Hostels in Golfito, Costa Rica

Located along Costa Rica’s southern Pacific Coast, the port town of Golfito is surrounded by a spectacular evergreen forest, with trails leading from the northern part of town into the Golfito Wildlife Refuge – part of the National Parks of Costa Rica. Boasting some of the tallest rainforests in Central America, this area is home to a thriving eco-tourism industry.

The town has roots as a region primarily used for banana growing, which led to the development of southern Costa Rica’s largest port here in Golfito. The United Fruit Company, which ran the banana industry, closed in 1985, and since then, the town has relied on hospitality as its primary economic driver. With sparkling, calm water and warm sand, Golfito is home to some of the most spectacular beaches Costa Rica has to offer.

Accommodation is varied here, but hostels are quite popular with eco-tourists. Many hotels and lodges offer fishing packages, as sport fishing is one of the main tourist attractions in Golfito. Hostels are also frequently visited by surfers, as many of the beaches south of Golfito, including Playa Zancudo, Pilon, and Pavones, are ideal for surfing.

Water sports are a big draw for visitors here, but you can also walk to the beach from your hotel or hostel and just enjoy the relaxing water and tropical climate. Yachting and boating are popular pastimes for both locals and tourists, and Golfito sees a number of guests stopping by as cruise ships drop in for the day.

There is a ferry available to Golfito from Puerto Jimenez, but tourists flying into the airport there can also reach Golfito by bus or taxi. Roads in this area are usually non-paved, but there are several 4x4 taxi services to bring guests to destinations in and around Golfito. There is a small domestic airport in Golfito, as well.