Are you searching for the best hostels in Santa Teresa? Look no further – you’ve come to the right place!
Costa Rica should warn visitors with a message that says Traveler Beware: visiting Santa Teresa may make you want to stay forever. It’s that good.
In the last 5 years, Santa Teresa’s popularity has exploded in the backpacking community. Once travelers got a taste of the long-stretching beaches, great surf, and tight-knit traveler scene, it became a top destination.
Good To Know: We have guides about the best hostels in Manuel Antonio and the best hostels in Quepos.
Our favorite hostels in Santa Teresa are:
- Somos - best for solo travelers
- La Posada - best for female solo travelers
- Zeneidas Surf Garden - best for couples
- Extra: Salty Enthusiasts Share House & Villas - best for groups
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
1. Somos
2. La Posada
3. Zeneidas Surf Garden
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
But despite its popularity, Santa Teresa still has that exotic jungle atmosphere and some wonderful accommodation options. Let’s check out the beach’s top hostels so you can book your trip ASAP!
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 Santa Teresa
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Santa Teresa cost 14€ – 35€ per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room starts from 72€ up to 140€ 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.
Best surf spots: Santa Teresa has good surf year-round. The main beach is ideal for surfers of all levels, but big swells are known to come in that newbies should be cautious of. If you want to get away from the crowds, head up north just a bit to Playa Hermosa. The waves might not always match those in Santa Teresa, but the open space makes it worth it. For big swells, head down to the village of Mal Pais, where Playa Carmen is known to bring the heat!
Try a Casado: A traditional plate of food in Costa Rica is called a Casado. It includes rice, beans, sweet plantains, veggies, salad, and a protein (veggie options available). If you go to a local restaurant known as Sodas, you can find Casados for just a few dollars.
Expect slightly higher rates: With popularity comes increased prices. Santa Teresa has become a bit more expensive in the last few years, so don’t expect to find the cheapest restaurants and accommodations in the country.
Check out Montezuma Waterfalls: On the other side of the Nicoya Peninsula is the town of Montezuma. It’s a chilled-out spot with a hike to gorgeous waterfalls. From Santa Teresa, you can get there by car or ATV for a single or multi-day trip.
🎁 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 Santa Teresa are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Santa Teresa.
- Somos – best for solo travelers
- La Posada – best for female solo travelers
- Zeneidas Surf Garden – best for couples
- Extra: Salty Enthusiasts Share House & Villas - best for groups
These are our favorite hostels in Santa Teresa. 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. Somos
2. La Posada
3. Zeneidas Surf Garden
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Somos |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | La Posada |
| 🥳 Party Hostel: | Lost Boyz Hostel |
| 👩❤️👨Couple Hostel: | Zeneidas Surf Garden |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | Casa del Sol |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Somos |
| 🧘 Cozy Hostel: | Somos |
1. Somos
Somos is a contemporary-style hostel that will not disappoint. The building is engulfed by Santa Tereasa’s wilderness, and the open-air layout makes it the perfect spot to have a drink, get some work done, or take a nap.
As stunning as the hostel looks, the social scene is what makes or breaks where you stay. Well, Somos is known for bringing travelers together to meet their long-lost friends.
Dive into a delicious breakfast, lunch, or dinner from the Somos Cafe. Dishes and drinks are all made with locally sourced products, and every condiment, bread, and dessert is made in-house–yes, please!
And when it’s time to surf, Somos offers surf lessons and sells top-tier surfboards shaped onsite.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Dorm beds and private rooms are available at Somos. The price per bed is not the cheapest in the area, but you get what you pay for.
Solo female travelers can feel safe and secure staying on the property, and all guests can sleep easily in a friendly, relaxing environment.
Location: Somos is positioned in a central location along the main road that runs through Santa Teresa.
Everything from the beach to restaurants to bars is within walking distance, so you can rely on just your two legs for your entire trip!
The best choice in Santa Teresa for
- solo travelers
- digital nomads
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. La Posada
Kick back and hang out with a wonderful traveler community at La Posada. When you stay at this hostel, it’s good vibes all around. The property has private rooms and dorm beds at an affordable price (for Santa Teresa standards) with all the amenities you could ever need.
Head to the supermarket just around the corner to pick up groceries and cook up a delicious meal with the new friends you just met at the hostel!
You’ll never start your day hungry because La Posada offers all guests a complimentary breakfast (fresh fruit and pancakes) that will give you all the energy you need.
After a day at the beach or hiking through the jungle, unwind at the hostel’s onsite bar, shoot pool, lounge in a hammock, or find fellow travelers for a big night out.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
If you’re interested in renting an ATV, booking ziplining tours, or surf lessons, the front desk will be more than happy to handle that for you!
Location: La Posada is in Playa Carmen, which is a four-minute walk away from the main beach of Santa Teresa and only 5 km from Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve.
You’ll feel just far enough away from the hustle and bustle to be able to relax but close enough to action to not miss out on a thing!
A great choice for
- female solo travelers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Zeneidas Surf Garden
Zeneidas Surf Garden is the only Santa Teresa hostel located directly on the beach, and it’s become the spot to stay for surf lovers. The property itself is a little slice of paradise where you can take yoga classes, relax on hammocks, veg out in the community area, and sit by the firepit.
Everything about Zeneidas is designed so that guests can enjoy the refreshing, clean air and nature around the hostel.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Shared and private rooms are available, but for a truly unique experience, book a few nights in the parked van that’s been converted into an awesome accommodation option. It includes a comfy bed, sitting area, and kitchenette, so all your bases will be covered!
Don’t worry about hauling down your surfboard because you can rent excellent boards from Zeneidas–surf lessons are also available.
Location: Zeneidas’s beachside location is as good as it gets in Santa Teresa. Each morning, your bed will be just a few steps away from the rolling waves.
But you won’t have to sacrifice being far away from town because the main hangout spots along the main road of Santa Teresa will also just be a few-minute walk from the hostel!
This is one of the best hostels in Santa Teresa for
- couples
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Salty Enthusiasts Share House & Villas is a picture-perfect escape into Santa Teresa wilderness. The facility is tucked away off the main road in its own secluded little corner. Every type of traveler can find a room type to match their preferences. Pick between spacious double rooms, lovely 6-bed dormitories (a female-only dormitory is available), and private apartments with a terrace.
Private apartments are perfect for couples looking for a getaway in a prime location for a lower price than a hotel. They include two beds, so invite your friends!
The shared hangout spaces where you can lounge in comfy seating are a great spot to pull out your laptop and get some work done. Everywhere on the property has fast, reliable internet, so don’t worry if you have a few video meetings to handle.
Check prices at:
Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Location: Be prepared to walk a whopping 80 meters to get to Santa Teresa Beach–how will you ever make it?!
You can easily start your day with a beach walk or early morning surf session and walk back to the hostel for a late morning nap–sounds good, huh? Oh, and Montezuma is just 15 km away!
A great choice for
- groups
Check prices at:
Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Santa Teresa for Solo Travelers?
What is seriously the best hostel in Santa Teresa for solo-travelers?
Somos is the perfect place for solo travelers because it offers a warm, friendly and welcoming atmosphere. It has a communal dining area, a shared kitchen and an outdoor patio, making it ideal for those looking to meet other travelers and make new friends.
The hostel also provides a variety of activities, including yoga classes to help keep solo travelers entertained. Additionally, the hostel is located in the center of Santa Teresa, giving guests easy access to the city’s many attractions.
Finally, the hostel’s friendly and helpful staff ensures that guests have an enjoyable and memorable stay.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Casa del Sol
Live the good life at Casa del Sol. The hostel is a lovely, open-air house located just south of Santa Teresa Beach. Travelers can pick between private rooms with two or three beds or a bunk in a 6-person dorm. All room types are kept immaculate, and everyone in the dorm room will have their own private lockbox.
Save some money and cook your meals in the very spacious cooking and dining area. There are plenty of burners to use, so you won’t have to wait for other guests to finish cooking their food–hallelujah! But if you feel like eating out, you’ll have delicious restaurants just around the corner.
When you check in, you can ask the staff about all the wonderful tours, including ziplining and horseback riding, which they will arrange for you. You can also pay a cheap laundry fee to have your clothes washed and folded!
Location: The hostel is in the perfect location for whatever you’re hoping to do in Santa Teresa. The main beach is just up the road, and there are plenty of supermarkets, clothing stores, yoga studios, and restaurants nearby. Casa del Sol is right across a street with beach access!
Check prices: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
Party Hostels in Santa Teresa
Lost Boyz
Lost Boyz Hostel is a fun and welcoming accommodation designed for adult travellers who want to explore the stunning Santa Teresa area.
The hostel is centred around a Peter Pan-inspired theme and is filled with vibrant colours and murals. Guests can enjoy relaxing in the large garden, sampling the delicious food in the restaurant, and participating in nightly events and activities.
The hostel also offers a shared kitchen, laundry facilities, and comfortable dorm rooms with bunk beds and balconies that overlook the garden.
With a friendly staff that is committed to making sure all guests feel welcome, Lost Boyz Hostel is sure to be a memorable and enjoyable experience.
Check prices: Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
More Hostels worth a mention
At the moment, we think you are all set with the hostels we just shared with you. We always try to keep our guides super fresh and up to date. We might add more hostels worth a mention soon here if we feel that it could enrich your travel and hostel experience.
Tips for Staying in Santa Teresa
Bring a bandana to avoid breathing dust
Renting ATVs and dirt bikes is a popular thing to do in Santa Teresa, and you should do it if you want a fun and easy way to get around. However, the main road in Santa Teresa is a dirt road, and those ATVs and bikes kick up a lot of dust. So, bring a bandana to cover your mouth and nose!
Wear sunscreen
You’re going to be under the sun for hours and hours in Santa Teresa. Take care of your skin and apply sunscreen regularly. The last thing you want to do is get fried on your first day and make the rest of your trip uncomfortable!
What about the cheapest hostels in Santa Teresa?
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 Santa Teresa.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Santa Teresa
- 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.
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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 Santa Teresa 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 Santa Teresa?
Get your eSIM Card with Airalo.com instantly online. It is easy to set up and cheap! Read our review of Airalo here.
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Our Favorite Hostels in Santa Teresa put on a map + sights
Let us have a look at the map. Below, we list all three best Santa Teresa 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 Santa Teresa we absolutely enjoyed:
- Tortuga Island
- Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve
- Montezuma Waterfall
- Santa Teresa Beach
- Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve
- Malpais Beach
- Playa Santa Teresa
- Pura Vida Gardens & Waterfalls
- Montezuma Yoga Retreat
Any questions about hostels in Santa Teresa? 🤔
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FAQs
Here we share with you the most asked question:
Any questions about hostels in Santa Teresa?
🤔Join our Facebook Group!
Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
Flights to Santa Teresa?
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
We did the leg work for you and bring you more hostel guides to great destinations:
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- Best Hostels in San José
- best hostels in Uvita
- best hostels in Tamarindo
- best hostels in Quepos
- best Hostels in La Fortuna
- best hostels in Manuel Antonio
- best hostels in Tortuguero
- best hostels in Monteverde
- best hostels in Jaco
- best hostels in Samara
- best hostels in Bahía Drake
- best hostels in Playa Grande
- best hostels in Puerto Viejo
- Coolest Surf Hostels in Costa Rica
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And other places:
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 Santa Teresa 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
