Backpacking in Guatemala: Staying in Hostal 7 Orejas, the Best Hostel in Quetzaltenango

The best hostel in Xela! Hostal 7 Orejas.

The best hostel in Xela! Hostal 7 Orejas.

After Mexico it was time for some backpacking in Guatemala. It was my first time in the country and on the first night, after crossing the border from Ciudad Cuauhtemoc into La Mesilla, we got two chicken buses to Quetzaltenango, also known as Xela. A few days before we needed to book a hostel though, as arriving at night we wanted to be sure we had a bed for the night! And we found a fantastic place online – the Hostal 7 Orejas, which translates into English as “seven ears”!

Loving the Hostal 7 Orejas in Xela, Guatemala

Loving the Hostal 7 Orejas in Xela, Guatemala

After a day of 2 chicken buses, one normal bus, one tuk tuk, one shared taxi, a border crossing and a taxi, we arrived in Hostal 7 Orejas and were welcomed with a warm smile and handed our room key. Travel bliss and then the wifi worked and was fast!!

Arrival at Hostal 7 Orejas at night.

Arrival at Hostal 7 Orejas at night.

We prolonged our stay in the end from 2 nights into 4 nights as we loved the place so much and here are the best 5 things about the Hostal 7 Orejas.

Oh yeah! I feel at home here in Guatemala!

Oh yeah! I feel at home here in Guatemala!

1. Comfortable rooms
Just amazing. We ended up in a triple room which gave us more space. Cosy beds, a desk for blogging. Really cosy and comfortable and with a nice decor.

Our comfy room in Hostal 7 Orejas.

Our comfy room in Hostal 7 Orejas.

2. Hot water
It’s not always a given that the water in showers will be hot, but here at Hostal 7 Orejas it always is.

Guaranteed hot water and a nice shower!

Guaranteed hot water and a nice shower!

3. Fast wi fi
In the short time that I had in the room (as we were our hiking and exploring a lot) I made use of the ultra fast wifi! I got my blogging done, my videos onto You Tube and all my emails etc. answered. Fast wifi is a really big pulling point for me!

Blogging away on the fast wifi in Hostal 7 Orejas.

Blogging away on the fast wifi in Hostal 7 Orejas.

4. Rooftop Views
Head to the third floor (of 3) and enjoy the views at sunrise, sunset or just chill with an afternoon beer. It was brilliant views day and night.

Rooftop views at night.

Rooftop views at night.

Rooftop views of Xela at sunset.

Rooftop views of Xela at sunset.

Morning rooftop views!

Morning rooftop views!

5. Great Staff
The staff are very pleasant and friendly and the manager Anthony kept asking how everything was and what our plans where. After checking out, they even minded our bags for 2 days when we did the Tajumulco hike.

With Anthony in Hostal 7 Orejas!

With Anthony in Hostal 7 Orejas!

All in all this is the best hostel in Xela or Quetzaltenango and is situated on a nice quiet street, only 10 minutes walk from the Parque Central.

The quiet street, Calle 2a where Hostal 7 Orejas is.

The quiet street, Calle 2a where Hostal 7 Orejas is.

You can book through Agoda but also through their own website and here are the full details:
Hostal 7 Orejas
2a. Calle 16-92 zona 1 Quetzaltenango, Guatemala
https://www.facebook.com/7Orejas
Or contact them by sending an email to [email protected]

Here are my videos from my stay in Hostal 7 Orejas when backpacking in Guatemala:

2 thoughts on “Backpacking in Guatemala: Staying in Hostal 7 Orejas, the Best Hostel in Quetzaltenango

  • The quality of these Hostels that you are finding in South America and Central America seem to be getting better and better as your journey continues. Glad to see you are having a blast and making the most out of your time here in the Western Hemisphere. 😉

  • Hi Ray – While you are correct that we have found good ones (mostly Panny I might add) I simply don’t write a review of the more average and crap ones. We stayed in a few below par places recently so I’ll name there on here for you (wouldnt give them a full post as staff were unfriendly/bed bugs etc.) – Rossco Backpackers (San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico – rude staff, dingy rooms) and Casa Atitlan (San Pedro, Guatemala) – bugs and inconsiderate staff! But yeah this place was cool and the fastest wifi of this trip so far!! Safe travels. Jonny

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