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A breathtaking aerial view of La Fortuna with the majestic Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica.

Central America

Backpacking Costa Rica

Costa Rica draws backpackers for volcanoes, rainforest and surf, with hostels clustered in towns such as La Fortuna and Santa Teresa.

Photo: Pável Tuc / Pexels

Hostel destinations in Costa Rica

A breathtaking aerial view of La Fortuna with the majestic Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica.

La Fortuna

Hot springs, rainforest trails and the cone of Arenal VolcanoRelaxing evening at a Puntarenas beach with surfers and sunset.

Santa Teresa

Surf breaks, yoga and Pacific sunsets on the Nicoya PeninsulaVibrant street art on an urban wall in San José, Costa Rica showcases creative expressions.

San José

Costa Rica's highland capital: museums, markets and the country's bus hubScenic beach view with driftwood in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica, featuring lush palm trees.

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

A laid-back Caribbean beach town with Afro-Caribbean roots and warm surfA mystical view of a foggy pathway through a lush, dense rainforest.

Monteverde

Cloud forest, hanging bridges and cool mountain air around Santa ElenaSurfer with board walks along tranquil Tamarindo Beach in Costa Rica

Tamarindo

A Pacific surf town in Guanacaste with a Blue Flag beach and lively evenings

Hostels and backpacking in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is known for protected areas, wildlife and outdoor adventure. La Fortuna, at the foot of Arenal Volcano, is a base for hot springs, waterfalls and hikes, while Santa Teresa on the Nicoya Peninsula is a laid-back surf town. The Caribbean coast, Monteverde's cloud forest and the Osa Peninsula add further variety.

Hostels here often specialise: surf hostels with board rental and lessons on the Pacific coast, adventure hostels with tour desks in La Fortuna, and yoga-focused places in quieter beach towns. Many have kitchens, which helps in a country that is generally more expensive than its neighbours.