Rio Celeste Backpackers

We stayed two nights with two friends and had a great time. The room and house were very clean, and the beds comfortable. Breakfast was included and very good. The family who owns the place were wonderful hosts and made us feel welcome right away. Dinnora was accommodating and pointed us toward good places to eat nearby. We’d definitely return and recommend it.

A lovely family hosted us and tried to help with our travels, and breakfast was surprisingly generous: fruit, eggs, toast, and coffee or tea. It’s an inexpensive, convenient place to sleep, and I’d stay again.

The staff helped with everything, from local suggestions and travel questions to birding tips on exactly where to find tody motmot and golden-eared toucanet. They even called a taxi for us and accommodated our need to leave early. We felt at home right away. The room was clean and nicely decorated when we arrived, with hot water and tap water that’s potable for foreigners. There’s a well-equipped kitchen, too. From Liberia, it was easy to take a bus to Upala at the Pulmitan station, then get off 50 meters from the hostel. There’s plenty within walking distance: waterfalls, swimming holes, canopy walkways, birding and nature spots, restaurants, a brewery, a cajero/ATM, a panaderia, and several supermarkets. The staff are super kind and helpful. Highly recommend it!

We could watch lots of birds from the porch in the morning, and the family running the place were very nice. It’s a pretty home with a wraparound porch. Our private room was pleasant, though the bed made noise whenever we shifted around. The shower water wasn’t quite hot, but that may have been down to when we used it. They put out coffee and bread in the morning.