Why choose a hostel in Oaxaca?
Few cities in Mexico pack as much culture into a walkable centre as Oaxaca. The historic Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán anchors the city with centuries-old colonial architecture. The Mercado Benito Juárez puts local food, textiles, and crafts within easy reach. The city rewards slow travel, and hostels in Oaxaca are built for exactly that pace.
Hostels here cost significantly less than hotels and private rentals, freeing up your budget for food and markets. Shared dorms are ideal for solo travellers who want to connect with others on the road. Private rooms give couples or light-packers a quieter option without the price tag of a hotel. Most hostels offer common areas, local tips from staff, and a social energy that apartment-style stays rarely match.
How to find the best hostel deals in Oaxaca
Want to use the same magic that powers our award-winning flight search to track down incredible offers on room rates? Here are a few tips to find the perfect stay and save in no time.
Book in advance
Book ahead to boost your chances of finding the right hostel at a good price. This matters even more during peak travel periods like school breaks and festive seasons.
…or bag a last-minute Oaxaca hostel deal.
Although prices tend to rise the closer it gets to the date of your stay, sometimes hostels cut their rates at the last minute to fill vacant rooms. It's more likely this will happen during low season.
Flexible on dates? Say hello to better rates
Cheap hostels can be easier to find if your dates are flexible. Try different months or seasons, or go on a weekday instead of weekends to save money.
Where to base yourself in Oaxaca
The Centro Histórico is where most hostels in Oaxaca tend to draw travellers who want everything close at hand. The Zócalo sits at the centre, with street food stalls, mezcal bars, and the Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca all within easy walking distance. Santo Domingo church and its surrounding pedestrian streets keep things lively into the evening. Colectivos and taxis are easy to find here when you need to head further out.
Jalatlaco, a short walk from the centre, has a quieter feel. Cobblestone streets are lined with small cafes and independent restaurants that tend to run cheaper than the spots closer to the Zócalo. It still puts you within walking distance of the main sights, so you won't lose much time getting around. Your choice really comes down to whether you want to be in the middle of the action or slightly away from it.
Best hostels in Oaxaca
Some hostels are better than others, and the ratings on Skyscanner help you compare. Each score is based on genuine guest reviews, covering the things worth considering before booking. Think service, cleanliness, location, value and overall experience.
Best all-rounder hostels
Trotamundo Oaxaca Hostel is popular for a reason. From its location and service to its value, this accommodation option ticks the boxes that matter most.
Iguana Hostel Oaxaca is worth keeping in mind too. It earns strong ratings for its cleanliness, rooms and sleep quality.
Highest-rated hostels for cleanliness
If staying somewhere clean and comfortable is essential, Iguana Hostel Oaxaca fits the bill. Guests give it top scores for cleanliness, with amenities like a nightclub and tour services.
Casa Angel Hostel keeps things in good shape too, with guests giving it excellent ratings for cleanliness. Here you'll have access to tour services, a games room and more.
Hostels with the best customer service
When it comes to customer service, Trotamundo Oaxaca Hostel is among the best-rated hostels in Oaxaca. This option comes with Wi-Fi and shuttle services.
Travellers also have good things to say about the customer service at Iguana Hostel Oaxaca in their reviews. A nightclub and a games room are some amenities available here.
Centrally located hostels
Location is where Trotamundo Oaxaca Hostel really lives up to its reputation, according to the guests who've been there. You'll have everything you need, including shuttle services and Wi-Fi.
Or consider Iguana Hostel Oaxaca. This well-located stay features a 24-hour front desk and table tennis.
Hostels near the best attractions in Oaxaca
Where to stay near Centro Histórico de Oaxaca de Juárez
Getting to Centro Histórico de Oaxaca de Juárez is a breeze when you stay at Los Nardos Hostel -pet friendly-. Parking and luggage storage are part of what guests can expect at this hostel in Oaxaca.
You can also explore this attraction at your own pace at Casa Angel Hostel. You'll find amenities like a 24-hour front desk and a nightclub here.
Hostels close to Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán
With Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán on the agenda, Trotamundo Oaxaca Hostel makes a practical base. This hostel in Oaxaca features an airport shuttle and shuttle services.
Another solid option near this attraction is Los Nardos Hostel -pet friendly-. This hostel comes with amenities including parking and Wi-Fi.
Zócalo de la Ciudad de Oaxaca (Plaza de La Constitución) hostels
Get straight into exploring from Trotamundo Oaxaca Hostel. This hostel in Oaxaca comes with an airport shuttle, Wi-Fi and plenty more.
Los Nardos Hostel -pet friendly- is another stay close by. A games room and a lounge are among the amenities here.
