Staying in one of the best hostels in Costa Rica is great, especially if you’re traveling alone or in a large group. This type of accommodation is characterized by its communal spaces (perfect for meeting new people), affordable prices, and stylish locations, so don’t hesitate to book any of the properties in this guide.
On my first trip to Costa Rica, I went with my cousins, so we often stayed in hostels. We had a great time, and our favorite Costa Rican hostel was the one we stayed at in La Fortuna, which had an awesome atmosphere. We also loved the one in Santa Teresa since it was just a few steps from the beach.
If you’re planning a trip to discover the top attractions in Costa Rica but still don’t know where to stay, this guide will help you find a comfortable hostel in Costa Rica. I narrowed down the list to my top 10 recommendations based on facilities, activities for guests, and unique characteristics.
- Costa Rica Backpackers, San José
- Playa Grande Surf Camp, Tamarindo
- Teva Hotel & Jungle Reserve, Manuel Antonio
- Selina Puerto Viejo, Puerto Viejo
- Selina La Fortuna, La Fortuna
- Hostel Tortuguero 7BackPackers, Tortuguero
- Corcovado Adventures, Drake Bay
- Selina Monteverde, Monteverde
- El Gato Rojas Surf Hostel, Santa Teresa
- Selina Jacó, Jacó
1. Costa Rica Backpackers, one of the best hostels in Costa Rica
⭐⭐⭐⭐ | San José | From $30/night
If you’re going to spend a few days in the capital of San José, Costa Rica Backpackers is one of the best hostels in Costa Rica. It’s right in the city center, so its location is perfect for getting to know the main points of interest in San José.
You can choose between private rooms, mixed dormitories rooms, or men-only/female-only dorms, so you can feel totally comfortable and safe.
1. Costa Rica Backpackers, one of the best hostels in Costa Rica
This Costa Rican hostel is an excellent choice if you’re looking to travel cheaply since it offers communal facilities like a restaurant with an affordable daily menu. There is also an outdoor pool and beautiful gardens where you can relax after a full day of sightseeing.
In my opinion, it’s one of the best hostels in San José, so don’t hesitate to book it for your next trip.
2. Playa Grande Surf Camp, one of the best hostels in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Tamarindo | From $60/night
Playa Grande Surf Camp is the ideal place for those who want to spend a few days on the most incredible beaches in Tamarindo. Although we didn’t stay there, we have friends who spent a few days at this hostel in Costa Rica, taking surf classes and enjoying the sea, and they liked it.
This accommodation is in Playa Grande, just a few meters from the beach. You’ll be right by one of the most famous surf spots in Tamarindo, with a long stretch of white sand and palm trees.
2. Playa Grande Surf Camp, one of the best hostels in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
The rooms are varied, and some of them have air conditioning, so you can sleep well even on the hottest days. You can choose between 6-bed dorms, double private rooms, an open-air treehouse with a balcony, and a 2-bedroom apartment for 5 people, so there are options for all types of travelers. Plus, if you’re in a large group, this is a cost-effective accommodation.
In addition, there is a communal kitchen where you can prepare your meals, as well as the on-site restaurant, Café Mar Azul. Also, if you’re not a fan of salt water, you can skip the beach and go swimming in the hostel’s pool instead.
3. Teva Hotel & Jungle Reserve, a good hostel in Costa Rica where you can disconnect
Manuel Antonio | From $40/night
Teva Hotel & Jungle Reserve is another hostel in Costa Rica, this time just 10 minutes by car from one of the best national parks in Costa Rica. Located in the town of Quepos, it’s the ideal place to stay if you love nature and plan to visit Manuel Antonio National Park.
3. Teva Hotel & Jungle Reserve, a good hostel in Costa Rica where you can disconnect
You can choose between shared dormitories for up to 4 people or private rooms, which are either double or quadruple rooms with air conditioning and beautiful views of the jungle. On the other hand, if you prefer to have all the comforts, I recommend 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.
At lunchtime, head to the Azulëo restaurant for some new flavors and typical Costa Rican dishes 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 another one of the best hostels in Costa Rica and a great base if you want to explore all the attractions in Puerto Viejo. It’s between Playa Negra and Playa Cocles, so you’ll be just a short walk from some of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica.
4. Selina Puerto Viejo, a hostel in Costa Rica near the beach
This Costa Rican beach hostel is modern and comfortable, with convenient facilities that will make you feel at home. You can choose from shared or private rooms, and they all have lovely decor and furniture. Another nice thing about this property is that most of the rooms have their own bathroom, so you don’t have to share with so many people.
However, one of my favorite features of this hostel is its coworking area, which has spacious tables, a pleasant environment, and a good Internet connection so you can get work done. There is also a large swimming pool and several common areas with games and live music.
5. Selina La Fortuna, one of the best hostels in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
⭐⭐⭐ | La Fortuna | From $45/night
Selina La Fortuna is another hostel in Costa Rica that we stayed at during our trip. It’s in La Fortuna, a wonderful town where you can visit several cool attractions in the surrounding area. For example, I recommend visiting the Arenal Volcano and some of the best waterfalls in Costa Rica, such as the La Fortuna waterfall. We opted for this tour and loved it, but you can also go on your own.
5. Selina La Fortuna, one of the best hostels in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
The shared rooms have 6, 8, and 10 beds, but you can also choose a private room for greater peace of mind. Each accommodation at this Costa Rica hostel in La Fortuna is exquisitely decorated with modern furnishings, making you feel right at home.
As for the other facilities, there is a communal swimming pool surrounded by sun 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
Tortuguero | From $26/night
I highly recommend visiting Tortuguero National Park during your trip, as this is the best place to see turtles in Costa Rica. Fortunately, this area is also home to cheap hostels in Costa Rica, like the Hostel Tortuguero 7BackPackers in the center of town.
6. Hostel Tortuguero 7BackPackers, one of the best cheap hostels in Costa Rica
Be aware that this hostel only offers shared rooms, so if you need more privacy, I recommend one of the other options in this guide. Of course, there is a daily cleaning service, and the spaces are designed with your comfort in mind, so you’re sure to have a pleasant stay here.
The complex has a shared kitchen with a coffee maker and microwave, and there is a common room with a pool table. It’s the perfect place to hang out and meet fellow travelers after enjoying one of the area’s tours. For example, we took this canoe tour through the Tortuguero canals, 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 | From $40/night
Corcovado Adventures is a great backpackers hostel in Costa Rica where you can spend your vacation immersed in nature. This accommodation is in Drake Bay, right next to a trail that runs through one of the best 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 sea.
7. Corcovado Adventures, another one of the best Costa Rican hostels for a relaxing vacation
The hostel has female and male dormitories, as well as a few bungalows for 4 people. Although it’s quite simple, the property has everything you need for an enjoyable stay.
For example, there is a lush garden and a shared terrace that’s perfect for hanging out or reading your favorite book over coffee. The complex also has a restaurant and a bar, so you don’t need to go far for delicious food and cocktails. Of course, if you prefer to cook your meals, you can use the shared kitchen, which has a microwave and refrigerator. For me, this is one of the most recommended hostels in Costa Rica, so don’t miss it.
8. Selina Monteverde, one of the best hostels in Puntarenas, Costa Rica
⭐⭐⭐ | Monteverde | From $60/night
Selina Monteverde is a hostel in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, specifically in the tourist town of Monteverde. It’s a convenient place to stay if you plan to visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest and other amazing places where you can spot animals in Costa Rica.
8. Selina Monteverde, one of the best hostels in Puntarenas, Costa Rica
The complex offers a variety of room types, so I’m sure you’ll find an option that suits your budget and tastes. Among the different categories are double, quadruple, and family rooms, as well as shared dormitories with 4 or 6 beds each. Of course, some have a private bathroom, so it’s a good idea to ask if you have a preference.
This chain of hostels in Costa Rica is known for its gorgeous modern decor and attention to detail. You’ll notice that the common spaces are super cozy and feature lovely wood furniture. Plus, there is a pool table and an outdoor hot tub, so you can totally disconnect for a few days.
9. El Gato Rojas Surf Hostel, one of the best hostels in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Santa Teresa | From $55/night
El Gato Rojas Surf Hostel is one of the best hostels in Santa Teresa, so we decided to stay here for a few days during our 10-day trip to Costa Rica. If you didn’t know, Santa Teresa is one of the most famous places on the Nicoya Peninsula, thanks to its dreamy beaches and impressive landscapes.
9. El Gato Rojas Surf Hostel, one of the best hostels in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
As for this accommodation, it’s right in front of the beach and offers simple yet functional rooms. While it offers shared bedrooms, we opted for a private room, which had a super comfortable bed and sophisticated decor that pleasantly surprised us. You can also choose to stay in one of the garden tents for a wilder experience.
This is known as one of the best surf hostels in Costa Rica, attracting fun-loving travelers and tourists. Of course, you don’t have to be a surfer to stay here! You just have to enjoy meeting new people and sharing experiences. The complex hosts group activities every night, ranging from live music sessions to community barbecues on the terrace, so you’re sure to meet some new like-minded friends here.
10. Selina Jacó, a Costa Rican hostel in Puntarenas with a pool
⭐⭐⭐ | Jacó | From $55/night
Finally, Selina Jacó is another hostel in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, that I recommend. It’s a great accommodation to rest and recharge after exploring all the cool places in Jacó and its surroundings.
10. Selina Jacó, a Costa Rican hostel in Puntarenas with a pool
Here, you can stay in a shared dormitory or private room, although if you’re traveling as a large group, you have the option of booking the entire dorm. There are also family rooms, so you can even stay here with small children.
In addition to its comfortable rooms, the property has an outdoor pool that’s open all year round and a terrace where you can lie in the sun and relax in nature. There is also a shared kitchen where you can prepare your meals and a pool table where you can compete in friendly tournaments. Overall, it’s one of the Costa Rica hostels with the best atmosphere.
And that’s it for the best hostels in Costa Rica. Below, I’m sharing a map with all the options I recommended so you can locate them and better plan your itinerary. I also suggest consulting our tourist maps of Costa Rica to see all the attractions and activities near each hostel.
Also, remember that there are other types of hotels in Costa Rica that might suit you better. For example, we stayed in an apartment in Costa Rica and found it to be a very comfortable experience.
If you have any questions about where to stay in Costa Rica or want to share your experience traveling through one of my favorite countries, leave a comment below. I’d love to hear from you!
Pura Vida!
