Lost and Found Hostel — Hotel in Hornito

Easily one of the best jungle hostel experiences in Central America, and a special opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts: There are cacomistles (a rarely seen forest animal) visiting the hummingbird feeders almost every night, especially in good weather; capuchin monkeys visiting occasionally during the day; and chances to see other nocturnal animals like armadillos and kinkajous. Between the hummingbird feeders and the hiking trail through a well-preserved forest, it's also a good place for birders.

The whole place is pretty damp during rainy season (I would invest in some dehumidifiers if I were them), but otherwise it has facilities to rival even a good hostel in the city, despite the remote location. Depending on which room you're in, you may have to walk down several flights of stairs through the rain to get to the hot showers, but it's worth it.

Backpackers should know that most of the outdoor activities are canceled during rainy season, and nature enthusiasts should know that guests are prohibited from using the hiking trails in the dark or during rainfall, and only a portion of the trail network from the maps is currently open.

From their website I was worried that it might be too much of a young partier place and not enough of a place for enjoying nature, but it's actually pretty well balanced, with most of the young backpackers genuinely interested in the ecological aspects of the place. One of the employees, a young Panamanian named Emilia, is especially knowledgeable about the wildlife, and the rest of the staff is friendly and helpful too.

They offer up to three meals a day on request, which cost $6.50 each. The menu seemed to be mostly vegan when I was there. Many visitors choose to get lunch from the cheaper restaurant down the hill, and you can also bring your own food (there’s a very small shared fridge and a kitchen consisting of two electric hot-plates, an electric kettle, and a decent selection of pots, pans, dishes,...

I enjoyed my stay. I think if you're short on time, you're not missing much by skipping it. They have a LOT of hummingbirds. I got hit in the face by one! So cool.

I only had 1 dinner there which I enjoyed. Other meals I cooked my own food (nachos with beans and salsa brought from Bocas, leftover dinner for breakfast the next day, tamale leftover from lunch in town). The electric hot plates were fine for heating beans and leftovers. Fridge was small but not many people used it so my food fit. Otherwise it was well-equipped.

Kraft mac and cheese for sale for $2/box, but no milk or butter provided which I found weird. Easy mac cups can be made fine with just water, but no milk OR butter for the actual boxes mac does not work for me knowing how good it tastes with milk and butter. Cup noodles for $1.50 and chips and drinks also similar to regular supermarket prices.

Only thing I didn't like was how steep they built the stairs once you're actually at the hostel. That was a choice the builders made, they could have built the stairs less steep. I stayed in the Quetzal dorm, so had to climb those stairs to get to the main area each time.

The hike was not too difficult, there were a few parts that were extra steep especially the 4x4 paved area where I had to use my hands and feet cuz it was so deceptively steep. I even took my daypack off and rolled it ahead of me as I used all 4 of my limbs for 2 sections of that paved area.

Went to Gualaca Canyon (you can also visit there from David) and it took me 10 minutes downhill and 10 minutes uphill with just snacks, water, bugspray, sunscreen, and a towel in my daypack.

It took about 20 minutes uphill and the same downhill with my main backpack and daypack. Going downhill, I had to swap my daypack from 1 shoulder to the other so I could see where I was stepping, so my shoulders hurt from that. Going up I wore it on both shoulders but still struggled a bit to see what was in...

Lost & Found Hostel truly lives up to its reputation as an adventure hub in the Panamanian cloud forest, offering a unique and deeply immersive experience that sets it apart. This isn't just a place to sleep; it's a destination in itself.

The location is simply incredible. Nestled deep within the rainforest, you're truly surrounded by nature. Waking up to the sounds of the jungle, spotting hummingbirds, and enjoying breathtaking views of Volcan Barú is an everyday luxury here. It feels more like an eco-lodge than a typical hostel. This hostel excels at fostering a social atmosphere. From the "family dinners" to the common areas and the lively Jungle Bar, it's incredibly easy to connect with fellow travelers. This isn't a place where people keep to themselves; you'll quickly make friends and share stories.

Lost & Found truly delivers on its promise of adventure. There are numerous on-site jungle trails, a fun treasure hunt, and staff-led activities that encourage exploration and engagement. Whether it's chasing waterfalls, practicing yoga with a view, or simply lounging in a hammock, there's always something to do, or nothing at all if you prefer! While it's a "hike-in" hostel and has a rustic, eco-friendly feel, essential comforts are not compromised. The dorms are comfortable (some even pod-style), bathrooms are generally clean, and hot water is a welcome bonus. The communal kitchens are functional, and the vibe is all about embracing the unique setting.

Lost & Found Hostel is an absolute must-do for adventurous backpackers looking to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in nature while forging strong connections with other travelers. It offers an unforgettable experience that makes the journey to get there...