A large hostel in a colonial building on Calle Diego de Mazariegos with a grass courtyard, a bar, a shared kitchen, and breakfast included in the rate. Dorms run from four to twelve beds and private rooms are available, and the position in Barrio de la Merced is five minutes from the Zocalo.
Puerta Vieja Hostel occupies a colonial building on Calle Diego de Mazariegos in Barrio de la Merced, San Cristobal de las Casas, about five minutes on foot from the Zocalo. A grass courtyard at the centre of the building hosts most of the social life, alongside a bar, a shared kitchen, and hot showers throughout. Dorms run from four to twelve beds, including a female-only dormitory, and private double rooms are available for guests wanting more privacy. Breakfast is included in the rate, served in the courtyard or a covered common area. There is no restaurant beyond breakfast, no spa, and no pool, keeping the focus on budget travel and a sociable atmosphere rather than resort amenities. Lockers and luggage storage suit guests who arrive after long bus journeys from Tuxtla Gutierrez or Palenque, and the central location makes it easy to walk to the craft markets, the cathedral, and San Cristobal's restaurant streets without needing a taxi.
Room types
- 12-bed mixed dormitory
- Female dormitory bed
- 4-bed dormitory
- Private Double Room
Amenities
- breakfast included
- shared kitchen
- bar
- wifi
- garden courtyard
- lockers
- hot showers
- luggage storage
Location
Calle Diego de Mazariegos 23, Barrio de la Merced, 29240 San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico
16.7379, -92.6402 View on map
Highlights
- Grass courtyard at the centre of a colonial building
- Breakfast included in every rate
- Five minutes on foot from the Zocalo
- Female-only dormitory option
- Dorms from four to twelve beds plus private doubles
Tips for visiting
- Book the female dormitory ahead of time, as it has fewer beds than the mixed dorms.
- Breakfast is served in the courtyard; arrive before it closes mid-morning to avoid missing it.
- Lockers are available but bring your own padlock to be safe.
- The courtyard bar can run late on weekends, so light sleepers should ask about quieter rooms.
Accessibility
The hostel is set in a colonial building with a stepped courtyard and no elevator, which limits access for wheelchair users; guests with mobility concerns should ask about ground-floor rooms when booking.
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Frequently asked questions
Is breakfast included at Puerta Vieja Hostel?
Yes, breakfast is included in the room and dorm rates.
Does the hostel have a female-only dorm?
Yes, a female dormitory is available alongside mixed dorms and private rooms.
How close is it to the Zocalo?
About five minutes on foot from San Cristobal's main plaza.
Is there a kitchen guests can use?
Yes, a shared kitchen is available in addition to the included breakfast.