If you’re a backpacker, a solo traveler or just traveling in Costa Rica on a budget, staying in a hostel is the best way to go.
Below is our list of the best hostels in Costa Rica, separated out by area.
Find out what the best hostels in San Jose are, the best hostels in Tamarindo, the best hostels in Jaco, the best hostels in Manuel Antonio, best hostels in Puerto Viejo and so on.
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Best Hostels in Costa Rica
San Jose
As the capital city of Costa Rica, San Jose has a lot going on when it comes to the food scene, nightlife, culture and shopping.
If you’re staying a few nights in the city and need a cheap place to sleep, here are our recommendations for the best hostels in San Jose.
Fauna Luxury Hostel
Fauna Luxury Hostel in Escazu brings another concept of hostels in Costa Rica by using pods. They also have a meeting room, parking, games and a yoga studio and have a great view of the city.
The pod rooms come in 5 or 8 and offer more privacy than bunk beds. Each room has their own ensuite bathroom.
They’re trying to offer a more “hostel resort” experience but with good prices.
In the Wind Hostel and Guesthouse
Classic hostel with single, double, triple, quadruple and shared dorm rooms. They also have a family quadruple room.
It looks like a normal house but is fully gated and has an outdoor seating area and sun terrace. Guests can enjoy a shared kitchen.
In the Wind Hostel is located in San Pedro.
Alajuela (By the San Jose Airport)
If you need a place to stay before or the night of your flight, here are the best hostels in Alajuela.
San Jose International Airport is actually in Alajuela so if you pick a place in San Jose, it is about a 30 minute drive to the airport.
Also note that many shared shuttle companies don’t pick up or drop off at hotels in Alajuela.
Alajuela Backpackers
If all you need is a cheap place to sleep before or after a flight, Alajuela Backpackers is a good option. It’s a 5 minute drive from the airport and they offer a free shuttle.
Not much else to say except it’s a cheap place to stay, great if you’re really on a budget.
You can check availability here.
Mitamon Hostel
This is a small, 10 room hostel about a 10 minute drive from the airport. It’s a family owned place so has a nice atmosphere and is quiet. Cash only.
Check availability and rates for Mitamon Hostel.
For more options near the airport, check out our post best hotels near San Jose International Airport.
Jaco
Jaco is the most developed beach town in Costa Rica as it’s just one hour from San Jose. It’s a fun party and surf beach town with lots of good restaurants, great waves and lively nightlife.
Buddha House Boutique Hostel
Hostel right in central Jaco so easy walk to town and beach (100 meters). They have a pool, garden, outdoor terrace, shared kitchen and games.
Nice hostel especially if you’re not there just to surf, suitable for a cheap stay in town.
Get more information here.
Room2Board Hostel and Surf School
Room2board is located on the south end of Jaco so it’s much quieter. It’s also right in front of one of the best surf spots which makes it a one of the best hostels in Jaco for all kinds of travelers.
The room and property are nice and spacious. It’s a mix of a boutique hotel/hostel/surf camp so you can meet a lot of like minded people. You can also rent boards right on the property.
Click here to check availability.
Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Costa Rica so they have a wide range of accommodation, including hostels.
Wide Mouth Frog Hostel (Quepos)
Excellent hostel in Quepos, the main town in the area. It has an attached restaurant, pool and common space and is close to restaurants and the bus station.
It’s noisy since it’s in town and you don’t get any jungle or ocean views but if you want to stay in Quepos for cheap, this is a great option.
Check availability here.
Vista Serena
This hostel has one of the best views of all the hostels and cheap hotels in Manuel Antonio.
They have a common room with hammocks, a view of the sunset, shared kitchen and is close to the bus stop and supermarket.
One downside is that they don’t have a pool.
Check availability here.
Pura Vida
This hostel is on the hill and walking distance to various restaurants and close to a bus stop. It has a fully equipped kitchen, common room and nice and clean rooms.
Nothing special about the decor or property but it is nice and quiet with many monkeys around.
Click here to check availability.
Tamarindo
Tamarindo is a bustling surf town in Guanacaste, popular with backpackers, surfers, beach bums and solo travelers.
There are a handful of hostels that offer surf lessons, tours and parties so you’ll never be bored.
Coral Reef Hostel
One of the few hostels in Costa Rica where all rooms have air conditioning.
It’s centrally located right in the heart of Tamarindo and in walking distance to everything, but the beach is about a 15 minute walk.
They also have a surf camp.
Check rates here.
Casa Aura Premium Hostel
This is the only beach front hostel/hotel in Tamarindo and it definitely earns the name of a premium hostel. It even has a designated parking lot with security.
There are nicely decorated open spaces, very clean rooms, a terrace, games and a hammock area outside. Popular with students.
Get more information here.
Puerto Viejo
As the main beach town in the Caribbean South popular with backpackers, surfers and beach bums, Puerto Viejo has plenty of hostels for the budget traveler.
It’s also known as one of the top parties towns in Costa Rica so you’ll be steps away from tasty drinks, cheap shots and a good time.
Playa 506
This hostel is one of the best hostels in Puerto Viejo because they also have an adjoining beach front bar and restaurant, great for parties and watching games. It’s also on the most popular beach in the area, Playa Cocles. It’s clean, nice atmosphere and has tons of hammocks on the property.
Get more information here.
Tribu Hostel
A hostel for only woman. Great option for solo female travelers!
Get more information and check rates here.
Monteverde
Monteverde is an excellent spot for backpackers and traveling on a budget.
This small rural town is famous for the cloud forest, birding and adventure and just a boat ride over from La Fortuna.
Pension
One of the best hostels in Monteverde for a cheap, convenient and centrally located place. It’s right in Santa Elena town and is surrounded by cafes, tour desks and restaurants.
It can get noisy because it’s right in town but they have clean rooms, fast Wi-Fi and really friendly staff.
Since they have 4 bed dorms instead of 10 or 18, it’s a bit more expensive for a hostel but they give more privacy.
They have 4 bedroom dorms and private rooms. Check availability here.
Sleepers Sleep Cheaper Hostel
A nice little family run hostel in Costa Rica and it really is cheap. Location is great, really close to the bus stop and Santa Elena. Basic clean rooms with a plentiful breakfast. The couple who runs it is very nice and welcoming. Not much opportunity to meet other people so more for couples or people who want more privacy or quiet.
Check rates here.
Samara
Samara is a fun, small mellow beach in the southern Guanacaste province, perfect for travelers of all ages.
Although it attracts a great deal of families, backpackers and budget travelers will enjoy Samara for easy surfing, happy hour on the beach and cheap accommodation options.
Hostel Las Mariposas
Fun hostel in town owned by two woman who do a great job running the place. The shared kitchen is a bit small but they have a large garden with a mango tree.
Breakfast isn’t included but they have free coffee until 10 AM. There is a considerate smoking and non smoking area.
Check prices here.
Santa Teresa
The remote corner of the Nicoya Peninsula is home to Santa Teresa, a popular surfing and yoga paradise.
Visitors love the rural feel of Santa Teresa with its unpaved roads, eclectic mix of foreigners and excellent surf.
Pura Vida Mini Hostel
The Pura Vida Mini Hostel is clean, has two well equipped kitchens, pool table, good Wi-Fi, a chill common room and hammocks. It’s close to the beach and town.
Click here to get more information.
Montezuma
Montezuma’s Bohemian flair, rocky coastlines and arty hippie vibe attracts many backpackers and beach bums looking for a beach town where they can relax, get baked and have a good time.
This town is tiny though so don’t expect too many accommodation options.
Luz en Cielo Hostel
This hostel is a bit outside the town so be prepared to walk down the hill to Montezuma and the beach.
But since it is far away, it is much quieter and peaceful as it can get loud with the parties. They have a nice eco-friendly vibe and they also offer camping.
They have dorms with shared bathrooms, private dorms and private cabinas and casas so they have more variety.
Check rates and availability here.
Uvita
Uvita is a small beach town by Marino Ballena National Park. It has grown a lot but there are cheap accommodation options in town.
Cascada Verde
Cascada Verde hostel is outside Uvita near the Uvita waterfall. It’s up in the jungle which is a nice change since hostels in Costa Rica are usually right in town.
It’s quiet and you’ll be woken up by birds and monkeys instead of cars, construction and bikes.
Their rooms are very basic but has all you need for a good night’s sleep. They have a 5 person dorm, single privates and family rooms.
Check availability here.
Dominical
Yoga and surf addicts will love Dominical, the small hippie beach town in the South Pacific.
Although the beach isn’t the prettiest, waves are great and the vibe is super chill.
Cool Vibes Hostel
The name says it all, this is a hostel with cool vibes right in town, close to the beach and Baru River.
They have free coffee all day, a shared kitchen, night security guard and a small pool. Guests can rent surfboards or book surf lessons with them.
Click to get more information here.
Drake Bay
Although Drake Bay is considered one of the most remote places in Costa Rica, it’s also one of the most rewarding.
As it’s in the Osa Peninsula, one of the most biologically diverse places in the world, you’ll be surrounded by nothing but jungle, nature and more jungle.
Drake Bay Backpackers
This is one of the best hostels in Costa Rica for an authentic jungle experience.
It’s not super close to the beach but it’s about a 20 minute walk to town and the beach.
They have a shared kitchen, hot water, included airport transfers, volleyball court, garden with BBQ area and nature trails nearby.
Check rates in the link.
Sukia Hostel
Sukia Hostel is located near the side of the Drake Bay Airport and is up a hill surrounded by rainforest.
It has free Wifi in public spaces, communal kitchen, terraces and hammocks. No air conditioning.
Check rates here.
La Fortuna
As one of the most touristic destinations in Costa Rica, there are no shortages of cheap places and hostels in La Fortuna.
Most of them are in town, making it easy to get around and to book tours. And you will still be able to get views of the volcano!
Pura Vibra Hostel
About a ten minute walk to town, Pura Vibra Hostel has shared dorms, air conditioning and a small outdoor seating area.
Check rates here.
Arenal Poshpaker
Almost right in downtown Fortuna, Arenal Poshpaker has gardens, a terrace, outdoor seating areas and a pool.
They have single, double, triple and quadruple rooms, even a two bedroom apartment. No shared dorms.
Check Arenal Poshpaker rates here.
Costa Rica Vacation Checklist
- First time to Costa Rica? Read our First Time in Costa Rica guide.
- Not sure how to move around Costa Rica? Read our How to Get Around Costa Rica guide to find the best transportation method for you.
- Click the link to get our detailed Costa Rica Packing List so you know what essential items to bring.
- Check our Costa Rica destinations map and Costa Rica restaurant map
- Do not forget to purchase Travel Insurance for your trip to Costa Rica.
- Stay connected by purchasing a prepaid SIM Card in Costa Rica.
- Save money with Mytanfeet Deals for tours and hotels and our Costa Rica Car Rental Discount.
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