Hostel Rio Cancun

The Mayan Hostel is a grass hut oasis in the busy hub of downtown Cancun, Mexico. Located a short walk from the bus depot, a large scale grocery store, several banks and Mexican restaurants, this hostel is in the ideal location for backpackers visiting the turquoise waters and white sand beaches of Cancun, Mexico. At night, the active downtown is noisy, but the area in which the hostel is located is residential enough that is it pretty quiet. The location provides a unique opportunity to view Mexican residential life in the area by ridng the public buses, shopping in the grocery stores and walking along the residential streets. From the hostel, it is easy to get to the Cancun Hotel Zone by taking the city bus from bus stops along Uxmal Avenue. Everything you need is conveniently within walking distance of the hostel making its location really optimal.

The hostel is operated by two young Mexican brothers who speak English and have lots of advice to give about the area. The brothers are responsible for keeping the hostel clean and tidy, as well as secure. The gated entrance to the hostel is around the corner from the hostel office and is always locked for security. Guests wishing to enter or leave the hostel pull a rope which rings a bell to alert the owners to unlock the gate. A tight walk up the stairway brings you to the flat top of the one story building, where two large grass huts reside. The smaller grass hut contains a kitchen (with pots and pans, a stove, refrigerator, and sink), a bathroom and a couple of beds in a small open common room. The larger grass hut contains a shower, a bathroom and roughly 5 bunk beds (10 beds) in a large open common room. The large hut has a shower with a uniquely styled vestibule, where there is a sink and mirror. The bathroom in the large hut is large but has a single toilet and sink. Each bed is provided a large locker, but guests need to have their own locks. Ceiling fans keep the rooms cool in the hot and humid Cancun climate. The environment in the hostel was very friendly and conducive for hostellers exchanging travel stories and advice.

We recommend this hostel highly for a great place to stay in Cancun.

Directions: Take the public bus from the airport to the bus depot at the intersection of Uxmal and Tulum Avenue in downtown Cancun. From the depot, cross the street Uxmal and proceed down Uxmal towards Tullum until you see the street Calle Margaritas (Margarita St) on your right. There is a big store named ARCA DE NOE there. Turn right at the intersection of Uxmal and Calle Margaritas. After one block, turn right down the cross street also named Calle Margaritas. The hostel office is located halfway down the block. See map below. A sign with 'Mayan Hostel' is located above the office entrance which is behind a black iron gate with the address of Calle Margaritas #17.

— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
September 2004