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
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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.
Pura Natura Lodge Manuel Antonio – Best Overall Hostel in Manuel Antonio
An amazing Costa Rican hostel with 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 taking in the natural surroundings while still being close to town.
Set yourself up to watch an epic sunset from the terrace or get chatting to fellow travellers while enjoying some delicious food at the on-site restaurant. You can cook for yourself in the shared kitchen too.
The great location, wide variety of room types, and stunning view makes Pura Natura Lodge an all round top option for your stay in Manuel Antonio.
Planet B Hostel – Best Party Hostel in Manuel Antonio
So, this place doesn’t scream PARTY, and honestly is a bit of a hike from town, but a party is what you make it, right? This popular hostel is a backpacker’s dream, tucked away enough to feel off the beaten track, but attractive enough to have an epic social vibe. There’s a shared lounge, heaps of space on the terrace and yoga mats to stretch out and rinse and release your sins on.
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? You can get a double private room if you’re experiencing some love and sex on the road… Or you can bunk into the dorms which sleep four or eight. While not exaaaaaactly a party hostel, the atmosphere at Planet B Hostel is fun and lively, everyone who comes through seems to enjoy a good time!
Hostel Plinio – 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.
Once you’re done visiting the national park, socialise by their pool or in the common areas,… The chilled social atmosphere and tree house vibe will make it 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.
Hotel 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.
More Best Hostels in Manuel Antonio
Blue Morpho House Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Manuel Antonio
A little out of town, this Manuel Antonio hostel is ideal for getting locked into work without the temptation of the city on your doorstep. 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. Blue Morpho House Hostel offers tranquility and a warm, family friendly atmosphere, offering private rooms only so you can have your own space.
The staff are amazing, super friendly and love their city and sharing it with their guests. Nothing beats local knowledge, so make sure you hit them up for any tips and tricks and places to see in the Manuel Antonio. There’s a great selection of local shops if you need anything, and a bus that takes you to the beach, the city, or the National Park.
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.
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!
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
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!
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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, Pura Natura Lodge Manuel Antonio – 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.
