The Best Party Hostels in Guatemala

The name of this hostel tells it like it is: located in the charming colonial town of Antigua, Jungle Party Hostel is the place to come to let your hair down. With two on-site bars as well as plenty of chill out spots with hammocks and bean bags, Jungle Party Hostel provides guests with the best of both worlds – a place to party, as well as to recover in peace the next day. There’s also a swimming pool and a rooftop terrace bar; head here for a drink at sunset to enjoy gorgeous views over the city and volcanoes. There are dorms and private rooms at very reasonable rates, as well as a restaurant, lockers, laundry service and WiFi.

Situated in the heart of Antigua, Tropicana Hostel is social yet also relaxed, and just as suited for solo travellers as groups of friends. There’s a bustling, always-busy bar, a decent restaurant, a small but cute swimming pool, and a roof terrace from where you can enjoy sweeping panoramas of the city. One excellent feature at Tropicana is the different activities they offer: their multi-day trek through the surrounding mountains is very popular with guests, and a great chance to make new friends. There’s a TV room with movies and games, and the rooms and facilities are clean and comfortable.

Its name may not be that creative, but Hostal Antigua is still one of the coolest hostels in the city. Smack bang in the centre of town, the selling point of this spot is the excellent atmosphere, which is lively and sociable, but not so wild you won’t be able to sleep. The cosy common space is a great place to meet other travellers and enjoy some beers before heading out onto the town, and for a small fee you can gain access to their sister hotel’s pools. Amenities are decent, with a laundry service, lockers, spotless bathrooms, an outdoor terrace, a good communal kitchen, and plenty of tour and transportation opportunities.

Proudly describing itself as a party hostel, Hostel Fe is situated right beside the magical and mysterious Lake Atitlan – so close, in fact, that you can leap from the deck right into the water (just make sure you don’t do this at the end of the night!). There are fun evening activities throughout the week – most of which revolve around the loud and busy bar – so it’s a great place for solo travellers to meet new people. The usual hostel amenities are available and of a good standard, and anther perk is the sensational mountain views that you can admire from almost every room.

It might be located by tranquil Lake Atitlan, but with a name like Panajachel Party Hostel, this place was never going to be about enjoying the views or going for hikes. Located in the heart of the Panajachel party scene, the hostel is perfectly placed for getting involved with the late night action. There are three comfortable dorms, all of which have clean bathrooms with decent hot water, secure lockers for valuables, high-speed WiFi, and security throughout the premises. The perfect base for exploring the hedonistic delights of Panajachel.

Almost all backpackers travelling through Guatemala will find themselves in Flores at one point, and if you’re looking to stay here for a few nights, Chaltunha Hostel San Miguel definitely won’t disappoint. Situated on a jungle-covered hill across the lake from Flores, this is about as idyllic as it gets, but the serene setting belies the buzzing vibe here. There’s a swimming pool, gorgeous gardens, impressive views over the lake, and the rooms are clean and comfortable.

If a hostel having friendly, sociable staff is important to you, then you’ll be hard pushed to beat Hostal Las Volcanes in Guatemala City. The reception staff seem genuinely thrilled to be working here, and they are more than happy to chat away and help with any questions you may have – ideal when you arrive in the sprawling, overwhelming capital. Not far from the airport and with a pretty veranda where you can relax after a heavy night out, it’s a convenient yet fun place to stay.