“Cooking a rice-and-egg dinner in the Santa Cruz Backpacker Hostel kitchen around 8pm, the 24-hour front desk buzzed a late arrival in just as the pan went on, and splitting the last of a bag of coffee with them turned into swapping notes on which anillo actually had a proper market.”
Sur Backpackers pairs a garden and shared kitchen with a kitchenette and washing machine, plus barbecue facilities and free on-site parking. Located 22 kilometres from Viru Viru airport, it sits closer to Lomas de Arena National Park than most hostels in the city.
Santa Cruz Backpacker Hostel runs walking tours from reception toward the Santa Cruz Cathedral and Zoo, backed by a shared kitchen, garden, 24-hour front desk and full-day security. Continental breakfast is served in the room, 12 kilometres from Viru Viru airport.
Adventure 360º Hostel pairs a fitness centre, sun terrace and lounge with a tour desk, on-site restaurant and buffet breakfast. With 306 reviews, the largest guest base of any hostel in the city, it sits under a kilometre from Parque El Arenal.
Shop for groceries early in the day near Plaza 24 de Septiembre, stalls thin out once the afternoon heat sets in.
Sur Backpackers' kitchen works best for longer stays, its kitchenette and washing machine reward travellers settling in.
Ask Santa Cruz Backpacker Hostel's 24-hour desk about safe cooking hours if you're arriving on a late flight.
Adventure 360º Hostel's kitchen gets crowded around dinner, cook earlier or later to get a burner to yourself.
Bring your own spices if you're staying a while, hostel kitchens here stock basics but little seasoning.
