Albergue Churup

This immensely popular family-run hostel continues to win the top budget-choice accolade. Immaculate and comfortable rooms share cushy, colorful lounging areas on every floor. The building is topped by a massive, fireplace-warmed lounge space with magnificent 180-degree views of the Cordillera. If that isn’t enough, the affable Quirós family has built a sauna, there’s a cafe and bar, communal kitchen, a pretty garden, a book exchange, laundry facilities and a travel office that rents out trekking gear and arranges Spanish lessons. Reservations are advised.