Fans of the great outdoors heading to Costa Rica should definitely make a beeline for Monteverde. A hotspot for eco-tourism, the region is rife with canopy walkways, chances to spot rare, exotic and endangered wildlife, and generally embark on other jungle adventures from treks on ground level to adventurous canoeing journeys.
This is what it’s ALL about in Costa Rica, and Monteverde is one of the best places to come if what you love about travelling is seeing as much nature as possible – staying in this Puntarenas locale makes getting into the thick of it all pretty simple!
But now is the time to ask yourself: what are you in Monteverde for? Do you want a chilled jungle retreat? Or do you just want a base for exploring everything you possibly can? There’s a load of good hostels in Monteverde, but they can vary wildly.
That’s where I come in! I’ve sourced hostels for all sorts of budgets and itineraries to bring you this epic guide to the best hostels in Monteverde, Costa Rica.
Whether you’re here to chase adventure, chill in style, keep it budget-friendly, or nail the perfect digital nomad setup, this list has you sorted.
Are you ready? Let’s get this hostel hunt started.
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
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Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Monteverde
- Best Overall Hostel Monteverde – OutBox Inn
- Best Hostel in Monteverde for Solo Travelers – Monteverde Monkey Hostel
- Best Cheap Hostel in Monteverde – Sleepers Sleep Cheaper
- Best Party Hostel in Monteverde – Monteverde Backpackers
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Monteverde – Selina Monteverde
The 5 Best Hostels in Monteverde
Here it is—the ultimate roundup of Monteverde’s hostels, tailored to fit every travel style. Choosing your spot just got way simpler, so you can dive into jungle adventures without wasting time.
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1. Outbox Inn – Best Overall Hostel in Monteverde
- Dorm (mixed): From $22
- Private Room: From $62
- Address: 20 metros suroeste de la municipalidad, Santa Elena, Monteverde, Costa Rica
One of the coolest Monderverde hostels, this place SERIOUSLY looks the part. It’s super stylish with loads of communal spaces to either chill out or dive into the social scene. The location is spot-on and within easy walking distance of all the best restaurants and bars.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Banging Location
- Chill but Social
- Clean and Modern Amenities
The Open Kitchen next door is a must-try, and the discount for hostel guests is a nice bonus. If you’re feeling more DIY, the kitchen’s small but perfect for whipping up something basic—and with views like this, cooking’s not so bad.
With its laid-back vibes, fast and free Wi-Fi, and killer showers (two essentials if you’re a digital nomad), this place is hands-down the best spot for remote workers and backpackers in Costa Rica alike. The dorms are spacious, the staff’s amazing, and they’ve got movie nights and yoga to keep the good times rolling. Don’t be shocked if you end up extending your stay again… and again!
2. Monteverde Monkey Hostel – Best Hostel in Monteverde for Solo Travelers
- Dorm (mixed): From $12
- Private Room: From $41
- Address: 300 Mts Sur de la Terminal de Autobuses de Monteve, 200 mts al Sur de el Ranario de Monteverde., Monteverde, Costa Rica
The view at Monteverde Monkey Hostel is absolutely unreal, honestly some of the best in Costa Rica. There’s a gorgeous patio with hammocks, a friendly cat wandering around, and guaranteed monkey sightings. The breakfast is great, and the vibe is super social—perfect for meeting people. Outside, it’s all about chilling in hammocks, while inside, card games are always on in the evenings.
Monteverde Monkey Hostel has a crew that knows how to make your stay unforgettable, sorting everything from tours to the Monteverde Orchid Garden and Sky Adventures Monteverde to whipping up communal breakfasts and dinners. They make the place feel more like a family home than just a hostel. Every evening, everyone comes together for games, and by the end of your stay, you feel like you genuinely know everyone.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Banging Showers
- Super Social
- Staff Are Legends
The beds are seriously comfy, with the softest blankets, and—get this—hot water showers! A total luxury after the usual cold, dodgy ones across Central America. Solo travelers in Costa Rica fit right in at Monteverde Monkey Hostel; it’s the kind of place that instantly feels like home.
3. Sleepers Sleep Cheaper – Best Cheap Hostel in Monteverde
- Dorm (mixed): From $9
- Private Room: From $20
- Address: 100 meters north from the bus stop, or 100 meters east from the Super Compro, Monteverde, Costa Rica
Sleepers Sleep Cheaper is one of those places where you rock up for a night and end up staying way longer than planned. A big part of that is thanks to the super friendly family that runs the show—these guys genuinely care about their hostel, and it shows. And the crowd? Pretty likely you’ll leave with a few new mates to add to your travel squad to do your Costa Rica itinerary with.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free Breakfast
- Great Location
- Friendly Hosts
Ronnie, part of the team, is your go-to for tours and activities—he’s got your back when it comes to planning your adventures. Sky Adventures Monteverde and Monteverde Orchid Garden are go to’s to visit in Monteverde and are not to be missed!
Smack bang in the center of town, you can stumble out of bed and be at a bar or restaurant in no time. Plus, you get a free breakfast, so your wallet will be thanking you for that one.
The rooms are no-frills but totally fine. It’s also hands down one of the cleanest hostels around—so no complaints on that front. The vibe here is laid-back and cozy, perfect if you’re after a chilled stay without things getting too wild. If you’re after a cheap stay with zero fuss and all the charm, Sleepers Sleep Cheaper is your spot in Monteverde.
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View on Osprey View on REI4. Monteverde Backpackers – Best Party Hostel in Monteverde
- Dorm (mixed): From $11
- Private Room: From $38
- Address: Costarica Monteverde, Santaelena next to the supermarket, Monteverde, Costa Rica
If you’re solo traveling in Costa Rica and have come to Monteverde to meet new people, here’s the place for you. Not only is it perfectly located for exploring the area, and very well run by the team who work here, but it’s the best place in Monteverde for solo travelers. The staff here make sure everyone’s getting along and really make you feel welcome.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Fully Equipped Kitchen
- Amazing Social Atmosphere
- Cozy Vibe
Other perks for solo travelers at this Monteverde backpackers hostel is the location: it’s right near the bus stop (good for not having to wander around for ages by yourself), and the staff sort out tours and onward travel for you. And the free breakfast is a massive bonus. So is the cute sloth who sometimes swings by to chill out in the garden!
As one of the best places to visit in Costa Rica, there really is a ton of things to do in Monteverde. This hostel makes for a great base. Monteverde isn’t party-central like its other Central American counterparts but Monteverde Backpackers has a great social scene and is close to bars too. It’s a solid pick for those social butterflies looking to dive into all the fun that Monteverde offers.
5. Selina Monteverde – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Monteverde
- Dorm (mixed): From $24
- Private Room: From $69
- Address: Carretera a Reserva de Monteverde, Monteverde, Costa Rica
As usual, Selina absolutely nails it when it comes to creating spaces that just work for digital nomads. It’s more of a hotel with a couple of dorms thrown in, so you’ve got those hotel-level amenities to keep the balance between work and play in check. It’s a bit out of town, but if you’re after something with more of a wellness resort vibe, or want to be closer to the Monteverdes Cloud Forest Reserve, this spot’s got you covered.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Co-working Spaces
- Happy Hours
- On-site Restaurant
After you’ve smashed through some work in the co-working space or one of the many chill communal areas, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. The bar is a real winner—perfect for unwinding after a day on the grind. Good drink deals, tasty cocktails, beer on tap, and surprisingly decent food coming out of the kitchen too. You can challenge your dorm mates to a game of pool or hit up a yoga session to stretch off the stress.
Cozy up by the fireplace, take a dip in the hot tub, or just post up in the bar all day—no judgment here. Selina always brings the style, blending that effortlessly cool design with the hostel scene. Whatever you’re after, this place delivers the goods.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Hostels and Budget Stays in Monteverde
Haven’t found the right hostel for you yet? Don’t worry, there are plenty more options waiting for you. To make the search a bit easier, I’ve listed more epic hostels in Monteverde below. I’ve even chucked in a couple of budget stays for good measure—don’t say I don’t do anything for you.
Sloth Backpackers Hostel and Bed & Breakfast
- Dorm (mixed): From $14
- Private Room: From $49
- Address: 200 metres north east from the bus station, Monteverde, Costa Rica
Sloth Backpackers Hostel and Bed & Breakfast is a proper budget gem if you’re looking to stretch your cash in Monteverde. The crew at reception are top-tier—they’ll give you the grand tour and hook you up with any tours, hikes, and activities you fancy like Selvatura Adventure Park. If they’re not around, they’re just a quick text away, so no need to stress.
Now, the breakfast is a winner. The staff whips it up fresh every morning, and there’s something different on offer daily, which is always a nice touch. Location-wise, it’s bang on, especially if you’re rolling in on the public bus—only a five-minute stroll from the station. The rooms are basic, but for what you’re paying, they’re more than decent. Just bring some earplugs if you’re a light sleeper since it’s right on the main road.
Hostel Cattleya
- Dorm (mixed): From $6
- Private Room: From $20
- Address: Barrio las Orquidias, Frente Quality Trasnfers, Monteverde, Costa Rica
Hostel Cattleya is clean, friendly and boasts a quiet location just outside the main part of Santa Elena. From here it’s a breeze to walk to town, pick up some ingredients, and cook up a storm in the communal kitchen – helping to keep to that shoestring budget.
This youth hostel has a good vibe and is run by people who could not be more welcoming, even if they tried. There really is a ton of things to do in Monteverde and the staff here are willing to help out with pretty much any question for good things to do like Monteverde Ecological Sanctuary and Selvatura Adventure Park. If this sounds good to you, I think you’ll love it at this modern Monteverde backpackers hostel.
Camino Verde Hostel and B&B
- Private Room: From $44
- Address: 325m SW of the Supermarket, Santa Elena, Monteverde, Costa Rica
All about privacy? Don’t feel like sharing a room with 11 other people? Then you might want to book yourself one of the private rooms at this place: they’re INSANE. I’m talking huge wooden beds, big comfy mattresses, and an altogether much more expensive, luxurious vibe than you would think.
Ok, so it’s not exactly cheap here, but I’d say if you feel like treating yourself on your Central America trip… go for it! Camino Verde is a solid choice with private rooms in Monteverde, so don’t pass up the chance to enjoy this slice of paradise in high-class style!
Cabinas Vista al Golfo
- Private Room: From $47
- Address: Santa Elena centro frente al colegio., Monteverde, Costa Rica
A charming hostel that comes with a well-equipped kitchen, Cabinas Vista al Golfo is perfect if you’re looking for a budget stay. It’s more than just saving money staying here though: it feels like a family home and there’s no doubt you’ll feel welcome as soon as you arrive.
Nice and relaxed and with staff who can give you all the information you could ever need, this budget hostel in Monteverde may not have all the party vibes or nomad shit you could wish for, but there are a load of hammocks to kick back in.
Que Tuanis
A brilliant little homestay – especially if you’re traveling on a shoestring budget – Que Tuanis definitely offers up some killer value for money. The private rooms may be pretty basic, but good enough, and if you’re a seasoned, unfussy traveler, you probably won’t care too much anyway!
The staff at this top cheap hostel in Monteverde are super nice, but the common area is the best part of this place. It hangs over the side of a mountain (basically) and has INSANE views of Monteverdes Cloud Forest Reserve. Monkeys pop by to say hi. It’s that sort of place. Just unreal.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Monteverde
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Monteverde.
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.
FAQs About Hostels in Monteverde, Costa Rica
Here are some questions backpackers ask about Monteverde hostels.
What to Pack for your Monteverde 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 my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
How much does a hostel cost in Monteverde?
Depending on the location and type of room, on average, hostel prices start from around $11 – $13+ per night. Of course, private rooms will be a little more than that.
What are the best Monteverde hostels for couples?
When you’re done exploring, returning to a chilled, rustic room with awesome views of the mountains in Camino Verde Hostel and B&B makes it an ideal hostel with private rooms for nature-loving traveling couples.
How many days should you stay in Monteverde?
2 to 3 days in Monteverde is ideal for hitting up the main attractions like the cloud forest, hanging bridges, and zip-lining. It’s enough time to soak in the nature vibes and squeeze in some adventure without feeling rushed.
Final Thoughts on Monteverde’s Hostels
That wraps up my guide to the best hostels in Monteverde. And, man, are there a load of gems here! Whatever you’re looking for, I think it’s safe to say you’ll find something that’s perfect for your trip.
If you’re still unsure of where to stay? No worries—make life easy for yourself and book a bed at Outbox Inn—it’s my top pick for the VERY best place in Monteverde. The vibe is chill, the amenities hit the spot and you’ll be thanking me once you step into the first hot shower you’ve had in a hot second (my bad, bad joke).
Whether you’re here to explore the cloud forests, chill out, or meet some like-minded travelers, there’s a spot waiting for you. Get stuck in.
If you happen to find any off-the-beaten-path gems or local favorites while you’re exploring, give me a shout and drop a comment—I’m all about discovering new spots. Happy travels!
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
- 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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