Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a laidback coastal town nestled in the heart of Costa Rica. Gorgeous views of the turquoise Caribbean Sea, stunning sandy beaches, amazing nightlife, lush green jungles, Reggae beats, delicious local cuisine, and some of the best hostels in Puerto Viejo all make it a dream destination for every traveller!
Due to Afro-Caribbean and indigenous residents inhabiting this place, prepare to witness a unique and vibrant culture! This beautiful town has a laidback atmosphere which you will love. You can make the most of your time here by participating in fun activities like dancing in Salsa, enjoying live music, or attending pool parties.
Our favorite hostels in Puerto Viejo are:
- Pagalù Hostel - best for Couples
- Kalunai Hostel - best for Backpackers
- Casa Wolaba - best for Female Solo Travelers
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
1. Pagalù Hostel
2. Kalunai Hostel
3. Casa Wolaba
Hop on your bike and travel through the town, kick back and relax in the golden sandy beaches, or hike in Cahuita National Park to see the chocolate forest – there is so much to see and do in this coastal town! Whether travelling solo or visiting with a group – Puerto Viejo has something to offer everyone.
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
The beachside town provides a unique blend of Caribbean culture. So many party hostels are located within the coastal area, making it easier for tourists to explore and enjoy the town. If you are planning a trip to Costa Rica and looking for the best hostels in Puerto Viejo, we have some amazing recommendations!
What we cover in this article?
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Puerto Viejo
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Puerto Viejo cost 13€ – 28€ per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room starts from 22€ up to 82€ per night. This is a rough average just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on season and holidays. Please always check exact rates on Hostelz.com or Hostelworld.com.
Check-In and Check Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3pm), while the Check-Out time is before 11:00 (11am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
Backpacking tips for Puerto Viejo: And before you start packing for your trip, here are some useful backpacking tips for Puerto Viejo you need to consider:
- Although public buses are available, the best and most popular way to get around this coastal region is via bike.
- The beachside town is famous for its cacao trees, so don’t forget to take a chocolate tour! You will see how the locals care for their sustainable growth and production process.
- Costa Rica is home to many indigenous communities, due to which it has a vibrant culture. Visit an indigenous group to learn about their traditions, festivals, and lifestyle and enrich your knowledge.
- Hike around the Cahuita National Park- the beautiful views will surely leave you in awe.
- If you are a big fan of wildlife, visit the Tortuguero on the North Pacific Coast. There are both overnight and day trips available, so you can choose the one that suits your schedule.
- There is a river in Puerto Viejo named Punta Uva that is perfect for kayaking. This is an amazing way to explore marine wildlife too!
- While packing for your Puerto Viejo trip, make sure that you carry sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, a swimsuit, goggles, sunglasses, rain jackets, mosquito repellents, and cool breezy clothes – breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or viscose are the best.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels? (and websites to save $)
- 23 clever items: the hostel packing list to download
- How does the Hostelworld App work exactly? Our Advanced Guide
The 3 Best Hostels in Puerto Viejo are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Puerto Viejo.
- Pagalù Hostel – best for Couples
- Kalunai Hostel – best for Backpackers
- Casa Wolaba – best for Female Solo Travelers
These are our favorite hostels in Puerto Viejo. We want to make your life even easier, so we put all accommodations on a map for you. We even added our own tips for favorite restaurants, things to see, and more.
1. Pagalù Hostel
2. Kalunai Hostel
3. Casa Wolaba
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Casa Wolaba |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | Casa Wolaba |
| 🎒 For Backpackers: | Kalunai Hostel |
| 👩❤️👨 Couple Hostel: | Pagalù Hostel |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | Pagalù Hostel |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Pagalù Hostel |
| 👫 For Socializing: | Kalunai Hostel |
1. Pagalù Hostel
This is one of the best hostels in Puerto Viejo for couples! Nestled in the heart of Puerto Viejo, the Pagalù Hostel is just 2 minutes away from Negra Beach. So, if you are looking for a beachfront hotel surrounded by lush greenery with amazing restaurant services – checking out Pagalù is a good idea.
They have a variety of rooms (dorms, singles, and doubles) at different rates that give you the flexibility to choose the best for you according to your budget. Free Wi-Fi is also available on the property. The hostel features a shared lounge area, where you can enjoy a drink and relax after a long day. Because of the beautiful and spacious terrace, you’ll be able to witness the wonderful Caribbean beauty.
A beautiful tropical garden surrounds Pagalù. It has a good central location that makes it easy to access the bus station, supermarket, restaurants and bars nearby. Since Negra Beach is just 2-min away from the hostel, there are a plethora of fun activities that you can do here! You can enrol in Playa Negra Beach Yoga as a couple or take a zip-line canopy tour. You can also stroll around the beach and soak in this place’s breathtaking natural beauty.
Another great beach located close to the Pagalù hostel is Playa Cocles, which offers you the opportunity to take a mountain bike or cultural tour. The hostel has amazing spas and a couple of massages, so make sure not to miss them. Since the Pagalù hostel has a central location, you can easily get around the coastal town and explore its famous attractions. Free private parking is available on-site.
Here are some of Pagalu’s facilities highlights:
- Ample space
- Clean and hygienic
- Open kitchen
- Free parking space
- Central location
- Rooms with elegant and minimalist design
- Chill social hostel with relaxing vibes
Since Pagalù is amongst the best hostels in Puerto Viejo, it is almost always fully booked. We recommend securing your date well in advance by visiting links below.
Location: Pagalù Hostel is 4.4 km from Jaguar Rescue Center. The nearest airport is Captain Manuel Niño International Airport, 47 km from the accommodation.
The best choice in Puerto Viejo for
- Couples
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. Kalunai Hostel
Located just 10 minutes from Jaguar Rescue Centre, Kalunai Hostel is an amazing option for backpackers looking forward to staying in a comfortable yet budget-friendly place.
The property features an enchanting well-decorated garden and an outdoor terrace. Every room has a patio, microwave, and mini-kitchen. All of the rooms are clean, well-maintained, and cosy. They also offer beautiful views of the ocean or garden. The hostel also boasts a free BBQ, high-speed Internet, and parking facilities. There is a car and bike rental available on-site, which is very useful in exploring the breathtaking coastal town of Costa Rica. Punta Uva is just 15-min walk away from Kalunai hostel, so you can easily go kayaking or canoeing!
The property has a nice and laidback vibe, with beautiful live music playing in the background, making you feel at home. Although the hammocks in the garden are good enough to provide rest and relaxation, the yoga and spa studio that is located nearby seems to be this hostel’s most treasured gem.
All the main bars, shops, popular beaches, and famous tourist destinations are just minutes away from the Kalunai hostel, and the staff and locals are super kind and friendly. If you wish to make new friends or just want to learn more about locals, the neighbourhoods of Kalunai hostel will provide the ideal base for you to start!
When it comes to the hostel’s facilities, here are the honourably mentioned highlights:
- Clean and tidy dorms
- Both shared, and private rooms are available depending on your needs
- Hammock and a shared lounge
- Laundry and airport transfer facilities are available.
- Nice location
- A great on-site restaurant that offers excellent breakfast
- Affordable
- Bike and car rental services are also available
- 24/7 front desk service
- Soothing beach massages
Costa Rica is heaven for adventurous backpackers travelling on a budget! The atmosphere of this hotel resonates perfectly with the relaxing and tropical vibes of Puerto Viejo.
Location: The hostel is 4.2 km from Jaguar Rescue Center and 2.6 km from Cocles. Negra is 3.1 km from the hostel, while Playa Cocles is 3.4 km away.
A great choice for
- Backpackers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Casa Wolaba
Are you a female solo traveller looking for a safe hostel to stay in during your trip to Puerto Viejo while still being able to meet the friendly locals and worldwide travellers? Casa Wolaba is the ultimate destination that will make this possible.
The social vibes here in Casa Wolaba are immaculate. Many pool parties are happening nearby where you can go, interact with people and meet fellow backpackers and locals. In addition, the hostel boasts top-notch security that will make your stay super safe and comfortable. Casa Wolaba is situated just 250 m away from the centre. The lodge offers you a fantastic experience that you will remember forever.
Casa Wolaba features amazing dorm rooms with unique bed styles that make you feel secure and comfortable. The property also boasts a beautiful yard where you can relax, sit in hammocks, enjoy a drink, play board games, or enjoy live music. All the rooms are well-decorated and maintained, on top of being air-conditioned and having free wi-fi.
Since the hostel has an amazing location, you can find famous tourist destination spots nearby. Some of these include; Playa Cocles Beach, Chocorart Farm, Playa Punta Uva, and Luluberlu Art Gallery.
To make your decision easier, we have separated Casa Wolaba’s most notable characteristics:
- Unique capsule-like beds for additional privacy and comfort
- Super friendly environment
- Clean dormitory rooms
- You will get to interact with the locals and have the time of your life!
- A bunch of fun social activities are available on-site.
If you are a female solo traveller or a backpacker looking for a wonderful place to stay, Casa Wolaba is the best option.
Location: The hostel is rght in the center of Puerto Viejo. Cocles Beach is 1.6 km from Casa Wolaba, while Jaguar Rescue Center is 4.1 km away.
This is one of the best hostels in Puerto Viejo for
- Female Solo Travelers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Puerto Viejo for Solo Travelers?
What is seriously the best hostel in Puerto Viejo for solo-travelers?
The best hostel in Puerto Viejo for solo-travelers is Casa Wolaba. You can read more about this hostel here.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
We truly hope that our recommendation for the best hostels in Puerto Viejo proves to be helpful for you. The Caribbean coastal town is an amazing place to visit. Trust us; you can never get enough of Puerto Viejo! With a bunch of fun activities and iconic views, this beach vacation spot will definitely provide you with an unforgettable experience.
What about the cheapest hostels in Puerto Viejo?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Puerto Viejo.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Puerto Viejo
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
Any Discounts?
You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the freshest hostel discounts directly in your inbox. We even have special discount codes we only share in the newsletter.
It is completely free to join!
How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
We included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
Read: Step-by-Step guide on how to book with Hostelworld
We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Puerto Viejo best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
The coolest Hostel App you need comes as well from Hostelworld. It gives you super cool features like you can contact your hostel mates beforehand, ask questions, and make plans together. Find more details in our review of the app.
Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!
Need an eSIM Card for Puerto Viejo?
Get your eSIM Card with Airalo.com instantly online. It is easy to set up and cheap! Read our review of Airalo here.
No more searching for mobile stores. Get your eSIM Card for now and enjoy it instantly after landing in your new destination.
Our Favorite Hostels in Puerto Viejo put on a map + sights
Let us have a look at the map. Below, we list all three best Puerto Viejo hostels on a map.
Personally, we love to plan our trips with a map having all sights and potential hostels on it. We thought this map will help you with planning your trip too.
In Puerto Viejo we absolutely enjoyed:
- Jaguar Rescue Center
- Parque Nacional Cahuita
- Playa Puerto Viejo
- Playa Cocles
- Playa Chiquita
- Playa Punta Uva
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FAQs
Here we share with you the most asked question:
Any questions about hostels in Puerto Viejo?
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Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
Flights to Puerto Viejo?
There is no airport in the south Caribbean region of Costa Rica; the closest airport to Puerto Viejo is in Limon which is about a 45 minute drive away.
We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.
Skyscanner has a bunch of cool features like Multi-City Trip. Instead of doing this research step-by-step, Skyscanner offers this flight planning tool.
More handmade Guides for you
Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.
We did the leg work for you and bring you more hostel guides to destinations:
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Over to you
Do you have any questions left, maybe doubts? Then please leave it in the comment below. We are very keen to help you - and actually you would even do us a favor!
Your question will help us to improve this Puerto Viejo guide.
Last note: Our commitment
This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter, and find the best place on a budget! We will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We are constantly updating all our guides to keep them as fresh and accurate as possible.
Safe travels,
The Hostelgeeks
