The Best and Most Affordable Hostels for Rio De Janeiro Carnival

Located in the heart of Lapa, Rio de Janeiro’s party district, BananaZ Hostel is the hub of it all for Carnival with close proximity to some of the city’s largest street parties, all-night clubs, and just a short taxi ride from the Sambodrome for the parades. For those looking for something quiet, this is not your spot. Arrive there with plenty of stamina – this is the place to have fun, meet new people and enjoy Carnival to the maximum.

Che Lagarto is a highly successful chain of hostels throughout South America known for its great value. The Che Lagarto in Copacabana is just a couple of blocks away from the beach and near to major bus and subway routes, making it a great spot to enjoy beachside street parties as well as facilitating visits to other places throughout the city. Fuel up for a day of partying with the free buffet-style breakfast and make the most of the free caipirinhas on Friday to meet fellow travelers.

Santa Terê Hostel is located in one of the best neighborhoods for Carnival – Santa Teresa. This peaceful, bohemian region comes alive with some of Rio’s most dynamic and colorful street parties in February – arguably some of the best. The hostel is also located minutes away from Lapa, ideal for heading to clubs and bars later on at night, as most Carnival street parties finish early. When you need to time to recuperate and chill, head to the hostel’s outdoor swimming pool to soak up the sun and take a breather before getting back into the party spirit once more.

Its convenient location near to Copacabana beach is perfect for those looking to be in the middle of the beachside street parties. It is also near to transport links, so trips to other parts of town are straightforward – it is easier to take the subway during Carnival as many roads are closed – and the Sambodrome, where they have the parades, is just 30 minutes away. A buffet style-breakfast will keep you going for a good part of the day, and the hostel’s bar is a good spot for socializing and pre-Carnival drinks.

Known as the party hostel even during off-peak periods, the Books Hostel ramps up the excitement when Carnival comes. Its location in Santa Teresa is perfect for making the most of the vibrant, boisterous street parties that take place there, often starting around 7 am in the morning and continuing well into the afternoon. Afterwards, party region Lapa is just a short walk away to enjoy more street parties and late-night clubs. The hostel itself is cheap and cheerful with a social environment that makes it easy to meet people.

Just minutes from Copacabana beach, this is a great base point to visit the coastal street parties and the check out the after-parties on the beach too. The nearest metro is just a few minutes away so trips to see the parades or visit other parts of town are straightforward. The hostel itself provides a selection of mixed dorms, women-only rooms, and private rooms. When you want to chill, laze by the outdoor pool and rustle up a barbecue on one of the grills on the patio.

One of Rio’s most popular hostels, the Mango Tree hostel is frequented by past, happy customers who choose this spot as their hostel of choice for every trip to Rio. Located in the heart of Ipanema, it gives guests easy access to some of the best street parties during Carnival, as well as close proximity to the subway for trips to other parts of the city. The hostel itself is clean with a great breakfast served every morning and friendly, helpful staff. They also have a bar perfect for meeting other people and having a few drinks before or after enjoying the Carnival parties.

Its central location makes the Brothers Hostel especially appealing. Located in Botafogo, it is nearby to some great blocos (Carnival street parties) and only a few subway stops from the more animated and vibrant street parties of Copacabana, Ipanema and Centro. The hostel also has its own bar, ideal for having a few pre-Carnival drinks before hitting the parades or enjoying the fun outside.