld.com.
Niyana is a biocultural house stemmed from its Oaxacan roots. Each room represents one of the ancestral communities of Oaxaca, with unique furniture, textiles and finishes.
Niyana is also an eco-friendly accommodation, so they use dry toilets in the bathrooms to save and respect the natural cycles of water.
The hostel is located in downtown Oaxaca close to Zocalo and Jalatlaco, making it the perfect place to stay if you want something a little ‘outside the box’. It’s definitely different, but it’s an experience!
Other hostels in Oaxaca
If none of these hostels in Oaxaca interest you, or they are all fully booked, I also recommend the following:
- El Jardin Surfista Guesthouse (9.9 Superb)
- La Villada Inn Hostel (9.4 Superb)
- Hostal Luz de Luna Nuyoo (9.2 Superb)
You can check your dates and prices using the widget below!
What to pack for your hostel in Oaxaca
Staying in hostels? Don’t forget to pack:
- A padlock: to keep your valuables secure when you leave your hostel room.
- A hanging wash bag: to make sure all your toiletries are kept in one place, and won’t get confused with anyone else!
- Speakers: because, well, who doesn’t love music? Just make sure everyone in your room gets a chance to pick a song! (And no one minds you playing the music)
- A microfibre towel: Not all hostels will provide you with towels for free. Bring your own to save extra ££.
- Earphones: for loud nights and disruptions to your sleep.
- Flip flops: if you’re using shared showers.
- Eyemask: for uninterrupted sleep.
- World travel adapter or an extension lead: so you’re not using more than one plug!
- Your laptop or tablet: for movie nights, of course! 🍿
Where is Oaxaca?
Oaxaca is in southwestern Mexico. It is around a 6-7 hour ADO bus journey from Mexico City. It is bordered by Guerrero on the west, and Chiapas on the east.
Most backpackers visit Oaxaca for authentic Mexican cuisine, local traditions and late-night parties (it is the home of Mezcal after all – which, if you’re wondering, is incredibly strong in Oaxaca!). We were in Oaxaca City for Day of the Dead festival, and it was one of the craziest and most fun festivals we’ve ever been to!
How much does it cost to stay in a hostel in Oaxaca City?
Oaxaca is one of the cheapest locations in Mexico for backpackers. Dorm rooms start at just £3 ($5) a night, and average at around £11 ($13).
Even private rooms are affordable in Oaxaca for budget backpackers, with some as low as £30 per night (depending on the time of year).
Is Oaxaca safe for solo female travellers?
According to Lonely Planet, Oaxaca is one of the safest states in Mexico to visit. Throughout our time in Oaxaca City, I felt safe. This includes walking around by myself at night and during the day.
In general, yes Oaxaca is safe for solo female travellers. But like anywhere else in the world, you need to use common sense and be aware of your surroundings.
Overall, we found the people of Oaxaca to be friendly, kind and welcoming. The city is full of life, colour and happiness, and even at night, I felt extremely safe.
If you’re a solo female traveller in Oaxaca, I recommend staying in a hostel when you first arrive. Even if you want to get your own space after, a hostel means you can meet other people and get to know the different areas first.
Things to do in Oaxaca for budget backpackers
Looking for the best things to do in Oaxaca as a budget backpacker? Well, it’s good news, as there are so many free things to do in Oaxaca!
Some of the best free and cheap things to do in Oaxaca include:
- Attend the Day of the Dead festival in late October/early November
- Walking around the different parts of Oaxaca, especially the colourful town of Jalatlaco.
- The atmosphere of the main square (Zocalo) in the evenings.
- Live street performances every night throughout Oaxaca.
- Eating street food and drinking beers from the supermarket in one of the squares or parks.
- Wandering through 20 de Noviembre or one of the other local markets.
- Going on a mezcal and Mexican food tour.
- Drinking in one of the many rooftop bars.
- Join a free walking tour.
- Eat mole, and lots of it!
- Take a day trip to the waterfalls or surrounding mountains.
Need help getting from Mexico City to Oaxaca or Puerto Escondido? Check out my post: Mexico City to Puerto Escondido (Backpacker Guide) 2022
Best Hostels in Oaxaca: In a Nutshell
So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about the best hostels in Oaxaca.
When you’re planning a trip to Oaxaca, make sure you let me know over on Instagram or in the comments below!
If you haven’t come across my blog before, I write posts aimed at first-time backpackers on a budget. I’m currently backpacking Mexico with my boyfriend (read more here!), whilst creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!
Keep an eye out for more Mexico content, all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates here!
As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!
Happy travelling 🙂
Jennie x
Other Oaxaca posts:
- Best Hostels in Puerto Escondido For Backpackers (2022 Guide)
- How To Get From Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido (2022 Guide)
- Oaxaca Day of the Dead: Insider Guide + Tips For 2023!
- Can You Drink The Water In Oaxaca? 2023 Updates
- What To Wear in Oaxaca (That Isn’t Ugly) 2023 Guide
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MEET THE AUTHOR!
Hi! I'm Jennie! As a part-time travel blogger based in London, I'm using my 10+ years of travel expertise to encourage & inspire you to step out of your comfort zone through sustainable, mindful and purposeful travel.
If I'm not writing, I'm either reading, drinking coffee or taking a wild swim (all at the same time if I'm feeling impressive).
