🔥 Booking Today? Check First: Casa Kraken Hostel typically has beds available for spontaneous arrivals – their no-frills approach means higher turnover and last-minute availability. [Book Now →]
📅 Planning Ahead? Lock Down: Hostel Vallarta books out fastest, especially their renovated private rooms and premium dorm spots. Americans and Aussies, this one's for you. [Book Now →]
🏆 Best Overall Party Hostel: Casa Kraken Hostel – Daily adventures, nightly rooftop parties, and a social atmosphere so reliable you could set your watch to it. [Book Now →]
👤 Best for Solo Travellers: Hostel Vallarta – The perfect mix of organised activities and organic social spaces means you'll have friends within hours of checking in. [Book Now →]
💰 Best Budget Option: Oasis Hostel – At roughly €10-13 per night even in peak season, it's the cheapest ticket to PV's party scene without sacrificing the social vibe. [Book Now →]
🏖️ Best Beach Location: Chanclas Hostel – Just 2 blocks from Playa Los Muertos, it's the only party hostel where "beach day" and "party night" aren't mutually exclusive. [Book Now →]
Let's settle this once and for all – Puerto Vallarta absolutely delivers on the party front. This isn't some sleepy beach town that rolls up the pavements at 9pm. As the sun sets, PV transforms into a vibrant entertainment hub that rivals any major party destination in Mexico, pulling in everyone from college spring breakers to digital nomads looking to blow off steam.
What makes Puerto Vallarta particularly brilliant for partying is its diversity. Unlike Cancun's overwhelming spring break chaos or Tulum's pretentious beach club scene, PV offers something for every type of party traveller. The Zona Romantica buzzes with LGBTQ+ friendly bars and craft cocktail lounges, Downtown keeps it real with local cantinas and dirt-cheap beer, while the Malecon waterfront ties it all together with everything from mega-clubs to intimate rooftop bars.
For singles? Puerto Vallarta is basically designed for you. The hostel common rooms are full of solo travellers looking to form party crews, the bars are welcoming and social, and the general vibe is refreshingly unpretentious. You're not competing with massive bachelor parties or intimidating groups of models – it's just real travellers looking for a good time. The mixture of Mexican locals, American and Canadian expats, and international backpackers creates this perfect storm of social energy where everyone's invited to the party.
Here's what sets PV apart from other Mexican party destinations: it's got that rare combination of being wild enough to create legendary nights but safe enough that you're not constantly watching your back. The party infrastructure is solid – reliable Ubers, well-lit streets between nightlife zones, and enough variety that you can party seven nights straight without hitting the same spot twice. It's not Cancun-crazy (thank god), but it's definitely not boring. Think of it as the Goldilocks of Mexican party cities – just right.
Now that we've established PV's party credentials, let's dive into the hostels that'll be your home base for all this debauchery. We've analysed hundreds of recent reviews and actual guest experiences to bring you the honest truth about each property – the good, the bad, and the occasionally sketchy.
With a stellar 95% rating from 748 reviews , Casa Kraken (the former Oasis Downtown) is Puerto Vallarta's most consistently praised party hostel. Located right between the main church and city hall, this is where you come when you want guaranteed social chaos with a side of organised adventures. Yes, it's basic. Yes, it's loud. But that's exactly what the target audience wants.
Casa Kraken doesn't do quiet nights – the rooftop bar operates daily from 7pm until whenever, with sunset happy hour that naturally evolves into pre-gaming central. Daily activities are actually daily here (unlike some competitors), with free excursions to beaches, waterfalls, and hiking spots . The crowd is international and young (18-50 age limit), with a refreshing mix of solo travellers all looking to connect. The church bells next door will aggressively remind you of last night's sins every morning at 7am.
Dead centre downtown at Juárez 386 , you're one block from the Malecon's seahorse statue and outdoor amphitheatre. It's above a Scotia Bank (enter next to the ATM), making it easy to find but also subject to street noise. Pro tip from multiple reviews: avoid beds on the cathedral side unless you enjoy bells as your alarm clock. The central location means everything is walkable, but also means you're in the thick of the city noise.
At €12-20 per night , Casa Kraken is aggressively affordable. Three eight-bed dorms (one female-only, two mixed) come with AC during summer months, oscillating floor fans, ceiling fans, and assigned lockers with padlocks. The catch? Cash only (Mexican pesos) , no credit cards accepted. Beds are basic but functional, and unlike some hostels, they actually maintain their facilities. Free breakfast (pancakes, fruit, coffee) from 8-10am consistently gets positive mentions.
This is where Casa Kraken shines. Free daily activities include hikes, beach trips, waterfall excursions, and city tours. The rooftop bar hosts drinking games, quiz nights, and serves as the natural gathering point every evening. Spanish lessons and bar crawls round out the social offerings. The WhatsApp group actually gets used here (unlike at competitors), keeping everyone connected for spontaneous adventures.
Best for social butterflies who prioritise meeting people and having adventures over comfort. If you want guaranteed activities, a reliable party atmosphere, and don't mind basic facilities, Casa Kraken delivers exactly what it promises. Not for anyone over 50 (literally – they have an age limit), those needing quiet, or anyone who only carries cards.
Hostel Vallarta sits right in the heart of downtown, directly across from the beach and the Malecon. Post-renovation, this volunteer-run hostel has become a polarising choice – guests either love the family vibe and rooftop terrace parties or hate the cliquey atmosphere and street noise. With a 79% rating from nearly 800 reviews , it's clear this place isn't for everyone, but when it works, it really works.
The rooftop terrace is the undisputed star here, with organised activities and a bar that creates genuine social moments. However, the vibe can be hit or miss – during peak season you'll find daily activities and breakfast gatherings that foster connections, but off-season can feel dead. Several reviews mention the volunteer staff creating a "cliquey" atmosphere where established guests dominate the common areas. The street noise from Calle Juarez is brutal – beds literally shake from the bass of passing cars, so light sleepers should look elsewhere.
You can't beat the location – right on Juarez 535 in the city centre , literally one block from the Malecon and the famous Puerto Vallarta statue. Everything is walkable: street food, bars, nightclubs, and multiple beaches. The downside? You're on one of the busiest streets in PV, and those windows facing the road might as well be speakers pumping traffic noise directly into your brain.
Starting from €11.32 for dorms up to €18.69 for privates, you're paying budget prices for budget quality. The Good: Each bed has its own fan, lockers are available, and the renovation added some decent touches. The Bad: No AC (fans only), sheets and pillows that may or may not have been changed between guests, and shared bathrooms with questionable cleanliness. Multiple reviews mention dirty sheets, broken lockers, and bathrooms that flood regularly.
When they're running (big emphasis on "when"), activities include city tours, beach trips, and game nights. Free pancake breakfast from 8-10am gets consistent praise. The rooftop bar operates most nights, though some reviewers found it intrusive when trying to sleep. The volunteer staff organise activities, but consistency is a major issue – some weeks are packed with events, others are ghost towns.
Best for budget travellers who can handle rough conditions and want that authentic, chaotic hostel experience. If you're a heavy sleeper who values social atmosphere over comfort and don't mind rolling the dice on cleanliness, you might love it. Not for light sleepers, anyone expecting basic hygiene standards, or first-time hostel guests.
With an impressive 99% rating from nearly 500 reviews , Chanclas Hostel has cracked the code on providing both party atmosphere and quality accommodation. Located on a quieter stretch of Juarez (793), just 1.5 blocks from the beach, this hostel offers a more refined party experience with an actual rooftop bar and enough space to escape when needed.
Chanclas strikes a better balance than most – social without being overwhelming, party-friendly without sacrificing sleep entirely. The rooftop bar with bay views becomes the natural evening gathering spot, while the sunny patio and common areas facilitate organic connections throughout the day. The international staff (truly from all over the world) adds to the cosmopolitan vibe. However, multiple reviews note the atmosphere can be inconsistent – some weeks are social gold, others surprisingly quiet.
At Juarez 793 , you're a 5-minute walk from the Malecon and practically on top of Los Muertos Beach (2 blocks). The immediate area is more residential, meaning less street chaos than the other downtown options. You're surrounded by restaurants and bars but not directly on party central, giving you options without overwhelming noise. The famous Romantic Zone is easily walkable.
€11-25 depending on season and room type, with mixed dorms, female-only options, and private rooms available. Big wins: Free towels and linens, individual bed fans, spacious rooms, and lockers that actually work. The downsides: Cash only payment, limited reception hours (9am-12am), and some reviews mention cleanliness issues during busy periods. The rooftop areas close in the mornings, which disappointed several reviewers.
Free breakfast (make your own eggs, pancakes, cereal) gets consistent praise. The hostel organises tours to hidden beaches, whale watching, snorkelling, and sunset cruises – though these cost extra. The rooftop bar streams music and sports, creating natural gathering moments. They also offer laundry service and have a full kitchen for those who want to cook. Some reviews mention a hostel dog named Honey who's apparently a highlight.
Best for travellers who want a social atmosphere without sacrificing basic comfort. The beach proximity and rooftop bar create the perfect combo for those who want to tan by day and party by night. Not ideal if you need 24-hour reception, hate cooking your own breakfast, or are arriving late without advance notice.
The OG of Puerto Vallarta hostels (opened 2005) maintains an 87% rating from 750 reviews . Located at Libramiento 222 in Colonia Benito Juarez, Oasis is removed from downtown but maintains its reputation as a backpacker institution. With dorms from €10 and a genuinely incredible rooftop view, it's the budget choice that actually delivers value.
Oasis has evolved from party central to a more mixed crowd including older travellers and even some Mexican nationals. The atmosphere is described as "peaceful" and "chill" more often than "party" these days. The courtyard and multiple chill spots create natural gathering areas, and there's a more organic, less forced social vibe. Happy hour runs 6-8pm with €2 beers and €3 mixed drinks, plus quiz nights and occasional group dinners.
Here's the thing – Oasis is about a 15-20 minute walk from Zona Romantica and the beach, located in an authentic Mexican neighbourhood. The rooftop views are stunning, but you're next to a busy road with significant traffic noise. Multiple reviews stress: DO NOT follow Google Maps directions through the tunnel (no pavement, you will die). Take the alternate route along the river. Buses run frequently, and it's more "real" Puerto Vallarta than tourist central.
€10-16 makes this the cheapest option, and surprisingly, you get decent value. 300Mbps fibre optic WiFi that actually works, free breakfast that's genuinely good (eggs rancheros get special mentions), free filtered water and ice, and even a free beer on arrival. Mixed dorms and female-only ensuite options available, plus private rooms with bath. Everything's older but functional and clean. Bring your own towel and patience.
Beyond happy hour and weekly quiz nights, Oasis doesn't programme your day. Free breakfast 8-10am includes pancakes, cereal, fruit, coffee, and juice – with actual eggs rancheros some days. The multi-lingual book exchange, language exchange sessions, and helpful recommendations from long-term staff make up for the lack of organised activities. The 24-hour security and no curfew policy means you can explore on your own schedule.
Best for budget travellers who value authenticity over amenities and don't mind a walk to reach the action. Perfect if you appreciate neighbourhood vibes over tourist zones and want that classic hostel experience without corporate polish. Not for those who need to be in the centre of nightlife, hate walking, or require constant organised activities.
With a 95% rating but only 45 reviews , Teocalli is the under-the-radar option that fills a specific niche. This adults-only hostel at Juárez 189 offers a more mature, laid-back environment with actual AC in private rooms and a gorgeous open-concept design with plants everywhere. At €14-17 per night, it's positioned as the "grown-up" choice.
Let's be real – Teocalli is not a party hostel in the traditional sense. Multiple reviews explicitly state it's "not very social" compared to the others. What it offers instead is a mature, peaceful environment where connections happen organically rather than through organised drinking games. The rooftop kitchen and patio area with hammocks becomes a natural gathering spot, but don't expect ragers. The adults-only policy (18+) keeps things civilised.
Located at C. Juárez 189 in Centro , you're about a 15-minute walk from the beach and main party areas. The location is convenient for exploring but removed enough from the chaos to actually sleep. You're walking distance to the Municipal Market, Rio Cuale, and the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The quieter setting is either a feature or a bug depending on what you're after.
€14-17 puts Teocalli in the mid-range. The six-bed mixed dorm has its own bathroom, while private rooms get AC (dorms have ceiling and portable fans only). The aesthetic is notably nicer than competitors – colourful, spacious rooms with an open concept design. However, reviews mention uncomfortable mattresses and the dorms can get very hot during summer days. Upper bunks lack privacy curtains, which some found awkward.
There aren't any. This is not a hostel that organises pub crawls or group activities. The rooftop kitchen is well-equipped for cooking, and the patio is perfect for chilling, but you're on your own for entertainment. Staff are helpful with recommendations but don't expect the hand-holding you get at party hostels. The filtered water dispenser and proper kitchen facilities are highlights for longer-stay travellers.
Best for older travellers (late 20s+), digital nomads, or those who want a hostel safety net without the party obligation. Perfect if you prefer making your own plans and value aesthetics and calm over constant activities. Not for solo travellers seeking instant friends, party animals, or anyone under 25 who'll feel like they're staying with their parents.
Your hostel's just the starting point – Puerto Vallarta's nightlife scene spreads across distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own personality and price point. Understanding where to party and when can be the difference between an epic night and wandering empty streets wondering where everyone went.
These two neighbourhoods dominate PV's nightlife, but they couldn't be more different. Zona Romantica (also called Old Town) is the LGBTQ+ epicentre of Mexico , where rainbow flags fly proudly and everyone's welcome at the party. The bars here range from sophisticated cocktail lounges to absolute dive bars, with Martini Bar and CC Slaughters pulling the biggest crowds. Expect craft cocktails at 120-150 pesos, a more international crowd, and bars that actually know how to make a proper mojito. The vibe is inclusive, energetic, and unapologetically fabulous – even the straight bars have better music here.
Downtown, centred around the Malecon and extending inland, keeps it more local and significantly cheaper. This is where you'll find cantinas that haven't changed since the 1970s, €2 Pacifico beers , and mariachi bands wandering between tables. La Vaquita and Mandala dominate the club scene here, pulling younger crowds with reggaeton and Latin pop. The downtown bars near the church (where Casa Kraken is located) offer the best of both worlds – walking distance to both scenes.
Hostel Vallarta and Casa Kraken sit right between both zones (5-10 minutes either direction) . Chanclas is closer to Zona Romantica (8 minutes walk). Teocalli requires 15 minutes to either area. Oasis is the outlier at 20-25 minutes, making those Uber rides inevitable after midnight.
The Malecon is Puerto Vallarta's beating heart – a mile-long beachfront promenade that transforms from family-friendly boardwalk by day to party central after dark. This is where everyone eventually ends up, whether you're stumbling between bars or just people-watching with a beer from the Oxxo. The famous sculptures (especially the seahorse and Los Arcos amphitheatre) serve as meeting points for hostel crews heading out together.
Picture an oceanfront walkway packed with street performers, vendors selling everything from shots to sombreros, and bars spilling onto the pavement. After 10pm, the family crowds disappear and the party crowd takes over. The northern end near the pier gets rowdier, while the southern stretch toward Zona Romantica maintains more chill vibes. Street drinking is technically illegal but widely ignored – just don't be an obvious drunk tourist and you'll be fine.
Casa Kraken wins here – literally one block from the seahorse statue. Hostel Vallarta is also one block away near the Puerto Vallarta sign. Chanclas takes 5 minutes to reach the southern end. Teocalli needs 12-15 minutes of walking. Oasis requires a solid 20-minute trek or a €3 Uber.
La Vaquita for full-on club chaos (cover charges around 200 pesos on weekends), Senior Frog's for guaranteed spring break vibes regardless of season, and the cluster of bars near Los Arcos for cheap drinks and live music. The unnamed taco stands that appear after midnight near the seahorse statue are legendary drunk food .
Thursday through Saturday after 10pm for peak energy. Sundays are surprisingly good too – locals come out when tourists are nursing hangovers. Mondays and Tuesdays can be dead unless there's a cruise ship in port. December through April sees consistent crowds every night.
Now that you know when and where to party, let's talk about what it's actually going to cost you. Puerto Vallarta can be as cheap or expensive as you make it, but most backpackers fall into the trap of thinking Mexico equals dirt-cheap everything. Reality check: tourist zones charge tourist prices, and that fourth round of shots adds up faster than you think.
Street beers from corner shops run 25-30 pesos (€1.25) . Bar beers jump to 50-80 pesos (€2.50-4) downtown, 80-120 pesos (€4-6) in Zona Romantica. Mixed drinks start at 80 pesos for well drinks at dives, climbing to 150-200 pesos at proper clubs. Those fancy mezcal cocktails at rooftop bars? You're looking at 200+ pesos. Pro tip: every hostel crew knows about the Oxxo pre-game – grab a few Pacificos for the room at 28 pesos each before heading out.
Most bars don't charge cover, but the big clubs do. La Vaquita and Mandala hit you for 150-300 pesos depending on the night (sometimes includes a drink). Zoo Bar charges 100-150 pesos. Many places have "ladies free before midnight" deals, and some hostels have deals with clubs for reduced or free entry – Casa Kraken's staff are particularly good at hooking this up.
From the main nightlife areas back to hostels: Hostel Vallarta and Casa Kraken 60-80 pesos, Chanclas 70-90 pesos, Teocalli 100-120 pesos, Oasis 120-150 pesos. Uber runs about 30% cheaper but can surge price after 2am. Always agree on taxi price before getting in, or watch that meter like a hawk.
The hostel pre-party is your financial saviour. Both Casa Kraken and Chanclas have rooftop bars with drinks at half the price of clubs. Hostel Vallarta's volunteers often know which nights have drink specials where. Happy hours (typically 6-9pm) offer 2-for-1 deals at many bars. And some of the best nights happen just drinking on the hostel rooftop with your new crew, never making it out at all.
Before you dive headfirst into PV's nightlife, here's what the hostel veterans and locals know that first-timers don't. These aren't your standard guidebook tips – this is real intel from people who've made all the mistakes so you don't have to.
Thursday kicks off the weekend for locals, making it the perfect balance of busy but not overwhelming. Friday and Saturday are full chaos – expect queues at popular clubs and surge pricing on Ubers. Sunday is secretly brilliant as Mexican families party hard on their day off, creating a more authentic vibe. Monday-Wednesday vary wildly depending on cruise ship schedules – check the port calendar or ask hostel staff.
Despite the beach town vibe, some clubs enforce dress codes after 11pm. No flip-flops, tank tops, or board shorts at Mandala or La Santa. Zona Romantica bars don't care what you wear. Downtown cantinas appreciate if you don't look like you just rolled off the beach. Nobody's expecting designer clothes – just throw on actual shoes and a shirt with sleeves and you're golden.
Tipping bartenders isn't mandatory but 10-20 pesos per round keeps drinks strong and service fast. Don't be the gringo demanding songs from mariachi bands without paying (100 pesos minimum). "No cover" often means "no cover if you buy drinks" – nursing one beer all night will get you bounced. And despite what spring break films taught you, body shots with strangers aren't a thing here outside of Senior Frog's.
December through April (especially Christmas week and Spring Break) changes everything. Prices double, everywhere's packed, and the crowd skews younger and drunker. Semana Santa (Easter week) brings Mexican tourists who party harder than any gringo. July-August is low season – fewer crowds but also fewer open venues and reduced hostel activities. September-November offers the sweet spot of decent weather and manageable crowds.
Knowing when to party is only half the equation – knowing how to get back safely is what separates seasoned travellers from cautionary tales. Puerto Vallarta is generally safe for party-goers, but like any city, there are smart choices and stupid risks. Here's what you need to know to keep your night from turning into a police report.
The Malecon remains well-lit and police-patrolled until about 3am, making it the safest late-night corridor. Zona Romantica keeps its party-friendly, inclusive vibe all night – the LGBTQ+ community here looks out for everyone. The area immediately around Hostel Vallarta and Casa Kraken (near the church and city hall) stays relatively safe due to constant foot traffic and proximity to government buildings. Calle Basilio Badillo in Zona Romantica is basically a 24-hour safe zone with people always around.
The neighbourhoods east of the highway (past where Oasis Hostel is located) get sketchy after midnight – not dangerous per se, but you're obviously a lost tourist. The beach itself after 2am is asking for trouble – police patrol less and opportunistic thieves know drunk tourists love "romantic beach walks." The area around the bus station after dark is unnecessarily risky. Side streets off the main drags in downtown can go from lively to lonely real quick – stick to well-travelled routes.
2am is the unofficial watershed moment . Before 2am, most areas with bars remain safe due to crowds and business activity. After 2am, even good areas thin out, making solo travellers more vulnerable. 3-5am is peak sketch time – if you're out this late, travel in groups or spend the extra pesos on a taxi. The cathedral bells at 7am signal the return of normal city life and relative safety.
Let's address what the other guides dance around – yes, Puerto Vallarta has red light districts, and yes, you might stumble into them if you're not paying attention. This isn't about judgement; it's about keeping party-seeking backpackers from ending up in situations they didn't sign up for.
The main zona roja is concentrated around Calle Honduras and surrounding streets , roughly 10 blocks inland from the Malecon near the Mercado Municipal. Another cluster exists near the airport highway, but you're unlikely to accidentally wander there. Some "gentlemen's clubs" are scattered throughout downtown, particularly on side streets off Juárez. These aren't hidden – you'll see neon signs and promoters out front – but they're easy to avoid if that's not your scene.
If you find yourself in these areas, don't panic – you're not in danger just for being there. Keep walking with purpose, avoid eye contact with promoters, and don't stop to "check your phone" or look lost. The establishments themselves are regulated and generally safe if you choose to enter, but the surrounding streets can attract opportunistic crime after 2am. Taxis know these areas well, so if you say you're going "near Honduras street," they'll assume you know what you're doing.
The main risk isn't the red light district itself but the confusion and disorientation drunk tourists experience when they realise where they are. Don't accept drinks you didn't see poured, don't flash cash, and don't go alone – standard safety rules apply double here. If someone from your hostel crew wants to check it out, that's their choice, but make sure they're not going solo and have a safe way back. The hostel staff at most hostels have heard it all and can give you straight advice without judgement if you have questions.
Getting back to your hostel safely often comes down to choosing the right ride and not getting ripped off in your compromised state. Both Uber and traditional taxis operate in Puerto Vallarta, each with their own advantages and potential pitfalls that become more pronounced after midnight.
Uber wins for reliability and price 90% of the time – you'll pay €3-5 for most hostel runs versus €5-7.50 in taxis. The app tracks your route, payment is automatic, and drivers generally don't mess with tourists. However, Uber can be scarce after 2am and surge pricing hits hard (2-3x normal rates) when the clubs let out. Taxis are everywhere at all hours, take cash, and don't surge price, but you need to negotiate before getting in or insist on the meter (which they'll claim is "broken" after midnight).
From the Malecon/Downtown: Casa Kraken and Hostel Vallarta €3-4 by taxi, €2.50-3.50 by Uber . Chanclas €3.50-4.50 taxi, €3-4 Uber. Teocalli €5-6 taxi, €4-5 Uber. Oasis €6-7.50 taxi, €5-6 Uber (but good luck finding a driver willing to go that far at 3am). These are fair prices – if someone quotes double, walk away.
Screenshot your hostel address in Spanish before going out – drunk you won't remember "Juárez 386 cerca de la iglesia." Sit in the back seat always. Share your ride status with someone if travelling solo. Count your change before the taxi pulls away. Never accept a ride from someone who approaches you – always hail your own or use the app. If a taxi driver insists on taking you to a different club/bar/hostel because yours is "closed," it's a commission scam .
Taxis only take cash (Mexican pesos, though some accept USD or euros at terrible rates). Uber accepts cards linked to the app, but keep 200 pesos (€10) emergency cash in a separate pocket for when your phone dies. ATMs near clubs charge hefty fees and sometimes "malfunction" late at night – get cash earlier in the evening from banks or Oxxo stores.
Sometimes the best option is your own two feet – it's free, you can't get scammed, and the walk helps sober you up. But Puerto Vallarta's walkability at night varies dramatically depending on where you're staying and how much tequila is affecting your navigation skills.
Casa Kraken and Hostel Vallarta are the clear winners here – both are stumbling distance from everything, with well-lit routes along main streets. You can wobble back from the Malecon in under 10 minutes on Juárez street, which stays busy enough until 2am. Chanclas works until about 1am, with a straightforward shot down Juárez from the party zones. Teocalli becomes questionable after midnight – the 15-minute walk includes some darker stretches. Oasis is absolutely not walkable after dark from party areas – that tunnel route will literally kill you (no pavement, highway traffic), and the river path isn't lit.
Until midnight, all hostels except Oasis are walkable if you stick to main streets. Midnight to 2am, only the downtown three (Hostel Vallarta, Casa Kraken, Chanclas) remain truly safe for walking. After 2am, even the short walks become risky for solo travellers – that's when opportunists target drunk tourists. After 3am, just take the damn taxi no matter where you're staying.
Groups of three or more can push these time limits by an hour. Solo travellers, especially women, should subtract an hour from these guidelines. Mixed groups with sober-ish people looking out for the drunk ones have the most flexibility. The buddy system isn't just college orientation BS – it actually works.
Juárez street from the Malecon inland stays lit and populated. Insurgentes avenue provides a well-lit alternative parallel route. The riverfront path looks tempting on maps but goes dark in sections – avoid it. Basilio Badillo through Zona Romantica remains bright and busy late. The cardinal rule: if you have to walk through any area where you can't see the next street light, you've made a wrong turn. Turn around and find the main road, even if it adds five minutes to your walk.
Category | 💰 Budget Backpacker | 🎉 Standard Partier | 🍾 Splurge Mode |
🛏️ Hostel | €10-12 | €15-18 | €25-30 |
🍺 Pre-drinks | €2.50 | €5 | €10 |
🎫 Club Entry | €0 | €7 | €13 |
🍹 Drinks Out | €7 | €17 | €35 |
🌮 Late Food | €2.50 | €5 | €10 |
🚕 Transport | €0 | €5 | €13 |
DAILY TOTAL | €22-24 | €49-52 | €106-111 |
WEEKLY TOTAL | €154-168 | €343-364 | €742-777 |
Now let's break down the actual accommodation costs, because that hostel price you see on booking sites is rarely what you'll actually pay. Between seasonal fluctuations, cash-only policies, and those sneaky extras, your nightly rate can vary by 50% or more depending on when and how you book.
Peak season (Dec-April): Everything jumps 30-50%. Oasis Hostel dorms go from €10 to €15-16. Casa Kraken hits €20+ per night. Chanclas and Hostel Vallarta push €18-20 for basic dorms. Private rooms at Teocalli reach €25-30. During Christmas week and Spring Break, add another 20% if you can even find availability. Book at least 2-3 weeks ahead during these periods or prepare to pay walk-in rates that'll make you cry.
Summer/off-season: May through November brings relief. Oasis drops to €9-10, making it the absolute cheapest option. Casa Kraken hovers around €12-14. Chanclas and Hostel Vallarta settle at €11-13. Teocalli's privates become actually affordable at €14-16. The catch? Some hostels reduce services – Chanclas' rooftop bar might have limited hours, and organised activities at smaller hostels practically disappear.
Last-minute vs advance: Here's where it gets interesting. Americans and Australians booking 2-3 weeks ahead through Hostelworld get the published rates. But if you're a walk-in during low season? You might negotiate 10-20% off, especially at Oasis or Hostel Vallarta. However, all hostels except Teocalli are CASH ONLY (Mexican pesos), and they will charge you the "normal walk-in rate" if you can't pay your full booking upfront at check-in.
Hidden costs: That €12 bed suddenly becomes €20 when you factor in: Towel rental (€2-3 at most hostels, though Chanclas includes them). Padlock rental or deposit (€3-5, refundable at some). Key deposits (100-150 pesos at Hostel Vallarta, sometimes not fully returned according to reviews). Air conditioning charges (some hostels charge extra for AC rooms). Late check-in fees (Teocalli charges 100 pesos per hour after 10pm). Breakfast might be "included" but consists of just pancake mix you cook yourself.
Once you've sorted your accommodation and its hidden costs, the real budget damage begins. Let's be brutally honest about what a night out in Puerto Vallarta actually costs, because that "Mexico is so cheap!" myth evaporates faster than your dignity at Senior Frog's.
Nightly spending: The honest average for a moderate partier runs €35-50 per night out. Yes, you came to Mexico thinking you'd party on €17, but that fantasy dies the moment you buy your third round or spot your crew heading to the next bar. The backpackers who claim they party on €13 a night? They're pre-gaming hard at Oxxo, nursing one beer all night, and eating street tacos at 3am. It works, but it's not exactly living your best life.
Breakdown: Here's where that €45 actually goes: Pre-drinks at the hostel or Oxxo (€4-7 for 3-4 beers). First bar, trying to pace yourself (2 drinks, €7-9). Second bar, inhibitions lowering (3 drinks, €10-13). That club everyone's going to (cover €7, two drinks €10). Drunk food because you need it (€4-7). Taxi back because walking is impossible (€4). That's €46-57 without even trying hard, and we haven't mentioned the shots you'll inevitably buy for your new best friends.
High vs low spenders: Budget warriors can squeeze by on €21-25 by staying at free-entry bars, exploiting every happy hour, and becoming Oxxo's best customer. Standard backpackers land at €38-46, hitting a mix of cheap and decent spots. The splurgers dropping €70+ are doing rooftop cocktails, multiple club entries, and rounds for the hostel crew – they're either on vacation from real jobs or about to have a very awkward conversation with their parents about their credit card bill.
7-day total: For a realistic week of partying (5 nights out, 2 recovery days), budget €175-210 for conservative party animals, €250-340 for standard backpackers, and €425+ if you're going full send. That's just the party budget – food, activities, and those inevitable "it seemed like a good idea at the time" purchases are extra. The Australians at Casa Kraken spending two weeks here? They're dropping €850+ easy, and they'll tell you it was worth every peso.
Before you panic about those budget numbers and consider switching to a dry January in Puerto Vallarta, here's how seasoned hostel rats stretch their pesos without sacrificing the party experience. These aren't theoretical tips – this is what actually works based on hundreds of backpackers who've mastered the art of budget debauchery.
Happy hours: The holy grail runs from 6-9pm at most bars, offering 2-for-1 drinks or 50% off. La Vaquita does 2-for-1 before 11pm. Mandala has open bar for women on Wednesdays (guys pay double, obviously). The Malecon bars compete aggressively – walk past a few and negotiate. Casa Kraken's rooftop has €2 beers during sunset. Chanclas' rooftop bar beats any downtown happy hour price. Time your pre-game to overlap with these windows and you've just cut your drink budget in half.
Hostel events: The free activities at Casa Kraken aren't just about beaches and hiking – they often end at bars with group discounts. Hostel Vallarta's volunteers have deals with specific clubs for free entry if you go as a group. Oasis does quiz nights where winners get bar tabs. Even Teocalli, despite being "not social," has kitchen parties that turn into free drinking sessions. The secret is joining every hostel WhatsApp group, even if you're staying elsewhere.
Pre-gaming strategy: The Oxxo stores are your best friend, but the real pros know Kiosko (24-hour convenience stores) often have better beer prices. Buy a 1.2L caguama (large beer) for 45 pesos instead of multiple small ones. The Mercado Municipal has liquor stores selling bottles at 30% less than tourist areas – grab a bottle of decent tequila for €10 and you're set for three nights of room parties. Just remember: Casa Kraken prohibits outside alcohol (they sell their own), but other hostels don't care.
Free activities: Beach parties at Playa Los Muertos happen organically most weekends – no cover, just BYOB. The Malecon often has free concerts and events, especially Sundays. Following hostel crews to house parties means free drinks half the time. The art walk on Wednesdays includes free wine at galleries if you can pretend to care about paintings. And honestly? Some of the best nights cost nothing – grabbing beers from Oxxo and sitting on the beach with your hostel crew beats overpriced clubs any day.
After all this talk about parties, prices, and pre-gaming, you might wonder how we narrowed down Puerto Vallarta's hostel scene to these specific five. We didn't just pick the ones with the best Instagram photos or rely on that one blog post from 2019 – this list comes from analysing hundreds of recent reviews, cross-referencing multiple sources, and focusing on what actually matters for party-seeking backpackers.
Selection criteria: Every hostel had to guarantee regular social events or have a consistently social atmosphere verified by reviews from the last 90 days. We looked for places with actual party amenities – rooftop bars, common areas that encourage mingling, or organised activities that lead to nights out. The social vibe had to be confirmed by multiple recent reviews mentioning meeting people, group activities, or party atmosphere. We also required a minimum of 45 reviews (sorry, new hostels) with at least a 75% overall rating to ensure we weren't recommending total dives.
Freshness commitment: This guide gets updated weekly because Puerto Vallarta's hostel scene changes fast. Hostel Vallarta's renovation, Casa Kraken taking over from Oasis Downtown, management changes – these things matter. We check recent reviews on Hostelworld, scan Reddit threads, monitor the hostels' Instagram accounts, and even lurk in their WhatsApp groups to catch issues like "the rooftop bar is closed for repairs" or "new management killed the party vibe." If a hostel drops below standards or a new party spot opens, you'll know within a week.
Honesty policy: We include the cons because surprises suck when you're travelling. Hostel Vallarta's cleanliness issues? We mention them. Casa Kraken's cash-only policy? It's in there. Teocalli not actually being social despite marketing claims? We call it out. Every hostel has recent reviews mentioning problems – noise, cleanliness, staff issues – and we don't hide these to make bookings. The goal is matching you with the right hostel for your tolerance levels, not selling you a fantasy that doesn't exist.
Verification method: We pull data from Hostelworld ratings, Google reviews, recent Instagram posts, TikTok location tags, and Reddit discussions. When reviews conflict (like Chanclas having a 99% rating but some terrible recent reviews), we dig deeper to understand if it's a temporary issue or ongoing problem. We also note when hostels have age restrictions (Casa Kraken's 18-50 limit), cash-only policies, or other deal-breakers that might not appear in standard listings. This isn't about finding perfect hostels – it's about giving you the real picture so you can choose your own adventure.
Now that we've laid out everything from party schedules to safety zones, let's tackle the questions that keep popping up in hostel common rooms and travel forums. These are the real concerns from actual backpackers, not the generic FAQ fluff you'll find elsewhere.
Absolutely yes, especially if you stay at the right hostels. Casa Kraken and Hostel Vallarta are solo traveller magnets – their daily activities and forced social spaces mean you'll have drinking buddies within hours of checking in. The mixed-dorm culture here is less awkward than in some destinations, and the international crowd means everyone's in the same "looking for friends" boat. Female solo travellers consistently mention feeling safe in PV, particularly in Zona Romantica. The only hostel we'd skip as a solo traveller is Teocalli – multiple reviews confirm it's just not social enough to guarantee connections.
For peak season (December through April, especially Christmas and Spring Break), book at least 2-3 weeks ahead or you'll be scrambling for whatever's left at inflated prices. Summer and autumn are way more flexible – you can usually find beds same-day, which gives you freedom to hostel-hop if your first choice sucks. The sweet spot for best prices and availability is booking 3-7 days out. Pro tip: Thursdays and Fridays fill up first since weekend warriors flood in, so if you're arriving then, definitely book ahead.
It's lively but not Cancun-crazy – think more "consistent good time" than "spring break insanity." You can party every single night if you want, but it won't be the same overwhelming madness of Cabo or Cancun. The crowd is more diverse (age, nationality, travel style), the music varies by neighbourhood, and you can actually have conversations in bars. It's party-friendly without being party-mandatory, which is why it works for such a wide range of travellers. The best comparison? Like a chilled-out version of Playa del Carmen with better food and less aggressive club promoters.
Yes, with basic common sense. Puerto Vallarta consistently ranks as one of Mexico's safest tourist cities, and the party areas are well-patrolled. Use Uber after 2am, don't flash expensive phones or jewellery, stick to well-lit streets, and watch your drinks like you would anywhere else. The hostel crews naturally look out for each other – you're actually safer partying with your new hostel friends than going solo. Just avoid the obvious sketchy situations we outlined in the safety section and you'll be fine.
No, and there's a reason for that – beachfront property in PV is either luxury resorts or protected space. Chanclas is the closest at just 2 blocks from Playa Los Muertos, which honestly is perfect – you avoid sand in everything while still having instant beach access. Hostel Vallarta claims to be "right in front of the beach" but that's creative marketing for "across a busy road from the beach." For actual beach parties, join the informal gatherings at Playa Los Muertos on weekends or hit the beach clubs during the day.
