The Best Hostels in Costa Rica for Students and Backpackers

Camino Verde Hostel and B&B is a reliable and comfortable option just on the edge of the town of Santa Elena. It has the feel of a family house and it will quickly become your home away from home. It's located about a five minute walk from the center of Santa Elena, so it is removed enough to be quiet and peaceful, but still convenient to everything you might need. It has a bit of a rural feel and it is surrounded by the beautiful countryside.

The hostel is small, with just ten rooms available. The rooms are private and sleep anywhere from two to four guests. There's also a free breakfast available and a friendly staff who can help you arrange any number of activities.

If you're looking for a peaceful and relaxing setting near Santa Elena, then this is a good option.

Arenal Backpackers Resort is one of the most popular places to stay for budget travelers in Arenal and La Fortuna. It can feel a bit like a party hostel and there is a nice swimming pool and bar area where guests can hang out. There is also an outdoor space with hammocks and lounge chairs where guests can relax as well. If you have any questions, there's a travel information desk that can help you out. Although the staff can help you with any tours or travel information you might need, it's best to ask around outside of the hostel to make sure you're getting the best deal.

The hostel has dorms that sleep either eight or twelve people and there are private rooms that sleep two, three or four. If you're on a tight budget but don't want to stay in a dorm, there are also two bed tents available. Each tent has a double mattress, power outlets, and an outside locker for your valuables.

If you're looking for a fun and relaxing place to stay near Arenal, then the Arenal Backpackers Resort is a good option.

Pura Vida Mini Hostel is a popular option with backpackers and budget travelers. It can have a quiet atmosphere but it is in a great location only 200 meters from the beach. Nearby you'll find anything you might need. The hostel does have a nice common area with a pool table and other games. There are rocking chairs where you can relax and hammocks if you just want to hang out. There's also a barbecue and fire pit in the garden.

The hostel has a full kitchen that guests can use with two stoves, a microwave, toaster, blender, and more. There are private rooms available that sleep between two and five people. There are also dorms that sleep ten or eleven people.

If you want to be near the beach, and don't want to spend a fortune, then this is a good option.

If you're looking for an affordable but basic place to stay between Quepos and Manual Antonio, then this is a good option. There are buses that run frequently in both directions. If you want slightly nicer facilities, there's also a sister bed and breakfast about 200 meters down the road. The hostel has all of the standard amenities that you would expect including a shared kitchen. There's a pool, restaurant, and bar on-site as well. The hostel has two dorm rooms but there are also private doubles available as well. The rooms can be a bit small, but they have everything you might need. The bed and breakfast is a few minutes away and it feels a bit more like a hotel. It has a nice setting and guests can enjoy the pool and restaurant that is located at the hostel.

Room2Board Hostel and Surf School is a bit of a party hostel with a fun and social atmosphere. It's a comfortable place to stay that also offers surfing lessons for guests. Despite the social vibe, the hostel has the feel of a hotel with a wide variety of room types to choose from. There's also a pool, movie room, and a rooftop bar and restaurant where guests can hang out. There's also a shared kitchen available if you want to prepare your own meals.

This hostel appeals to all types of travelers, for solo travelers, to large groups. Double, three, and four bed private rooms are all available. There are also four, five, six, eight, and ten bed dorms to choose from.

This terrific guesthouse offers friendly service, a swimming pool, and board games. The good location and overall vibe also make it very popular. When it's time to eat, it's also nice because there's self-catering facilities. Wi-fi, laundry facilities, luggage storage, parking, towels included, internet access, and housekeeping are also on the list to make sure your stay is very comfortable.

Hostel Casa Colon is very popular due to the atmosphere, great location, and long list of amenities. It features friendly service, a bar, a common room, and cable tv. When it's time to eat, it's also nice because there's free breakfast, a restaurant, and a cafe. Wi-fi, security lockers, luggage storage, 24 hour reception, key card access, parking, towels included, internet access, air conditioning, and housekeeping are also on the list to make sure your stay is very comfortable.

You'll love this hostel because of it's good location and quality amenities. It features friendly service, a common room, and cable tv. When it's time to eat, it's also nice because there's free breakfast, self-catering facilities, and a microwave. Wi-fi, luggage storage, parking, towels included, internet access, and housekeeping are also on the list to make sure your stay is very comfortable.