Costa Rica has always been a popular destination when it comes to travelling. But, now more than ever before, people have become keen on visiting this lovely location. To be more specific, we are talking about the city of Uvita. This is a small town in the south of Costa Rica that elevates the charm of the entire country and is one of the most interesting cities to discover. If you want to stay there and take a few days to familiarise yourself with the area, you should have a few things in mind.
These include finding out the best hostels in Uvita, knowing what you want to see while you are there, and learning some tips that can make you think like a local! Thankfully, we are here to provide you with all the info you need, so all you need to do is sit back and keep on reading. Allow us to take you on a magical journey where you will learn so much!
First things first, this is one of the best cities in the world to accommodate the needs of adventurous backpackers. So, if you are travelling for a long time, think about taking a breather here before you move on to the next destination. You can relax, recharge, regroup, and allow yourself to experience something new.
Planning to visit other parts of Costa Rica? We got you! Take a look at our guide to the best hostels in Costa Rica.
Our favorite hostels in Uvita are:
- Whale Tail - best for solo travellers
- Cascada Verde Hostel - best for couples
- Karandi Hostel - best for female solo travellers
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
1. Whale Tail
2. Cascada Verde Hostel
3. Karandi Hostel
There is a lot of untouched beauty in this city – in fact, it is surrounded by it. This means that you’ll be able to see unpaved roads, leaning trees, and plenty of wildlife living in the area, too. It is a one-of-a-kind beauty that everyone should witness at least once in their lives.
In terms of attractions, Marino Ballena National Park is something you shouldn’t miss. Despite being located in the city’s centre, this park is filled with all kinds of flora and fauna. If you are an animal lover, this is just the place for you! You can find plenty of birds in all sizes and colours, and you may even spot an iguana or a sloth! Exploring it all can take you an entire day, so ensure you’re well-rested before heading on this journey.
There is a magical waterfall that is about half an hour’s drive from Uvita, called El Pavon waterfall. Tourists go there all the time because the waterfall has created a natural swimming pool in front of it and is surrounded by a lush jungle. If you are not a hiker, don’t worry – you do not need to hike. But you do need to remember to bring your camera with you, even though this is something that will be etched in your memory forever.
We also have guides for best Yoga retreats in Costa Rica and coolest Surf Hostels in Costa Rica.
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 dark sand and the palm beaches are essential to this island, so whichever beach you choose, you are bound to have a good time. Some of the places that we recommend you visit are Playa Hermosa and Rocas de Amancio.
When it comes to food, this place offers plenty of it. The reason why you are going to a place such as this one is a unique experience. You can achieve this by going to Gusto Italian, an Italian restaurant on top of the hill overlooking the beach. The sunset view from there is spectacular, and the food is truly incredible! One thing to remember, though, is that getting there can be tricky. This means that you should be prepared to work up your entire body to climb the steep unpaved road to get there.
Don’t forget to surf! Even if you are not one of those people who thoroughly enjoys surfing, the waves are bound to lift your spirits and make you want to try this sport. You can book a lesson in advance and prepare for an amazing water experience.
What do 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 Uvita
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Uvita cost $16 – $24 per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room has an average of around $72 per night. This is a rough average, just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on the season and holidays. Please always check the exact rates on Hostelz.com or Hostelworld.com.
Check-In and Check Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3 pm), while the Check-Out time is before 11:00 (11 am). 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.
Safety in Uvita : Uvita is generally a safe place to visit and explore. Violent crime is rare, with petty theft being the most common crime. Visitors should take the same precautions they would take when travelling to any other destination: be aware of your surroundings, don’t flash expensive valuables, and leave your passport in a safe place. As Uvita is a small town, it is best to stick to the main roads and tourist areas and avoid walking alone at night.
Getting around in Uvita : The best way to get around Uvita is by foot, as the town is small and all the main attractions are located within walking distance. For longer distances, bicycles, motorcycles and cars are all available for rent, and public buses can be taken from Uvita to nearby towns and cities. Taxis can also be taken from Uvita to other locations, but they are more expensive than public buses.
🎁 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 Uvita are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Uvita .
- Whale Tail – best for solo travellers
- Cascada Verde Hostel – best for couples
- Karandi Hostel – best for female solo travellers
These are our favorite hostels in Uvita . 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. Whale Tail
2. Cascada Verde Hostel
3. Karandi Hostel
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Whale Tail |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | Karandi Hostel |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | Cascada Verde Hostel |
| 👩❤️👨 Couple Hostel: | Cascada Verde Hostel |
| 📍 Top Location: | Karandi Hostel |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Whale Tail |
| 🎒 for Backpacker: | Karandi Hostel |
| 🧘 Cozy Hostel: | Whale Tail |
1. Whale Tail
Since it is located on a very popular spot, right next to the whale tail that we mentioned earlier, this is one of the best hostels in Uvita that everyone wants to stay at! If you are thinking about lodging in a spot that can make you feel like you are at a yoga retreat, then this is the hostel for you.
Whale Tail can provide you with a surfing program for both advanced practitioners, as well as beginners. You will also be granted the opportunity to enjoy some meditation, practice yoga, do some extreme (and not-so-extreme) water sports, and take an adventure tour!
Out of all the amenities that you get to use, you will most likely enjoy the swimming pool and the bar. There is also a shared lounge, and a garden that we’re sure will hold your attention.
Location: The Whale Tail Hotel is situated in Uvita, and is 2.6 km away from Hermosa Beach. The closest airport, Palmar Sur Airport, is 38 km from the hotel.
The best choice in Uvita for
- solo travellers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. Cascada Verde Hostel
Shaped like a giant tree house, Cascada Verde Hostel is one of the best hostels in Uvita, for sure!
Let’s begin with a fun fact, which sounds like an amazing story. A German family from Berlin decides that they would rather spend their days living on the beach and getting to know people from all over the world, so they go on to open up this hostel and relocate here permanently. This fact is just one of the many things that add to the charming quality of this hostel.
You can choose from both private rooms and dormitory rooms. The breakfast never disappoints, and there are so many other amenities on site that you get to enjoy! There is a large kitchen for you to use, plenty of hammocks, and incredibly comfortable furniture.
Location: It is possible to reach the Marino Ballena National Park and Whale Tail Beach in approximately 10 minutes by car. The nearby Uvita town is a 15-20 minute walk away and has a supermarket, bus stop and tourist information office.
A restaurant is a short 5-minute walk away, while Quepos Airport is 45 km away and there are consistent bus journeys between Uvita and San José.
A great choice for
- couples
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Karandi Hostel
Last but not least, from our recommendations for best hostels in Uvita is a property that looks like it just stepped out of a colouring book.
There are such vibrant and vivid colours everywhere you look that this will put an instant smile on your face. If you are looking for an authentic Costa Rica place to stay, Karandi Hostel is the perfect spot!
You can enjoy spacious gardens, wonderful views, a shared kitchen, and so much more. But, by far one of the best things this accommodation can offer is the proximity to the national park. Because of it, you will be able to spot a different bird species each time you set foot outside.
Location: Situated in Uvita, Karandi Hostel is 1.6 km away from Uvita Beach and provides guests with a garden, complimentary private parking, a terrace, a restaurant and a bar. The Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary is 14 km away and Nauyaca Waterfalls is 30 km away. The nearest airport, Palmar Sur, is 46 km away and a paid airport shuttle service is available.
This is one of the best hostels in Uvita for
- female solo travellers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Uvita for Solo Travelers?
We think that the best hostel in Uvita is Whale Tail.
The Whale Tail is best suited for groups of travelers. Its design is intended to provide a comfortable and social experience, so it may not be the best fit for solo travelers.
If you’re looking for a unique way to explore the area, it could be a great option.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | 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 here in the future if we feel that it could enrich your travel and hostel experience.
Backpacking Tips For Uvita
The real reason why Uvita has become such a popular destination for travellers is because of the unique whale-watching experience it offers (and of course, the sunsets). So if this is your first time visiting this gem, make sure that you set some time aside and dedicate it to whale watching.
Take a look at the natural phenomenon called a whale tail. This happens whenever there is a low tide, and the beaches and the sea create the shape of a whale’s tail. You can witness this even from the city’s heart, in the Marino Ballena National Park. Remember to take a drone with you if you’re willing to capture this experience on camera.
If you are one of those travellers who like to take pictures everywhere they go, remember that you should go there early. To be able to capture all the magnificent views, make sure that you are the first person there. You will not only enjoy an incredible sunrise but will also be granted the unique opportunity to capture one of the best moments on the island and in life overall.
Take a horseback riding tour and see the trails and the beaches in a completely new light! But, before riding the horse, be confident about the condition of the animals. Check the body of the horse, as well as the hooves, and always take note of how the guide treats the horse.
When it comes to the Italian restaurant we mentioned earlier, we recommend working smart, not hard. If you can organise transport (in this case, an SUV), then save yourself the trouble of climbing all those stairs.
Now that we have provided some useful backpacking tips, it is time we turn to the best hostels in Uvita. Hoping that you will find something that suits all your needs!
What about the cheapest hostels in Uvita ?
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 Uvita .
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Uvita
- 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 Uvita 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 Uvita ?
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 Uvita put on a map + sights
We’re listing all the three best Uvita hostels on a map to give you an idea of the location and distances between them.
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FAQs
Here we share with you the most asked question:
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Flights to Uvita ?
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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