Antigua is a city in Guatemala, Central America, and may be confused with the island of Antigua in the Caribbean which is known for its beaches while the one in Guatemala is known for its Spanish Baroque-influenced architecture. Antigua can give people a Guatemalan tourist experience that is less fast-paced and congested than Guatemala City. Antigua has a subtropical climate so which allows you to enjoy lows in the 50s and highs in the 70s all year long.
The Colonial area in Antigua has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. After suffering through the earthquake of 1773, again in 1917-18, and then another in 1976 these historical buildings were mostly destroyed but the buildings that are still standing are a site to see, plus many have been rebuilt. If you are interested in taking in a game of football (soccer) then you can visit Pensativo Soccer Stadium. This stadium is the home of first-division club Panza’s Verdes and when a game isn’t going on you can find many city festivals being held in the stadium.
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If you are into hiking and want to enjoy an amazing experience then you might want to climb Pacaya Volcano. This is a hike where once you hit the end of the grass you will find yourself walking on lava rocks and scorched earth, this part of the hike is definitely for those who are in good physical condition. There is a possibility that you will get to see actual lava bubbling while on top of this volcano.
Somos
HostelWorld (*9.6) Map Starts at ($15) for 4-bed dorm
**Prices are shown for weekdays in Mid-season (July)
Looking for a hostel where you’ll feel at home the minute you step in? Then, this is a place for you. Set in a well-preserved colonial house, Somos is an accommodation with extremely friendly staff and plenty of space to socialize.
The common areas consist of a fully equipped kitchen, a living room with a TV and Netflix, and a garden with an outdoor bar and a hot tub – a great place to relax after hiking around Antigua. There is also a terrace with volcano views which are best enjoyed during the bar’s happy hours.
Each bed in shared dorms has a privacy curtain, a charging outlet, and a large locker. On the other hand, the private rooms feature orthopedic, queen-size mattresses and restrooms with showers. Some of them even boast windows facing the volcano and are therefore a perfect option for a romantic couple’s stay.
Selina Antigua
HostelWorld (*8.3) Booking.com (*8.4) Map Starts at ($14) for 10-bed dorm
**SPECIAL 10% SELINA DISCOUNT* Use Our Coupon: “TRAVELING-SELINA” while Booking on Selina’s Website to Get Exclusive Discount.
**Prices are shown for weekdays in Mid-season (July)
Selina Antigua is a hostel in Antigua that gives their guests the chance to stay in their dorms, private rooms, double rooms, or even tents that can hold 30 people, all with prices under $20.
The rooms have ceiling fans, security lockers, and linens included. Dorm rooms have age restrictions for people who are 18-45. Breakfast is not included in your price but there is a Buffet Breakfast available from 7 am until 10 am, between $5 and $10. For the lockers, you will need to either bring your own or you can buy one from Selina Antigua.
Free Wi-Fi is available in this hostel, there is luggage storage available and a tours/travel desk is on the property. Selina Antigua has a swimming pool in the common area so people can enjoy a dip or just socialize with the other guests, there are also BBQ areas and a Games Room. Meeting rooms are available if you need to do business while staying at Selina Antigua. A bar and restaurant are on the property that serves up delicious foods and yummy drinks.
This hostel will allow its guests to enjoy specialty nights and different activities on the property like yoga classes.
Maya Papaya
HostelWorld (*9.7) Booking.com (*9.3) Map Starts at ($12) for 14-bed dorm
**Prices are shown for weekdays in Mid-season (July)
Maya Papaya is said to be the best hostel in Guatemala. They are praised for their clean property, delicious traditional free Guatemalan breakfast, helpful and nice staff, and the quietness that people can enjoy when staying there. All bunk beds in Maya Papaya have a reading light, outlet, privacy curtain, storage locker, and shelf. Anyone who stays here can enjoy free Wi-Fi, internet access and city maps to get out and explore. All of the beds are covered in fluffy duvet covers and each room is non-smoking.
People can stay at Maya Papaya from $10-$13 per night which makes this friendly hostel incredibly budget-friendly. This hostel has multiple areas to hang out indoors and outside, plus if you have downtime there is Netflix on the TVs.
They have daily bar specials which always include their famous mojitos and as a guest, you are able to have full use of the kitchen. Housekeeping is available facilities, security lockers for your items, and luggage storage so you don’t have to worry about keeping bags in the room. Maya Papaya has a 24-hour reception and 24-hour security to keep you safe. They also offer airport transfers, late check-out, a tours/travel desk, and shuttle buses for your convenience.
Tropicana Hostel
HostelWorld (*9.1) Map Starts at ($9) for 15 bed-dorm
**Prices are shown for weekdays in Mid-season (July)
Tropicana Hostel is a hostel where the prices start at just around $9 a night. The rooms come with air conditioning, reading lights, and power outlets. All of the dorms are mixed, you get free linens and there are shared bathrooms, if you are in a private room you will have an en-suite bathroom.
Tropicana Hostel has an outdoor terrace on the property and a swimming pool to cool off and have fun with the other guests. You will also find hammocks in the common area, there is cable TV, DVDs, a games room with board games, and a PlayStation. You will get free Wi-Fi, internet access, and city maps during your stay. A bar, cafe, and restaurant are on the property, so you can easily enjoy late-night drinks and meals without leaving the Tropicana Hostel.
This hostel is known for its friendly and helpful staff. The Tropicana Hostel has a 24-hour reception, 24/7 security, laundry facilities, a tour/travel desk, and currency exchange. Security lockers are in the rooms and there are safety deposit boxes available. Also if you are staying more than a day or 2 and want to enjoy your fellow guests they offer fun nighttime activities for their guests.
El Hostal BnB
TEMPORARILY CLOSED
El Hostal BnBis a hostel that offers free breakfast, a city tour, city maps, free wi-fi, and internet access, plus the linens and towels are included in your price. In the rooms, you’ll find ceiling fans, reading lights, and security lockers. Guests can stay in a dorm room for under $10 or stay in a double-bed private room for $36. Ironing boards and hairdryers are available to help you look your best and washers and dryers are also in the facility.
El Hostal BNB has a cafe’/restaurant as part of its property that is a sustainable restaurant that serves locally sourced ingredients for its meals, smoothies, drinks, snacks, and appetizers. This hostel has more of a child-friendly atmosphere, so this is definitely not for those looking to party and overly indulge. Cable TV and DVDs are available in the common room and there is a games room with board games. The reception is open 24 hours and there is 24-hour security.
El Hostal BNB has a jobs board for people who are looking to make money while they are staying in the area. Safety deposit boxes are available for people who need to protect their valuables. This hostel offers airport transfers, a shuttle bus service, luggage storage, a currency exchange, housekeeping, and a tours/travel desk. Every Friday night they have “Live Sessions” night where a local artist is showcased in the common area, plus this is Happy Hour time.
Three Monkeys Hostel
PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Three Monkeys Hostel is a hostel that has rooms that are available for less than $10, comfortable beds, spacious dorm rooms, and linens are included in the price. All rooms have lockers for their guests and the rooms either have en-suite or shared bathrooms. This hostel is clean and the staff is friendly and very helpful. Guests will receive free Wi-Fi, internet access, and city maps.
Three Monkeys Hostel is known for its social and party-like atmosphere, so if you are traveling with your kids this is not the hostel for you. Pets are not allowed in this hostel, also no drug use and the rooms are non-smoking. The reception desk is open between 7 am and 10 pm and there is security 24 hours a day. A BBQ area is available outdoors and there is an outdoor terrace. A cable TV is available in the common room, there is a bar on the property and there are tea and coffee-making facilities.
Three Monkeys Hostel has a tours/travel desk, luggage storage available, and housekeeping. Safety deposit boxes are provided to keep your valuables safe and they offer airport transfers. Breakfast is included in the price and the Three Monkeys Hostel is centrally located to the main streets and shops.
Bigfoot Hostel Antigua
PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Bigfoot Hostel Antigua has very inexpensive accommodations which range from $6.52 to sleep in a 12 or 15-bed mixed dorm or $8.48 to sleep in a 10-bed mixed dorm, a girls-only dorm, and beautiful private rooms are also available. All of the rooms are air-conditioned, have backpack-sized lockers, they are clean, comfortable, and decorated. If you are traveling with your pet you can have them at this hostel as long as you have a private room. Bigfoot Hostel Antigua has free Wi-Fi, and internet access, city maps, and linens are included in your price.
This is known as a party hostel with a fun atmosphere where people are utilizing the courtyard and bar area, so if you are traveling with your children keep this in mind. Bigfoot Hostel Antigua is centrally located and has a friendly staff, it is wheelchair friendly and has a 24-hour reception. They have a BBQ in the outdoor area, a pool table, and a hot tub along with an outdoor terrace. A restaurant is on the property so you can conveniently eat your meals there, breakfast is not included with this hostel. Bigfoot Hostel has a tours/travel desk, late check-out is available, laundry facilities, airport transfers, and a shuttle bus.
FAQs about hostels in Antigua
Maya Papaya is one of the best hostels in Antigua for solo travelers. There are multiple common areas to meet other guests, such as a lounge, bar, and kitchenette. On the other hand, it offers beds with a reading light, locker, shelf, and a curtain for extra privacy.
Surrounded by many bars and restaurants, Tropicana Hostel in Antigua is a perfect option for party maniacs. You can also have a drink at their on-site bar or engage in beer pong or quiz night.
Antigua is relatively cheap, including its hostels. Prices for a bed in a dorm usually fall between USD$ 9 and USD$ 15, while rates for a private in a hostel range from USD$ 25 to USD$ 40 per night.
Antigua is rather safe, compared to other parts of Guatemala, and so are its hostels. However, you should be aware of petty crimes, such as pickpocketing and theft. We recommend you keep large amounts of cash, your passport, and valuables in a safety box provided by the hostel.
Why you should visit Antigua?
Antigua is a historically rich city in Guatemala. It was at one time the capital of Guatemala before several earthquakes put the city into ruins. Antigua is starting to grow as one of the top tourist destinations in Guatemala because of the ability to climb to the top of Pacaya Volcana and see active lava. There is also the ability to explore the old town of Antigua and the parts of the city that have been restored after the previous devastating earthquakes.
Antigua has a growing ex-pat community of people who are retiring and moving from the U.S. and Europe to move to Antigua and enjoy the historical but surprisingly modern city. Antigua has a great nightlife that draws in people from as far away as Guatemala City. Antigua is also a cruise port that is constantly bringing in people from other countries. This city has a constant flow of different types of people and cultures moving through it who are coming to enjoy the history, get a chance to experience delicious Guatemalan foods, and have fun in a city that is truly on the verge of becoming one of the biggest destinations in South America, if not the entire world.