Set in North Puntarenas, Manuel Antonio is a little bit of a paradise. Yes, there are beaches here – and everyone loves a beach, we know that – but it’s also the location of the pretty spectacular Manuel Antonio National Park. Encompassing basically everything from coral reefs to rugged rainforests, this place is a dream for nature-lovers.
Naturally, there’s tons to explore here – best done by jumping on one of the park’s many hiking trails. Trekking through the thick vegetation you’ll get to see white-faced capuchin monkeys, three-toed sloths and dozens of exotic birds in its 680 hectares.
Where to stay in Manuel Antonio is another thing entirely… There are different types of hostels to stay in here, some with pools frequented by monkeys, some close to the beach, others with trails to the national park. How do you choose just ONE from all that!?
No worries! We’re here to help with our handy guide to the best hostels in Manuel Antonio, complete with categorised options that will make finding a hostel for your itinerary or budget a breeze.
All you have to do now is scroll down and see what’s on offer!
Quick answer: The Best Hostels in Manuel Antonio
- Best Overall Hostel Manuel Antonio – Teva Eco Retreat
- Best Party Hostel in Manuel Antonio – Selina Manuel Antonio
- Best Hostel for in Manuel Antonio for Solo Travellers – Millennium Hostels Manuel Antonio
- Best Cheap Hostel in Manuel Antonio – Hostel Manuel Antonio
- Best Hostel for Couples in Manuel Antonio – Hotel La Colina
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Manuel Antonio – Hostel Vista Serena
- Best Hostel with a Private Room in Manuel Antonio – Natural Pacific Suites
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Best Hostels in Manuel Antonio
If you’re a real lover, you’ll definitely have to put Manuel Antonio on your Backpacking Costa Rica list. From hiking the National Park to chilling in comfy hostels and meeting likeminded travellers, you’ll never get bored!
Manuel Antonio is one of the most charming and unique areas in Costa Rica and worth the visit for every type of traveller. Whether you want adventure and adrenaline or a chilled stay, Manuel Antonio has it all.
Teva Eco Retreat – Best Overall Hostel in Manuel Antonio
An amazing Costa Rica hostel that’s got a great location to boot, it’s no wonder this place is the best overall hostel in Manuel Antonio. This is one of the best places to base yourself if you’re all about trekking: there’s jungle trails leading off the site of Teva Eco Retreat.
Not only that, but there’s an amazing outdoor pool to cool off in after your hike in the jungle, a bar with a happy hour to get chatting to fellow travellers, and some delicious food served up. On top of that everything at this Manuel Antonio backpackers hostel (more like a resort!) is super clean and extra secure.
Selina Manuel Antonio – Best Party Hostel in Manuel Antonio
This place is THE place to be if you want to party in Manuel Antonio. There’s not one, not two, but THREE amazing swimming pools to try out, there’s awesome views, and great food to be had at the onsite restaurant. But the best thing is the bar: it’s open to the public so people from other hostels nearby come to join in the fun in the evenings.
Basically it’s the best party hostel in Manuel Antonio. We mean, there’s even a beer vending machine! And what better way to get over your hangover than sweating it all out on one of the jungle trails in the nearby national park?
Millennium Hostels Manuel Antonio – Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Manuel Antonio
If you’re arriving in Manuel Antonio by yourself, then you may want to check into this little gem. From the get-go the staff here are pretty much one of the best things about this place, and will make sure you have everything you need for the best possible stay. Everything’s spotless and the whole place feels safe, too.
The beach is less than a 5 minute walk away, you’re just a stone’s throw from the national park… Combine that with the chilled social atmosphere and it’ll be hard to leave this top hostel for solo travellers in Manuel Antonio!
Hostel Manuel Antonio – Best Cheap Hostel in Manuel Antonio
Despite the unimaginative name, this is one is a winner. It’s the best cheap hostel in Manuel Antonio and that’s because of all the value for money perks going on here. One of these is free breakfast vouchers that you get given every morning. Use these at a local eatery for a tasty (and free!) way to start the day.
The sheets are fresh and clean, and there’s one badass of an outdoor pool going on at this Manuel Antonio backpackers hostel, too. There’s also a big outdoor kitchen (with a view) where you can keep costs ever low by replicating some of your favourite Costa Rican recipes.
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Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REIHotel La Colina – Best Hostel for Couples in Manuel Antonio
Tucked away in the rainforest, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, we have to say it: this place is pretty gorgeous. And that goes doubly if you and your partner are nature-lovers. The view from the private rooms alone is INSANE.
Yes, it may be a little more expensive than other hostels in the area, but with that price, well, you get all THIS. And there’s a free breakfast. The outdoor pool area is a stunner of a spot. And the on site restaurant serves up some great food. A winner for romance, this one’s definitely the best hostel for couples in Manuel Antonio.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Best Hostels in Manuel Antonio
Hostel Plinio
If you book yourself a bed (or a room) at Hostel Plinio, well, let’s just say you won’t be disappointed with what you get. This place is awesome. The big, open, wooden rooms here make you feel like you’re literally staying IN nature itself, with balconies overhanging with greenery. The views from these are, as you might think, amazing. AMAZING.
Come for the nice rooms, stay for the sunsets… and the taco bar. Oh we didn’t mention that? Well, there is one and it’s one of the best things about this budget hostel in Manuel Antonio. Then there’s the pool and nice common area. Doesn’t get much better!
Hospedaje Doña Ana
Run by a friendly host, Hospedaje Doña Ana is a good option for anybody who wants to travel around: this Manuel Antonio backpackers hostel is literally right next to a bus stop that takes you right to the heart of the national park, the beach, or wherever you want to go.
It’s an unfussy place and a great option if you want to save money. One of the best cheap hostels in Manuel Antonio, there’s free coffee on offer here, the rooms are clean, but one of the best things is the friendly host who makes sure you have an awesome stay. Rooms even come with a flat screen TV!
Hostel Vista Serena – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Manuel Antonio
If you’re a remote worker looking to get some work done in Manuel Antonio, then we definitely recommend checking out this low-key place. Easy on the budget – and run by a great team – this chilled place boasts some pretty killer rooms: if you opt for a (very affordable) private room, you get your own patio-and-hammock combo. Awesome.
With some good spots to send emails or whatever it is you do, we’d say it’s the best hostel for digital nomads in Manuel Antonio. Once all your work is done, head out to see the nightlife near the beach, or stroll over to Selina’s Bar for a few drinks and return for a peaceful night’s sleep.
Natural Pacific Suites – Best Hostel with a Private Room in Manuel Antonio
Honestly more like a very cool boutique hotel than a backpackers hostel in Manuel Antonio, this place is pretty amazing. There’s a huge terrace to kick back on (perfect for some epic sundowners) and the staff are super helpful, too. There’s not a lot wrong with this place!
But away from all that: this is the best hostel with a private room in Manuel Antonio. The private rooms here feel much more upmarket than what you’re paying for them. Some of them even come with kitchenettes and Jacuzzi tubs. Could be a good option for families, if that sounds like you.
Hy Paradise Inn
Hy Paradise Inn is located just a short bus ride from Manuel Antonio National Park itself, but don’t let that put you off. This is still one of the best hostels in the Manuel Antonio area. The pool here is pretty wild – no, literally: you might be greeted by spider monkeys during your morning swim!
It’s easy to get the bus to pretty much anywhere you want to from Hy Paradise Inn – to the beach, to some hiking trails, whatever. You can also walk to nearby shops, restaurants and bars nearby. Easy. And then there’s the staff, who work hard to
What to Pack for your Manuel Antonio Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!
FAQ about Hostels in Manuel Antonio
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Manuel Antonio.
How much does a hostel cost in Manuel Antonio?
Depending on the location and type of room, on average, the price starts at $15 – $22+ per night.
What are the best hostels in Manuel Antonio for couples?
Tucked away in the rainforest and with an overlooking view of the Pacific Ocean, Hotel La Colina is the perfect hostel for couples who love nature.
What are the best hostels in Manuel Antonio near the airport?
Hospedaje Doña Ana, one of the best cheap hostel in Manuel Antonio, is just 11-minute drive from Aeropuerto La Managua.
Travel Safety Tips for Manuel Antonio
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Conclusion
There you have it, people – the very best hostels in Manuel Antonio. There’s a lot of variety on offer in the hostels here!
But whether you want something chilled or something a little more lively, we think there’ll be something for you.
Our insider’s guide to the best La Fortuna backpacker hostels includes just about everything – from trendy places, beachside locations, places with amazing sunsets, and more… A lot of choice, basically.
That still might be too much choice for some. If that sounds like you, make things easy for yourself and just go for the best overall hostel in Manuel Antonio, Teva Eco Retreat – a great all-rounder guaranteed to suit ANY kind of traveller!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Costa Rica for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Costa Rica covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Costa Rica if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Costa Rica before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Central America backpacking guide.
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