The Yak

The Yak hostel is a popular option for budget-minded travelers seeking a laid-back, yet fun stay. During the day, it’s common to spot guests and staff lounging on hammocks or plastic chairs in the central courtyard, while music lightly plays from the bar. At night, its party-hardy personality takes over with a lively bar, games, and lots of drinks. Though there are rules: No outside alcohol is allowed, no drugs, and no outside people (though a few regular locals do make appearances at the bar from time to time). On the whole, this hostel is celebrated for the social atmosphere and fun times it facilitates, and its hyper-social vibe makes it a good pick for solo travelers. At maximum capacity, the hostel can sleep 100 guests across three buildings. Don’t let the worn furniture fool you, as this place is spotless. It gets cleaned three times a day. However, it is worth mentioning that any guests booked in the adjacent building off the main hostel will have to climb a thin spiral staircase and walk on top of a makeshift roof platform to reach the walkway to their room door. This is a great pick for budget travelers looking for easy (and cheap) access to activities and food, as well as interaction with fellow guests, though light sleepers may want to pack earplugs.  

The Yak is less than a five-minute walk from 5th Avenue, situated off of a small half-street between 10th and 11th Street and 15th and 10th Avenue. This odd location translates to less foot traffic and relatively less noise (though the hostel bar often rises to the challenge). Zenzi beach club, Walmart, the Frido Khalo Museum and Restaurant, and the aquarium are all within a seven-minute walk. The ADO bus station and Ultramar ferry port are a nine- and 12-minute walk, respectively. Cancun International Airport is about an hour's drive north, while the popular tourist destinations of Tulum and Akumal are within an hour and a 40-minute drive south, respectively. 

The Yak has both dorm rooms and private rooms. The hostel's 10 dorm rooms are split between the main building and an adjacent building, and come with four, six, eight, or 12 beds. Surprisingly large lockers with interior electrical sockets, AC, and private bathrooms make these dorms more convenient than most, though expect to be given sheets to make your own bed. Bunks are homemade from wood and have thick mattresses. It’s good to note that unlike most hostels, the more beds in the room actually translates to more space. Rooms are spotless and cleaned at least twice a day.The majority of the 14 private rooms are located in an annexed building a few doors down that appears to be an old apartment complex. There’s a gated entrance with a double lock, but no security staff. These rooms are expectedly basic, featuring tile floors, AC, simple beds, and private bathrooms. Kitchenettes have two-burner portable electric ranges, sinks with dishwashing liquid, and mini-fridges. There’s also a large, bright family room with a full fridge that can sleep up to four located in the building adjacent to the main hostel. Private rooms come with pre-made beds, but guests will have to request cleaning. 

Like any good hostel, The Yak is loaded with budget-friendly features that encourage socializing and boozing. Unlike most hostels, Yak requires its guests to wear wristbands for security purposes and everyone is required to pay a cash deposit at check-in.  Two large kitchens, a rustic terrace barbecue station, and cheap communal meals help keep guests well-fed. Kitchens have gas stoves and ovens, microwaves, toaster ovens, large fridges, and wood-crate shelves for storing food. One of the kitchens has a spiral metal staircase leading up to the hostel’s TV room and rooftop terrace. The TV room is casual and outfitted with a large flat-screen TV, L-shaped vinyl couch, and decent book exchange, while the ratty outdoor terrace is a favorite hangout spot. In addition to a rustic corner barbecue grill, there’s aged purple-painted wood bench seating and a few high tables, though views are limited to the surrounding treetops. The bar here is popular and drinks flow freely, starting on arrival with a free welcome drink and continuing with a nightly happy hour. There are also bar games, such as a beer cap maze and drink wheel that can be spun to win prizes like free drinks or shots, plus guests can grab quick snacks like empanadas. While most nights have a food-related activity, like all-you-can-eat-sushi or barbecue, there are a few exceptions. At the wildly popular "moijito night", guests pay a flat rate and can make -- and drink -- as many moijitos as possible within a certain time frame. Guests get free transportation with daily excursions to local hot spots like cenotes and beaches, though entrance is not covered. Other freebies include a basic continental breakfast, Wi-Fi, and limited street parking right outside. Discounts are available at a local dive shop. Laundry service is available for a fee. While there’s always someone at reception, the hostel also provides a nighttime security guard, security cameras, and a locked front gate with buzzer.