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The best hostels in San Carlos

Some of the best backpacker spots in San Carlos

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Panama Beach Lodge, hotel in San Carlos

Set in San Carlos, 80 metres from El Palmar Beach, Panama Beach Lodge offers accommodation with a garden, free private parking and a terrace. At the hostel, the rooms come with a patio.

Awesome location right next to beach. The chill out areas are nice. Good vibes. Family friendly. Awesome staff. Best surf spot and super safe to swim. Our favourite place to visit in Panama. We will be back for sure!
Scored 9.0
9.0
Rated superb
Superb
226 reviews
Price from
£30.60
1 night, 2 adults
Bodhi Hostel & Lounge, hotel in Valle de Anton

Bodhi Hostel & Lounge is located in El Valle and features free WiFi access in all areas, a garden and barbecue facilities. Free parking is available.

The hostel organized 2 activities per day and also had a whatsapp group so it was easy to group up with other people. The room and the bathrooms were clean. The breakfasts was ok - pancakes or French toast. The garden was very nice to hang about and relax. I didn’t use the kitchen but it looked clean.
Scored 8.8
8.8
Rated fabulous
Fabulous
1,194 reviews
Price from
£25.35
1 night, 2 adults
Hostal Lopez El Valle Cabañas, hotel in El Valle

Situated in El Valle, Hostal Lopez El Valle Cabañas has a garden, shared lounge, BBQ facilities, and free WiFi. The accommodation features a shared kitchen, and luggage storage for guests.

On arrival, we were told that we could not use our requested accommodation (at Hostel Lopez El Valle) because there was no electricity. The alternative arrangements made by the owner (a detached house) was sufficient to meet our needs on location and comfort, etc; and possibly at additional cost to them. But we had needs that were not met, unfortunately - see below.
Scored 8.4
8.4
Rated very good
Very good
345 reviews
Price from
£56.69
1 night, 2 adults
The Corner Hostel, hotel in Playa Blanca

Set in Playa Blanca, a few steps from Farallon Beach, The Corner Hostel offers accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a terrace.

Basic, cleanroom. Helpful, friendly staff....loved them!!!! Friendly dogs. Great breakfast and coffee. Located very close to the beach and grocery store
Scored 8.8
8.8
Rated fabulous
Fabulous
391 reviews
Price from
£48.32
1 night, 2 adults
Acuarela Hostal, hotel in Playa Blanca

Set in Playa Blanca, Acuarela Hostal offers beachfront accommodation a few steps from Farallon Beach and offers various facilities, such as a garden and a terrace.

Location was 1 minute walk to beach. Mother/ Daughter host were very nice. Super clean
Scored 8.3
8.3
Rated very good
Very good
260 reviews
Price from
£48.72
1 night, 2 adults
Hostal La Casa de Juan, hotel in Valle de Anton

Hostal La Casa de Juan features a garden, shared lounge, a terrace and bar in Valle de Anton. Featuring a shared kitchen, this property also provides guests with a barbecue.

Nothing!
Scored 7.5
7.5
Rated good
Good
729 reviews
Price from
£30.60
1 night, 2 adults
Taca Tucan Hostel, hotel in Playa Blanca

Taca Tucan Hostel Farallon Panama offers pet-friendly accommodation in Playa Blanca, 30 km from Penonomé. All rooms have a shared bathroom and access to a shared kitchen.

Our host is truly amazing! He is super chill, funny and helpful. He brought us to the beach and market, we even tried his best Italy cooking with the fish he fishing himself. It was very welcoming feeling very good to be there. The cabin we stayed in also is in the backyard, so it has privacy.
Scored 7.5
7.5
Rated good
Good
69 reviews
Price from
£33.66
1 night, 2 adults
Casa Hostal Bouvá, hotel in El Valle

Located in El Valle, Casa Hostal Bouvá features a garden, shared lounge, terrace, and free WiFi throughout the property.

The location is a bit out of town, but next to the starting point of the famous trail. And it was quite. The room was big and we had a Moskito net at the window and the breakfast in the morning was really good. The owner could help us with getting the right bus and with the hikes. We had a lovely stay.
Scored 8.3
8.3
Rated very good
Very good
336 reviews
All hostels in San Carlos
Looking for a hostel?
Budget travellers know that there is no better way to make the most of their trip than by staying at a hostel: save money for exploring during the day, and swap stories with fellow backpackers in the shared kitchen or bar in the evening. Dorm-style bedrooms with shared bathrooms are standard hostel fare, but private rooms are also available for those willing to pay a bit more.

Hostels that guests love in San Carlos

See all
  • Avg. price/night: £37.85
    Scored 9.0
    9.0
    Rated superb
    Superb
     · 226 reviews
    Awesome location right next to beach. The chill out areas are nice. Good vibes. Family friendly. Awesome staff. Best surf spot and super safe to swim. Our favourite place to visit in Panama. We will be back for sure!
    Laura
    Family with young children
  • Avg. price/night: £37.85
    Scored 9.0
    9.0
    Rated superb
    Superb
     · 226 reviews
    Hostel was a 30 second walk from the beach, perfect location! Very chill vibe, hangout areas, good place to meet other travelers.
    C
    Carla
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: £37.85
    Scored 9.0
    9.0
    Rated superb
    Superb
     · 226 reviews
    The location was beachfront & Jose the man incharge of the hostel was wonderful. He did everything to ensure we have a pleasant stay. The chill out area was really nice & we enjoyed the place!
    Francis
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £37.85
    Scored 9.0
    9.0
    Rated superb
    Superb
     · 226 reviews
    Great staff and amazing vibes! Right on the beach, the perfect location if you want to surf or enjoy the beach. Very quiet but in a super safe area.
    Antonio
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: £37.85
    Scored 9.0
    9.0
    Rated superb
    Superb
     · 226 reviews
    Such a beautiful and peaceful spot. The hostel is right on the beach and the staff is so friendly and kind. We did a mobility class and surf lessons and had so much fun! Would recommend in a heartbeat.
    Renee
    Group
  • Avg. price/night: £37.85
    Scored 9.0
    9.0
    Rated superb
    Superb
     · 226 reviews
    Amazing staff, Popote surf school in the hostel, well equipped and organized kitchen, good internet (worked for video calls).
    Erik
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: £37.85
    Scored 9.0
    9.0
    Rated superb
    Superb
     · 226 reviews
    Quiet little beach village, and surfer spot. Good vibes with the staff and lots of sun and relaxation. Lovingly furnished with comfortable outdoor showers, everything you need as a backpacker. Easy to reach by local bus.
    Hanna
    Solo traveller
  • Scored 9.8
    9.8
    Rated exceptional
    Exceptional
     · 19 reviews
    Great location and view of the beach and pools……place was comfy and loved having access to laundry in the apartment…..bathrooms were nice and well. Eqipped
    Donna
    Solo traveller
  • Scored 9.5
    9.5
    Rated exceptional
    Exceptional
     · 330 reviews
    I needed an escape from the city on a budget and this was exactly what I was looking for. A very nice tent equipped with electricity, a fan and an outlet to connect my gadgets. Slept very good and the place was a walking distance from the beach (literally a minute). Delicious homemade breakfast and coffee. Will be coming back. Hosts made me feel comfortable and were very attentive.
    SAMANTHA
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £37.85
    Scored 9.0
    9.0
    Rated superb
    Superb
     · 226 reviews
    The owners and the surf teacher were so nice. When the waves were bad they even took us to a waterfall. The Hostel is right at the beach and has a really nice outdoor space. Its a nice place to get to know new people.
    Emma
    People with friends