La Fortuna is a town with a few nice buildings going on – and a lot of tourists, too. But it’s not necessarily the town ITSELF that you should be visiting for. This place is pretty much basecamp for the Arenal Volcano National Park (complete with two volcanoes) which makes La Fortuna more than worth a few nights.
Couple that with a load of other natural goodies in the surrounding area. There’s everything from hot springs resorts to trekking for a swim in a waterfall plunge pool… A LOT is going for this once quaint little town.
Depending on what you want to do in La Fortuna, finding accommodation right for the task can be a little tricky. There’s a fair range of hostels here, so cherry-picking the perfect one can take a while. Whether you need luggage storage while you hit those peaks or an outdoor pool to flop into when you get back… I’ve got you.
I’ve done the hard work for you and come up with this categorised guide to the best hostels in La Fortuna. You can easily find the hostel that suits you, your budget and your itinerary.
Without further ado, let’s go through and find your perfect hostel… Vamos amigos!
Photo: Audy Scala
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Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in La Fortuna
- Best Overall Hostel in La Fortuna – Hostel Santafe
- Best Hostel in La Fortuna for Solo Travellers – Alpha Arenal
- Best Cheap Hostel in La Fortuna – La Choza Inn Hostel
- Best Party Hostel in La Fortuna – Arenal Backpackers Resort
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in La Fortuna – Selina La Fortuna
The 5 Best Hostels in La Fortuna
Deciding where to stay in Costa Rica can be tough. But when it comes to choosing whether to visit La Fortuna or not, the answer is pretty clear. Hell yes! If you’re a nature lover, this place will look like paradise to you so check out the following hostels in La Fortuna.
1. Hostel Santafe – Best Overall Hostel in La Fortuna
- Dorm (mixed): From $11
- Address: 75 sur de La Gasolinera La Fortuna, San Carlos, Alajuela, La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Welcome to La Fortuna! Upon arrival at Hostel SantaFe, you will feel right at home and welcomed in a warm and friendly manner. This is what makes it my top pick for th ebest of La Fortunas hostels.
Whether you want to raft Rio Pacuare or find out free or cheap and good things to do, the beautiful staff will hook you up! Hostel SantaFe is social with this friendly vibe which makes it my favourite of the La Fortuna Hostels. I’m sure you’ll love your stay in this small town and meet other guests to explore Costa Rica’s National Parks with.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free wi fi
- Close to the Bus Station
- Furry friends about the place
A huge perk of this La Fortuna hostel is that there is air conditioning in the rooms so you’ll be cool in your bunk bed. This is obviously a big perk, as it the variety of rooms available, there are dorms with two to nine beds. All the dorms are mixed, but if you’re travelling in a pair you can book out the double dorm and bascially have a private room!
There is no free breakfast, but there is self catering facilities which is always a treat, especially when the supermarkets just down the road. There are tea and coffee making facilities and a cafe onsite if you’re feeling really lazy. Relax and enjoy in one of the common areas around the joint – you’re sure to be comfy.
2. Alpha Arenal – Best Hostel in La Fortuna for Solo Travellers
- Dorm (mixed): From $7
- Private Room: From $30
- Address: Fortuna san Carlos, 150 noroeste de la iglesia católica, La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Alpha Arenal is one of the great La Fortuna Hostels – everything you need and nothing you don’t. Sometimes you want to keep it simple when you’re travelling solo. Many hostels are in the immediate area of La Fortuna so it can be hard to know which is best for you and your needs.
This La Fortuna hostels my pick for solo travellers as there’s beautiful staff and volunteers to help you out with anything you need. They also run 24-hour security which makes me feel safe when I travel alone as a solo female traveller. There are lots of people around the place to make friends with and plan misisons together which I love.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free wi fi
- Common Room
- Hot Showers
Everyone loves hot showers once in awhile right? These guys have them on lock, not always the case when you’re travelling on a budget. All of the private rooms have their own complete private bathroom ensuite while the dorms have toilets en suite and shared showers outside.
There are self catering facilities so you can cook up a storm for missions with other guests. The host, Wilson is always keen to give advice on when and what volcanoes to see. And, there’s free coffee!
Just 150m from the city centre, Alpha Arenal is easy to get to if you catch the bus into town. The area is quiet at night and the perfect place for travellers with an adventurous spirit who love the rustic vube. This La Fortuna hostels got a great games area set up, epic for breaking the ice with the other guests and getting the familiarity rolling.
3. La Choza Inn Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in La Fortuna
- Dorm (mixed): From $11
- Private Room: From $40
- Address: 300 mts west from the post office in La Fortuna, 200 mts south and 300 mts west from La Fortuna Bus, La Fortuna, Costa Rica
With its free welcome drink, I’m pretty much sold on this place being the best of the cheap La Fortuna hostels. That’s on top of all its other free-of-charge perks. There’s a free breakfast on offer and even a free shuttle to the nearby hot springs for a VERY chilled soak indeed.
As a popular backpacking Costa Rica destination, booking your accommodation early enough is recommended, especially during peak season. Also a great option if you’re looking for somewhere that can save you a bit of money.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free wi fi
- Free Breakfast
- Free Shuttle
There’s also a great location aspect going on at this relaxed La Fortuna backpackers hostel. Staying here means being in walking distance to pretty much every bite to eat and drinking hole there is in town. But that free stuff – that REALLY adds the value for money to La Choza Inn Hostel.
You’re close to the bus station if this is your mode of transport and it certainly beats the average prcie of La Fortuna hostels. Many hostels in La Fortuna offer hot showers but this is not one of them so you wimm hoff guys, you’re in luck! Otherwise, it’s that humid in Costa Rica that a cold water wash is actually pretty refreshing.
This is an epic budget friendly option with below average price rooms and a sweet, simple stay. The free breakfast AND free shuttle really seal the deal for me!
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View on Osprey View on REI4. Arenal Backpackers Resort – Best Party Hostel in La Fortuna
- Dorm (mixed): From $18
- Private Room: From $52
- Address: 350 meters west of central park, towards volcano, La Fortuna, Costa Rica
If you want to stay in La Fortuna and party, then book yourself a bed at Arenal Backpackers Resort. Even in off season this place has party vibes. And yes, it can get pretty wild.
That’s probably down to the awesome happy hour (partly, anyway). Shots all round! No wonder it’s the best of the La Fortuna hostels to party in.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Outdoor Pool
- On Site Restaurant
- Luggage Storage
To ease your hangover the next day, you can chill out with some food from the on site cafe. Simply stare at the views of the Arenal Volcano – or take a dip in the outdoor pool, your call. Actually, you can do both!
La Fortuna hostels with outdoor swimming pools are few and far between so if that’s important ot you, book it now. It’s such a lush way to refresh in the tropics in my opinion. There’s free wi fi so you can stay in comms with the rest of the world and stay here forever if you want… Viva la fiesta!
5. Selina La Fortuna – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in La Fortuna
- Dorm (mixed): From $27
- Private Room: From $94
- Address: Avenida 325., 100 metros sur y 50 al oeste de la Gasolinera, La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Well, if you’re looking for somewhere to work – here’s the place. Possibly THE coolest hostel in La Fortuna, this place has pretty much everything you could want. There’s yoga classes, cinema room, design-led interiors and even an outdoor swimming pool.
I think all these perks make it the best hostel for digital nomads in La Fortuna, too. You can get your work done in one of their cool work space areas, whilst sipping on a coffee from the cafe. Thanks to its decent location you can even walk just a few minutes and explore the town, too.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free Wi Fi
- Co Working Space
- Outdoor Pool
Enjoy the free wi fi and the co working space, unique in La Fortuna hostels, especially paired with the outdoor pool. Who says you can’t have it all? I haven’t even got into the movie room yet!
Some stays include breakfast – you can book to stay in one of the lush tents – the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature. While the cost per night here is slightly higher than the average price of La Fortuna hostels, it’s so worth it. When you’re posted up somewhere, smashing deadlines, living your best life, you don’t want to be slumming it…
Buuuuut, no judgement, I’ve been there too. It does happen. If you’ve got the cash to splash, Selina is a top choice for La Fortuna hostels in my opinion.
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!More Epic La Fortuna Hostels
Haven’t seen enough? Nothing’s clicked for you yet? I’ve got a few more tricks up my sleeve… Read on!
6. Arenal Hostel Resort
- Dorm (mixed): From $13
- Private Room: From $49
- Address: 100 m al Oeste de la Plaza de La Fortuna, La Fortuna, Costa Rica
A hostel that’s… also a RESORT (no, really), this is undoubtedly a great hostel for couples in La Fortuna. Spend your time chilling in on site bar, snacking on some of the free pizza, and generally enjoying the laid back atmosphere of this place.
The people who work at this place are super nice and will make sure your stay goes without a hitch. Did I mention the swimming pool? With the swim-up bar? No? Well, there’s one of those here, making this La Fortuna backpackers hostel feel much more like an upmarket hotel – their slogan is “More than you thought”!
7. Hostel Backpackers La Fortuna
- Dorm (mixed): From $14
- Private Room: From $32
- Address: 700 metro este de la Iglesia catolica, La Fortuna, Costa Rica
With its big, clean dorms and a huge bar (perfect for meeting other travellers), this place is one of the best for solo travellers. Not only that but the staff are helpful, and will help you book up all sorts of activities and stuff to keep you occupied.
There’s even a swimming pool here. And I know that you know a swimming pool is the best place to meet people. Chill out, catch some rays, go for a swim, and then retire to the bar after the sunset.
It’s a great place to go if you’re travelling to this town by yourself, so I’d recommend booking if you’re here to be social!
8. Nice Place Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $18
- Private Room: From $40
- Address: Calle 468 Del Banco Nacional 200 metros norte y 50 metros oeste. Avenida 335., 21007 Fortuna, Costa Rica
Nice Place Hostel really IS a nice place, for starters, this La Fortuna backpackers hostel has a great location. It’s close to a bunch of bars and nightclubs, which means getting out and having a few drinks is easy. Thankfully the hostel itself is pretty quiet and surrounded by greenery, meaning you can get a good night’s sleep.
There’s a pretty decent communal kitchen here, perfect for keeping costs low by making a few snacks, as a well as a chilled garden area. If you’re not expecting a top-notch social (or party) atmosphere, then this chilled out spot is the place for you.
9. Hostel Batzu
- Dorm (mixed): From $10
- Address: 150 m. este de la Asada de la Fortuna, Frente al B, La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Hostel Batzu is the essence of La Fortuna hostels epic hospitality, a space where shared mixed dorms provide a local living vibe. There’s a social atmosphere and a fun vibe with fellow travellers at Hostel Batzu. The rooms are air conditioned wchich is a valuable touch and there are all the essential modern amenities.
There isn’t exactly a full kitchen here but there is a fridge and a microwave if you want to self cater. There’s an outdoor terrace to enjoy the ambiance and free wi fi to plan the next steps in your trip.
10. Argdivan Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $10
- Private Room: From $28
- Address: 200 mts sur del redondel y 20 mts oeste, La Fortuna, Costa Rica
This is one of the closest La Fortuna hostels you can get to town, you’re within a five minute walk to the bus station. Book yourself a bunk bed in one of the droms that sleep between four and ten people or splash out and get a private room. The staff are firendly and can help you with anything from private parking to getting to San Jose.
You can tap into the free wi fi when you need to call home or update your socials. The Argdivan Hostel is around the average price for La fortuna hostels and comes with better than average service. From the staff to the facilities, everthing is clean and inviting.
11. Sagu Hostel
A great option if you’re looking for a budget hostel in La Fortuna, Sagu has a great location, good nightly rates and a good vibe. It’s definitely a good place to stay if you want to make your trip easy on your wallet. Even the bus station is nearby, making your onward travels pretty easy, I gotta say.
This one is a pretty rustic hostel (that’s code for “don’t expect anything glamorous”). But besides all of the no-frills aspects of this La Fortuna backpackers hostel, there’s a lot going for this quirky little place. Free use of the gym next door is an unexpected but definitely massive perk, I love to stay fit while travelling!
12. Cerro Chato Eco Lodge
If you want a bit of privacy, Cerro Chato Eco Lodge, Costa Rica will NOT disappoint. Not only has it got some awesome private rooms, but the location is pretty much one of the best in town. I’m talking unobscured volcano views, which you can soak up whilst toucans hang out in the trees around the cabins you stay in.
It’s a wonderful choice of La Fortunas hostels with a private room. The cabins you stay in at Cerro Chato Eco Lodge are cosy, comfortable, clean and nicely designed; staying in one of these feels like you’re having a sleepover in the jungle!
13. Arenal Container Hostel
A lovely little place that’s set in a great location for exploring the area. Pretty much EVERYTHING is in walking distance from this La Fortuna backpackers hostel. The people who run the show are super friendly and put on a bunch of activities that will make sure you never get bored, too.
It’s my pick for a great hostel in La Fortuna, naturally. Next door there’s a Tex-Mex bar next door, which is good for drinks at night, as much as for its free coffee in the mornings. An awesome base for exploring the area.
I seriously reccommend fighting throught he hangover to make the most of the natural beauty of Costa Rica’s volcanic area though. At least for a day, than you can get back on the party!
14. La Fortuna Backpackers Resort
Not only is this a great hostel in La Fortuna for solo travellers, it can SAVE you money. There’s a free breakfast on offer here AND the chance to get your laundry done for free, too! What more could you want on a budget?
But it’s also a small, friendly hostel with welcoming vibes and staff who can tell you a lot of tips about the area. It all feels very safe, being in walking distance to a load of restaurants and bars – always a plus if you’re travelling by yourself. Visit the infamous La Fortuna Hot Springs while you’re here – thank me later!
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting La Fortuna
Everyone needs good hostel travel insurance, get yours so you can viva la fiesta in peace!
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 La Fortuna
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in La Fortuna.
What to Pack for your La Fortuna 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 La Fortuna?
The average price of hostels in La Fortuna starts from $13 – $19. Of course, the private rooms are on the higher end of the scale than the dorm beds.
What are the best hostels in La Fortuna for couples?
Arenal Hostel Resort is it! Spend your time chilling in on site bar, snacking on some of the free pizza, and generally enjoying the laid back atmosphere of La Fortunas hostels.
What are the best hostels in La Fortuna near the airport?
Selina La Fortuna, is just 11 minutes by car from the airport. So easy! Get in touch with them if you need help with a transfer.
Final Thoughts on La Fortuna’s Hostels
That marks the end of my handy guide to the best hostels in La Fortuna. No matter what, I reckon you’ll be able to find one that’s perfect for you while you backpack your way through Costa Rica. There are so many great hostels all over Costa Rica that you can be sure to always find a comfy bed and a safe place to rest your head at.
My guide to the best La Fortuna backpacker hostels takes in everything from the chilled to the not so chilled. From the super budget-friendly, to the luxurious, so there’s a lot going on here for you to think about!
If it’s all too much, don’t panic, stay at my top pick for the best overall hostel in La Fortuna. Booking a bed in Hostel SantaFe guarantees an amazing stay in this mountain town.
If you’re looking for a more budget friendly option, I feel ya. The good news is there’s a LOT of choice in pretty much all aspects in La Fortuna hostels. La Choza Inn Hostel is my pick for the best cheap option, take into account all the extra freebies and you’re basically making money staying there!
Wherever you decide to stay in La Fortuna, you’re sure to be lucky and love the place.
If you’ve been and think I’ve missed anything, hit me up in the comments. I love to chat so let me know if you’re on your way and want any other tips too!
Photo: @amandaadraper
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