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There are a lot of reasons why people prefer hostels when traveling. They’re cheaper than hotels, help you to meet fellow travelers, and often host a wide variety of parties and fun activities.
If you’re considering a trip to Cancun on a budget, you need to be aware of the best hostels in the area.
That’s why I’ve put together this list of 10 best budget-friendly hostels in Cancun. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to make the right decision for you.

Benefits of Staying in Hostels in Cancun
If you’re unsure about staying in a hostel when visiting Cancun, check out these benefits:
- Hostels are much more budget-friendly than hotels and bed and breakfasts.
- They offer many on-site social activities (parties, movie nights, games, etc) that you won’t find anywhere else.
- You get to meet new people and make new friends with fellow travelers and locals.
- They have more variety in terms of the rooms from which you can choose, according to your budget and comfort needs.
- Their services are tailored to the needs of a nomad. These include Wi-Fi, fully stocked kitchens, storage services, and more.
There are a lot of myths about hostel living, but the truth is that hostels offer impeccable hospitality.
As a result, you’ll experience a more personal and homely touch compared to other establishments. This makes finding and booking a Cancun hostel a great idea.
Top 10 Budget Hostels in Cancun
Mexico as a whole is a wonderful place, and Cancun specifically is ranked as one of the best Caribbean destinations in the world. Here, you can experience turquoise blue water and beautiful white sand beaches at your leisure.
The places on my list aren’t just cheap hostels. They’re affordable, conveniently located, and have great reviews. They also have interesting amenities and activities for travelers — perfect for a nomad. So, let’s take a look and see which you think is the best hostel for you!

1. Mayan Monkey Cancun
Mayan Monkey has an upbeat atmosphere, and the staff are really helpful and friendly. It’s a great place to meet other travelers and explore the surrounding area.
It sits just across the road from a gorgeous beach and is a stone’s throw away from some of Cancun’s best bars and restaurants.
There are plenty of common areas and outdoor spaces where you can kick back and soak up the Mexican sun. Whether you want to party, work, or simply relax – this is the hostel for you.

2. Hostel Venado 28
Hostel Venado 28 could be your Mexican home away from home! Located downtown, this hostel is close to amazing restaurants, bars, and more places of interest.
This place is great for meeting new people and fellow nomads with culturally diverse backgrounds, as the hostel hosts cultural events and activities to ensure you fully experience Mexican culture.
The hostel has art, free air conditioning — perfect for those hot and humid evenings — and cleaning services for guests. They also have a 24/7 reception area and no curfew.

3. Fiesta Party Hostel Cancun
The name of this hostel says it all. The Fiesta Party Hostel is for you if you’re looking for a cheap hostel that knows how to host wild parties. To accommodate the party culture, you get a free tequila shot on arrival, along with the benefits of no checkout times and free air-conditioning to keep things cool while getting your groove on.
Their breakfast options are curated to cure hangovers and to give you the strength you need to keep the party going.
This place is definitely not suitable for a nomad looking for peace and rest.
Fiesta Hostel also offers entrance to local clubs and visits to the Mayan ruins.
Plus, you get access to water activities, such as diving, snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, and feeding sharks.

4. Hostel Ka’beh Cancun
Lonely Planet has named Hostel Ka’beh their top budget choice since 2009, and they have ten years of experience in providing safety and comfort.
Close to local transport hubs, cultural hotspots, and amenities, Hostel Ka’beh is a convenient place to lay your head down.
Enjoy their renowned hospitality with multi-lingual and highly experienced staff. They have a great culture and host many group activities for those who want to socialize with fellow backpackers.
It truly is a traveler’s dream with relaxing mornings and no checkout time.
Enjoy their free Wi-Fi, coffee, air conditioning, storage, and maps of the local area. The activities they host include exploring the city, tours, and marine adventures.

5. Hostel Natura Cancun
The Hostel Natura Cancun is newly built with the modern traveler in mind. Natura has classic Mexican delights and a fresh, appealing design. What’s more, you can enjoy their new amenities at an affordable rate.
Aside from their amazing parties, Hostel Natura doesn’t host many activities.
But you don’t have to worry about this – they don’t have to because this hostel is conveniently located next to the local hot spots.
You don’t have to spend money on taxis as the nightclubs, restaurants, drug stores, and convenience stores are all within walking distance. This is perfect for travelers on a budget.
Those booked as guests here also receive discounts at the Natura restaurant downstairs, where you can socialize and meet new people. Considerably more glamorous than the usual hostel, this accommodation is a steal, and you can choose to stay in a dorm or a private room, depending on your budget.

6. Nomads Hotel Hostel & Rooftop Pool
This amazing building has a rooftop pool with a massive bar and a cozy hangout area. Nomads Hotel Hostel and Rooftop Pool is perfect for socialites on a budget.
Enjoy the sunset, and meet new and exciting people at the hostel that hosts unforgettable night shows. You’ll also be close to local transport routes, the beach, and public nightlife scenes.
Clean and comfortable, this accommodation also offers free Wi-Fi and self-made city maps. There are spacious private rooms available as well as dorm rooms.

7. Casa Bugambilias Cancún
Casa Bugambilias Cancun is ideal if you’re looking for a relaxing place to stay while in Cancun. It consists of a collection of residential-type homes that are made to accommodate backpackers.
They offer a family environment with bunk beds for convenient rooming or private rooms with double beds. This is a great option for those traveling in groups.
Casa Bugambilias Cancún is located in a great area where you can access a nearby shopping area and supermarket. It’s also near transport to Riviera Maya and the Isla Mujeres beach area.

8. Selina Cancun Downtown
Located 20 minutes away from the airport and just a few steps from local transport amenities, Selina Cancun Downtown is a gem. The area has plenty of markets, local bars, trendy spots, and restaurants.
The hostel itself offers guests free Wi-Fi, an on-site bar, and food and beverage options. The swimming pool and common areas host games and activities, such as live music shows.
Selina Cancun is a great way to experience Tulum, Riviera Maya, and Nadar Street.

9. The Boat House Cancun
The Boat House Cancun is known for its welcoming, friendly atmosphere and high levels of cleanliness. It’s in a great location with Playa Las Perlas nearby and several supermarkets within walking distance.
Guests are treated to a free breakfast every morning, and it’s one of the most affordable hostels I’ve come across in Cancun.
It hosts fun activities and there’s free WiFi, airport transfers, and even a shuttle bus to the beach (for an additional cost)

10. Hostel Balagan
Hostel Balagan is located in the city center of Cancun, close to the national and local bus terminals and airport.
This place has bright and warm interior decor to fit the hostel’s tropical theme. They provide a large back garden where you can spend some time chilling out.
The amenities provided by Hostel Balagan include a fully stocked kitchen for all your cooking needs and air conditioning. This hostel gives guests comfort, security, and warmth during their stay.

Choosing & Booking Hostels in Cancun
Now you know about some of the amazing options you have when choosing a hostel in Cancun. But how do you decide which is the best hostel for you?
Here are some things to consider when booking a hostel in Cancun, Mexico.
- You can book a hostel in Cancun within minutes by using reliable websites such as HostelWorld or booking.com.
- Be sure to pick a hostel more suited to your travel needs. Prices vary due to the amenities of the hostel and the time of year.
- If you’re near a beach, there’s no need to pay to stay in a hostel with a pool. This is one of the ways you can cut costs and save money.

Closing Thoughts on Cancun Hostels
Hostels are not just a cheaper alternative to hotels but an important part of a full travel experience. They help you to meet new people, take part in fun activities in the local area, and save money that you can use for other travel essentials.
As you can see from this guide, there are loads of awesome and affordable hostels in Cancun. Instead of taking our word for it, try one of them out for yourself.
Essential Info: Logistical Tips and Tricks to Book your Trip
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT
Regarding cheap airfare, I highly recommend using Skyscanner and Expedia. These are two of the sites I use the most due to their exhaustive search on several websites and airlines around the world. They usually bring the cheapest fares.
Additionally, I recommend getting the WayAway Plus membership to save money on cheaper fares and earn cashback (sent straight to your PayPal) on your bookings.
BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION
For hotels, guesthouses, apartments, and other types of accommodation, I highly recommend Booking.com. They are my go-to booking site because they usually have the cheapest fares.
If you’re a registered Booking.com user (“Genius”), you can take advantage of their “Genius discount” to save even more money. I almost always book my accommodation with Booking, and I’ve saved thousands of dollars with their Genius discount.
And of course, as one of the largest travel booking sites in the world, Expedia is another excellent accommodation booking site with a free reward program and discounted member prices.
If you’re looking to save money by staying at a hostel, HostelWorld has the largest inventory of hostels with shared dorms and private rooms. On the other hand, Vrbo offers a wide variety of rooms and apartments at affordable prices.
DON’T FORGET YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel insurance with comprehensive coverage will protect you against unexpected events like theft, cancellations, injury, and illness.
I use HeyMondo to insure my trips and recommend them. Their affordable plans offer a 24/7 assistance platform for claims, medical coverage for every traveler, adventure sports and covid-19 coverage, and more. And better yet, GloboTreks readers get 5% off their plan! Get a quote.
Alternatively, if you’re a nomad and travel often or long-term, then SafetyWing could help you save a lot of money on long-term travel insurance.
FIND THE BEST TOURS AT THE BEST PRICES
If you’re looking for the best day tours and cheapest ticket entrances to local attractions, I recommend checking Viator, as they have the largest selection of attractions, passes, and activities all around the world.
BOOK YOUR LOCAL TRANSPORTATION AHEAD OF TIME
Bookaway offers the easiest and most accessible way to book overland transportation with local operators, be it by bus, train, ferry, plane, mini-van, or even private transfers.
If renting a car, then I highly recommend DiscoverCars to get the largest car selection at the best price.
OTHER TRAVEL AND MONEY-SAVING TIPS?
Lastly, check out my resources page for some of the best products and companies to use for your trip. If you like saving money (like I do!), then this page will help.


LET ME HELP YOU TRAVEL MORE BY GETTING ADDITIONAL TIPS AND INSPIRATION VIA THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER.
Plus, receive a short e-book with 15 Beginner Tips and Tricks to Save Money on Flights!