Backpackers Hostel

The aptly named Backpackers Hostel is an ideal budget choice for travelers to San Cristobol de las Casas, Mexico. Located just five minutes' walk from the beautiful Temple de Santa Domingo and the Municipal Market, and ten minutes' walk from Zocalo, the cities main sites, eating places, and nightlife are well within walking distance! Unfortunately the main bus station is on the other side of town, and while within walking distance, heavy backpacks may call for a taxi.

For those prepared to walk, head North up Insurgents Avenue to the Zocalo, turn left and walk one block before continuing north up 20 de Noviembre. One you reach the Santa Domingo Church take a left down Avenue de Mexicanos and the hostel is the third block on your left.

The Backpackers Hostel has a number of sleeping options including dorms (female only available), single rooms, and campsites in the backyard (not recommended for rainy season!). The bunk beds in the sixteen-person dorms are spacious and the dorms, though small, do provide adequate space for backpacks and have lockers with the option of hiring a padlock for those without. Cat haters be warned, you might wake up with an unexpected bed buddy in the night!

The bathrooms are small and there are not enough showers. The showers have mould, however they are not totally unapproachable -- it is mainly restricted to the upper walls and ceiling. There isn't really adequate space to change, however it can be achieved whilst maintaining privacy.

With a chilled out, friendly vibe, the central courtyard is a great place to meet fellow travelers or hang out in a hammock with a book. The hostel facilities include a kitchen with adequate facilities to make self-catering a viable option, a lounge room with a TV and several DVDs, a book exchange, and there is a gym for an extra fee.

A range of additional services are offered by the hostel. They will book tours to surrounding indigenous villages and door to door buses to a number of Guatemalan locations as well as organising Spanish classes. A free nightly salsa dancing class is a welcome bonus -- the classes are a little disorganised but a sociable and fun affair to say the least. Free internet and breakfast are additional free inclusions. Although the hostel is not without its shortcomings, the inexpensive, safe, and friendly hostel is a great, and for the most part comfortable, place to stay.

-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review