With only 600$ to my name, I needed to figure out a way to cross the Darien gap on the cheap or better yet for free. I reviewed all the Darien Gap options and decided that my best bet was to try and hitch a ride on a sailboat.

Although I knew I might have to wait a few weeks or even months until an opportunity arose, I remained confident in my plan. I stayed positive, networked as much as I could, and in just under a week I found a Captain willing to take me on.

If you too are looking to cross the Darien Gap by sailboat and don’t want to pay the 550$ boat trip cost, here’s what you need to know.

Can You Really Work In Exchange For Passage?

Since it takes at least 5 days to learn your way around a new boat and to be of any help, most boats aren’t willing to let you work in exchange for full passage. However, depending on the captain, there is a chance that you can haggle a discount. It never hurts to try.

Since most captains would rather hire deckhands on a month to month basis, it’s actually much easier trying to find a more permanent position. This is your best option. Check out this article to see what life is like as a deckhand on the 85 foot Yacht Independence.

Aussie girl hanging out on the bow

How To Get The Job

The best way to begin finding a job is by researching and e-mailing all the 20 or so boats that offer service from Panama City to Cartagena and vice versa.  Larger boats are more ideal as they are more often looking to find cooks, deckhands, and maids.

If you don’t already have a CV/Resume, you should make one and attach it to your e-mail. Although having previous boating experience does help, it is not the sole determining factor. If you need help making your own CV, you can connect with me on Facebook at The Runaway Guide.

In addition to e-mailing captains, another effective way to find a vacant position is by networking with hostels. Since many hostels in Panama City and Cartagena have arrangements with boats and know captains, they can let you know if any positions arise. Check out Hostel Mamallena and Luna’s Castle.

The next step is to simply be patient, keep networking, and have faith. For more information on working on boats around the world, check out How To Work On A Luxury Yacht.

Californian doing a flip

Conclusion

Although working in exchange for passage is possible, it is less likely. Therefore your next best bet is to look for a short term job as a deckhand. While this can also be difficult and take time, if you present a professional CV, network well, and keep your head up, you are bound to land a job sooner or later.

I am writing to you from the San Blas islands on the stern sun deck of the 85 foot Yacht Independence.

The sun is slowly ushering in the moon through brilliant pinks, oranges, and light blues behind clouds the size of mountains.. The sea is calm and I can hear nothing but the gentle caress of the waves on the steel hull below.

The tranquility and solitude is almost overwhelming.

All I can think of is how transient and beautiful this sunset is and how lucky I am to have landed this job. Check out this article to learn how I did it, How To Work For Passage Across The Darien Gap.

Although the pay certainly isn’t the 3000 Euro/month wage that is average for a deckhand on a luxury yacht, it is still good.

And while the work at times can be challenging, particularly the open ocean night sailing shift, the experience I am gaining, the pounds of fresh lobster I am eating, and the variety of backpackers I am meeting and partying with make it easily one of the best jobs I could have ever imagined.

My First Voyage From Colombia To Panama

Today we arrived back in Panama after a 5 day trip from Cartagena, Colombia. With only twelve backpackers on this trip, there was a lot less work and it was much calmer than the previous voyage of 24 guests. That isn’t to say we didn’t have some great parties and drinking games though.

The first day and night was the open ocean crossing and like the previous trip I took the night shift from 3am to 8 am. I am getting better at sailing this behemoth and holding the course.

Me at the helm of Yacht Independence

For the next three days, we went sailing and swimming through the San Blas islands. Here, an Australian girl and I swam out to a small island room enough for only a single palm tree. On the way, a strange and fearless foot long trigger fish attacked us. I kept trying to punch it in the face but it was too quick.

Island paradise

The Captain bought lobster for the first and second night, and on the third we went for the fish BBQ on Elephantine island. I don’t think I will ever tire of this menu.

The Kuna people bringing fresh lobster to our boat

Although I agreed to stay on board for two months before continuing my South American Adventure, there is a chance I will stay longer.

If you’re interested in working aboard a yacht like the Independence and cross the Darien Gap for free, check out Crossing The Darien Gap For Free.

This place is the Pura Vida spirit. It sings with life from every direction. On one side, the calls of Howler Monkeys, Macaws, and crickets, echo through the sweet tropical air. On the other, the mellow drone of the worlds second longest left surf breaks beckons.

You are immersed in nature and can do nothing but blissfully submit to the simple life. You rise to the rising sun and flow with the rhythm of the waves. It is a place to view wild life, surf, and get back in touch with Pura Vida.

This Runaway Retreat is Pavones, Costa Rica.

Where To Stay In Pavones

Pavones has quite a few cabinas, hostels, and hotels. The cheapest private Cabinas can be found for around 15 to 25$/night.

However, if you’re interested in staying for a month or two, you can rent a simple private room with AC and Wifi for between 200 and 300$/month depending on the season.

Pavones is a bit pricey when it comes to food, especially for the short term surf tourist, but if you live like a local you can eat cheap. 600$/month for food and accommodation is a comfortable budget. And for you Yoga lovers out there, you might want to check out the inclusive yoga retreat in Punta Banco.

My favorite hangout

What To Do In Pavones

One of the best aspects of this retreat is that almost everything worth doing in Pavones is free.

Savor The Sunsets

The moisture filled atmosphere of south western Costa Rica makes for some of the most remarkable sunsets in the world. And with miles of beaches and very few people, you can almost always find a spot to gaze upon it in solitude.

Sublime sunsets

Swim In Natural Pools

Between Pavones and the even more isolated village of Punta Banco exists 5 or so streams originating from the jungle that flow out into the sea. They make for excellent and often private fresh water swimming holes.

Refreshing dip in a private jungle pool

Surf The World’s Second Longest Left Break

This break is a surfers dream. It ranges from 6 to 10 feet on average, and produces 10 to 15 second rides. Even if you’re a beginner you can still give it a go on the smaller secondary wave to the right of the main break. Rentals are a bit pricy at 15$/day but if you’re thinking of staying a while and learning to surf, you can find good deals on used boards.

Sunset surfer

View The Wild Life

Although massive iguanas will generally greet you each morning, the best way to see the diversity of the Costa Rican Rainforest is by trekking through it!

The Tiskita Lodge’s wild life reserve is one of the best places to do this. Though it costs 15$ if you’re not a guest, it gives you the chance to view some of the most diverse and unique flora and fauna in the world. Check out their website for more info, Tiskita Jungle Lodge or check out the video below for a quick glimpse.

Crabby!

How To Get To Pavones

One of the reasons why Pavones is so special is because it is so incredibly isolated.

To get here you must first find a flight to San Jose. Check out this guide for info on finding cheap flights.

From the capitol you then take a 7 hour bus to the border town of Canoes for 20$. From here you catch a taxi collectivo for 2$ to Laurel. Next you take a bus further south and transfer to yet another bus for Pavones.

The busses only leave twice a day in the morning and at night. They are only a few dollars and take around 2 hours. It is a full days journey but definitely worth it when you arrive.

The dirt road to Pavones

Conclusion

Pavones is the kind of Runaway Retreat where you can immerse yourself in nature and return to a life that is simple and pure. It is for nature lovers, surfers, and backpackers who want to go local and off the beaten path. However, if you don’t easily adapt to heat and humidity or loads of wild looking insects, you might want to take a look at my Northern Norway Retreat instead. For more info on Pavones or Costa Rica in general, you can connect with me on Facebook.

Rafting is much more than simply floating down a treacherous river in an inflatable boat that looks like it’s ready to pop. It’s more than just a cheap adrenaline rush. And it’s not just another thing to do for the rich holiday maker.

From the moment you depart the bank of the river, you lose yourself in the timeless rhythm of the current. You are forced to go with the flow and in doing so become a part of nature.

You can think of nothing but paddling as a team and maintaining balance. And after surviving countless 2 meter drops, you can’t keep a goofy grin off your face.

It is a Runaway Adventure that can re-connect you with the natural world and even with yourself. It is fast and frightening, but exciting, and it is something everyone can and should experience.

Rafting In La Fortuna, Costa Rica

The Pura Vida or pure life spirit makes Costa Rica one of the best countries to go rafting in. It is also probably one of the safest and most beautiful countries for rafting.

Although there are multiple locations and tour companies that offer rafting in Costa Rica, Costa Rica Descents in La Fortuna is one of the most inclusive, the best value, and is the only company that offers class 5 rafting tours.

Central square in La Fortuna, Costa Rica

If You Don’t Paddle, You die!

If you’ve never been rafting or even on a boat before, fear not. The guides teach you everything and give you all the equipment you need in an hour training period before you hit the water.

The guides are very experienced, fluent in English, and want nothing more than to keep you safe and share the pure life with you. Although you do have to sign your life away on a mandatory waiver, at least you’re in very good hands.

Learning how to stay alive

The River

The river rests gloriously within it’s deep jungle filled ravine. It creates a surreal setting and a paradise unrivaled. It is fast and intense but just enough to make you temporarily question whether you’re going to make it out alive.

If you take class 4 rapids, which I highly recommend, you will fly down 4 to 8 feet drops and get spit out of whirl pools in glory. Someone might be tossed into the rapids at one point or another. You will get water in every orifice and maybe even fear for the continuity of your lineage.

Although it sounds insane and dangerous, if you’re fit enough to paddle, class 4 is the best way to start no matter what your experience. I guarantee you won’t regret it.

The last I ever saw of my Canadian friend Luke

Half Time

After two hours of intense rafting you pull into a rest stop and the guides reveal big bags of fruit. Here you can either relax and replenish with watermelon and pineapples or even repel down a 150 ft waterfall (Definitely worth it!).

Organic Dinner and Shots Of Sugar Cane Moonshine

After another hour of rafting you arrive at the pick up point. Here you are given much appreciated towels and are bussed to Costa Rica Descent’s private organic farm for an even more appreciated dinner. After dinner you are given a tour of the farm, which includes a perfect end of the day shot of home made sugar cane moonshine.

Conclusion

Although rafting in Costa Rica is not cheap, it is definitely an adventure that should not be passed on. It is an experience that will redefine your relationship with the natural world. It is a natural high that you will lose yourself in for hours.

Plus if you go with a tour like Costa Rica Descents in La Fortuna, you don’t just get a few hours rafting but a whole day of food, insight into Costa Rica’s culture, and moonshine inspired good times.

See here for more info on rafting in Costa Rica with CR Descents.

Massive thanks to Rodger, Aby and Trey for helping make adventures like this one possible.  If you can help me keep doing what I love to do, check out my FEED ME page for information and rewards on becoming a sponsor.

San Jose is a quaint capitol nestled within the lush mountains of Costa Rica. At a height of 3,800 ft it has comfortable high temperature of about 27C or 80F. The people are friendly and are eager to help you get where you want to go. It is one of the most well manicured, relatively safe and pleasant cities in Central America.

However, San Jose is also one of the most expensive capitols in Central America. In some ways it resembles that of an overpriced medium sized US city.  An unfortunate reality that can easily result in damaging blows to your backpacking budget.

To help you maintain your budget and keep you traveling longer, below you will find a few budget saving tips and recommendations for staying cheap in San Jose.

How To Sleep Cheap In San Jose

Although San Jose is littered with fast food chains from Wendy’s to Taco Bell, none of them are open 24/7 and don’t look like they would even make for a decent daydream. While there are plenty of parks, a lack of foliage and potential for night creatures make this a dismal option as well. Check out this guide for info on Urban Camping.

Therefore your next best option is a cheap hostel. One of the cheapest hostels that also happens to be remarkably classy and ideally located is Casa Del Parque.

As the name suggests, this hostel is located on the National Park, just a few minutes walk from the bustling Central Avenue. It is quiet and serene but steps away from the action.

The dorms are clean and comfortable, and best of all, they are only 10$ a night. However, if you’re interested in an exceptionally large private room, you can get one for just 34$/night.

A private room at Casa Del Parque

One of the coolest aspects of this Hostel is that if your willing to work 30 hours a week you can sleep for free. There is a 2 week minimum and they only allow two volunteers at a time. So if you’re interested, your best bet is to e-mail the manager in advance. For volunteering, rooms, rates, and reservations, see Casa Del Parque Hostel.

Overall, I totally recommend this hostel for any backpacker looking to transit or stay a few weeks in San Jose. Here you feel less like a customer and more like a guest in lovely and comfortable home. It’s no wonder HostelWorld.com rated them the  #1 hostel in Costa Rica.

The crew at Casa Del Parque

How To Save Money On Food & Drinks

Like most places, the best way to save money on food and drinks is to steal (Just kidding). Seriously though, stealing, unless it’s swiping leftovers or picking a bit of fruit, is terrible karma and I don’t recommend it unless scurvy is imminent.

Street art in San Jose

Shopping at local supermarkets is the cheapest means by which to sustain your life energy and maintain a happy buzz. Just four blocks from Casa Del Parque is a super market called Masxmenos. Here you can buy a single portion of pasta and tomato sauce for just 2$ and follow it down with a 2$ bottle of two buck chuck. Or you can buy a package of ramen and throw in a few eggs for just around 1.50$.

You can then use the communal hostel kitchen, which is equipped with everything you need, and cook up a cheap but classy meal.

The kitchen at Casa Del Parque

Conclusion

Although San Jose is expensive, if you stay at a hostel such as Casa Del Parque, shop at supermarkets, and make good use of their kitchen, you will save money.  Plus if your willing to work at the hostel you can even live in San Jose for just the price of food and drinks. For more info you can check them out here, Casa Del Parque Hostel San Jose.

You’re dead set on running away and backpacking the world. You’ve found the courage, you’ve saved up enough money, and maybe your bag is already packed.

The only thing left to do now…decide where you’re going to go first.

The beauty about this predicament is that you can literally go anywhere you want. On the other hand, you have over 200 countries to choose from.

In the following guide, you will learn how to pick a good first country and find a list of the top three countries for beginner backpackers.

Where To Begin Your Backpacking Adventure

The best country for beginner backpackers is one that is different but not too different. If you hop right into a country as intense as India, chances are you will get debilitating travelers diarrhea and never want to go backpacking again.

It’s also a good idea to choose a country that you know very little about. If you have no pre-conceived notions of a place, you can neither be too surprised nor too disappointed. You can look upon your first destination without illusion and with unbiased eyes.

Relatively cheap countries are never a bad idea to begin in as well. It’s hard not to appreciate a 1$ box of Pad Thai. It will also help you maintain your budget and keep you backpacking longer.

Finally, you want to pick a country that is in a good region of the world. This way if you get sick of it or just want to move on, you can easily do so.

With these criteria in mind, below are 3 awesome countries for beginner backpackers.

The Best Countries To Begin Backpacking In

El Salvador

El Salvador, like much of Central America, was strongly influenced by Spanish culture. From Christianity to Latin food and music, the culture is very western and familiar yet exciting and foreign at the same time. It gives one the perfect dose of culture shock.

What little people have heard about El Salvador is usually that of a country plagued by civil war and crime. Ironically El Salvador has a lower crime rate than developed Costa Rica. The people are proud, friendly, and will always help you get where you want to go.

El Salvador is also one of the cheapest countries in Central America. Busses around the country generally won’t cost more than a few quarters. Delicious street food such as Papusas and sandwiches can be bought for around 1$. And since they use the US dollar, it’s easy to calculate the exchange or keep track of your budget.

Finally, when you’re ready to move on, you could either head north to Antigua, Guatemala or South to Leon, Nicaragua. Both neighboring countries are cheap and a lot of fun for backpackers. For more on El Salvador check out 5 Things To Do In El Salvador On A Budget.

Backpacking gang watching the sunset

Malaysia

While Thailand gets all the glory, few people know of the tropical and multicultural paradise that is Malaysia. With a mix of Indian, Chinese, Malay and Western people, the culture is very similar to that of a western metropolis. And no matter what ethnicity you are, you will feel at home in the Malaysian mélange.

Although Malaysia is not as cheap as it’s neighbors, it is still a lot cheaper than home. Busses across the country range between 20 to 30$. Wonton soup at the Penang night market is just around 2$. And a night in a hostel goes for about 15$.

When you are ready to move on, you can easily catch a boat down to Indonesia or a mini bus / train up to the islands of Thailand. Both countries are excellent to continue your backpacking journey in. For more info on Malaysia be sure to read Why Everyone Should Visit Malaysia.

The night market in Penang

Bulgaria

Bulgaria isn’t really known for much other than being another oddly named Eastern European country.  However, Bulgaria is one of the most intriguing and cheapest countries in Eastern Europe. If prostitutes are your thing you can pick one up at any mile maker on the highway. And for just 50 cents you can buy a delicious Burek breakfast pastry.

When you get tired of the girls at the nude beaches of Varna, you can easily travel to Romania or Greece for more cheap good times. For more info on just how cheap it is, check out The Cheapest Countries In The World.

Varna beach Bulgaria

Conclusion

Although you could go anywhere on your first trip, the former countries are some of the cheapest, easiest to travel in, and most fun. They are some of my favorite countries to visit and I highly recommend them. If you want more info or advice for your first backpacking trip, you can connect with me through Facebook, The Runaway Guide.

La Fortuna in Costa Rica is a picturesque city situated at the base of Arenal Volcano. There are loads of cool things to do from here from lounging in natural hot springs to rafting and partying with locals. It is an awesome place for backpackers and holiday makers alike.

Fortunately, among all the resorts catering to rich holiday makers, there exits a resort perfect for the budget backpacker. It is affordable, luxurious, and perfect for those backpackers who need a vacation from their vacation.

This haven in tropical paradise is known as Arenal Backpackers Resort Hostel.

Overview

This hostel is unlike your typical hostel. As it’s name suggests it is a resort for backpackers. As a result it both a place to relax by it’s massive pool while still hanging out among like-minded travelers. It is perfect mix of a laid back resort with a backpackers hostel.

Accommodations

Backpackers Resort Hostel has a variety of accommodation options. The cheapest way to go if you’re traveling solo is a mixed dorm for 15$. The dorms are clean, the beds are comfortable, and there are only 8 beds to a large room.

The next option is a private tent for two for 35$/night. It has a clean double bed, electricity, jungle views and makes you feel as though you’re on a royal expedition to the rainforest commissioned by the queen.

Finally, if you’re looking to splurge and want a spacious private room with TV, AC, and shower, you can get one for 56$/night.

For more info on their rates and options, check out their website at Arenal Backpackers Resort.

My private tent in the jungle

Amenities

Backpackers Resort Hostel has all the amenities of a real resort. It has large pool, swim up bar, and restaurant. There are plenty of bathrooms and showers with hot water. The Wifi is fast and works from every dorm, tent, or private room, as well as on the pool deck and in the restaurant.

The swim up bar after an evening shower

The Food

Like most resorts there is a bar and restaurant. Although prices are understandably higher than the rest of the town, the food is exceptionally delicious. Perfectly cooked American style hamburgers, pastas, and even authentic fish and chips can be purchased for between 5 and 10$.

Incredible medium rare hamburger with cheese, mushrooms and onions

The Staff

The staff is laid back, helpful, and very accommodating. They will help you with just about anything, from booking a rafting adventure, finding the hidden hot springs without paying a fee, to cutting open a coconut for you. The manager Diego along with all the staff are totally fluent in English making life much easier for non Spanish speakers.

Allen from reception chopping open coconuts for me and my gang

Conclusion

If you’re a backpacker looking for a hostel vibe and don’t mind a bit of luxury now and again, Arenal Backpackers Resort Hostel is the place to be. It’s where you go when you need a vaction from your vacation. It is affordable, unique, and the perfect place to base your self while you explore the countless attractions La Fortuna has to offer.

After an hour hike we make it to the very top of the 2,000 ft volcano known as Cerro Negro. The only thing left to do now, volcano board down it.

Our guide Ross asks for volunteers to go first. My apprehension and excitement mix into a potent shot of adrenaline, and my hand shoots skyward as if under it’s own volition.

I straddle my volcano board, just a simple piece of wood with metal mounted on the bottom. I look down at what appears to be a near vertical slope of small back volcanic rocks. I prepare to fly.

Ever since I climbed Mt. Fuji and gazed down upon it’s perfectly formed slope, I had always wanted to ride the side of a volcano. Fortunately, a nutty Australian saw a similar potential and turned this dream into reality.

So if you too have ever contemplated the prospects of rocketing down the side of a volcano, this guide is for you. To call it an epic Runaway Adventure is an understatement.

Where To Go Volcano Boarding

Leon, Nicaragua is yet another city on the infamous Gringo Trail but one with a unique attraction, Volcano Boarding! The best way to get here is to fly to Managua and then take an hour bus ride to Leon. For information on getting here and finding cheap flights be sure to check out my travel guide on Nicaragua. (Coming Soon)

The central cathedral in Leon

Best Hostels in Leon

There are a few different Hostels in Leon. All are similarly priced with dorms for around 7$ and singles for about 20$.

If you’re looking to party, Bigfoot Hostel is where it’s at. It’s almost like a bar you can sleep at. The drinks are a bit overpriced and so is the food but compared to back home it’s definitely a bargain.

If you get peed on or are tired of partying, simply walk across the street to Via Via. Here you can find faster internet, quiet, and a courtyard fit for a 19^{th century} British diplomat.

The bar at bigfoot where every night is Mojito night

Who To Go Volcano Boarding With

There are a few different companies that offer Volcano Boarding tours. One of them is through Bigfoot Hostel. Although it’s not the cheapest at a price of 30$, I’m pretty confident it’s the most fun.

With Bigfoot, it’s not just about surfing down a volcano, which is awesome in it’s self, but rather an unforgettable day of drinking complimentary beers, mojitos, and eating cookies.

We all made it down without a scratch

What To Bring and Not To Bring For Volcano Boarding

Unless you want to lose toenails, closed toed shoes are essential. Other good things to bring include water, ample sunblock, sunglasses and extra beer!

Since you have to volcano board down with everything you bring up, it’s a good idea to leave the DSLR’s and Ipad’s behind. Not only can they break if you wipe out but might even hurt you in the process.

Hiking The Volcano

The hike takes about an hour and on a danger scale between 1 to 10, it’s about a 7. The hike is made a bit harder by the fact that you have to haul a 14 pound board with you but it’s made easier by being in good company.

The winds vary by day but most of the time it’s pretty windy as you get to the top. As long as you’re in semi-decent shape it is definitely doable without too much pain.

The hour hike up the volcano

Volcano Boarding Technique

If you want to go fast, lean your ass back. To go slow, lean forward. It’s definitely more fun to go fast though.

In the beginning, use your legs as breaks in order to get a feel for the board. But once you gain enough speed, there’s no turning back, and any attempt to stop will only cause you to wipe out.

Fortunately, the volcanic rocks are very forgiving. Although people have been seriously hurt, most wipeouts only end up with a mouth full of rocks. So definitely lean back and try to smash the 95 km/hr speed record.  My speed: 48 km/hr.

Conclusion

Everything leading up to it and the epic Mojito fueled party after, makes Volcano Boarding that much more awesome.

With any thing you do and any place you go, it’s always about the people your with. And with our guide Ross and the great group of like-minded backpackers, the day I went Volcano Boarding was a day of pure fun and good times.

Recommend it to anyone? Who’s gonna break my record!?!

San Juan Del Sur is a little known paradise in South West Nicaragua. It is both a place to party hard and pub-crawl on the weekends, and to relax and cool down on it’s idyllic beaches on the weekdays.

The food is as varied as the multi-cultural people to which it caters, and definitely won’t disappoint. Seafood such as lobster, shrimp, and local fish is fresh, delicious, and cheap.

It’s safer than you think and most everyone would rather help you than hassle you.

In other words, it is an ideal city for backpacking adventures, hardcore surfing on nearby beaches, and short-term holidays in the sun.

Although there are countless hostels and many high end hotels, one in particular proved remarkably comfortable, luxurious and best of all, relatively affordable.

This hotel is Alcazar Hotel in San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua.

Overview

Luxurious in it’s simplicity, comfort and location, Alcazar epitomizes a high end beachfront hotel. It is centrally situated in the heart of the action and just steps from one of the most sublime beaches this world has to offer.

Unlike it’s larger equivalents, It’s relatively small size offers a quaint and cozy atmosphere. It has a private pool that is perfect for a refreshing dip and sun bathing. It is a haven for relaxation and the perfect place to base yourself while you explore the countless attractions of San Juan Del Sur.

View from the balcony

Accommodations

All the rooms are tastefully decorated with varnished teak furniture by eco-conscious Maderas Sostenibles, creamy white walls, a 42 inch flat screen TV, an extremely comfortable bed with soft linen sheets, cool AC, fast Wifi, and most notably a spacious balcony overlooking the crashing waves below.

The bathroom is fully equipped with shampoo and other essential amenities, and not to mention a very nice water fall like shower. The overall design is akin to the Scandinavian and Japanese philosophy of “simple comfort” but with a tropical twist. The resulting feeling is one of peace of mind, repose, and good holiday times.

A nice break after camping in the jungle

Prices

Starting April 1st 2013 all the rooms, including the penthouse, will be equally priced at 109$/night (excluding tax). Although this is on the pricy side, if you’re with two other friends and choose room 2 containing two double beds, it’s just around 36$ each.

However, if you plan to come in the low season, from April 31^st to November 2^nd, rooms go for nearly half price at just 69$ a night, making it just around 23$ per person excluding tax if you’re a group of 3. However, since prices fluctuate due to summer holidays, be sure to check with reservations in advance.

Ultimately, the best time to visit Nicaragua and stay at Alcazar Hotel is in early May. At this time, the prices are lowest, and the rainy season is just beginning which means most days are often characterized by a hot morning sun followed by a refreshing mid day shower.

23$ per person for 3 during the low season

The Staff

The manager is a lovely young French woman, who along with all the staff is fluent in Spanish and English. They are all incredibly pleasant, helpful, and accommodating. This makes staying at Alcazar simple and stress free.

For more detailed information on rooms, prices, and how to get here, you can check out their website at San Juan Del Sur Hotel Alcazar.

Alcazar Hotel

Conclusion

If you’re thinking about a Central American vacation destination or backpacking adventure, San Juan Del Sur in Nicaragua should be on your list. The food is remarkably cheap, delicious and fresh. The city is safe and the locals are as friendly as the ocean is welcoming.  Finally, the accommodations, particularly that of Alcazar Hotel, is everything you need and want in a home away from home.

*All opinions expressed in this article and in all my articles are always 100% my own.

The light of the early morning trickles through the canopy of the jungle. The leaves whisper under a cool spring tasting breeze that passes through the screens of my private tree house. My senses are slowly caressed into a blissful morning state of mind.

In the hundreds of hostels I have visited in my nearly 8 years of backpacking the world, none can compare. It seems to float among the trees. It’s a place where you can find both peace of mind and epic rum punch fueled parties. It’s where you go when you want to escape the world for an isolated jungle paradise.

This Runaway Retreat is Poste Rojo Hostel in the Nicaraguan jungle.

Volunteer and live for free

One of the most alluring aspects of this runaway retreat is the chance to volunteer. This means that if you’re willing to put in a minimum of two weeks, you can sleep for free, and eat and drink for 50% off. Duties include cleaning, cooking, and working the bar. You can apply when you arrive but since they only allow between 4 to 8 at a time, it’s best to e-mail the hostel in advance. Check out their website for more details, Poste Rojo Hostel.

Accommodations

One of the things I love about this hostel is that they provide multiple sleeping options, from basic to affordable luxury. For just 4$, you can camp out on their yoga deck. For 5$ you can choose from any one of their hammocks. For 8$ you get a surprisingly comfortable bed in their dorm. For 20$ you get a simple private room.

Finally for just 28$, you can find yourself in private tree house complete with hammock, queen size bed, and patio. The perfect place where you and you’re beautiful Swedish lover can make noises that won’t disturb anyone but the monkeys. No matter where you sleep, you will always have a view of the vast Nicaraguan plains below.

Hanging outside the dorms

The Food

Unfortunately you are limited to the hostel menu. Fortunately, the hostel menu is delicious. Breakfast consists of a delightful egg sandwich with bacon and American cheese. Dinner, known as family dinner, varies by night, costs 5$, and is always incredibly satisfying and filling.

The Drinks

For bartender Danby from the Adelaide outback and many others, the creative and incredibly cheap alcoholic beverage menu defines Poste Rojo hostel. The most popular drink is a wine sized bottle of refreshing Hibiscus tea infused with even more refreshing local rum. They call it punch rum and for just just around 4$, it definitely has a punch.

The Lemon Drop shot is another drink that will kick the costume party into full swing. It’s shot of vodka infused with a squirt of lemon that will make your eyes water and your dancing feet move. The best part, it’s only 25 cents!

The morning after at the bar

Attractions

Aside from epic dance and Full Moon costume parties, this hostel is a place to relax, to view howler monkeys, to meditate or even do group yoga. You can also take a tour of the jungle canopy by zip line or simply swing the day away in a hammock.

How To Get To Poste Rojo Hostel

Flights to Managua from North America can often be found for around 300$ one way. Check out spirit airlines. From Managua you can catch a 1$ bus to Granada. Be sure to ask your driver to drop you off at Pozo D’Oro. From here it’s a small hike up to the hostel. If you do end up going all the way to Granada, fear not. A free shuttle comes every day at 12:30 and picks up backpackers in front of the Bearded Monkey Hostel.

Bridge to the Yoga deck

Everything Else

-They do have internet but it is limited

-Everything is billed to a tab so be sure to be careful if you’re on a budget.

-Though it is very safe, there is a night security guard just in case.

-The hostel has a few pools but unfortunately they seem to have gone out of commission.

-During the dry season mosquitos and other bugs are practically non-existent.

-If you want to save money, be sure to buy cigarettes and food in town before you come.

The final moments of an epic stay

Conclusion

Poste Rojo Hostel must be the brain child of  backpacker genius. It has everything a backpacker wants in a hostel and more. Not to mention, it’s a massive tree house perched in the canopy of a jungle on the side of a Nicaraguan mountain. Words can’t describe how cool this place is, so check out this video below.

*All views expressed here and in all my articles are always 100% my own.