Smile Jungle Hostel

Location: C/ El Tucán, Puerto Viejo, cr

Star Rating: 9.2 Stars

Property Type: Guest houses

About this Property

Important Information

Policies

Check-in: 02:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Check-out: 11:00 AM

Amenities & Facilities

• Offsite parking discounted rates available
• Guest education on local ecosystems and culture
• Non-smoking rooms
• Family rooms
• Pets allowed
• Luggage storage
• Express check-in/check-out
• Tour desk
• Car hire
• Private check-in/check-out
• Shared lounge/TV area
• Board games/puzzles
• Shuttle service (additional charge)
• Shared kitchen
• Public Bath
• Outdoor furniture
• Staff adhere to local safety protocols
• Guest rooms disinfected between stays
• Cleaning standards that are effective against Coronavirus
• Physical distancing rules followed
• Fire extinguishers
• First aid kit available
• Sanitized tableware & silverware
• Contactless check-in/check-out
• Guests can opt-out any cleaning services during stay
• Key access
• Food delivered to guest room
• CCTV outside property
• Access to health care professionals
• 24-hour security
• Delivered food - securely covered
• Television in common areas
• Front desk (limited hours)
• Express check-in
• Free wired internet
• Self parking (surcharge)
• Airport transportation - pickup (surcharge)
• Airport transportation - drop-off (surcharge)
• Offsite parking discounted rates available
• Internet access
• Private picnics
• Reception hall
• Japanese garden
• Covered parking
• Bicycle-friendly property
• Beach toys
• Guest education on local ecosystems and culture
• Accessible shuttle
• No accessible shuttle
• Accessible train station shuttle
• No accessible train station shuttle

Rooms Available

• Twin Room with Shared Bathroom

  Meals can be prepared in the well-fitted kitchen, which has a stovetop, a refrigerator, kitchenware and an oven. This twin room has a seating area, a patio, garden views and a shared bathroom. The unit has 2 beds.

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Kitchenette
  • Refrigerator
  • Seating Area
  • Fan
  • Microwave
  • Shared toilet
  • Kitchen
  • Dining area
  • Mosquito net
  • Oven
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster
  • Coffee machine
  • Linen
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Outdoor dining area
  • Entire unit located on ground floor
  • Toilet paper
  • Board games/puzzles
  • Books, DVDs, or music for children
  • Socket near the bed
  • Fire extinguisher

• Single Bed in Female Dormitory Room

  Max Occupancy: 1 (1 Adults)

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Kitchenette
  • Refrigerator
  • Seating Area
  • Fan
  • Microwave
  • Shared toilet
  • Kitchen
  • Dining area
  • Mosquito net
  • Oven
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster
  • Coffee machine
  • Linen
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Outdoor dining area
  • Entire unit located on ground floor
  • Toilet paper
  • Board games/puzzles
  • Books, DVDs, or music for children
  • Socket near the bed
  • Fire extinguisher

• Economy Triple Room With Shared Bathroom

  This triple room has a shared bathroom and a dining area. The fully equipped kitchenette features a refrigerator, kitchenware and a toaster. Guests can benefit from a patio and an outdoor dining area. The unit offers 3 beds.

  Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)

  • Kitchenette
  • Refrigerator
  • Fan
  • Dining area
  • Toaster
  • Outdoor dining area
  • Entire unit located on ground floor
  • Hearing accessible

• Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory Room

  Meals can be prepared in the kitchen, which comes with a stovetop, a refrigerator, kitchenware and an oven. Among the room amenities are a tea and coffee maker, a seating area, a dining area as well as a patio and garden views.

  Max Occupancy: 1 (1 Adults)

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Kitchenette
  • Refrigerator
  • Seating Area
  • Fan
  • Microwave
  • Shared toilet
  • Kitchen
  • Dining area
  • Mosquito net
  • Oven
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster
  • Coffee machine
  • Linen
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Outdoor dining area
  • Entire unit located on ground floor
  • Toilet paper
  • Board games/puzzles
  • Books, DVDs, or music for children
  • Socket near the bed
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Hearing accessible

• Double Room With Shared Bathroom

  This double room offers a shared bathroom, and a dining area. Guests can make meals in the fully equipped kitchenette that features a refrigerator, kitchenware and a toaster. Guests can enjoy a patio and an outdoor dining area. The unit offers 2 beds.

  Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)

  • Kitchenette
  • Refrigerator
  • Fan
  • Dining area
  • Toaster
  • Outdoor dining area
  • Entire unit located on ground floor
  • Hearing accessible

• Double Room With Shared Bathroom

  This double room offers a shared bathroom, and a dining area. A kitchenette fitted with a refrigerator, kitchenware and a toaster is available for cooking and storing food. Guests can enjoy a patio and an outdoor dining area. The unit has 1 bed.

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Kitchenette
  • Refrigerator
  • Fan
  • Dining area
  • Toaster
  • Outdoor dining area
  • Entire unit located on ground floor
  • Hearing accessible

• Double Room With Shared Bathroom

  This double room has a shared bathroom and a dining area. Guests can make meals in the kitchenette that features a refrigerator, kitchenware and a toaster. Guests can make the most of a patio and an outdoor dining area. The unit has 1 bed.

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Kitchenette
  • Refrigerator
  • Fan
  • Dining area
  • Toaster
  • Outdoor dining area
  • Entire unit located on ground floor
  • Hearing accessible

• Basic Triple Room with Shared Bathroom

  The well-fitted kitchen features a stovetop, a refrigerator, kitchenware and an oven. This triple room has a seating area, a patio, garden views and a shared bathroom. The unit offers 2 beds.

  Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Kitchenette
  • Refrigerator
  • Seating Area
  • Fan
  • Microwave
  • Shared toilet
  • Kitchen
  • Dining area
  • Mosquito net
  • Oven
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster
  • Coffee machine
  • Linen
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Outdoor dining area
  • Entire unit located on ground floor
  • Toilet paper
  • Board games/puzzles
  • Books, DVDs, or music for children
  • Socket near the bed
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Hearing accessible

• Double Room with Shared Bathroom

  In the fully equipped kitchen, guests will find a stovetop, a refrigerator, kitchenware and an oven. This double room has a seating area, a patio, garden views and a shared bathroom. The unit has 1 bed.

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Kitchenette
  • Refrigerator
  • Seating Area
  • Fan
  • Microwave
  • Shared toilet
  • Kitchen
  • Dining area
  • Mosquito net
  • Oven
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster
  • Coffee machine
  • Linen
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Outdoor dining area
  • Entire unit located on ground floor
  • Toilet paper
  • Board games/puzzles
  • Books, DVDs, or music for children
  • Socket near the bed
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Hearing accessible

Guest Reviews

• Mira (10/5): - Great brekfast, good vibes. You have to walk a littlebit to reach Puerto Viejo, but I loved the quiet and to be so near the jungle. The guy running it is very nice and super helpful. Wish I could've stayed longer!
• Guillaume (10/5): - La gentillesse des hôtes, Gonzalo toujours le sourire et prêt à aider, au coeur de la nature, tranquillité, petit déjeuner très bon, excellent rapport qualité prix! Rien
• Renate (10/5): - Host and his mama are lovely. Breakfast is yummie. Location is good. Beautiful beaches and jungle around. Would definitely go back!
• DutchTraveller74 (10/5): - It is obvious that the owner has put a lot of thought into this fairly new hostel. The kitchen is very clean, has a toaster, a microwave and a large fridge for guest. There is free drinking water available. The bathroom is very nice with spacious showers and toilets. Great water pressure and hot water. There is even a hairdryer for those who need one. The beds in the dorm are very comfortable and have good mosquito nets. Each bed has its own fan, power outlet, light and curtains. The windows are always open but are covered with good quality mosquito mesh. Everything is well maintained and very clean. The hostel is surrounded by jungle and has a very nice garden. It is also very quiet here except for the noises that the animals make. It is very easy to meet other travellers here and there are a lot of spaces to relax. All in all it is just a very good hostel and I was happy that I stayed here. Be aware though that this is no party hostel. People come here because it is so peaceful and for being surrounded by Costa Rica's beautiful nature.
• Gio Jiménez (10/5): - La atención de Gonzalo Todo bien
• Elzen (8/5): -
• Mariana Rocio (9/5): - Smile Jungle te recibe con mucha buena onda, muy dispuestos a ayudar. El lugar es muy lindo, cercano a la naturaleza y fácil acceso a playas y restaurantes. El desayuno riquisimo. Limpio y ordenado Recomiendo!
• Nick (10/5): - Das ist eins der besten Hostels in denen ich in drei Monaten reise durch Costa Rica gewesen bin. Es gab heißes Wasser in der Dusche ein Mosquitonetz, Ventilator und Vorhänge gab es im dorm room auch. Es ist alles sauber und in der Küche ist alles was man braucht vorhanden. Es herrscht ein super Vibe in dem Hostel. Man kann tukäne und Papageien und ganz viele andere Tiere dort sehen. Gonzalo ist super nett und hilfsbereit und hat jeden Morgen Frühstück gemacht und für mich sogar Veganes Frühstück 💚! Ich habe meinen Aufenthalt verlängert weil es mir dort so gut gefallen hat. Bushaltestelle ist ca 800 Meter entfernt. Ich kann das Hostel nur empfehlen!!!
• Johanna (9/5): - Der Besitzer war sehr freundlich und aufgeschlossen, man hat sich direkt wohl gefühlt! Außerdem konnte man durch die schöne Lage einige Wildtiere spotten. Es gab leider keine Klimaanlage, aber der Ventilator war ausreichend über Nacht.
• Vasileios (10/5): - We've been travelling for more than 3 months, and this is one of our favourite accommodations. Gonzalo is an amazing host, making you feel extremely welcome. He really paid attention to every detail. The hostel provided everything needed for a traveller and even more. Clean facilities, warm water, well equipped kitchen, very beautiful common area. The breakfast was delicious and his mother is a sweetheart. The location of the hostel between the trees is amazing, and Cocles is very convenient to explore Puerto Viejo, Manzanillo etc. We also spot many toucans from the garden. If you are lucky you might see a sloth. Definitely recommend staying here!
• Killa Yolanda (10/5): - La estancia en el hostel de Gonzalo en la jungla costarricense ha sido maravillosa. Es un tipo de turismo tranquilo, para estar en contacto con la naturaleza y los animales. Por la mañana disfrutamos de un estupendo desayuno preparado por él mismo con todo el cariño. La conexion a internet es buena y las instalaciones en perfecto estado. A la noche refresca, lo cual se agradece mucho, y se escucha una sinfonía de animales que hace que la experiencia sea totalmente inmersiva. Además, Gonzalo nos asesoró cada día sobre que actividades realizar y pudimos aprovechar nuestro tiempo al máximo. Repetiríamos sin dudar! Un abrazo muy fuerte a Gonzalo y su madre, son geniales.
• Natalia (10/5): Es un lugar lleno de naturaleza, cómodo y con los mejores desayunos que he probado!! 100% recomendado - Lo que más me gusto fue que estaba en medio de muchos animales y los desayunos que hacía Gonzalo!! Nada
• Adan (9/5): - Su ambiente es bien tranquilo, donde te relajas bastante, hay varios árboles alrededor y un bonito jardín. Yo estuve una semana y al tercer día ya me sentía bien relajado. Un hostel con habitaciones compartidas y baños limpios. El desayuno incluido es muy bueno y abundante. Se pasan buenas vacaciones y se hacen buenos amigos también. La playa cocles está cerca para llegar caminando.
• Mylène (10/5): Je recommande Smile sans hésiter! Je me sentais comme chez moi :) Merci Gonzalo - Le owner Gonzalo était vraiment gentil, accueillant et il a été très généreux ! Le fait d’être dans la jungle et que la fenêtre de la chambre soit un moustiquaire ça me donnait l’impression d’être à l’extérieur, avec le bruit des animaux et de la pluie c’était magique! C’était une belle expérience pour moi :) Il y avait un séchoir, lit confortable et bel espace pour se rassembler!
• Josephine (10/5): Bestes Hostel in Costa Rica! - Die Lage mitten im Dschungel is wunderschön. Wir hatten ein Zimmer mit zwei Betten, es war super vie Platz, auch zum Wäsche aufhängen. Das Frühstück ist sehr lecker und der ganze Ort ist sehr sauber. Vielen Dank!
• Diego (10/5): - Naturaleza al 100, excelentes instalaciones, lugar cómodo y seguro para alojarte, pero lo mejor de todo, la atención de Gonzalo, un tipazo! No duden en hospedarse aquí. Super recomendado!
• Inmaculada (10/5): Un lujo de hostal - Superó las expectativas, es una experiencia brutal levantarse con sonidos de pura selva, el dueño es un cielo ✨ Todo tipo de detalles. Todo perfecto 👌
• Joanne (10/5): - L’environnement magnifique La gentillesse de Gonzalo et ses bons conseils Les meilleurs petits déjeuners du Costa Rica ! La proximité avec Cocles et Puerto Viejo Les grandes chambres avec lits confortables et immersion dans la jungle Beaucoup d’animaux à proximité : belles araignées, agutis, paresseux, oiseaux… C’est particulièrement magique quand il pleut ! Les douches pourraient être un peu plus propres mais rien de très grave :) Cela ne m’a pas dérangée mais si vous souhaitez dormir dans le noir total, vous vous réveillerez avec la lumière du jour (et les chants des oiseaux et des singes)
• Pepernik (10/5): - Das Frühstück war ein richtiges Highlight 😍
• Mivomo (10/5): -
• Axel (10/5): - Very clean and beautiful location Breakfast was amazing!
• Yanel Sánchez (9/5): - Una intención genuina de hacer las cosas bien. Y eso se siente. Se nota en los detalles, desde los desayunos —completos... bien resueltos— hasta lo esencial, que está cubierto con sentido y sin complicaciones. El lugar además tiene su historia: fue un establo que se transformó con bastante acierto, respetando el entorno y adaptándose a lo que hoy es, un espacio chévere y acogedor para viajeros de todas partes del mundo. No intenta impresionar desde el lujo, sino desde algo más honesto: la comodidad y el cuidado. Al final, lo que más me gustó es eso, la sensación de que aquí hay ganas reales de recibir bien, de que uno esté a gusto.
• Karolina (10/5): Beautiful nature stay, comfortable beds, very clean shared bathroom, and an exceptionally friendly host, Gonzalo. - We had a really great time staying here! We booked a single room and were very happy with our choice. The accommodation itself is thoughtfully designed with a lot of attention to lovely detail, and being surrounded by nature made the whole experience even more special. The beds are soft and comfortable, and the shared bathroom was always clean during our stay. Breakfast was absolutely delicious, and the host, Gonzalo, is honestly one of the best we’ve ever had - incredibly friendly, funny, and made us feel at home :)
• Maria (10/5): - Esta como su nombre indica en mitad de la naturaleza y durante el día y sobretodo la noche es muy frecuente escuchar todo tipo de animales. El desayuno riquísimo, muy cerca de la playa, y el dueño muy buen anfitrión. De los que estuve en costa rica fue mi favorito
• Frank (10/5): Außergewöhnlich mit kulinarischem Frühstück - Einmalige und außergewöhnliche Unterkunft🥰 Die Idee aus einem alten Pferdestall eine kleines Hostel zu errichten, finde ich super. Und das allerbeste „Das Frühstück“ 🤤. Mein absolutes Highlight und geschmacklich unvergessen. Wer mitten im Jungle in einem sehr liebevoll errichtetem Hostel übernachten möchte und noch on top ein traumhaftes Frühstück genießen will, ist hier genau richtig 🫶🏻 Mückenspray benutzen 😁 sonst werdet ihr hier nachts zur Hauptspeise!
• Tom (10/5): - Great place to stay! Good breakfast, clean rooms and very nice host with lots of tips of what to do!
• Adriana (10/5): Exceptional - 5 months of traveling around the world, this is my absolute favourite hostel I came across. The place offers you beautiful surroundings with jungle sounds that you get to sleep to, wake up to and shower to. This place exceeded my expectations so much. Comfortable beds, beautiful kitchen and garden. The breakfast the host would cook for every single guest was so delicious, cooked with love and warmth that can be tasted in every bite. I loved it so much that I even extended my stay and came straight back after a trip to Bocas del Toro that I could book with the help of the owner. Gonzalo is the best host you could wish for, he will share the love and light he carries with you. And the volunteers were such amazing people carrying the same love and light! Bonus for all the animals you can see from the place and the owners cat Frijolito.
• Erick (10/5): Entorno natural - El entorno natural, muchas aves por la mañana, Gonzalo un gran anfitrión. El lugar muy limpio y cómodo. El parqueo es limitado.
• Lukasz (10/5): - The best part is location, in the forest, far from main road, You can enjoy nature sounds. Delicious breakfast, easygoing host, felt like home.
• ÁLVARO (10/5): -
• Shany (10/5): - Gonzalo was so nice and welcoming! Since the moment we arrived till the moment we left we felt welcomed and home. The breakfast is delicious!!! And Gonzalo even made us breakfast out of breakfast hours on the day we left just to make sure we will not be hungry :)!
• Jérôme (10/5): -
• Naoual (10/5): Fantastisch! - Wat begon als een verblijf van 2 nachten, werd uiteindelijk een onvergetelijke tijd van maar liefst 9 nachten; en dat zegt eigenlijk alles. Dit is zonder twijfel de meest warme, liefdevolle en gastvrije plek waar je zal verblijven. Gonzalo is echt de allerbeste host die je je kunt wensen. Hij doet er alles aan om je verblijf perfect te maken en gaat altijd net dat stapje verder. Je voelt je hier geen gast, maar echt thuis; verzorgd, veilig en in goede handen. En het ontbijt… wauw. Elke ochtend weer een feestje, duidelijk made with love 💛 -
• Irene (10/5): Un rincón maravilloso - Gonzalo ha creado en mitad de la naturaleza un entorno sostenible y precioso. El trato recibido por él fue inmejorable y las estancias estaban limpias. Si quieres dormir en mitad de la selva, fomentando un turismo responsable, esta es tu opción.
• Magdalena (10/5): - Gonzalo is super friendly and helps you with everything during your stay, he has a lot of tips where to go and what to do. Seems like he knows every guest by their name, which makes you feel like home. Furthermore he‘s a great chef and breakfast is delicious! It‘s quite close to cocles beach, but quite a but from Puerto Viejo. If you are looking for a peaceful place, trying to see some animals, that‘s the place to be!
• Lorena (9/5): Bellissima esperienza nella giungla - La gentilezza di Gonzalo e l’atmosfera tranquilla e rilassata del luogo.
• Benmansour (8/5): Wonderful jungle vibes and a welcoming host! - Gonzalo is very nice, friendly, and funny, and he communicates his enthusiasm in a very genuine way, which we really appreciated. Breakfast was excellent and made with love :) We loved falling asleep and waking up to the sounds of the jungle - it’s a beautiful and immersive experience. However, the closeness of the rooms and the fact that everything is open to the outside can be an issue in terms of privacy and comfort. Regarding the shared bathrooms, two showers and two toilets are not enough for around 15 people. The showers could also be cleaned more frequently. We understand that the water comes from rain, but there was an unpleasant smell in the showers, possibly due to the high humidity.
• Mike (10/5): - Wir lieben das Smile Jungle Hostel. Wir hatten eine sehr gute Erfahrung hier. Unser Privatzimmer war sauber und ruhig! In der Unterkunft herrscht eine ruhige und familiäre Atmosphäre. Gonzalo (der Besitzer) und die Freiwilligen leisten tolle Arbeit. 100% Empfehlung. Frühstück ist top. Und wir haben sogar ein Faultier (mit Baby), Agutis, Tukane und Brüllaffen von der Unterkunft gesehen. Wir können das Hostel jedem empfehlen. Es war so gut, dass wir verlängert haben! Danke Gonzalo!
• JIANCHENG (10/5): -
• Sara Celeste (8/5): -
• Montero (10/5): -
• Lina (10/5): - Super nette Menschen, sehr hilfsbereit! Total schön mitten im Jungle.
• Chloé (10/5): - Le Smile Jungle Hostel a été le premier endroit où j’ai logé en arrivant au Costa Rica en tant que voyageuse solo, et je m’y suis sentie merveilleusement bien. Gonzalo est très réactif, d’une extrême gentillesse, et c’est un vrai plaisir d’être dans ce lieu où l’on ressent autant d’amour. J’y ai rencontré des personnes adorables ! L’auberge est située dans un endroit magique, entourée d’animaux. Merci beaucoup 🫶
• Jean Paul (10/5): -
• DANIEL (10/5): Increíble. De repetir - La atención de Gonzalo fue fantástica. Las instalaciones son muy muy buenas, un desayuno increíble con todo el café que quieras y camas demasiado cómodas. El mejor hostal en el que estuvimos en Costa Rica!
• martina (10/5): - Espectaculat! El hostel es hermoso, en medio de la selva. Cerca de supermercados y de bares y restaurantes. El desayuno es riquísimo y Gonzalo te atiende con la mejor de las ondas!
• Gabriela (10/5): Perfecta estancia calidad - precio - La ubicación es excelente! Gonzalo es demasiado amable y siempre estuvo pendiente de cualquier duda o situación. El desayuno muy completo y bueno. Las instalaciones muy limpias. Lugar perfecto para conectar con la naturaleza. Todo perfecto
• Guest (10/5): We had a fantastic time here. So many birds. Such good breakfasts. Such a friendly owner. - Gonzalo is a fantastic breakfast cook! His place is rustic, pleasant, clean, and friendly, and he is working hard to make it even better. If you want to be close to birds and wildlife, and away from the noise of town, this is your place. A grocery market, the beach, and even the Jaguar Rescue Center are within easy walking distance, but if you prefer to rent a bike ($7/day), you can do that too. We rode bikes both to Puerto Viejo and down to Manzanillo. When you visit, give Frijolito a few pets for us. The short hill on the gravel road just before the entrance... But it's worth it! Some people won't like the outdoor spiders, but they are completely harmless.
• Nadine (10/5): it was such a lovely place to stay in, very chill vibe, lots of animals, lovely host (: - location, facilities, host, movie night -
• Marium (10/5): -
• Jaione (8/5): - El lugar ubicado en un entorno salvaje, los desayunos que te prepara Gonzalo y las luces de la habitación. Lavabos no muy prácticos y estaría genial alguna zona en común más
• Jana (10/5): Wir haben uns total willkommen gefühlt, und alles war super familiär. Wir haben uns zu jederzeit wohlgefühlt, und der Ho - Das kostenlose Frühstück!! /
• Erick (8/5): -
• Linispin (10/5): Una semana increíble - El ambiente, la conexión con la jungla y la espectacular atención de Gonza, realmente se dedica a que estés a gusto y disfrutes al maximo. Todo fue perfecto.
• Abraham (8/5): -
• Mora Salazar (9/5): Excelente natural - Excelente lugar muy natural el precio y el servivio geniales. Super recomendado
• Maria veronica (10/5): - Se encuentra en el medio de la selva. Ambiente súper tranquilo, Gonzalo muy atento con los huéspedes. El desayuno delicioso y sobre todo sano.
• Luis Alonso (9/5): 100% RECOMENDADO - La camadería, lo cercano a la jungla, lo cercano al centro de comercio. No hay un comedor como tal para sentarse con comodidad, si tienen su espacio abierto para consumir alimentos tipo sala al aire libre que facilita la convivencia. El dueño, don Eduardo genial, muy pendiente de todo....Recomendado
• Fer Bolaños Lobo (8/5): - Las instalaciones muy bonitas llenas de naturaleza y la atención excelente Un poco lo alejado d la playa
• Ana Maria (9/5): !Lugar totalmente recomendable!! - en plena naturaleza pero a pocos minutos de todos los servicios. Decorado con mucho encanto, limpio y con cómodas camas. Lo mejor, Gonzalo el propietario , en todo momento atento, amable, nos ha hecho sentir como en casa y prepara unos desayunos exquisitos. Nada
• Zahi (10/5): - Lieu très agréable dans la jungle. Le gérant est super sympathique, avec en prime un très bon petit déjeuner au réveil préparé par ses soins. Lieu bien place, bon rapport qualité prix.
• Lisa (10/5): - We loved our stay at smile hostel. The owners are super nice and the kindest people that will go beyond for your wellbeing. The breakfast was amazing and easily the highlight of the day. Gonzalo always had many ideas and tips for us to explore the area. You can only feel at home here and it’s the perfect place to unwind a little bit. Since the place is located in the jungle you will have the unique experience of everything that comes with it and get the chance to see many cool animals from the doorstep. Therefore the city and the beach is a bit further away but with bikes, tuk tuk or uber totally manageable. We actually loved riding the bikes and exploring hidden beaches. We hope to come back someday
• Jorge (10/5): Volvería sin dudarlo ,increíble el lugar y el anfitrión Gonzalo una persona estupenda - El lugar es salvaje , una experiencia única,Gonzalo el anfitrión una persona estupenda nos aconsejó en todo ,prepara unos desayunos deliciosos , es muy familiar
• Christin (8/5): - Liebevoll eingerichtet Gutes Frühstück Mückennetz über das Bett Das Wasser in der Dusche wurde nicht richtig warm Man kann nicht mit der Kreditkarte zahlen
• Ghazi (9/5): Great. I have enjoyed it very much and the breakfast is delicious - Great owner and very friendly staff Everything g
• Juan (10/5): An Absolute Gem for Nature, Work, and Good Vibes! - ​I was searching for a place to truly connect with nature, work in peace, and meet like-minded, positive people. This place was absolutely all of that and so much more! From the tranquil surroundings to the welcoming atmosphere, it exceeded every expectation. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a unique and fulfilling getaway! Nothing
• Julie (10/5): Amazing Smile Jungle time - I had a lovely stay here (stayed about 2 weeks) and will keep good memories from it :) If you want a getaway from the party hostel and a chill vibe this is the place to be. Gonzalo and his mom made everything perfect and always had a friendly smile. You can have an amazing breakfast, movie nights, and good talks. You can spot some animals around, kitchen is well set up, everything is always clean, beds confortable with curtains in the dorms for privacy. Definitely recommend. Gonzalo will make everything to make you happy and give you good recommendations (he also does good pesto pizza and jamaica flower drink ✨️🙏). Thanks a lot ☀️☺️ Nothing
• Johanna (10/5): Exceptional - Gonzalo is a really nice host who makes the best breakfast and always gives good tips on how to get around the area and what to do there. The Hostel is really nice in the middle of the jungle which makes staying there already half the experience.
• Natalia (10/5): Highly recommended - One of the best hostels I’ve stayed at. The owner, Gonzalo, really puts his soul into this place and you can see it in tiny details like night sky projectors in every room. I will happily stay here again if I come back to Puerto Viejo. Nothing
• Antonela (9/5): I have enjoyed my stay at Smile Jungle, and would recommend to others. - The Hostel is located in a special silent location, surrounded by jungle and plenty of wild animals. The breakfast was freshly cooked every morning, with love and attention, and you could feel it in the taste. Both Gonzalo and his mother were very friendly, helpful and you could feel the cosy atmosphere🥰 The rooms could be closed for better protection, for those who feel safe with doors closed at night. Also a resting/patio area would help in future.
• Micheal (10/5): Great job! - We loved staying in Smile Jungle Hostel, from the first minute to the last. Gonzalo is an amazing host and this was our favourite accommodation in Central America. You feel right at home because everything you could possibly need is available and Gonzalo is always so warm and positive. Bonus points for su madre and for showing us our first sloth! 😊 Gracias por todo! Everything was great.
• Genro (10/5): Complete jungle immersion - I loved everything! The setting is exceptional - there is no better place to hear and see the full spectrum of the jungle activity day and night. The new argentinian owner, Gonzalo, is fully dedicated to making this place an unforgettable experience for everyone. I especially appreciated all the eco-friendly touches he added to the main building. He is very consciencious and knows Costa Rica inside out. And If you don't usually like bunk beds, give this a try: the high wooden roof make the rooms feel very spacious, and the upper bunk is next to the windows screen and the jungle outside, with a net, privacy curtain, reading light and fan. Top confort. The general vibes of the hostel were chill, and guests were all happy to extend their stay. As a plus, the best grocery store in the region is just down the road.
• Kate (10/5): Exceptional - Gonzalo is the loveliest host! He is so warm and welcoming- we enjoyed every moment of our stay from the laughs and smiles with Gonzalo to the delicious breakfast, not to mention the amazing wildlife around you! It is such a relaxing place and very clean. Can’t recommend it enough! Thank you Gonzalo🧡🏝️🍍🌴🐠💕
• David (10/5): Highly highly recommended to stay there 😁 - We had a great time at Smile Jungle Hostel :) The owner is really friendly and did everything to make our stay as pleasant as possible. At first, we booked for 3 nights and then we extended for one more week because it's fantastic! The breakfast is very nice and made with love. I love the chilled, non-party vibes, the cinema evenings with the lovely projector, and the surroundings full of animals and jungle sounds. Highly recommended!
• Aniek (10/5): Fantastic stay! - We stayed at Smile Jungle Hostel for 3 nights and it was great! A very warm and personal welcome, everything was explained very well. The host Gonzalo and his mother are doing a great job, you would not think they only have started 1 month ago! The hostel is very cosy. Good showers and kitchen. If we needed anything, we could just ask or send a WhatsApp. The breakfast is the best we had so far in de past month. You can see and hear a lot of animals around the hostel. Thank you so much for the great stay! Would recommand it to everyone!
• Lizzie (10/5): Exceptional - The owner and his mum were so welcoming and helpful! They made us great breakfast and accommodated for us being vegan. The hostel is in a pretty location and it has a nice chilled vibe. It's clean and comfortable too.
• Nanni (10/5): Exceptional - I really liked the location! It's not in the town center, so you don't have any noise of cars or party at any time of the day, only nature and animals. Still everything is in walking distance and the area felt safe to me. The bed was very comfy and there was a vegetarian breakfast included, which was so good! I saw many animals, so the hostel felt like a little national park :-) and the cat is so cuddly ❤️ overall it has a very nice vibe with super friendly people -
• Sandrine (10/5): Amazing place and very friendly owner!! - We loved everything about this place!!!! The owner was extremely nice and friendly and made sure we have a great experience! Its in the middle of the jungle and you can spot many animals there. The beds are very comfortable, the kitchen is super clean and he has the cutest cat ever! The included breakfast was amazing and probably the best one we had since we are travelling. Highly recommend staying there even longer theres so much to do in this area.
• Mónica (9/5): Gorgeous place, with an amazing host - Room was very spacious, very clean and aesthetically very pleasing. Bed & pillows were super comfortable. Bathroom very clean and with hot water. Super well equipped kitchen; also very clean. Complimentary breakfast was delicious, with a couple options available. Super safe for a solo traveler, and super convenient for someone traveling with a dog. The premises are surrounded by the jungle, which makes the experience even more fulfilling. Maybe you're lucky and you can see sloths, monkeys and/or tucanos. Gonzalo is a wonderful host, making sure you are taken care of. He makes you feel at home. Hadn't I had a flight already booked, I would have stayed longer!
• Shaina (10/5): Value for money - Super friendly hosts, pet friendly place, clean, very near to most of the beaches
• Abby (7/5): Good -
• Charlotte (9/5): A tranquil and affordable part of Puerto Viejo! - Very friendly staff! Super helpful, thank you for everything! Nothing we didn’t like!
• Getch (10/5): Lovely - Beautiful area. Friendly staff As with any hostel, your experience is largely dependent on the other guests
• Alejandro (10/5): Exceptional - Everything was good I really like it Nothing everything was perfect
• Garry (9/5): Perfect nature connection! - Great value for money! If you are looking to connect with the nature, this is the place.
• Emily (3/5): Improvements Needed - The hosts did try to be welcoming but unfortunately the minuses overshadow positives by a long shot NO WIFI: This was the largest disappointment. There is a wifi signal near the kitchen but it does not reach all the rooms. I would never knowingly book a room without wifi so wish I skipped this place; especially since I missed a $2500 work opportunity due to no connectivity. CONSTRUCTION NEXT DOOR: Instead of the sounds of nature, wake up to power tools and hammering. In some countries it’s illegal to not warn productive guests of construction so they can make an informed decision to avoid it staying there. Apparently these consumer protections don’t exist in Costa Rica. You will be stuck hearing construction even though you never consented to that. NO HOT WATER: Room temperature is good as it gets. It definitely cannot be called “hot water” with any honesty. OTHER DISAPPOINTMENTS:, No Towel, Only 1 Outlet on the Opposite Side of the Room, You Can Hear Everything Your Neighbors Do, Spider web with live spiders close to the bed
• Miguel (7/5): Good -
• Simon (8/5): Very good -
• Tienke (7/5): Good - Nice and quiet accommodation in the middle of the jungle. Sodas/restaurants/beach were just a few minutes away (10 min?), we rented bikes at the accommodation to get there. Sol was very helpfull. Enjoyed our stay. Everything was good
• Talita (10/5): Worth your stay - The service at the place was excellent: 10 out of 10 to Francisco, Leo and Sol! The place is simple but cozy and in harmony with nature. Located in the middle of the jungle. Nothing to say 😍
• Antonie (10/5): Exceptional - Very interesting concept for affordable accommodation. Clean and friendly staff
• Julia (10/5): Exceptional - Nice, cozy rooms surrounded by beautiful nature. If you're looking for a hotel to wind down and relax, we highly recommend this place! The owners are three wonderful ladies who will do everything do help you out during your stay. They also rent bikes so you can get to town and beaches easily within 20 minutes. They gave plenty of recommendations for places to visit as well. Definitely worth a stay!
• Weronika (10/5): Absolutely unique experience of living in comfy room in the middle of the jungle, with all the monkeys, butterflies, sti - Animals in the garden
• Matthijs (9/5): Superb -
• Will (10/5): Loved it here so I kept extending my stay - Nature, owners are friendly and welcoming, sleeping like a baby in the jungle, vibes nothing

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