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The Top Ten Most Chilled Hostels in Brazil

The Refugio Hostel in Fortaleza is bright, colorful, and a laid-back place to stay
The Refugio Hostel in Fortaleza is bright, colorful, and a laid-back place to stay | © Refugio Hostel Fortaleza

Brazil may be known for its party side – think the unrivaled celebrations of the country-wide annual Carnival – yet it’s just as easy to kick back and relax in Brazil as it is to join in some wild festivities. For sunny days of lounging in a hammock or curling up in a tropical garden with a good book, here are the top ten most chilled hostels in Brazil.

Hostel Galeria 13

Hostel

The city centre of Salvador, with colourful buildings along a street
© soel84 / Pixabay

Set inside an old colonial house in the heart of Salvador, Hostel Galeria 13 has won the hearts of backpackers and budget-travelers for its welcoming reception, excellent amenities, and central location. Breakfast is served every day until noon so those waking up late can still enjoy the hostel’s delicious spread in the morning. This laid-back hostel welcomes non-guests to socialize there and provides unlimited free caipirinhas during happy hour, making it one of the most popular hostels in town. The place doesn’t have a kitchen yet that isn’t a big deal when there are several cheap and excellent restaurants nearby, including Bar Zulu, the hostel owner’s venue.

Hostel Nature

Hostel

most chilled hostels in Brazil
© Hostel Nature

Surrounded by nature and with picturesque lake views, Hostel Nature is set in a quiet area just outside the Foz do Iguaçu’s commercial hub. Start the morning with a buffet-style breakfast and a few moments of relaxation in the outdoor hammocks or the swimming pool. The hostel provides shared and private accommodation options in rooms that are simple yet pleasant and come with air conditioning. The Iguaçu Falls National Park – where the waterfalls are – is just 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) away and can be accessed by bus.

Discovery Hostel

Hostel

Lounge area at Discovery Hostel
Courtesy of Discovery Hostel / Booking.com

Discovery Hostel proves that you don’t need a beachside location to be one of the best budget accommodation spots in Rio de Janeiro. Located in Gloria, the hostel is near to Rio’s Centro area and just a couple of minutes’ walk from the subway station so all the major tourist attractions, nightlife spots, and beaches are just a few minutes away. The rooms are clean and comfortable and the guesthouse-style of the communal areas give the hostel a laid-back, homely feel. Guests praise the super friendly staff who are always on hand with insider tips and useful information.

Local Friend Hostel

Hostel

most chilled hostels in Brazil
© Ribastank / Pixabay

As the name lets on, Local Friend Hostel is a place where hospitality and a welcoming atmosphere are the name of the game. Located just north of Rio de Janeiro in a small yet popular beachside town called Buzios, the area is known for its nature and gorgeous beaches, as well as an exciting nightlife setting for those that seek it out. There are several activities available to do from the hostel including surfing, kayaking, and cooking classes, that provide an authentic and local experience for guests in a laid-back setting.

We Hostel

Hostel

most chilled hostels in Brazil
© Rodrigo Marangoni / We Hostel

One of Sao Paulo’s best hostels, We Hostel is set inside a century-old white mansion and couples retro and modern decor to create a refreshing ambiance that puts guests instantly at ease. Added touches such as hammocks and a cinema room provide a chilled out space to kick back and relax. Located in Vila Mariana, there are plenty of transport links, lively bars, and excellent restaurants nearby for daytime sight-seeing and enjoying the best of Sao Paulo’s nightlife.

Papaya Hostel Bonito

Hostel

most chilled hostels in Brazil
© Caio Vilela / WikiCommons

Papaya Hostel in Bonito is well located: it’s just 200 meters (650 feet) from the Bonio bus station, 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from Bonito airport, and 18 kilometers (11 miles) from the Gruta do Lago Azul grotto. The hostel has a poolside lounge area which gets the sun all afternoon and a communal barbecue area where guests chat while cooking. The friendly English-speaking owner is more than happy to help you book tours through the hostel or to give insider tips on how to get around and enjoy the natural attractions at Bonito. Accommodation options include shared and private dormitories and there is WiFi throughout the property.

Hostel Savassi

Hostel

chilled hostels in Brazil
© Hostel Savassi

Set in the heart of Belo Horizonte near to all the nightlife action, Hostel Savassi effortlessly wins travelers over with its central location and quirky interior design. The dorms have thoughtful touches such as reading lights and power sockets for each bed, yet the lounge area is the real joy with its artistic flair and comfortable environment creating the ideal setting for chilling out with other guests or simply relaxing with a good book.

Lemon Spirit Hostel

Hostel

most chilled hostels in Brazil
© Lemon Spirit Hostel

Lemon Spirit Hostel is an affordable option in Leblon, Rio’s most affluent neighborhood. Just minutes away from one of the best beaches in Rio de Janeiro and surrounded by trendy bars, sophisticated restaurants, and public transport options, the Lemon Spirit Hostel’s location is perfect for both combining relaxing sunny beach days and lively nightlife excursions.

Refúgio Hostel Fortaleza

Hostel

most chilled hostels in Brazil
© Refugio Hostel Fortaleza

A beloved local hostel, Refúgio Hostel Fortaleza is situated in a great location. Just a hop away from the city’s superb beaches and surrounded by fun and very local bars, shops, and restaurants, it’s the ideal spot to be in the midst of the action while still being able to relax. The hostel serves breakfast every day with fresh bread, Brazilian breakfast cake, fresh fruit, and natural juices.

Hostel Britânico

Hostel

chilled hostels in Brazil
© Hostel Britânico

This beloved hostel in Gramado boasts a superbly modern interior with wooden flooring, a fresh, clean design, and charming touches such as reading lights and curtains on the bed. Gramado itself is a laid-back, peaceful town and the hostel perfectly reflects this calm vibe. The staff all speak excellent English and the hostel is just a short walk away from the city center.

About the author

Sarah is a British freelance journalist and writer based in Rio de Janeiro. Her favourite travel experiences so far include swimming with whale sharks in Mexico, trekking through Rio's urban forest and enjoying the city life in Madrid. Find her on Instagram @sbgrio

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