Volunteer in a Backpacker Hostel in Mexico

Volunteer in a Backpacker Hostel (Mexico)

Mexico

This welcoming hostel is located in the heart of San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, just two blocks from the main square. Known as one of Mexico’s most magical destinations, the city offers a lively mix of culture, art, music and nature, making it a great place to meet travellers from around the world and share experiences.

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The hostel is set in a large, historic neoclassical house with a beautiful garden, hammocks and a new terrace with 360-degree views across the city. Alongside accommodation, the hostel offers tours and a temazcal, a traditional Mayan sauna.

The project was created with a simple aim: to bring travellers together and create a friendly place where people can share experiences. The team values comfort, quality and a welcoming atmosphere, and volunteers become part of this environment during their stay.

Tasks & Roles

The hostel can accommodate between six and nine volunteers at a time. Volunteer roles are assigned on arrival according to the positions available, with all tasks carried out under the guidance of a member of staff.

Depending on their role, volunteers may help with cleaning rooms, making beds, keeping communal areas tidy, welcoming new guests and providing information about the hostel. Some volunteers may also help in the kitchen with breakfast or assist with preparing and serving dinner.

Evening roles can include helping the bartender serve drinks, prepare the bar, play music and create a lively atmosphere for guests. Other volunteers may work night reception, helping with late check-ins and check-outs as well as tour departures. Night reception volunteers stay in a house next door to the hostel, where some members of staff also live.

Volunteers generally work five days per week, although night reception involves three nights per week. Shifts can take place in the morning, evening or at night, depending on the role.

Living & Getting There

Volunteers receive accommodation, breakfast every day and lunch six days per week. They also have access to a kitchen and fridge, allowing them to prepare their own meals if they wish. There is free time to explore the city, enjoy the hostel’s garden and bar, and take part in activities. Volunteers also receive two free drinks each week and discounts on trips organised by the hostel.

The nearest airport is Ángel Albino Corzo International Airport (TGZ), near Tuxtla Gutiérrez. From the airport, an OCC/ADO shuttle runs directly to the bus station in San Cristóbal de las Casas. The journey takes around one hour and 20 minutes, with several departures each day.

From the OCC/ADO bus station, the hostel can be reached on foot in around 10 blocks. The route follows Insurgentes Street towards the main square, before turning onto Diego de Mazariegos Street. After another two blocks, the hostel is located at number 23, on the corner of Diego de Mazariegos and 5 de Mayo Street. It is in a large yellow-orange building.

What else

San Cristóbal is an easy city to explore on foot, with historic churches, museums, parks, markets, restaurants and shops close to the hostel. The surrounding area also offers plenty to discover, with the cultural villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán around 20 minutes away.

For longer trips, volunteers can explore rivers, waterfalls, lakes and archaeological sites within two to three hours of the city. Highlights include Cañón del Sumidero, Lagos de Montebello, Cascada El Chiflón, Toniná, Cascadas de Agua Azul and Palenque.

The city also hosts cultural events, live music, traditional celebrations and food festivals throughout the year. The hostel team aims to create a relaxed and sociable environment where volunteers can meet other travellers, enjoy their free time and feel part of the wider hostel community.

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