The 13 Best Oaxaca Hostels for Budget Travelers
Wondering about the best hostels in Oaxaca mexico?
You’re in the right place because the 13 best Oaxaca hostels for travelers are all featured here.
Oaxaca is a hot spot for tourists, featuring incredible artisan markets, delicious cuisine, and fascinating tours. However, having a good place to sleep, relax, and regroup is key to any travel experience.
🏨 Ready to enjoy your stay in Oaxaca? Book Hostal Central: The Best Overall Oaxaca Hostel — located right in the heart of downtown Oaxaca City.
Check out these incredible Oaxaca hostels to ensure you have the best trip ever!
Are you looking for the best party hostel Oaxaca has to offer? A tranquil converted art deco hostel with hammocks and a swimming pool? Or maybe you’re in the market for something family friendly, pet-friendly, or gay friendly?
No matter your preferences, you’re sure to find a hostel to love on this list — so let’s dive in!
Our Top 3 Picks: Best Oaxaca Hostels
#1 TOP PICK
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hostal Central Oaxaca
✔️ Outdoor terrace
✔️ Free breakfast
#2 PICK
Casa Angel Youth Hostel
✔️ Common area
✔️ Free breakfast
#3 PICK
Ticuchi Hostel Oaxaca
✔️ Outdoor swimming pool
✔️ Bar
Top 13 Best Oaxaca Hostels
1. Hostal Central: Best Overall Oaxaca Hostel
⭐️ Rating: 9.3 out of 10 Stars | 📍 Location: Downtown | 🏨 Check Rates & Availability
If you’re looking for the best hostels in Oaxaca City, Hostal Central is a fabulous choice. This accommodation is nestled in the heart of downtown, with easy access to a traditional market and an intriguing architectural site.
Wonderful hostel with a friendly atmosphere. The breakfast is amazing!
-julian (read more reviews)
Breakfast is included at Hostal Central — and it is delicious! This converted luxury house offers other great amenities, including these:
- Comfy dorm rooms with orthopedic mattresses
- Outdoor garden and hang-out space
- Shared kitchen with cooking stations
- Dining area
- TV room
- Hot water
- Security cameras
- 24-hour door access
With a competitive rate per night, this is definitely the best hostel Oaxaca Centro has to offer. It’s easy to see why this Oaxaca City hostel has great reviews, and is touted by guests as “the best bang for your buck.”
best oaxaca hostels
2. Casa Angel Youth Hostel: Best Party Hostel in Oaxaca
⭐️ Rating: 9.3 out of 10 Stars | 📍 Location: Downtown | 🏨 Check Rates & Availability
If you’re in the market for the best party hostel in Oaxaca, Casa Angel Hostel Oaxaca in the City Centre keeps the fun rolling Monday through Sunday.
The dorm rooms are top-notch, with spacious POD beds, privacy curtains (or sliding doors), and USB chargers.
Great location and hostel!! The staff were very kind and helpful. They made me feel very welcome and comfortable.
-kayley (read more reviews)
You can also opt for a private room complete with an orthopedic mattress, a reading light, a plug, and depending on the room, even a balcony!
What really sets Casa Angel Hostel apart are the activities. Join a walking tour, street food tour, yoga class, salsa class, or mezcal experience.
Enjoy a delicious BBQ, and have fun chatting with other guests during the nightly happy hour.
best oaxaca hostels
3. Ticuchi Hostel: Chic Hostel in Oaxaca City
⭐️ Rating: 8.8 out of 10 Stars | 📍 Location: Zocalo | 🏨 Check Rates & Availability
If you love being right in the center of town, Ticuchi Hostel is where it’s at. This great hostel is only a 5-10 minute walk from fabulous artisan markets, tourist attractions, hole-in-the-wall eateries, great restaurants, and lively bars.
Ticuchi Hostel touts itself as “the only hostel with a pool.” Additional amenities include lounge areas, a bar, a fully equipped kitchen with shelves, and high-speed internet across all areas.
I loved the vibe at this hostel — and the people who stayed there. It was such a nice environment and great social hostel.
-emily (read more reviews)
The dorm rooms feature comfy bunk beds with privacy curtains, large lockers, power outlets, and reading lights. The bathrooms are newly renovated and offer incredible hot showers with great water pressure.
🛏️ This is also one of the best Oaxaca hostels with private rooms.
best oaxaca hostels
4. Azul Cielo Hostal: Great for Solo Travelers
⭐️ Rating: 8.7 out of 10 Stars | 📍 Location: Downtown | 🏨 Check Rates & Availability
Another excellent hostel in Oaxaca is Azul Cielo. This accommodation option is a favorite among both solo travelers and couples.
Guests especially loved the great breakfasts, the beautiful, clean, and comfortable facilities, and the great crowd of people they met during their stay.
The atmosphere is great. Well decorated and the beds are comfortable. Lots of fellow travelers with whom you will have good conversations during the great breakfast.
-thomas (read more reviews)
Azul Cielo Hostel Oaxaca is about a half-mile (1 km) from the Santo Domingo Church downtown. It’s also near multiple craft markets and traditional Mexican restaurants.
The dorm rooms include great amenities such as cable TV and a ceiling fan. Free Wifi and a complimentary breakfast are included in the price. There is also a bar and concierge service.
best oaxaca hostels
5. Iguana Hostel Oaxaca City
⭐️ Rating: 8.5 out of 10 Stars |📍 Location: Downtown | 🏨 Check Rates & Availability
Hammocks, a beautiful terrace, nightly events, and a communal atmosphere await at Iguana Hostel! This is one of the best hostels in Oaxaca Mexico.
The dorms come equipped with individual beds (no bunks), privacy curtains, great Wifi, multi-adaptors, and large lockers for safe storage.
Amazing breakfast. Great common areas and rooftop bar.
-paul (read more reviews)
The facilities also include lounges, couches, a luggage storage room, hot showers, a bar, and a beautiful terrace complete with hammocks.
This is a great hostel for meeting new people, joining a salsa or cooking class, and enjoying a late breakfast.
Staff is on hand to give you information and tips about exploring tourist attractions or booking a trip to the Mexico UNESCO World Heritage Site of Monte Alban.
best oaxaca hostels
6. El Cielo Oaxaca Hostel
⭐️ Rating: 8.7 out of 10 Stars | 📍 Location: Downtown | 🏨 Check Rates & Availability
El Cielo is another excellent Oaxaca City accommodation option. This hostel is in a restored Art Deco house quite close to downtown.
It features a warm pool, green area, palapa with a Tiki bar, hammocks, cozy spaces, comfy chairs, and outdoor terraces.
The location was good, walking distance to the bus stop and City Centre. The outdoor/pool area was a nice place to chill out.
-ciara (read more reviews)
There are also plenty of fun activities to be had, from chilling in the sun to watching movies at night, listening to music, watching sports, or trying new drinks.
There is also a fully equipped kitchen, a BBQ grill, TVs, a ping pong table, and desks for digital nomads. This comfy old-fashioned house is a perfect jumping-off spot to explore Oaxaca City.
best oaxaca hostels
7. Hostal Oaxaca Magic
⭐️ Rating: 8.7 out of 10 Stars | 📍 Location: Downtown | 🏨 Check Rates & Availability
Magic Hostel Oaxaca City is another great option. This fun hostel has great character complete with plants, artwork, and beautiful decor.
Guests loved the friendly staff, great location, and lovely facilities. It is definitely one of the best Oaxaca hostels available in Downtown Oaxaca City.
The staff were so sweet and we both loved the decoration. It is not a typical hipster hostel but feels more homely with a lovely roof terrace with plants and hammocks.
-lucinda (read more reviews)
Enjoy chilling on a rooftop terrace, spending time in the garden, or mingling with other guests in the shared lounge. There is also a shared kitchen for whipping up some tasty meals.
Each room has a patio and all the beds include linens. Guests also have access to free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk. The private rooms were a favorite among some reviewers.
best oaxaca hostels
8. Selina Oaxaca Downtown Hostel
⭐️ Rating: 7.7 out of 10 Stars | 📍 Location: Downtown | 🏨 Check Rates & Availability
Selina is one of the most popular hostel chains in the world. If you’re unsure about the best Oaxaca Mexico hostels available — this is one of them.
Selina Hostel is located right in downtown Oaxaca, and perfect for many different kinds of travelers. If you’re backpacking Oaxaca, traveling solo, or working as a Oaxaca digital nomad, Selina has something for you.
We had a lovely stay at Selina Oaxaca. The location was perfect. The hostel had a beautiful design, every detail was well thought-through.
-goda (read more reviews)
Guests at Selina can choose between standard or deluxe dormitories, or private rooms. The dorms offer great amenities including a sitting area, a locker for each bunk bed, a personal shelf, and a light.
Selina offers great amenities including yoga classes, a movie room, a library, a nightclub, a spa, and a restaurant.
🐾 Looking for the best pet friendly Oaxaca hostels? You can even bring your pet along if you reserve a private room at Selina Oaxaca — one of the top pet friendly hostels in Oaxaca City.
best oaxaca hostels
9. Andaina Youth Hostel Oaxaca City
⭐️ Rating: 8.4 out of 10 Stars | 📍 Location: Downtown | 🏨 Check Rates & Availability
Andaina Youth Hostel is in a fabulous location, right in the heart of Oaxaca Mexico.
It also offers great amenities including spacious rooms, a huge solarium terrace, a fully equipped kitchen, a mini gym, and a small coworking space perfect for any digital nomad Oaxaca traveler.
Friendly staff, good location! great view from the rooftop!!! Beds were reasonably comfy.
-erika (read more reviews)
Andaina stands out among Oaxaca City hostels for its awesome terrace with city views. It is also only two streets away from the Oaxaca Zocalo, or Main Square.
The atmosphere at Andaina is minimalist and clean. Guests loved the location, rooftop terrace, and fabulous amenities.
It is not a party hostel, which guests also appreciated. However, they still recommend bringing good earplugs.
best oaxaca hostels
10. Luz de Luna Nuyoo
⭐️ Rating: 8.4 out of 10 Stars | 📍 Location: Downtown | 🏨 Check Rates & Availability
Hostal Luz de Luna Nuyoo is another of the best hostels Oaxaca has to offer. Some guests booked a stay for two weeks — and ended up staying for six!
Luz de Luna Nuyoo is perfect for small family groups, couples, and solo travelers alike.
The vibe of this hostel is very chill. They have a patio, kitchen and terrace as socializing areas… It’s very quiet at night, despite being very centrally located.
-Wojciech (read more reviews)
The hostel has many great amenities including a tranquil courtyard (with turtles and a couple of cats), a great rooftop terrace with beautiful views, super clean facilities, and fast Wifi.
Guests loved the location, friendly staff, spacious rooms, and the well-equipped shared kitchen.
Staff members offer helpful information and recommendations and can organize tours for guests as well.
best oaxaca hostels
11. Casa de Don Pablo Hostel: Great for Families
⭐️ Rating: 8.4 out of 10 Stars | 📍 Location: Zocalo | 🏨 Check Rates & Availability
If you’re traveling with your family, the Casa de Don Pablo may be the best hostel in Oaxaca for you!
This lodging offers various accommodation options including private rooms with either shared or en suite bathrooms, and 4-bed or 10-bed female and mixed dorms. The dorm rooms include a comfy mattress, locker, and fan.
Nice and quiet, well protected from the noise of the street. The central patio, the first floor terrace and the rooftop are great to chill.
-Matthieu (read more reviews)
Casa de Don Pablo Hostel offers free breakfast, too. You’ll love the menu which consists of eggs, toast, turkey ham, cereal, homemade jam, fresh fruit, and steaming coffee — this could be the best breakfast in Oaxaca City.
Guests loved the value of this hostel, peaceful vibe, cleanliness, and common areas.
best oaxaca hostels
12. Paulina Youth Hostel Oaxaca
⭐️ Rating: 8.2 out of 10 Stars | 📍 Location: Downtown | 🏨 Check Rates & Availability
If you’re looking for a colonial-style hostel with a peaceful ambiance, you’ll love Paulina Youth Hostel Oaxaca.
Paulina Hostel offers beautiful sunset views from the rooftop terrace and what could be the best breakfast Oaxaca has to offer–complete with fresh juice, local fruit, cereal, toast, and Mexican egg dishes.
Hostel has [an] awesome space to chill in. Especially the outdoor garden area.
-chris (read more reviews)
Some rooms come with a balcony. There is also a garden, shared bathrooms, luggage storage, a tour desk, lounge areas, and vending machines stocked with snacks and drinks.
Paulina Youth Hostel Oaxaca City is only a 10-minute walk from the Oaxaca Cathedral and the main square. ☕️ Past guests loved the breakfast, views, and cleanliness at this hostel in Oaxaca Mexico.
best oaxaca hostels
13. Cielo Rojo Hostel
⭐️ Rating: 8.1 out of 10 Stars | 📍 Location: Downtown | 🏨 Check Rates & Availability
Another potentially great hostel to consider is Cielo Rojo Oaxaca. This lodging option has what one reviewer called “a sweet, safe, and fun vibe.”
Cielo Rojo Hostel is all about sustainability, social responsibility, and cultural exchange. 🏳️🌈 This Oaxaca City hostel is also LGBTQ-friendly.
Really friendly staff and a good atmosphere. Location is perfect, close to everything you need.
-steven (read more reviews)
They offer low-price transportation, information on the usual tours, and alternative independent tours. This could be a great option if you want to get off the beaten track!
As far as amenities go, Cielo Rojo offers Wifi, a book exchange, a full kitchen, laundry services, lockers, a pool table, board games, and a rooftop terrace. In fact, this is one of the best rooftops in Oaxaca City.
Linens, blankets, towels, free drinking water, and a nice breakfast are included in the price.
Oaxaca Travel Guide and FAQ
How do you pronounce Oaxaca?
Wondering about the Oaxaca pronunciation? It’s a common question, so if you are, you’re not alone! The word Oaxaca is pronounced waa-haa-kah.
Where is Oaxaca located?
Oaxaca is a state in southern Mexico, surrounded by other Mexican states like Chiapas and Puebla.
🗺️ Oaxaca Map
The southern edge of the state sits on the Pacific Ocean. Oaxaca City is the state’s capital city, and located about six hours south of Mexico City, you can book direct flights.
What is the best time to visit Oaxaca Mexico?
The best time to travel to Oaxaca is during the dry season, October to May. If you don’t mind some rain during the Oaxaca rainy season, you will also get lower prices — as this is the slow season.
🌡️ Oaxaca weather
If you want to avoid the crowds, the Oaxaca busy season runs from about late-October for Day of the Dead, through mid-January.
Many also visit Oaxaca de Juárez (Oaxaca City) for the Guelaguetza in July, the second biggest Oaxaca festival.
Oaxaca City has a desert climate, so hot days and cool nights. The temperature in Oaxaca City fluctuates a lot, so be mindful and bring layers when packing for Oaxaca.
If you hate the heat, avoid the hottest months of April to May so you have an enjoyable Oaxaca vacation.
Is Oaxaca safe for tourists?
For the vast majority of travelers, Oaxaca is safe to visit. In fact, Oaxaca is one of the safest states in Mexico. Oaxaca City is the country’s 67th largest city, with a population of about 275,000, but retains a humble, pueblo vibe.
⚠️ For a deep dive into this topic and a Oaxaca safety guide, check out Is Oaxaca Safe to Travel to Right Now?
That’s not to say bad things don’t happen in Oaxaca City; they do.
However, if you take the same general travel precautions you would anywhere else — ie. stay aware of yourself, your belongings and your surroundings — you should be safe traveling to Oaxaca City.
On a personal note, I visited Oaxaca as a solo traveler, and had an amazing time. It was during Day of the Dead, so it was easy to meet people and I never feel lonely — all while staying safe and having a great time.
What’s the closest Oaxaca Airport?
Wondering, Is there an airport in Oaxaca City? Yes, there’s Oaxaca International Airport (code: OAX), located about 20-30 minutes from downtown. ▶︎ Book your Oaxaca flights now!
You might see this airport called Xoxocotlán International Airport, but it’s still OAX Airport. Note: Make sure you don’t confuse the work Xoxocotlán for Xochimilco, which is one of the best Oaxaca neighborhoods near downtown.
🚐 Best Oaxaca Airport transportation
Is there Uber in Oaxaca City?
No — There is no Oaxaca Uber service, and no Lyft in Oaxaca either.
They do have DiDi Taxi through the DiDi Rider app, which lets you call a Oaxaca taxi via the app. It’s basically like using Uber or Lyft, but you will get a regular cab.
ARE TAXIS SAFE IN OAXACA MEXICO?
For the majority of travelers, yes, taxis are perfectly safe to use in Oaxaca.
I personally prefer to call taxis via the DiDi Rider app, so I have a record of my trip and the price is already set for me, but you can also just hail a cab on the street.
How do you get around Oaxaca City?
Oaxaca City is walkable, so if you’re just staying in the city itself, you can walk and use taxis and public transportation as needed.
If you’re doing Oaxaca day trips, a rental car or group tour is your best bet, and I recommend booking Oaxaca tours via Viator and Airbnb Experiences.
How many days do you need in Oaxaca City?
Within Oaxaca City itself, you can see the highlights in 2-3 full days. However, many visitors could realistically spend a week in Oaxaca City — especially art, food and culture lovers.
The best things to do near Oaxaca include exploring Hierve el Agua in San Lorenzo Albarradas, San Agustín Etla, Teotitlán Del Valle and San Pablo Villa de Mitla, a pueblo magico (magic town).
What is Oaxaca known for?
Wondering, Why is Oaxaca so popular? There are five things Oaxaca is known for — art, culture, the Oaxaca Day of the Dead celebration, mezcal and food.
In fact, Oaxaca is known as the Foodie Capital of Mexico, so try both the street food in Oaxaca and the restaurants — and of course, don’t miss these best Oaxaca mezcalerias (mezcal bars).
For a deep dive into this topic, check out this What is Oaxaca famous for? article. In it, you’ll learn even more about what makes Oaxaca unique.
Is Oaxaca City worth visiting?
Yes — Oaxaca is magical; it’s the Mexico people imagine Mexico to be.
There’s everything from rich history, colorful festivals, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, locally-made Oaxacan mezcal, beautiful nature, colonial towns, indigenous artisan communities, and yummy Oaxacan food.
As you’ll usually need to take at least two flights to Oaxaca, Mexico, or even a flight and a bus, you might still be wondering if traveling to Oaxaca is worth it.
I hope this guide to Oaxaca made it clear that FU+K YES IT IS!
Final Thoughts: Best Oaxaca Hostels
As you can see, there are tons of amazing hostels available in Oaxaca. Many are located right downtown, while others are in Zocalo or Main Square. Some are tiny and cute, while others are spacious and artsy.
🤔 Still not sure which Oaxaca City hostel to book? Selina is a great choice if you need the best coworking space Oaxaca has to offer, but Hostal Central takes the prize for its great reviews.
Any of these hostels is a great place to stay for a while before you head off to the Oaxaca Coast to explore Puerto Escondido, Mazunte, Zipolite, Chacahua, and the rest of the best Oaxaca beach towns!
Finding an amazing place to stay will add extra magic to your travels: the chance to meet new friends, interact with friendly local staff, and recharge for another day of adventures.
Which of these best Oaxaca hostels will you choose?
Look for other Oaxaca accommodations? Discover the best Oaxaca hotel options, both in Oaxaca City and on the beaches of Oaxaca, in these related articles: