The Best Hostels in Santa Teresa – A Backpacker’s Guide to Paradise

Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, is a beach town that has transformed from a sleepy fishing village into one of Central America’s top destinations for surfers, digital nomads, and adventurous backpackers. With a laid-back vibe, stunning beaches, and a thriving hostel scene, it’s no wonder travelers from all corners of the world flock here. If you’re planning a trip and searching for the best hostels in Santa Teresa, this guide is your go-to resource for where to stay, what to expect, and how to make the most of your journey.

Why Visit Santa Teresa?

Before diving into the top hostels, let’s explore why Santa Teresa should be on your travel radar.

1. Surf Culture and Epic Beaches

With consistent year-round swells and soft sandy beaches, Santa Teresa is a dream for surfers. Beginners and pros alike love Playa Carmen and Playa Santa Teresa. Surfboards are everywhere, but so are yoga mats, hiking boots, and hammocks.

2. Pura Vida Lifestyle

Santa Teresa runs on “Pura Vida” – Costa Rica’s famous motto meaning “pure life.” You’ll feel it in the friendly locals, the slow mornings, the barefoot evenings, and the community events that bring everyone together.

3. Lush Nature and Wildlife

From howler monkeys in the trees to butterflies and tropical birds, nature surrounds you in Santa Teresa. You’re also just a short distance from national parks like Cabo Blanco, one of Costa Rica’s first protected areas.

4. Thriving Backpacker Community

With yoga studios, beach bars, vegan cafes, and coworking spaces, Santa Teresa attracts a vibrant, international crowd. You’ll meet travelers from across the globe, many of whom came for a week and stayed for months.

5. Explore by E-Bike

The easiest and most fun way to explore Santa Teresa? Rent an e-bike from Bimba.
Skip the dust and traffic — our e-bikes are fast, eco-friendly, and perfect for cruising to hidden beaches, waterfalls, and your next hostel. No gas. No stress. Just ride.

Top 10 Best Hostels in Santa Teresa

Here are the top-rated and most beloved hostels for backpackers and budget travelers in Santa Teresa:

1. Somos – Stylish, Social, and Unforgettable

Best for: Design lovers, creatives, and social backpackers

Somos is more than a hostel — it’s an experience. With modern architecture, a boutique surf-shop vibe, and a crowd of travelers who appreciate art and culture, this is where many come to stay “just one night” and end up extending their trip.

 

• • Outdoor pool and lounge

• • On-site bar and events

• • Excellent Wi-Fi and co-work options

• • Close to the beach and restaurants

The social energy here is authentic and magnetic. If you’re seeking one of the most stylish and best hostels in Santa Teresa — Somos is it.

2. ESO Hostel – Minimalist Comfort with Max Chill

Best for: Digital nomads, quiet surfers, and long-term travelers

ESO Hostel has quietly become a favorite for travelers looking for clean design, great vibes, and a peaceful environment. Its name — which stands for “Enjoy, Surf, Organize” — reflects the ethos of the place.

 

• • Scandinavian-inspired design

• • Community kitchen and shared workspace

• • Relaxed and respectful social vibe

Located just off the main road, it offers a blend of comfort and community. It’s perfect if you’re working remotely or just want a more laid-back base to explore Santa Teresa by GoBimba e-bike.

3. Zeneidas Surf Garden – Beachfront Bliss

Best for: Nature lovers, surfers, and early risers

Imagine waking up to the sound of waves crashing just a few feet away — that’s Zeneidas. Located right on the beach, this rustic eco-hostel is a sanctuary for surfers and anyone seeking a deeper connection with nature.

 

• • Direct beach access (steps from the surf!)

• • Hammocks and chill-out garden

• • Surfboard rentals and yoga classes

Zeneidas embraces simplicity without sacrificing comfort. You’ll meet people around a bonfire at night, share fresh fruit in the morning, and surf from dawn to dusk. It’s one of the most authentic hostel experiences in Santa Teresa.

4. Believe Surf & Yoga – For the Mindful Traveler

Best for: Yoga lovers, digital nomads, and wellness-focused backpackers

Believe Surf & Yoga is a boutique hostel that blends mindfulness, surf, and conscious travel in a beautifully curated space. It offers dorms, private rooms, and small apartments — perfect for both short-term guests and long-stay digital nomads.

 

• • Daily yoga classes in an open-air shala

• • Surf lessons with local pros

• • Healthy breakfast and juice bar

• • Calm, peaceful atmosphere with a focus on wellness

Located just a 2-minute walk from the beach, Believe encourages a balanced lifestyle that goes beyond just sleeping and surfing. The vibe is social, but intentionally calm — ideal for those seeking clarity, creativity, or quiet connection.

Whether you’re stretching on the mat at sunrise or catching waves in the afternoon, Believe Surf & Yoga delivers one of the most holistic and enriching hostel experiences in Santa Teresa.

5. Lost Boyz Hostel – Wild, Fun, and Unforgettable

Best for: Party people and solo adventurers

If you’re looking to make new friends fast, head to Lost Boyz. With theme parties, group outings, and a vibrant energy, it’s the go-to spot for backpackers who want to socialize, surf, and enjoy Santa Teresa’s nightlife.

 

• • Nightly events and BBQs

• • Surfboard and scooter rentals

• • Chill areas and hammocks

Don’t expect early nights here — but do expect to make memories.

6. Funky Monkey Lodge – For the Yoga & Surf Crowd

Best for: Healthy travelers and budget surf camps

Tucked into the jungle but close to town, Funky Monkey Lodge is a hybrid space that hosts yoga retreats, surf camps, and creative workshops. It offers both dorms and private bungalows.

 

• • Open-air yoga deck

• • Restaurant and bar

• • Peaceful yet social setting

You can walk to the beach or hop on your GoBimba e-bike and explore nearby towns like Mal País or Montezuma.

7. Pura Vida Mini Hostel – Great Value, Central Location

Best for: Budget backpackers and solo travelers

As the name suggests, this hostel offers the pure Costa Rican backpacker experience — laid-back, budget-friendly, and community-oriented.

 

• • Fully equipped kitchen

• • Affordable dorm beds

• • Close to shops and beaches

Great for travelers who want to stay central without spending too much.

8. Salty Enthusiasts – Surf, Sleep, Repeat

Best for: Surfers and those on surf trips

If your main reason for coming to Santa Teresa is to surf – Salty Enthusiasts should be at the top of your list. With surf-focused activities and a mellow vibe, this hostel is made for wave chasers.

 

• • Surfboards for rent

• • Daily surf reports

• • Casual, rustic setup

9. La Posada – Local Vibes, Quiet Comfort

Best for: Families and those seeking peace

A cozy, locally-owned hostel with a chilled-out environment and friendly hosts. It’s a great place to decompress and enjoy simple, stress-free living.

 

• • Hammocks and shaded garden

• • Local meals and recommendations

• • Peaceful, respectful guest culture

10. Cuatro Vientos Lodge – Boutique on a Budget

Best for: Couples or travelers seeking privacy

Offering private rooms with hostel prices, Cuatro Vientos blends modern design with warm hospitality. It’s quieter than most but still close enough to the action.

 

• • Boutique-style rooms

• • Great Wi-Fi

• • Close to cafes and yoga studios

Tips for Backpackers in Santa Teresa

If it’s your first time in Santa Teresa, here are some essential tips to make the most of your adventure:

1. Book Hostels in Advance (Especially in High Season)

From December to April, Santa Teresa gets crowded. Hostels fill up quickly during this dry season, so booking your stay ahead of time is smart.

2. Explore on E-Bike

Forget renting a car or ATV – Bimba sharing e-bike rentals are the best way to explore Santa Teresa. Cruise to Playa Hermosa, hit up the restaurants, or get from hostel to hostel without worrying about gas or expensive rentals.

3. Cash Is King

While many places accept cards, smaller shops and hostels prefer cash. ATMs can run out of money during busy periods, so plan accordingly.

4. Respect the Environment

Santa Teresa is beautiful — let’s keep it that way. Avoid single-use plastics, participate in beach cleanups, and support eco-friendly businesses.

5. Be Ready for the Surf Culture

Don’t be surprised if everyone talks about tide charts and swell forecasts. Surfing is a lifestyle here, and it shapes the daily rhythm of the town.

6. Pack Light, Stay Loose

The dress code here is flip-flops and swimsuits. You won’t need much more. A reusable water bottle, reef-safe sunscreen, and a flashlight for dark roads are must-haves.

Travel Insights: Getting to Santa Teresa

Getting to Santa Teresa isn’t the easiest, but the journey is part of the adventure.

By Shuttle or Bus:

You can catch a public bus or shared shuttle from San José. The trip includes a ferry ride across the Gulf of Nicoya and takes around 6-7 hours.

By Car:

Renting a car gives you more flexibility. A 4×4 is recommended, especially during rainy season (May–November), when roads can get muddy.

By Plane:

There’s a small domestic airport in Cobano, just 20 minutes from Santa Teresa. Flights from San José are short but can be pricey.

Final Thoughts: Why the Best Hostels in Santa Teresa Make All the Difference

Choosing the right hostel in Santa Teresa can truly shape your experience. Whether you’re here to surf, work remotely, connect with fellow travelers, or simply enjoy the laid-back beach life, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you.

From lively party hostels like House Of Somos to tranquil escapes like Zeneidas Surf Garden, Santa Teresa’s hostel scene offers something for every kind of traveler. Combine that with the town’s incredible natural beauty and community spirit, and it’s easy to see why so many visitors extend their stay — sometimes indefinitely.

So pack your bags, wax your surfboard, and get ready to discover why Santa Teresa is one of the top backpacker destinations in the world.