3 reviewed party hostels · from €12.64/night · verified ratings
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.
Ranked by verified guest rating · Prices per dorm bed per night
Puerto Viejo isn’t just about palm trees and surfboards. Playa 506 Hostel is in Puerto Viejo Centre, which puts it at the start of that circuit. Johnny’s Place on Calle 215, 50m from the beach. This open-air bar is the heartbeat of Puerto Viejo’s nightlife. Salsa Brava on Calle 215, next to Johnny’s Place is the fallback option if the first place is packed. At €15 a night and rated 9.2. At 9.2, it's near the top of Puerto Viejo's hostel field without being the standout leader.
Puerto Viejo isn’t just about palm trees and surfboards. Roots Family Hostel is in Puerto Viejo Centre, which puts it at the start of that circuit. Johnny’s Place on Calle 215, 50m from the beach. This open-air bar is the heartbeat of Puerto Viejo’s nightlife. Salsa Brava on Calle 215, next to Johnny’s Place is the fallback option if the first place is packed. At €14 a night and rated 9.3. A 9.3 rating is consistently high for Puerto Viejo, it holds up across multiple review cycles.
Puerto Viejo isn’t just about palm trees and surfboards. Casa Wolaba is in Puerto Viejo Centre, which puts it at the start of that circuit. Johnny’s Place on Calle 215, 50m from the beach. This open-air bar is the heartbeat of Puerto Viejo’s nightlife. Salsa Brava on Calle 215, next to Johnny’s Place is the fallback option if the first place is packed. At €13 a night and rated 9.0. At 9.0, it's near the top of Puerto Viejo's hostel field without being the standout leader.
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.
Bars, clubs and live music in Puerto Viejo
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.
What's on in Puerto Viejo