About

🌴 Welcome to La Ruka Hostel

In 2011, La Ruka was created and evolved into something much more than a hostel — a home.
As fellow travelers who understand what constant movement feels like, we wanted to craft a space where you can truly feel at ease, unwind, and be your authentic self. A home away from home.

Nestled perfectly between lush jungle greens and sparkling ocean blues, La Ruka sits on the edge of Puerto Viejo — a vibrant haven that invites you to both explore and relax.
• 5-minute walk to Salsa Brava, the world-famous surf break, and to town for delicious food and live music.
• 5-minute bike ride to Playa Cocles, where you can soak up the Caribbean spirit and enjoy the beach life.
• Just far enough from the buzz to hear the sounds of the jungle and unwind in our peaceful garden — a hidden green paradise.

✨ Welcome to your home away from home — where the jungle meets the ocean.

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🏠 Policies & Conditions

Cancellation Policy: 48 hours before arrival.

Check-In: from 2:00 PM
(If you arrive early, we’ll happily store your bags while you head to the beach, explore town, or relax in a hammock.)

Check-Out: before 11:00 AM
(Luggage storage available if you’re not traveling onward right away.)

Payment: Cash, credit, or debit cards accepted.
(All card payments include a 10% surcharge. Property may pre-authorize cards.)

Taxes: 13% IVA (Sales Tax) not included — paid at check-in.
Breakfast: Not included.

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🌿 General Information

🕖 Reception Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
🐾 No Pets: We already have 3 lovely dogs and 3 cats who are part of our La Ruka family.
🚭 Smoking: Allowed only in designated areas.

🔑 Key Deposit: A $10 USD cash deposit is required at check-in and refunded when you return your key. Groups may share keys, but please note that you’ll need one to enter the property after reception closes.

Please be respectful of other travelers and help us care for our planet by recycling and keeping shared spaces clean.

We reserve the right to charge a “Bad Behaviour Tax” for property damage, ignoring smoking rules, or leaving messes in shared areas.

House Rules

Check In

14:00 - 22:00

Check Out

until

  • Taxes Not Included
View House Rules

Facilities

  • Free Parking
  • Free WiFi
  • Free Internet Access
  • Free Security Lockers
  • Free Luggage Storage
  • Bicycle Parking
  • Tours/Travel Desk
  • Shuttle Bus
View all facilities

Reviews

9.3Superb(674)
  • Value for Money
    9.3
  • Security
    9.7
  • Atmosphere
    9.0
  • Cleanliness
    8.9
  • Staff
    9.8
  • Location
    9.1
  • Facilities
    9.3
Summary of traveller reviews

La Ruka Hostel in Puerto Viejo offers a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere with a beautiful garden and numerous chill-out spots. Guests praise the friendly and helpful staff, the clean facilities, and the great location, which is close to both town and beaches. It's ideal for travellers seeking a peaceful yet social environment, with many enjoying the yoga and fitness areas.

Stayed in Sept 2026
10
P
Pablo
Male, 18-24, England
La Ruka is an absolute gem. I initially booked this hostel 2 nights but kept extending. It has a peaceful vibe that really allows you to relax, equally the social spaces are set up in a way that makes socialising with others very easy. Kitchen is the best i've come across - equipped, organised, hygienic. The property is super well maintained and hygienic. Best of all the staff are lovely and helpful, staff and guests feel a shared sense of gratitude staying in such an idyllic place
Stayed in Sept 2026
10
A
Abigail
Female, 18-24, USA
One of my favorite hostels. Great location, perfect kitchen, and staff/volunteers were very kind and helpful. And you might even see a sloth right in the garden. Thank you!
Stayed in Sept 2026
10
J
Jessica
Female, 18-24, England
La Ruka is honestly my dream hostel! On the first day I arrived I already extended my stay, I LOVE how beautiful the garden is, the yoga shala and the outdoor gym. Everyone who worked there and volunteered was so kind, friendly and joyous to be around. The salsa night was EPIC! I saw 2 sloths in the garden here too which was so special, as well as lots of poisonous dart frogs which were so cute! The location was the perfectly between the beach and the town - I loved riding my bike everywhere!
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Location

400 meters South of Salsa Brava, Puerto Viejo, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica
0.9km from city centre