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.



🏠 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.



🌿 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
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Reviews

9.3Superb(663)
  • Value for Money
    9.3
  • Security
    9.8
  • Atmosphere
    9.1
  • Cleanliness
    9.1
  • Staff
    9.7
  • Location
    9.2
  • Facilities
    9.2
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 Jul 2026
10
A
Abigail
Female, 18-24, USA
Great stay. Beautiful property and staff were very friendly and helpful. Great location and close to town. I would recommend this stay.
Stayed in Jun 2026
9.1
J
Josie
All Female Group, 18-24, England
Loved the spacious dorm and the kitchen. The whole hostel is very green with lots of garden space. Fairly sociable. The beds were not the best. The sheets felt really chalky and the mattress and pillows were lumpy. We were in a downstairs dorm and it was quite noisy as we heard the rooms upstairs every time someone walked around. Thin floors I'm guessing. The curtains also are not very blackout so lots of light. That being said, we had a nice stay all the same. It's not bad for the price you pay
Stayed in May 2026
8.9
A
Ana
Female, 25-30, Mexico
La Ruka es uno de mis safe-places, es la segunda vez que me quedo, está un poquito retirado del centro pero es parte del encanto. Aquí tomé una de las mejores clases de yoga de mi vida y la vibra en general es súper tranquila, es lo opuesto de un party hostel:) Lo único que me gustaría tuviera más cuidado es la limpieza de los baños en las habitaciones y cambiar unas cuantas cacerolas, varias podrían haberse jubilado hace un par de años. Las hamacas son un sueño y las áreas verdes bellísimas.
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Location

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