The Best Hostels for Backpackers in Manaus

Teatro Amazonas - Manaus
Teatro Amazonas - Manaus | © Paulo Cameli / Flickr
Harry Stewart

Despite being largely cut off from the rest of the country, tourism is booming in the isolated jungle city of Manaus. Located right in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, backpackers arrive here in droves to explore the sights and sounds of the world’s largest ecosystem. A smattering of cool budget haunts have sprung up to meet demand, so here’s Culture Trip’s take on the best cheap lodging in the city.

Hanuman Hostel Manaus

A true home away from home, the friendly owner of Hanuman Hostel goes out of his way to make guests feel at ease. With funky Indian and Amazonian themed dorm rooms, a stylish swimming pool with a water fountain, a chill-out space with Netflix and a generous “pay what you think it’s worth” philosophy, it’s little wonder travelers rave about the place. Although it may not be in the city center, excellent facilities and warm hospitality make Hanuman justifiably worthwhile.

Hanuman Hostel

Just a stone’s throw away from the Opera House, this centrally located hostel is a hit with backpackers for its colorful artwork, funky minimalist decor, spacious rooms and privacy-inducing pod dorms. Air conditioning runs overnight to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep while a filling buffet breakfast (10BRL/US$3 extra) is the perfect way to start the day.

Local Hostel Manaus

Hostel Manaus

As the original youth hostel in the city, this Australian-operated joint has been welcoming backpackers since 2006. Set in a heritage-listed 19th-century mansion from the old rubber boom days, the hostel boasts well-appointed dorm rooms, a reasonably priced in-house travel agency and a pleasant rooftop beer garden for an idyllic afternoon tipple. It’s on a quiet, residential street just a short walk from the city’s main attractions.


A post shared by Local Hostel Manaus (@localhostel) on Oct 1, 2017 at 7:09pm PDT

Ajuricaba Backpackers Hostel Manaus

A solid budget option on the very edge of the city center, this no-nonsense hostel offers all the budget traveler necessities such as a central location, a well-equipped kitchen, clean dorms rooms and wi-fi. The property only has four rooms, however, so don’t expect a buzzing social atmosphere.

1. Indios Manaos Hostel

Hostel, Hotel

Another cheap downtown option, this time suitable for backpackers and families alike. Indios has recently been renovated to include football, cricket, basketball and swimming facilities, essentially everything required for an active stay. It’s super cheap considering its proximity to the center, just don’t expect a whole lot of luxury.

Hotel Central Manaus

Sleeping in dorm rooms with a dozen other smelly backpackers gets old after a while, so why not splash out on a semi-respectable hotel once in a while? Numerous options abound, although Hotel Central Manaus is one of the best value digs in town thanks to its central location and well-appointed modern rooms. At 110 BRL (US$35) per double, it works out to be just marginally more expensive than a hostel for a traveling couple.

2. Abaré Floating Hostel

Hostel

Located on a subsidiary river to the west of Manaus is a unique budget option that aims to bring backpackers up close and personal with nature. As the name suggests, the hostel is built on a floating platform above the water which allows for plenty of exciting water-based activities. Well out of the city center, Abaré is ideal for those more interested in a natural escape than the sights of central Manaus.

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