The Best Party Hostels in Tulum, Mexico

The Mayan Monkey Hostel is situated between downtown Tulum and the sandy beaches on the outskirts of town. Amenities such as a continental breakfast, complimentary toiletries and air conditioning make the Mayan Monkey a classy joint. Party animals will love the poolside performances by a number of international DJs, after a day exploring Tulum’s cenotes (sinkholes).

Selina embodies the “work hard, play hard” mindset. Part co-working café, part party pad, Selina Tulum is popular among digital nomads, freelancers and young people looking to get away for a little while. In between work calls and happy hour, make time for mindfulness, gong baths and Mayan massages at the wellness center. Then retreat to your curtain-lined bunk or canopy-topped tent at the end of a long day (or night).

Explore off the beaten path at the Lucky Traveler, just across the street from the Tulum National Park, outside of town. Explore the jungle cenotes and El Castillo on your own – or as part of a hostel tour. Take advantage of the hostel’s all-inclusive amenities, like an all-hours buffet, the 20-seat movie theater, bicycle rental and shuttle service to the beach. A stop at the palapa poolside bar is a must, where the Lucky Traveler’s bartenders sling drinks all night long.

A stay at the Hostel Che in downtown Tulum is truly revolutionary. Just a few blocks from the most popular bars and clubs in town, the markets and the bus stop, the hostel never sleeps. The hallmark Che Nights make the hostel a popular pick, where you can nosh on Argentinian barbecue or pizza, try your shot in a beer pong tourney or sing karaoke ‘til dawn. Added bonus: there’s a banana-tree flanked pool for scorching afternoons.

Go for the dive bar or the dive center at Quintana Roots, where shots and scuba are on the menu – just not at the same time. Chill out in the games room, enjoy a rooftop yoga session or head out to the nearby cenotes – Calavera or Dos Ojos – where you’ll discover some of the best cave diving in the world with Quintana Roots’ certified guides. There’s also a juice bar on-site for quelling that inevitable hangover.

Amorcito Corazón – named after the famous Pedro Infante song – will steal a little piece of your heart by the time you have to leave. This hostel has a laid-back vibe compared to some of its more vibrant counterparts. A continental breakfast, rooftop pool and bicycles for rent, along with group activities like yoga classes and son jarocho dance lessons, might just win you over.

You’ll want to stay longer at the DayTripper Hostel, a few blocks from downtown Tulum’s main drag. Filled with colorful murals (each bunk’s wall is painted a different country’s flag), DayTripper’s standouts include Elvis Presley’s famous mugshot and a rainbow-haired Jimi Hendrix behind the front desk. Start the day right with breakfast prepared by the owner himself, but check out other nearby restaurants or fonditas for later in the day.

La Malinche is in the middle of the action downtown, and is lively all day long. Try out the kitchen’s extensive menu, which offers Yucatecán classics like cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork), before grabbing a michelada(beer, tomato juice and spices). Lounge in one of the patio’s hammocks or get to know your new hostelmates at the picnic tables. Snorkels and fins are available to rent at the front desk for a day at the nearby beach.

With a 20-year-long history, the Weary Traveler Hostel is a well-known establishment on the Tulum hostel scene. Make the most of the huge communal kitchen to whip up an enmolada (chicken mole enchilada). Breakfast is included, and there’s a pool to dive in and escape the midday heat. Massage therapists, aerial yoga and surfing are all part of the appeal here. Note: there are just mixed dorms, no female-only, but there are plenty of private rooms available, too.