Have A Question?

If you have a travel question you don´t have to read thousands of articles, buy books and scour the internet for answers. Just visit MiniHostels.com and check out our question and answer forum. Just leave your question and our experienced travel staff or other travelers will offer you the best answer we can.

Its our way of making your travel experience that much better.

Where are YOU now?

The MiniHostels staff thought it funny to let you know where we´ve been and where we are. Currently we have staff traveling through Ecuador, previously Peru, the US, Patagonia, Brazil and Panama! Thats how you know we bring you the best travel information on the web! Check out www.minihostels.com for the info that brings you closer to better travel!

Hmmm. I Wonder...

Blog forums and expat whisperings are in an upheaval (well, not exactly) over the possibility of paying a reciprocity fee when entering Argentina after Jan 1st, 2009 for US citizens and citizens of select other countries. This US $ 130 fee, is quite a jump from the previously free entrance travelers had been enjoying for years. While the rumor is reciprocity fees will being, the US department of travel (www.travel.state.gov) and other related sites are reporting nothing on the change. MiniHostels will entering Argentina yet again, after to date and will report back in full effect on the matter. Paid or unpaid we'll give the real deal on the Argentina's payment plan and let you know how it goes down.

Always lending a helping hand...MiniHostels.

What Else Is There?

Well, lots actually. MiniHostels will now be offering members a weekly newsletter and information on travel that is practically essential to the world traveler. Along with offering our travelers more hostels and better discounts (because as we well know, the more hostels the more discounts we can offer) the MiniHostels staff will now be sending our members uptodate information regarding MiniHostels and travel.

We're the gift that keeps on giving! MiniHostels.

Happy Holidays!

Although its unlikely you'll be seeing any super festivly decorated Christmas trees this time of year in Argentina, you can look forward to some festive celebrating from Argentines this holiday season!

As you may know MiniHostels is located in Buenos Aies, Argentina. We're a staff made up of a lot of cultures and beliefs with Christmas and Hanukah celebrated among us all.

For Christmas in Argentina, families mainly get together on Christmas even for dinner and presents. This lasts until about midnight when the city explodes in a sea of color in a fireworks show that lights up the city sky. THis goes on for hours an is truly amazing. Afterwords most youngsters head out to the clubs for some dancing until all early hours of the morning where Christmas day is spent sleeping, lounging and eating meals with family.

As far as the holidays go Christmas Eve is the BIG DAY and like most holidays, our porteno friends do it in a BIG WAY.

Happy Holidays from the MiniHostels Staff!

Interactive maps and more!

MiniHostels does what it can to help travelers find the best places to stay and that includes our home page interactive map. Click on the country you want to visit and our map will zoom into a closer view with other clickable links to popular travel cities within that country. At each city we link to our page with all hostels in that city so you can easily see where you'll be going.

MiniHostels has a lot of other features on the site, so go check it out now!

Need A Way To Combat Culture Shock?!

Give a MiniHostels card and remind your travleing friend of times well spent abroad. It can be hard to come back, so give a MiniHostels card as a gift to friends - it will comfort them knowing they get to leave the comforts of home for the real world of the traveler once again.

10% off each nights stay!

Hostel Reviews

Among the many things you will find at MiniHostels: discounts, promos, travel advice, maps, hostel info, travel info, backpacker articles, cheap travel, travel ideas, other travelers, fun, etc. You will also find our staff hostel reviews. In addition to this, hostels will be reviewed by travelers, such as yourselves, who have been there, stayed there and can tell you whether they'd be back.



Its the best way to find out where you want to stay!



MiniHostels!

Just Around The Corner...

ATTN: Starting January 1st, 2009 all residents of the United States traveling into Argentina will be expected to pay a reciprocity fee for entrace (good for five years) at the cost of US$ 130.

Good to know before heading down South especially because its just around the corner...

Pirwa Hostels!

I mean who isn't traveling to Machu Picchu these days, especially on a backpacking trip around South America. Not to mention, Machu Picchu is one of the new 7 wonders of the world, attracting hoards of visitors to Peru and Cusco alike.

Well regardless of where you might be staying in Peru: Lima, Cusco or Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) you will be able to find Pirwa Hostels because they are located in every one of these locations. With free breakfast, internet and all the ammenities travlers need when hiking around South America Pirwa Hostels gets it right every time.

That is why they're one of MiniHostels's favorite hostels!

Check them out at: http://www.pirwahostelscusco.com/

Meet The Staff...

Along with our many new updates coming to www.minihostels.com we are also posting bios and staff information. We are a family at MiniHostels and we want everyone who visits the site to feel like family too.

Therefore, take a look at the updates to the new site and get a better feel for the staff and family at MiniHostels!

Monedas...

Theres really no surprise behind the lack of monedas in Buenos Aires. But MiniHostels wants to present a particularly interesteing article about the crisis for those of you eager to read up: check it out!

Our 2.0 Version Is On Its Way!

MiniHostels is improving its site not only in terms of content and information for travelers but by launching its web 2.0 version. This will make the site more user friendly and facilitate more communication from travelers to the MiniHostels crew!

Keep your eyes peeled for more MiniHostels information coming soon.

Need a Blog, or something more?

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Is your hostel in need of a blog or social network profile? While MiniHostels not only offers you the best travel deals and information we also provide other services.

If you want a new and better way to present up to date information to your clients or to reach your top travel demographic online, then let MiniHostels set up a blog and facebook profile for your hostel. We can get you started online and let you reach more travelers in ways you never thought possible.

If you're interested in having a profile or blog started for your hostel, courtesy of MiniHostels, then please email kim at: kim@minihostels.com OR info@minihostels.com

Traveling Peru?

Traveling into Peru? Great choice. If you are, like most people, you'll probably be checking out the famous Machu Picchu, perhaps Peru's most famous monument.

For travel information check out our Peru Itineraries at www.MiniHostels.com and some great travel information at: www.perurail.com

Because South America Is More Than Just Travel

South America is the backpackers playground and MiniHostels is bringing you all the best travel deals, travel itineraries and information on favorite backpacker locations. But South America is more than just a place to visit and at MiniHostels we want to offer the many of you interested in South American events, politics and even wine a closer look at some of South America´s many faces. Check back here soon for more blogs pertaining to the ´other´ information interested to travelers. We might just have that perfect something you´re dieing to read.

Happy Holidays

The Holidays are just around the corner so from all of us at MiniHostels, "Happy Holidays!"

Don't forget that MiniHostels cards make a great gift. 10% off each night of your stay in a hostel is a hard gift to beat for travel nuts. So gift someone the perfect travel gift!

If you're in Buenos Aires and looking for the perfect way to celebrate try checking out: expat connection, ba-expats and other forums for group Holiday fun.

Attn. Argentina!

The city of Buenos Aires thought that the MiniHostels cards were so cool, that they're jumping on board and offering travelers cards that allow them to pay taxis, buses, subtes and trains.

The cards will allow commuting people in Buenos Aires to avoid the monedas mess and pay simply by swiping and charging a pre-paid travel card. It will certainly make waiting in long lines less frustrating however, the cards are garnering some criticisms about fueling Argentina's already high inflation rate.

Need some Info?

As a traveler, we all need some info from time to time. Helpful hints from those who have been there before and seen what we are about to see.

At MiniHostels we pride ourselves on providing our members with the best information that is available. For a look at some travel articles which are simply bursting with helpful info, check out a few of the following links:

Cusco Info

Lima Info

Boating The Amazon

Salvador Info

La Posta Hostel

La Posta is an unbelievably truly Argentine hostel that embraces the culture of Tierra del Fuego, where it is located. The hostel itself is adorned with old, recycled tools that the Argentine Gauchos once used. Furthermore, the rooms are all first class and enveloped in a cozy environment to suit all travelers. We promise that La Posta Hostel will feel like your home: inviting, welcoming, and familiar. Close in location both to the airport at Ushuia and the town center, La Posta is your best comfort while traveling to chilly Tierra del Fuego. Find out more about La Posta at their website: La Posta.

Golf Anyone?

While you may be thinking more rustic in terms of your travel goals, MiniHostels likes to recommend (from time to time) some city-living fun for travelers.

The Buenos Aires golf club is a nice 18 hole course located in woodsy Palermo just north of the Hipodromo, just off of Av. Libertador. If you know where the Palermo lake sits in the city, you're in luck - you're about a long drives worth of distance from the golf course.

The golf club offers rentals, classes and tournaments which is all fairly cheap. Rentals will cost you about AR$60 pesos for the day, but if you have your own playing 18 holes is only AR$20! They don't have different prices if you'd rather take in a cool 9, but the cheap price is hard to beat. No carts are availalble so be prepared to walk the long course (although pull carts come with EVERY rental).

Weekends are busy, but weekdays it isn't common to be the only golfer on the hole.

Have fun city-dwellers!

Another reason to pick MiniHostels

MiniHostels is one of the premier hosteling networks in South America AND the world. Coming soon MiniHostels will offer its customers the ability to make reservations online. In addition MiniHostels is beefing up the content we offer members and guests which includes more backpacker articles and information as well as itineraries for all your favorite travel locations.

Check out MiniHostels - the best way to hostel!

Reciprocity Enacted Starting...

We recently reported that Argentina would soon begin charging Americans reciprocity fees for travelers entering the country. As an update this travel change for backpackers will be enacted beginning the first of the year. This means US$130 will be expected for entry. However, for those entering and returning each time, never fear. The fee will be valid for years. Not unlike Chile y Brasil.

YokWahi Hostel and MiniHostel Friends!

MiniHostels is happy to present YokWahi Hostel in Jujuy Argentina. This amazing hostel painted the MiniHostel's logo on their reception wall and we love them for it!

YokWahi Hostel is the first hostel in Jujuy Argentina and they are doing it up right. With a full kitchen, TV, private bathrooms, Internet, DVD and more - this hostel is offering an oasis for backpackers where one never existed before.

MiniHostels is happy to present them to you!

Destination Travel

Punta del Este is one of Uruguay's claims to fame. Around this time of year - but more specifically in December and January Buenos Aires locals, tourists and Brazilians flock to this resort town in Uruguay for funning and sunning in one of South Americas most notoriously posh cities.

Getting there from Buenos Aires is easy. Most people take the ferry into Montevideo then drive or bus into Punta del Este.

If shopping is your think along with stretches of nice restarurants and night clubs - then Punta del Este is a great vacation spot when the weather heats up.

Polo Argentino

The annual Polo Abierto is coming to Argentina and begins in just a few weeks! This tournament highlights the best polo players in Argentina who have earned a spot in the final positions of the tournament to compete as winner of the Abierto.

The tournament is run over the course of a month, beginning in November and running through the first two weeks of December. Tickets and games become more sparse as the tournament progresses and teams become eliminated. More than just a sporting event, the Abierto is somewhat of a social event as well with champagne tents, clothing tents and food being served to a mix of Argentina's social elite and polo-lovers alike.

The Abierto is held near the Hipodromo in Las Canitas just north of popular Palermo and can be accessed from Libertador.

I Keu Ken Hostel

If you want to enjoy all that El Calafate has to offer, you will want to stay at I Keu Ken Hostel. The hostel is a cozy cabin located on the edge of Lago Argentino. With the gorgeous view and the warm fire in the living room, you can sit back and truly relax. This hostel prides itself on being a quiet and relaxing refuge for the weary backpacker. I Keu Ken is only about a five minute walk to the center of town and they offer free shuttle service from the bus station. Enjoy lounging in your spacious room or join friends in the kitchen and learn how to make new dishes! The friendly and warm staff are availble to help you to your next destination and will truly go out of their way to make your stay the best in El Calafate. Vist I Keu Ken at their website.

Puerto Madryn - Run don't Walk!

Puerto Madryn and the Peninsula Valdes are two of Argentina's most popular travel destinations this time of year. To see the whales, penguins and the beautiful landscape up close and personal is something not many people get a chance in their life to see. Now the whales are migrating and the peninsula is as active as it is almost year round. Don't miss your chance to see this amazing travel location!

All the best advice and more, brought to you by: www.MiniHostels.com

Blue House Backpacker Hostel

If you're traveling to beautiful Lima, Peru and need a place to stay, Blue House Backpacker Hostel is a great choice. Within walking distance of all the amenities and activities a backpacker needs, the hostel is perfectly placed for you to maximize your time in Lima. Open 24 hours a day, with breakfast, internet, laundry, and English speaking staff, you can't go wrong!

MiniHostels is proud to include Blue House Backpacker Hostel as part of our network, and we highly recommend them!

Hostel Casa Kanela

Nestled in quaint, La Mariscal, one of the more picturesque areas of Quito, Casa Kanela is a stopping point for Ecuadorian backpackers. A newly renovated historic home, Casa Kanela offers quiet, tidy rooms and spacious bathrooms. A hearty breakfast, wireless internet, and an outdoor terrace make Casa Kanela an ideal place to rest after sightseeing in the busy city. Knowledgable staff offer great travel advice. This paired with low hostel rates is the perfect fit for backpackers on a budget. Check out the Casa Kanela website for more information!

Las Moiras Hostel In Bariloche

Las Moiras Hostel in Bariloche

Las Moiras Hostel is located in the city’s downtown and 100 meters from Nahuel Huapi lake. Which means that while Bariloche is hailed for its winter wonderland, this is the perfect hostel for people who love to catch some sun in the summer months! The beautiful landscape around Bariloche is gorgeous for hiking and biking among other summer activities. Chocolate and the beautiful landscape Bariloche offers never goes out of style which means its hard not to have a good time.

Las Moiras offers tourist information, tv, dvd, private lockers and so much more! It is an excellent hostel and MiniHostels is happy to have them as a part of our network.

Green House Hostel - Bariloche!

Green House Hostel is one of those amazing hostels that are hard to forget. Located just a stones throw from Lake Nahuel in Bariloche the kind of stay you are likely to have at Green House will be one with a complimentary breakfast, fresh faces, private rooms, kitchen, lockers, TV and DVD with a big screen, tourist information and not to mention, a killer view.

Green House is the perfect example of the sort of hostels we are happy to sponsor at MiniHostels and we hope you enjoy your stay as much as we enjoy recommending them to you!

Travel Advice Argentina

Patagonia is one of Argentina's and South America's most popular travel destinations. As November approaches, now is the beginning of the perfect travel season to this amazing place. Accessible from both Argentina and Chile Patagonia offers views, beauty and vastness unlike anything most people have ever seen.

MiniHostels has hostels in Patagonia!

One such hostel in popular travel location El Calafate is I Keu Ken Hostel!

Check it out!!!

Hostel El Español

Hostel El Español is a great hostel located in Colonia. A favorite location for visiting tourists, Hostel El Español offers the quaint feel of Colonia with 57 beds, reception for 24 hours, information regarding travel around the city and a quite place to call home.

Colonia isn't only popular among weary travelers but visiting expatriates from Buenos Aires frequent this gorgeous town. This makes Hostel El Español a favorite for our MiniHostel members!

You can access more information on the hostel by clicking here!

Travel Itineraries

MiniHostels will soon be offering travel itineraries. With information that includes travel times, costs and popular travel plans in South America. We work hard to make your traveling easier. Coming soon to MiniHostels!

Photo Contest Winner!

Congratulations to Julien Gomba. His picture of Laguna de Cotacotani is the winner of the MiniHostels photo contest.

Check out www.MiniHostels.com soon to see a full profile on Gomba's travel work soon.

Blogology

Check out some of our great bootsnall blogs for excellent travel advice and info!

If Your Compass Could Talk
First Stop South America
Backpacking Boisterously

Search by location!

MiniHostels allows you to search for hostels by travel location! Our homepage offers an interactive map which allows you to search hostels by clicking on the country, city or region you want to visit.

No boring scroll-down bars, no entering in your location, just click and you're there.

...arriving at the best hostelling network for South America!

Bringing in New Hostels...

Hostal Plaza in Guatemala is the perfect example of the kinds of hostals we want to involve in MiniHostels.

This great budget hostel is located near the airport, in a convenient place for backpackers arriving to and from Guatemala City. They have private rooms, Cable TV, wireless Internet and is located near all some great popular locations in the city. If you're coming or going, make Hostal Plaza a stop on your travel map!

MiniHostels Promotion

MiniHostels is having a promotion. Check it out!

A standout hostel!

Hostel Provenzal in Bolivia is one of our stand out hostels. A home away from home during some travel in one of South America's most beautiful countries.

Provenzal Hostel.

Buenos Aires Pub Crawl

Looking for a fun night out on the town and want to check out some bars you haven't yet visited? Then take a look at the Buenos Aires Pub Crawl.

The pub crawl does several events each week and includes all the best places for going out including Palermo and San Telmo. Its a great way to meet new people and check out some new places. Your entrance fee gets you in which means you get free food and drink at the 'home base', a tour and discounts of several popular bars and entrance into a popular Buenos Aires club.

It sounds like your regular Saturday night except its with new people, cooler places and at a much cheaper price!

Taking a bite out of a BIG project...

Here at MiniHostels we are taking a big bite out of a large project. Coming soon, MiniHostels will be offering online reservations with all of our hostels. This means, when you're on our page you'll be able to check out hostels and book your stay, RIGHT then.

We want you to enjoy your traveling as best you can - and we want MiniHostels to be that tool for you.

Other great travel info...

Because we know and don't expect you to think we're the only travel network out there - try these great places on for size...

Lonely Planet - www.lonelyplanet.com
Frommers - www.frommers.com
Bootsnall - www.bootsnall.com
Virtual Tourist - www.virtualtourist.com
Real Travel - realtravel.com

MiniHostels... we're here to help.

Backpacker's Articles

This is a great example of the sort of info you can find at www.minihostels.com in addition to great hostel advice. Click on the link below to read the entire article...

Traveling: Alone or Together?

A trip, whether a short or a long one, is usually a very full and interesting experience, and so, a very important issue to deal with while planning a trip is your traveling partner. While many travelers enjoy a lone quiet walk in the forest, others will feel an overwhelming need to point out this bird or that bush to their group. Some cannot leave home without their second half, while others feel "the vibe" only when they are surrounded with their high-school buddies or life-long best friend.

read more...

Where to find more Info...

Here are some places to find MiniHostels on the web as well as some travel info and highlights:

MiniHostels.com: MiniHostels.com has travel advice and information via backpacker's articles and a travel forum.
YouTube: MiniHostels has a YouTube channel! :www.youtube.com/user/minihostels
Facebook: www.facebook.com - MiniHostels!
Myspace: www.myspace.com/minihostels.com

Residencial Uno Hostel in Iguazu

And the smallest picture might be the best. A POOL?!?!?!

Residencial Uno Hostel in Iguazu is one of the most popular Iguazu hostels (I don't need to mention the pool again, but I will) - the hostel has much to offer in terms of accommodations, comfort and adventure. After all, they're only seconds away from the famous Iguazu park.

Hostels such as this epitomize what MiniHostels likes to offer in terms the hostels people go back to again and again. You will certainly enjoy your time at the falls and if its possible, enjoy that time even more when you stay at great hostels like this one.

Book online now!

How can MiniHostels save your life?

So just HOW can MiniHostels save your life?

By purchasing a MiniHostels card and by reading our MiniHostels info you will become more travel savvy on the where and how of travel. In doing so you will also be saving money by staying at the best hostels along your trip. This will in turn prolong your trip and your money making your travel experiences THAT much more profound. You will then feel more and more enlightened, informed and intellegent about the world and travel. You will return to your old life, refreshed, (NOT broke) and a better person. Jobs will be better, the sky will be bluer and your happiness unparalleled. All because of MiniHostels.

...THE TRAVEL LIFE SAVER.

Some Beautiful South America...

Just some eye candy of some of our favorite images of the best continent on Earth. Brought to you by: MiniHostels