3 reviewed party hostels · from €12.64/night · Hostelworld rated
Puerto Viejo isn’t just about palm trees and surfboards. By 10 PM, the main strip along Calle 215 lights up with reggae basslines and the clink of Imperial bottles. Hostels here aren’t just places to crash: they’re the starting point for jungle raves, beach bonfires, and bar crawls that spill into sunrise. Most budget spots sit within a five-minute walk of the action, so you can roll out of bed and into a hammock or a beachfront bar without missing a beat.
The town’s nightlife thrives on its Caribbean rhythm. Expect open-air bars where backpackers mix with locals, and rum cocktails cost less than a bus ticket. If you’re after a party, you’ll find it: but if you’d rather skip the chaos, the jungle and quiet beaches are never far away.
Rated by Hostelworld score · Prices per dorm bed per night
Fun party hostel with fun tropical design and great common areas. Their fabulous on-site bar is always bustling and offers daily happy hours and craft beers. The hostel is located right at the beach, so you can grab your favourite cocktail and enjoy the beautiful sunsets by the water.
If you are looking for a hostel with plenty of fun activities, the Roots Family is a perfect choice. You can join other guests and go for snorkelling, horse riding, hiking, walking tours, and even fishing. The common areas are hosting regular events like live music, cooking classes, themed dinner nights, and much more. The hostel is perfectly located nearby the main party zone in the town.
Casa Wolaba in Puerto Viejo is a party paradise, buzzing with daily events like beer pong and live music nights. Its lively bar and social patio spark electric vibes, perfect for mingling. Steps from beach bars and clubs, it’s a gem for an epic, party-packed adventure in Costa Rica’s vibrant Caribbean scene.
How Puerto Viejo's nightlife zones break down
The town’s main drag, Calle 215, is where you’ll find most hostels, bars, and restaurants. It’s compact: everything is within a 10-minute walk: and the beach is never more than a few steps away. The area gets lively after dark, with music spilling out of open-air bars and food stalls serving late-night snacks.
A 15-minute bike ride from town, this neighbourhood feels more laid-back. The beach here is quieter, and the hostels are tucked into the jungle, offering a mix of party and peace. It’s a good spot if you want to surf during the day and still have easy access to town at night.
Further east, Punta Uva is all about nature. The beaches are pristine, and the jungle comes right up to the shore. There are no hostels here: just a few eco-lodges and beachfront bars. It’s a 30-minute bike ride from town, but worth it for the scenery. Perfect for a day trip or a quiet escape.
Where the hostel pub crawls end up, and where to go on your own
This open-air bar is the heartbeat of Puerto Viejo’s nightlife. Reggae and dancehall spill onto the sand, and the crowd: backpackers, surfers, and locals: keeps the energy high until 2 AM. Happy hour runs from 4-6 PM, with £3 cocktails and £2 beers. Get there early to grab a table near the fire pits.
A two-storey bar with a rooftop terrace that fills up by 11 PM. The music leans toward salsa and Latin beats, but you’ll hear everything from hip-hop to electronic. Entry is free before midnight, but drinks aren’t cheap: expect to pay £5 for a cocktail. The crowd is a mix of travellers and expats.
Tucked inside Rocking J’s Hostel, this bar is a favourite for backpackers. It’s cheap (£2 beers, £4 cocktails), loud, and open until 3 AM. The vibe is casual: think flip-flops and hammocks: and the crowd spills into the hostel’s garden for impromptu jungle parties. No cover charge.
A sports bar by day, a party spot by night. Stanford’s draws a rowdy crowd with £1 shots during happy hour (6-8 PM) and a dance floor that gets packed after 11 PM. The music is a mix of reggaeton and pop, and the staff don’t tolerate bad behaviour: so keep it friendly. Entry is free.
A chilled beachfront bar that turns into a sunset party spot. Arrive by 5 PM to claim a bean bag on the sand and watch the sky turn pink. By 8 PM, the music shifts to reggae and the cocktails (£5) start flowing. It’s a great place to start the night before heading into town.
A local dive bar with a jukebox and a pool table. Selvin’s doesn’t look like much, but it’s where you’ll find the best stories: and the cheapest drinks. Beers cost £1.50, and the crowd is a mix of old-school locals and travellers who’ve been in town too long. Open until 2 AM.