Why choose a hostel in Arica?
Arica is a Pacific coast city with a relaxed pace and a rich history that rewards curious travellers. The Morro de Arica, a historic clifftop landmark, rises above the city and offers sweeping views of the shoreline below. The Cathedral of San Marcos, a prefabricated iron church with a distinctive design, stands at the centre of the city's main plaza. Both are walkable from most hostels in Arica, which makes staying central a smart move.
Hostels in Arica suit solo travellers and budget-conscious pairs equally well. Shared dorms keep costs low, while private rooms give you your own space without the price tag of a hotel. Compared to private rentals, hostels offer more flexibility and no minimum-stay requirements. Common areas, local tips from staff, and built-in social spaces add value that hotels and private rentals rarely match.
How to find the best hostel deals in Arica
Want to use the same magic that powers our award-winning flight search to find incredible offers on room rates? Try these tips to find the perfect place to stay and save in no time.
Book in advance
Book ahead to improve your chances of finding your ideal hostel at a price that fits your budget. This matters even more during peak travel periods like summer months and festive seasons.
…or bag a last-minute Arica hostel deal.
It generally gets more expensive the closer you get to your stay. But in quieter periods, late deals can still pop up when hostels have rooms to fill.
Flexible on dates? Say hello to better rates
Even small changes to your travel dates can make a difference when searching for cheap hostels. Choose weekdays over weekends, or travel during the low season instead of the most popular months.
Where to base yourself in Arica
The city centre puts you within walking distance of Plaza Colón, the cathedral designed by Gustave Eiffel, and the port area. Hostels here tend to be affordable, and the main market is close by for cheap, filling meals. Local buses to nearby beaches and the Azapa Valley depart from central stops, making it a practical base for day trips. If you prefer waking up near the water, the El Laucho area sits south of the Morro de Arica headland. It's quieter than the centre and a short walk from a sheltered beach popular with locals. The Morro itself offers sweeping coastal panoramas and is easily reached on foot from either area. Both neighbourhoods keep you close to Arica's main draws without stretching your budget.
Top hostels in Arica
A relaxed base in Arica's city centre, Hostel Posada de Gallo offers free Wi-Fi and a shared kitchen for guests. Arica sits at the far northern tip of Chile, where the Atacama Desert meets the Pacific coast. The city has a warm, unhurried character, with a compact downtown, fresh seafood markets, and easy access to local beaches and desert landscapes worth exploring.
A relaxed base for backpackers, Hostel Willka Kuti Backpackers is a solid choice for exploring Arica at your own pace. The city sits on the Pacific coast with sandy beaches, the historic El Morro headland, and a warm, dry climate year-round. It's an unpretentious place to stay that matches the easygoing character of the area.
