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Lodging in one of the premier hostels in Costa Rica is excellent, particularly if you’re journeying solo or in a sizable group. This form of accommodation is characterized by its communal spaces (ideal for meeting new individuals), affordable pricing, and trendy locales, so don’t hesitate to book any of the properties in this guide.
During my initial visit to Costa Rica, I traveled with cousins, so we frequently stayed at hostels. We had a great time overall, and our preferred lodging in Costa Rica catering to budget travelers was the one where we resided in La Fortuna, known for its lively atmosphere. We also enjoyed the accommodation in Santa Teresa since it was conveniently located near the shoreline.
If you’re intending a trip to explore the top sights in Costa Rica but still lack certainty on where to reside, this guide will assist you in obtaining a cozy hostel in Costa Rica. I narrowed down the list to my top 10 recommendations depending on comforts, activities for guests, and special qualities.
- , is based in San José.
- Coastal Surfing Retreat, Tamarindo
- Teva Hotel & Jungle Reserve, Manuel Antonio
- Selina Puerto Viejo, Puerto Viejo
- Selina La Fortuna, La Fortuna
- , Tortuguero
- Corcovado Adventures is located in Drake Bay.
- Selina Monteverde, Monteverde
- El Gato Rojas Surfing Hostel, Santa Teresa
- The Selina Jacó Lodge attracts visitors with its amenities., Jacó
Table of Contents
1. Costa Rica Backpackers, one of the best hostels in Costa Rica
⭐⭐⭐⭐ | San José | From $30/night
If you plan to spend a few days in the capital city of San José, the Costa Rica Backpackers hostel is one of the top hostels in Costa Rica. It`s centrally located, making it ideal for exploring the main attractions in San José.
You have the choice of private rooms, mixed rooms with many beds, or separate men-only/female-only dorms, so you can feel entirely at ease and secure.
Sometimes, however, renting a vehicle is the sole useful choice. We’ve written an article on how to acquire low-cost rental automobiles, which you should check out if renting a car is the best option for you, but make sure to examine our economical travel tips below first.
If you wish to learn more about this national park, you can consult our guide to Tortuguero National Park.
2. Playa Grande Surf Camp, one of the best hostels in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Tamarindo | Starting from $60/night
Playa Grande Surf Camp represents the ideal place for those seeking to invest a few days on the most spectacular beaches in Tamarindo. Although we didn’t lodge there, we have acquaintances who invested a few days at this hostel in Costa Rica, taking surf classes and enjoying the sea, and they were satisfied with it.
This accommodation is in Playa Grande, just a few meters from the coastline. You’ll be close to one of the most famous surf spots in Tamarindo, with an extensive stretch of white sand and palm trees.
The rooms are diverse, and some of them have air conditioning, so you can sleep well even on the hottest days. You can opt for 6-bed dorms, double private rooms, an open-air tree house with a balcony, and a 2-bedroom condo for 5 individuals, so there are options for all kinds of travelers. Plus, if you’re in a large group, this is a cost-effective lodging.
Additionally, a communal kitchen allows preparing meals, along with the on-site restaurant Café Mar Azul. Also, if salt water is not preferred, the hostel`s pool enables swimming instead of the beach.
3. Teva Hotel & Jungle Reserve, a good hostel in Costa Rica where you can disconnect
Manuel Antonio | Rates starting at $40/night
Teva Inn & Reserve is another lodging in Costa Rica, situated just 10 minutes by vehicle from one of the finest national parks in Costa Rica. Found in the town of Quepos, it’s the perfect place to reside if you love the natural world and plan to visit Manuel Antonio National Park.
Accommodation options include shared dormitories with a maximum of 4 people or private rooms, which are either double or quadruple rooms with air conditioning and beautiful jungle views. Alternatively, if you prefer all comforts, I suggest opting for the apartment, which has a living room, a kitchen with a microwave and coffee maker, and a terrace with a pool that will leave you speechless.
For lunch, head to the Azulëo restaurant to sample new flavors and traditional Costa Rican meals made with fresh ingredients from the complex’s garden.
4. Selina Puerto Viejo, a hostel in Costa Rica near the beach
⭐⭐⭐ | Puerto Viejo | From $60/night
Selina Puerto Viejo is also one of the top-rated hostels in Costa Rica and a superb base if you want to explore all the attractions in Puerto Viejo. It’s located between Playa Negra and Playa Cocles, so you’ll be just a brief walk from some of the most stunning beaches in Costa Rica.
This Costa Rican beach hostel brings a current and cozy feel, giving convenient facilities to make travelers feel at home. Guests can opt for shared quarters or private rooms, and all feature beautiful decor and furnishings. Another nice aspect of this property is that most bedrooms include their own bathroom, so fewer people need to share facilities.
However, among my favorite aspects of this hostel is its spacious work area equipped with ample tables, a pleasant atmosphere, and a strong internet connection allowing you to be productive. Additionally, there is a sizable swimming pool and various common spaces including games and live music.
5. Selina La Fortuna, one of the best hostels in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
⭐⭐⭐ | La Fortuna | Starting from $45/night
Selina La Fortuna is another accommodation option in Costa Rica that we utilized during our trip. It’s in La Fortuna, a wonderful town where you can explore several intriguing attractions in the surrounding area. For example, I suggest checking out the Arenal Volcano and some of the top waterfalls in Costa Rica, such as the La Fortuna waterfall. We opted for this excursion and enjoyed it thoroughly, but you can also explore independently.
The shared rooms have 6, 8, and 10 beds, but a private room can also be chosen for added reassurance. Each accommodation at this Costa Rica hostel in La Fortuna is exquisitely decorated with modern furnishings, making one feel instantly at ease.
As for the other amenities, there is a communal swimming pool surrounded by loungers where you can sunbathe and a garden where you can immerse yourself in nature. The property also has a shared kitchen, but there is also a restaurant and bar if you don’t feel like cooking.
6. Hostel Tortuguero 7BackPackers, one of the best cheap hostels in Costa Rica
The primary highlightTortuguero | From $26/night
I highly suggest exploring Tortuguero National Park during your trip, as this is the prime location to see turtles in Costa Rica. Conveniently, this region is also home to affordable hostels in Costa Rica, like the Hostel Tortuguero 7BackPackers in the center of town.
Be aware that this hostel only provides shared living quarters, so if more privacy is needed, I suggest exploring one of the other options covered in this guide. Naturally, daily cleaning is available, and the spaces are designed with comfort in mind, ensuring a pleasant residence here.
The shared complex contained facilities like a communal kitchen equipped with appliances for making coffee and heating food, in addition to a common room furnished with a pool table where individuals could socialize and interact with other travelers following engagement in regional tours. For instance, our group participated in a canoe tour through the waterways of Tortuguero, which is one of the most popular excursions in Costa Rica.
7. Corcovado Adventures, another one of the best Costa Rican hostels for a relaxing vacation
Drake Bay | Starting at $40/night
Corcovado Excursions is a fantastic backpackers lodging in Costa Rica where you can spend your getaway immersed in nature. This accommodation is in Drake Bay, right next to a trail that runs through one of the finest hiking routes near Corcovado National Park. Not only that, but there are several beautiful beaches in the area, so if you don’t like hiking, you can simply relax by the shore.
The hostel provides female and male dormitories as well as a few bungalows accommodating four people each. Though basic, the property has everything required for an enjoyable stay.
This recommended hostel in Costa Rica offers guests many comforts. There is beautiful garden space and a shared outdoor area ideal for relaxing with a book and coffee. Onsite you`ll find a restaurant and bar so delicious meals and drinks are nearby. Those wishing to cook have use of a shared kitchen with a microwave and refrigerator. Overall it`s one of the top rated hostels in the country and worth a visit.
8. Selina Monteverde, one of the best hostels in Puntarenas, Costa Rica
⭐⭐⭐ | Monteverde | Starting from $60/night
Selina Monteverde is a lodging in Puntarenas province, Costa Rica, specifically in the tourist village of Monteverde. It’s a convenient place to dwell if you intend to visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest and other amazing spots where you can see creatures in Costa Rica.
The complex showcases a variety of lodging selections, so you`ll surely find an accommodation that fits your budget and preferences. Among the different types are double rooms, quadruple rooms, and family rooms, as well as shared dormitories with 4 or 6 beds each. Naturally, some include a private bathroom, so it`s prudent to inquire if you have a choice.
This arrangement of convenient houses in Costa Rica is known for its wonderful cutting edge design and consideration for subtle elements. You’ll take note that the mutual spaces are incredibly agreeable and highlight pleasant wood furniture. Likewise, there is a pool table and an outdoors Jacuzzi, along these lines you can entirely disengage for a couple days.
9. El Gato Rojas Surf Hostel, one of the best hostels in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Santa Teresa | Starting at $55/night
El Gato Rojas Surf Hostel is considered one of the top hostels located in Santa Teresa, so we opted to remain there for a few days during our 10-day trip in Costa Rica. If you were unaware, Santa Teresa is among the , owing to its tranquil coastlines and striking scenery.
Regarding the lodging, it sits directly in front of the beach and offers straightforward yet workable rooms. While shared bedrooms were proposed, we opted for a private room, presenting a highly comfortable bed and refined interior design that pleasantly surprised us. Guests may also select to remain in one of the garden tents for a more rustic experience.
This hostel situated along the beach in Costa Rica is renown as one of the premier accommodations for surfers to remain, attracting thrill-seeking globetrotters and visitors. Of course, being an enthusiast of capturing waves is not essential to lodging here! You solely must enjoy connecting with fresh companions and sharing encounters. The complex hosts social activities each night, spanning from melodic performances to communal barbecues on the terrace, so you`re certain to meet some new like-minded acquaintances at this place.
10. Selina Jacó, a Costa Rican hostel in Puntarenas with a pool
The primary highlight⭐⭐⭐ | Jacó | From $55/night
Finally, the Selina Jacó hostel in Puntarenas, Costa Rica is another recommended accommodation. It provides a great place to rest and re-energize after exploring all the fascinating places in Jacó and the surrounding region.
Here, you can stay in a dormitory that is shared or a private room, though if you’re traveling as a large group, you have the choice to book the entire dorm. There are also family rooms, so you can even stay here with little kids.
In addition to comfortable rooms, amenities include an outdoor pool open year-round where you can relax in nature. There is also a shared kitchen for meal preparation and a billiards table where friendly tournaments are often held. Overall, it offers one of the best atmospheres among Costa Rica hostels.
And with that ends the review of the best hostels in Costa Rica. Below is a map highlighting all the options recommended to help locate them and better plan your itinerary. I also suggest checking our tourist maps of Costa Rica to view all attractions and activities near each hostel.
It is important to note that reaching this location may prove challenging since the road surface is mostly unpaved and bumpy. Furthermore, if heavy rainfall has occurred, you will want a 4wd vehicle for the trip. Of course, if you prefer to avoid such potential issues, this guided excursion stands out as one of the prime attractions in Guanacaste.
Playa Blanca hosts some of the primary tourist cities in Lanzarote, so finding a place to dine will not be troublesome here. However, these are my recommendations for the top restaurants in Playa Blanca:
Pura Vida!
