Traveling by hostel in Brazil is one of the most efficient ways to combine affordability, strategic location, and social life. And when the choice is well made, the hostel becomes part of the itinerary, not just a place to sleep.
Here at Brasil ATM, the curation of this guide combines three fronts: practical observation of what really impacts the experience, critical reading of guest reviews, and verification of public recognitions on relevant industry platforms.
The idea is not to romanticize hostels. It is to help you choose with criteria, avoid pitfalls, and find the right style for your type of trip.
What are the best hostels in Brazil for different profiles?
The best hostels in Brazil are those that combine consistent ratings, good location, secure structure, and a clear experience proposal, whether social, quiet, or nature-oriented.
Below, we gathered 10 options highlighted for reputation, demand, and recognition, including award-winning hostels and those well rated on platforms widely used by travelers.
1) Ô de Casa Hostel Bar (São Paulo, Vila Madalena)
If your trip includes São Paulo and you want a hostel with real social life, this is one of the country’s references.
- Strategic neighborhood for urban tourism, bars, and mobility
- Strong profile for solo travelers
- Recurring recognition in industry awards, with national prominence
Good for: first-time hostel stay, solo travel, São Paulo focused on experiences
Point of attention: it often fills up on weekends and holidays.
2) Lagarto na Banana (Pipa, RN)
Pipa is one of the most sought-after destinations in the Northeast for those looking for beach vibes with a young and social atmosphere. Lagarto na Banana stands out for its cultural proposal and community experience.
The hostel’s own listing page indicates recognition in a global award (Hoscars).
- Explicit activities and cultural proposal
- Social vibe, but focused on well-being
- Good for meeting people without relying on nightlife
Good for: solo travel, Pipa, social with activities
Point of attention: check the room type and level of privacy before booking.
3) JO&JOE Largo do Boticário (Rio de Janeiro)
For those who want Rio with a more “hotel-hostel” proposal, robust structure, and a sustainability focus, JO&JOE appears as a highlight in the responsible tourism category at the Hoscars.
- Structure with strong common areas and a “urban refuge” atmosphere
- Environmental proposal communicated clearly
- Good option for those who prioritize comfort without losing the social experience
Good for: Rio with comfort, couples, those who want a higher-standard hostel
Point of attention: compare the final cost, as it can get close to budget hotels in low season.
4) Hostel Refúgio (Ilha Grande, RJ)
Ilha Grande requires smart choices, because the destination’s logistics change everything. Hostel Refúgio appears with high ratings and a relevant volume of reviews on Booking’s public listing of hostels in Brazil.
- Indication of consistency through volume of reviews and ratings
- Good for those who want a practical base at the destination
- Excellent for trails and beaches, with a focus on simple routines
Good for: nature, trails, Ilha Grande with controlled budget
Point of attention: on Ilha Grande, confirm check-in rules and boat schedules.
5) Che Lagarto Ilha Grande (Abraão, RJ)
The Che Lagarto network is well known in South America and appears among the most booked options in the country on the Brazil hostels page.
- Good for those who want predictable structure
- Social environment is usually a strong point
- Works well for groups and backpackers
Good for: groups, backpacking, Ilha Grande with a social focus
Point of attention: read recent comments about noise and events.
6) Che Lagarto Copacabana (Rio de Janeiro)
For those who want to stay in Rio with a classic location and more controlled costs, Copacabana remains a common base. This unit appears on the list of most booked hostels on Booking.
- Practical location for those who want the “postcard Rio”
- Good value for money in many periods of the year
- Straightforward option for those who want to sleep well and spend the day out
Good for: first trip to Rio, beach itinerary, tight budget
Point of attention: compare reviews by period, as the experience can vary considerably.
7) Che Lagarto Ipanema (Rio de Janeiro)
Ipanema usually has higher daily rates, so a hostel can be a way to stay near the beach with less cost. This unit appears on the public listing of hostels in Brazil.
- Interesting base to explore Ipanema and Leblon
- Good for those who want to walk and use transportation easily
- Social profile is usually present
Good for: Rio on foot, beach, trip with friends
Point of attention: evaluate the room type, as it completely changes the cost-benefit perception.
8) Ô de Casa Hostel Bar (São Paulo) as a “hub” for side trips
Yes, it deserves an extra mention here for a practical reason: many people use São Paulo as a connection to other destinations. And a well-located hostel, with organized staff and clear routines, reduces friction in the trip.
It appears among the most popular in São Paulo on Booking hostel listing pages, in addition to the award recognition already mentioned.
Good for: air connections, events, shows, short trips
Point of attention: São Paulo changes a lot from neighborhood to neighborhood. Confirm whether your schedule makes sense in Vila Madalena.
9) A “wildcard” for your list: use rankings with criteria, not automatically
Not every “top 10” on the internet reflects your profile. It’s worth using aggregator pages to map options by city and then validate through reviews and real photos.
Examples of listings by country and by city help in the initial screening.
Good for: quickly building an itinerary, comparing by destination
Point of attention: rankings alone don’t decide. Read recent comments and filter by specific pain points (noise, cleanliness, safety, Wi-Fi).
How to choose a hostel in Brazil without falling into traps?
Choosing well is less about “the most famous” and more about matching the right hostel to your objective, your budget, and your tolerance for noise and sharing.
Checklist of what really matters (and many people forget)
- Safety: individual lockers, access control, active reception
- Cleanliness: consistent comments and recent photos
- Location: close to what you’re going to do, not what “looks nice on the map”
- Sleep: silence policy, events, in-house bar, room type
- Real cost: fees, breakfast, towel, locker, air conditioning
Brasil ATM practical tip: the perfect hostel for one profile can be terrible for another. The secret is to match expectations with the place’s proposal.
How much does it cost to stay in a hostel in Brazil?
The answer depends greatly on the destination, season, and comfort level. Still, it’s possible to work with realistic ranges.
As a reference for travel budgets in Brazil, international travel sources often cite daily cost ranges and variation by city and season.
Typical cost range (for planning)
- Highly disputed destinations: prices rise on holidays and in summer
- Large cities: differences between neighborhoods change the price
- Beach and nature: weekends and high season have more influence
Practical recommendation: don’t compare only the “daily rate.” Compare the final cost with what’s included.
Quick comparison table: which hostel matches your style?
| Travel profile | What to prioritize | What to avoid | Best type of hostel |
| Solo traveler | social, 24h reception, tours | rooms without lockers | hostel with events and common areas |
| Couple | private room, comfort, silence | noisy dorms | “hybrid” or boutique hostel |
| Budget-focused | kitchen, laundry, good rating | expensive extras (towel, locker) | simple, well-rated hostel |
| Nature | logistics, schedules, information | distant access location | hostel as a base for trails and boats |
| Remote work | strong Wi-Fi, silence, desk | in-house bar with music | hostel with coworking area |
Step by step to book a hostel in Brazil more safely
- Define your travel objective: beach, trail, event, work, social, or rest.
- Choose the neighborhood before the hostel: this avoids expensive commuting and wasted time.
- Read recent reviews with a pain-point filter: look for words like “clean,” “noise,” “safe,” “Wi-Fi.”
- Check real guest photos: they show what the listing doesn’t.
- Validate rules and extras: towel, locker, air conditioning, breakfast, silence hours.
- Confirm cancellation policy: in destinations with unstable weather, this matters.
- Arrive with a check-in plan: especially in destinations with boats or long road access.
Hostels vs. guesthouses vs. hotels: what’s worth it in Brazil?
It depends on your objective. The comparison becomes simple when you look at what weighs most in the experience.
- Hostel: best for social life, price, location, and flexibility
- Guesthouse: best for privacy and romantic or family atmosphere
- Hotel: best for predictability, service, and standardized structure
The practical logic is: if you’re going to spend the day out, a well-chosen hostel usually delivers more. If accommodation is a central part of rest, a guesthouse or hotel may make more sense.
What to bring to stay in a hostel in Brazil?
The list below solves 90 percent of common pain points.
- Padlock or compatible locker locks
- Compact towel, if not included
- Flip-flops and a simple toiletry kit
- Earplugs and sleep mask
- Adapter, if you use many devices
- A small backpack for day use
Practical tip: in beach and trail destinations, a light rain jacket and a small dry bag help a lot.
Conclusion: how to get it right with the best hostels in Brazil
Finding the best hostels in Brazil is not about memorizing a list. It’s about choosing with criteria, crossing your travel profile with the hostel’s proposal, and validating the details that change the experience.
When you do that, accommodation stops being a risk and becomes an advantage. You save money, sleep better, move more efficiently, and may still meet great people along the way.
Want to build your complete itinerary based on your days, destination, and travel style? Visit Brasil ATM and use our guides to choose where to stay with more safety, clarity, and cost-effectiveness.
Where to withdraw cash at ATM24h machines in Brazil
To make the most of your trip around Brazil, carry some cash. It ensures a smoother and more enjoyable experience. In some locations, cash is essential for food, transportation, attraction entrances, and more.
See the table below with some ATM24h locations in the regions mentioned in this article:
| Where | Location |
| Guarulhos Airport – São Paulo | See all locations |
| Congonhas Airport – São Paulo | See all locations |
| Curitiba Airport | See all locations |
| Brasília Airport | See all locations |
| Florianópolis Airport | See all locations |
Get to know Brasil ATM
At Brasil ATM, we see Brazil as a country full of unique beauty and a fascinating culture. Our portal, supported by the global ATM24h brand, reflects our passion for Brazil. We aim to inspire tourists to explore its wonders safely and with confidence.
We provide accurate, up-to-date, and inspiring information in three languages, so you can plan your trip with confidence. We offer complete resources for travelers, including travel guides, detailed itineraries, and planning tips.
Our goal is to help create lasting memories. We showcase Brazil’s natural and cultural highlights, from famous destinations like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo to hidden gems such as Lençóis Maranhenses and Fernando de Noronha. We are here to help you make the most of your journey.
Read more about Brazil:
- Best resorts in Brazil – 12 must-see options for mistake-free vacations
- 5-Star Hotels in Brazil – The Best and How to Choose Without Mistakes
- 4-star hotels in Brazil – 12 best and how to choose without mistakes
- 3-Star Hotels in Brazil – The Best and How to Choose Without Mistakes
Frequently asked questions about best hostels in Brazil
The best hostels in Brazil combine good location, safety, cleanliness, consistent reviews, and a clear experience proposal, whether social, quiet, or nature-oriented. This analysis avoids impulsive choices and reduces accommodation risks. Learn more with the complete guides from Brasil ATM.
Yes, as long as the hostel has access control, individual lockers, good reputation, and recent positive comments about safety. Well-rated hostels are often especially suitable for solo travelers. See on Brasil ATM how to identify truly safe hostels.
Prices vary by destination, season, and structure, but hostels remain one of the most economical options in the country. Ideally, compare the final cost and what’s included, not just the daily rate. Check price ranges and destination comparisons on Brasil ATM.
The choice depends on your travel objective, desired level of privacy, tolerance for noise, and strategic location. The best hostel for one profile may not work for another. Use the filters and recommendations from Brasil ATM to make the right choice.
