Pura Vida Hostel

Playa Tamarindo


Inside this leafy compound are dorms and private rooms accented by trippy murals and mirrored mosaics. The vibe is friendly and chill, especially in the common kitchens and rancho (small house-like building), furnished with hammocks and rocking chairs. It sometimes organizes open-mic nights and live music in keeping with the rock-star-themed rooms. Bikes and boards are available for rent, too.

This is not the Mini Pura Vida Hostel, who 'borrowed' the name in an unpleasant business breakup.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Playa Tamarindo attractions

3. Sibu Sanctuary

24.64 MILES

Reservations are required to visit this wildlife sanctuary, set on 50 glorious acres of jungle and garden. The sanctuary is dedicated to rescuing,…

4. Reserva Biológica Nosara

25.29 MILES

The private 35-hectare reserve behind Lagarta Lodge has trails leading through a mangrove wetland down to the river and beach. Stop in the Lagarta lobby…

5. Playa Pelada

26.21 MILES

North of Guiones, Playa Pelada is a family gathering place for sunset, swimming and surfing, though the waves can get a bit rough. On the northern end,…

6. International Animal Rescue Costa Rica

26.79 MILES

Make an appointment to visit this animal rescue center. Brenda Bombard is an incurable animal lover who has devoted two decades to caring for injured and…

7. Playa Guiones

29.17 MILES

Nosara's most developed beach is also a stunner, with a wide, generous arc of marbled sand (and a few pebbles and shells mixed in), excellent beach breaks…

8. Playa Garza

29.8 MILES

From the south, the first beach you'll hit is Playa Garza, still a sleepy Tico fishing village with an arc of pale brown sand, and headlands on either…