The 5 Best Hostels in Santa Teresa: 2024 Edition

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.

• Best Overall Hostel in Santa Teresa – Somos
• Best Hostel in Santa Teresa for Solo Travelers – Lost Boyz Hideout
• Best Cheap Hostel in Santa Teresa – Hostel La Posada
• Best Party Hostel in Santa Teresa – Zeneidas Surf Garden
• Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Santa Teresa – Don Jon’s Lodge

So, you’ve decided to come to Costa Rica. Check.  

You’re gonna stay in Santa Teresa. Check. 

Realised a hostel is just right for you. Check. 

So, you already know you’re in for the time of your life in one of the best places to stay in Costa Rica! Now, let’s take a closer look at the top places to stay so you can check it all off your list.

1. Somos – Best Overall Hostel in Santa Teresa

• Dorm (mixed): From $22
• Private Room: From $72
• Address: 25 M AL SUR FRENTE A LORA AMARILLA. LOTE, Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

You’re coming to Santa Teresa to experience the glorious tropics, and the stellar beaches and do some amazing hikes around Costa Rica. Somos is everything you’re searching for in Costa Rica: a cracking place, the perfect location, and friendly faces. What could be better?

This awesome place hosts a beautiful interior surrounded by the beauty of the jungle, just steps from the white sands and waves. Sleeping options range from dorms to private rooms at Somos in this Santa Teresa hostel. Even the dorms give you more privacy than a traditional bunk set-up being pods that have solid walls on almost all sides.

Why you’ll love this hostel: 

• Surfboard Shaping Studios
• Bar & Restaurant
• Dorm Pods

The atmosphere of Somos is incredible. Created for adventure seekers, by adventure seekers, everything’s made to a high standard – the look, the feel, the presence. When you’re here you can just feel the energy. Everyone is looking for the next big wave or grand mountain to climb on their backpacking Costa Rica journey.

That’s not it either – the in-house board shaping studio offers custom boards made for the waves right outside the doors. There’s also the on-site Samos cafe that makes sure everyone is fuelled up for a day of surfing. That, along with the good sleep you’ll get here, you can absolutely give 110% on your next ride.

Go. Have fun. They’ve got your back!

2. Lost Boyz Hideout – Best Hostel in Santa Teresa for Solo Travelers

• Dorm (mixed): From $16
• Private Room: From $45
• Address: Santa Teresa de Cobano, Puntarenas, 100 m south, 100 m to the east of the catholic church (200m sou, Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Lost Boyz knows what it’s like to travel on a budget – they’ve got the things that make your time more enjoyable and easy to organise. Things like the currency exchange on site are super convenient and simple things like the book exchange are what I love about proper hostels. The backpacking community spirit is thriving at Lost Boyz.

Located in the heart of Santa Teresa, Lost Boyz hostel is close to literally everything including the beach (what you’re here for!). This way you can hit the waves during the day, freshen up at the hostel and then head out for nighttime fun without missing a beat. A backpacker’s paradise!

Why you’ll love this hostel: 

• Surf Camp
• Currency Exchange
• Book Exchange

I know you’re coming to Santa Teresa to ride the incredible waves and Lost Boys will get you set up. Whether you’re a newbie or looking to perfect your craft, you can rent a board or get involved with the hostel’s own surf camp. With the camp right on the beach, you can literally live the surf life right from your bed!

If you’re keen for a night on the town, chances are the party is already happening at Lost Boyz. With an onsite bar with bangin’ live music, this is where it’s happening. So if you’re on your own, you’ll feel right at home with other guests.

Plus, not only have you got the choice ofdorms or private rooms at Lost Boyz hostel… But unlike many other places in town, you can pick to stay in a female or mixed dorm too.

3. Hostel La Posada – Best Cheap Hostel in Santa Teresa

• Dorm (mixed): From $14
• Private Room: From $23
• Address: From main entrance 300 mts north 50 mts east, Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Hostel La Posada is all about the vibe. The friendly staff make everyone feel at home and when they offer free, delicious breakfast it puts everyone in a happy-go-lucky kinda mood. All this makes it easy to strike up a conversation with fellow travellers.

At La Posada, it’s so easy to make a new friend and get the ins on the best places to surf, party and explore. Staff are ready to help you arrange all sorts of incredible adventures in the region like canopy tours and trips to Turtle Island. From a relaxing swing in a hammock to a refreshing cocktail by the swimming pool, it’s a backpacker’s delight for sure!

Why you’ll love this hostel: 

• Pool table
• Swimming pool
• Air Conditioning

La Posada is set up as a traditional hostel with dorms and private rooms. As each dorm has its own bathroom, it’s nice to share with only the five or six other guests staying in your room. The communal kitchen and BBQ are great ways to enjoy a meal on a backpacking budget.

If you’re feeling too hot and want to cool off, dive into the swimming pool for a quick cool down. Not only that but each room hasair conditioning too, so you’ll sleep soundly for a day of adventuring ahead.

In the true hostel spirit, common spaces at La Posada are designed to create a sense of community among fellow travellers. So, jump into a friendly game of pool or strike up a conversation with someone at the bar – you’re all mates now. 

Is This the Best Backpack EVER???

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

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 REI

4. Zeneidas Surf Garden – Best Party Hostel in Costa Rica

• Dorm (mixed): From $18
• Private Room: From $62
• Address: Santa Teresa, 400m North from Football Field, Santa Teresa, Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Zenedias Surf Garden is right ON THE BEACH and if that doesn’t make you feel like partying, we can’t be friends. On the other side of the hostel from Santa Teresa Beach are all the hot spots for nightlife in Santa Teresa. This surf paradise has a surprisingly bumping party scene – as much as there’s a relaxed atmosphere, there’s plenty of opportunity to get down.

This Santa Teresa hostel vibe is the epitome of troppo holiday and I’ll be impressed if you can peel yourself out of the hammocks… But if you’re interested in checking out what there is to do in town, maybe viva la fiesta, you’re in luck. Zenedias Surf Paradise is within walking distance of some of the best places to eat, drink, and be merry in Santa Teresa. 

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• All the amenities
• Central Location
• Comfy Beds

There isn’t an on-site bar or anything to specifically facilitate a party but there are pumping hostel vibes and communal dinners. Surely that speaks for itself. I know that you know that a good hostel party only needs one thing – people keen to party so if that’s you, you’re on!

There are fab restaurants nearby if you don’t want to take advantage of the self-catering facilities in the communal kitchen. Why don’t you pack yourself up a picnic, grab some beers and head to Santa Teresa Beach and make the most of this tropical paradise?!

If you’re someone who needs peace and solitude to sleep off the party, book yourself a private room and stack those Z’s. Hostel prices in Santa Teresa hostels are so manageable that you’ll be able to splurge here. I love myself a country where I can live large on a tiny budget.

5. Don Jon’s Lodge – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Santa Teresa

• Dorm (mixed): From $25
• Private Room: From $85
• Address: 150 meters north from soccer plaza, Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

This family-run guest house is surrounded by the beautiful plants and vegetation native to the area, so it feels like you’re in the jungle itself. Don’t worry, you’re in the solid structure of the guest house and only a short distance from all of the awesome things Santa Teresa has to offer… So, it offers the best of both worlds really.

The communal space is an awesome area where the indoors meets the outdoors. Walls don’t confine you at Don Jon’s Lodge, you can be deep in the mix of online work and still feel the fresh air. There is everything you need like a kitchen and dining space, but it’s open to the beauty of nature on two sides.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• Relaxed Atmosphere
• All the Amenities
• Yoga On Site

Chillin’ in hammocks strung between the trees completes the feeling that you’re truly one with nature – the proper Costa Rican experience. It’s part of a movement in the country and a wide-growing number of Eco Lodges in Costa Rica.

Although there are mainly private rooms at Don Jon’s Lodge, it’s not really that kind of place. Instead, everyone enjoys the true backpacker’s way of life – even if we’re all travelling separately, we’re all on this journey together. So pull up a chair, strike up a conversation, and make a new mate – you’ll be happy you did!

Working on the road can’t get much better than this with plenty of space to set up a desk for the day. You’ll breeze through your workload with the inspiration of getting out into the stunning surrounding jungle. With the cost of living in Costa Rica so friendly for digital nomads, you’ll have plenty of time to see all you want to see!

Travel with peace of mind. Travel WITH a security belt.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Hide Yo’ Money!

Are you loving the vibe but haven’t found your place yet? Tranquilo! I’ve got a few more fabulous choices coming right up. Read on, reader.

6. Casa Del Sol

• Dorm (mixed): From $18
• Private Room: From $20
• Address: Calle Cobano contiguo a Super Costa, Santa Teresa, Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Casa Del Sol is a fabulous option, tucked away in the jungle with a good selection of rooms. You can book into one of the dorms to get yourself a private room, either way, you’ll have a comfy bed. There’s a relaxed atmosphere at Casa Del Sol which will have you laxing out in the hammocks and making the most of El Sol!

Looking to grab a bite to eat or a drink to quench your thirst but are too exhausted after a day exploring Costa Rica? Get your fix with no travelling necessary (or pop next door to the mini supermarket). The on-site cafe and tapas bar at Casa Del Sol will hook you up with whatever you want.

7. Surf Paradise

• Dorm (mixed): From $57
• Private Room: From $71
• Address: Calle Trébol, 60111 Playa Santa Teresa, Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Surf Paradise is a haven for everyone, with an exceptional variety of rooms – the private rooms also have different options to choose from. Some have air conditioning and an ensuite bathroom. I’ll say that again: air con AND your own private bathroom – seriously, why bother with a hotel when you’ve got hostels like this!

The staff at Surf Paradise are super friendly and helpful and can help you lock in anything you want to do while you’re in Santa Teresa. 200m from Santa Teresa Beach, you’ll be in literal surf paradise here, with boards and instructors on-site you’ll be shredding in no time.

Surf Paradise is all about pura vida – the simple life AND they still have all the amenities you could want. From hot showers to laundry facilities to free wifi and even a dishwasher, you’ll want for nothing here. Lax back and meet fellow travellers in the common room and enjoy the good nature vibrations at Surf Paradise.

8. Salty’s Enthusiasts

• Dorm (mixed): From $16
• Private Room: From $52
• Address: JRQQ+569, Carmen, Provincia de Puntarenas, Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Salty’s Enthusiasts is for those who love the sea and want to live by the sea. As long-term residents, Tule and Uky wanted to share their love of Santa Teresa with travellers and have opened up their jungle home accommodation. Feel at home with a familiar, friendly vibe, all the amenities you could ever want (minus a swimming pool), and an epic location.

There are communal meals so you can get to know the other guests if you are staying in a private room or a five-bedroom apartment. Staying in the dorm rooms ensures you’ll sleep in a comfy bed and feel like you’re on a luxury retreat while paying hostel prices. There are female-only dorms so if you’re travelling as a solo female, you’ll have somewhere safe to sleep which is priceless!

Right in between Playa Santa Teresa and Playa Carmen, Salty’s Enthusiasts is in a central location. You can hit the surf and get shacked or slip into town and sip cocktails. If you’re more of a DIY guy, the apartment is so fully furnished (think blender) that you’ll be fully at home.

9. Akih Pods Hostel

• Dorm (mixed): From $10
• Address: Maoritsio Street 100mts South of Super Costa and 5, Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Akih Pods Hostel is for the off-the-beaten-path traveller. The accommodation is sleek, clean and modern but tucked away in the jungle, away from roads and hustle. But with an on-site bar and restaurant that can cook your intrepid self up a feed in no time.

Ok, so it’s not that off-the-beaten-path and not that intrepid – this pod-style hostel has comfortable beds with privacy curtains. There are plenty of power points and the AC cranks. This Santa Teresa hostel is great for those looking to mingle – a private room is not an option and the dorms are all mixed.

10. Bajo el Árbol B&B – Best B&B for Couples in Santa Teresa

• Private Room: From $50
• Address: 200 mts north from frank’s place hotel, Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

If you’re looking for a small, quiet place to stay with your partner in Santa Teresa but you still want to be in the centre of it all? Check out Bajo el Arbol B&B. This small bed and breakfast has a great charm and rates that are easy on the wallet, best of all it’s close to everything the area has to offer. 

The double rooms at Bajo el Arbol provide a private place for you and your partner to rest and relax. If you want a bit more of the outdoors, chill in the garden and layback in a hammock. When you’re ready to hit the town, it’s just a short walk to everything along the main street. 

With only four rooms at the property, there’s a real intimate feeling about staying at Bajo el Arbol. The best part is that with so few rooms in the place, it feels very quiet, peaceful and personal. The owners can instead spend time offering great advice to each guest and helping them organise their trip.

11. Selina Santa Teresa South

Selina Santa Teresa South is just what you’re looking for as a budget traveller. It just ticks all the boxes! A stay at Selina Santa Teresa South nourishes your mind, body, and soul. Living up to the Selina name, Selina Santa Teresa South has so much to offer travellers, no matter what you’re looking for. 

The location is perfect, you’re close to just about everything so stay close, or you could visit farther afield and see Playa Blanca Underwater Museum!

Want to keep costs low and bunk up with other travellers? Looking for your own private room? Travelling as a family or a group of friends? Book a private family room set-up for four people with a private bathroom, living area and a fridge at Selina Santa Teresa South.

Digital nomad living it up and working in paradise? Get it done in the relaxing coworking space. In fact, due to the low cost of living in Costa Rica, Selina Santa Teresa South is a great place for remote working.

12. Wavetrotter Guest House

Why not get the real deal by staying in the jungle? Wavetrotter is a unique place that actually feels like you’re staying in a tropical paradise… because, well, you are! Nestled in the jungle, Wavetrotter lives in harmony with its environment.

I can’t say enough about the vibe at Wavetrotter. It’s an incredible place that you just have to experience to feel it. It’s smaller than other hostels in town, but hands-down the chill and friendly environment beat ‘em all. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming, there’s a smile around every corner and the small size creates a more intimate atmosphere.

Wavetrotter may be small in physical space, but it’s enormous in heart. This family-run guest house makes everyone feel at home. If you’re looking for something to do, don’t hesitate to ask – they’re there to help with local insight and a smile. 

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Santa Teresa

Everyone needs good hostel insurance, get yours before you lose your backpack and your surfboard and you can thank me later!

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.

Here’s what people usually ask about hostels in Santa Teresa.

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.

Product

Description

Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!

Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!

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.

Check Best Price

Keep your laundry organized and stink free

Keep your laundry organized and stink free

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.

Check Best Price

Stay Dry With a Micro Towel

Stay Dry With a Micro Towel

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.

Check Best Price Check Best Price

Make Some New Buddies…

Make Some New Buddies…

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.

Check Best Price

Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!

Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!

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 Best Price

Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!

How much do hostels in Santa Teresa cost?

Rates vary in Santa Teresa. Dorms range from $15 to over $50, while private rooms can run $40 to over $200 per night.

What are the best hostels in Santa Teresa for couples?

Best for couples looking for a quaint place to stay in, Salty’s Enthusiasts is my top recommendation. This place has the perfect balance of privacy and social aspects. I’m sure you and your boo will love it.

What is the best hostel in Santa Teresa near the airport?

Let’s get real. The Tambor Domestic Airport is the closest to Santa Teresa (about 35km away). Then you’ll have to catch a bus to get into Santa Teresa. Once you’re here, you’re set. Get in touch with hostel staff if you’re unsure about how to get here.

There you have it. You’re bound to find an awesome place to stay on my list of the best hostels in Santa Teresa. Santa Teresa hostels are a one-stop-shop for a top-class time in Costa Rica. No matter what place you choose from the list, you’ll be hanging ten and enjoying your time in paradise.

If you’re still on the fence about where to stay in Santa Teresa, make the most of being near the ocean. Choose Somos – a Santa Teresa hostel near Playa Santa Teresa where anything is possible – especially your dream tropical holiday. You can trip from here to Cabo Blanco nature reserve or just enjoy all that being near the beach has to offer. 

If that’s a bit out of budget, Tranquilo! Hostel La Posada is the best of the Santa Teresa hostels for the broke homies. Enjoy a morning by the swimming pool or have a delicious breakfast of fresh fruit at Playa Carmen.

Wherever you decide to stay, I’m sure that Santa Teresa is going to tickle your fancy. With beaches like Playa Hermosa, a relaxed atmosphere and all the amenities you could need, this place is surf paradise… Whether you surf or not!

If I’ve left anything out, let me know in the comments, I’d love to chat. Hit me up if you’ve been to Santa Teresa!

A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!

You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂