In recent years Colombia has burst onto the travel market as being one of the coolest places to travel to as a backpacker and we can certainly see why! The country is packed full of incredible sites including biodiverse rainforests, spectacular ancient ruins, picturesque cities, and a bustling nightlife scene.
Whether you want to soak up the culture in the historical city of Medellin, wander along the white sandy beaches of Tayrona National Park, or learn how to Salsa in Cali, there is a little slice of fun for everyone in Colombia.
As Colombia has become more popular amongst travelers over the years it has meant that the hostel scene has expanded across the country with the main tourist hot spots being packed full of them. However, as travelers ourselves, we know how important it can be to select the right one for your travel needs.
That’s exactly why we’ve created this list of the best hostels in Colombia where we’ve cherry-picked 10 of our favorites.
Quick Answers – The Coolest Hostels in Colombia
#1 Best Overall Hostel in Colombia – Dreamer Santa Marta
#2 Best Cheap Hostel in Colombia – The Cranky Croc Hostel
#3 Best Luxury Hostel in Colombia – La Guaca Hostel
#4 Best Party Hostel in Colombia – The Wandering Paisa Backpackers Hostel
#5 Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Colombia – Casa del Puerto Hostel & Suites
#6 Best Hostel for Couples in Colombia – La Vaina Hostel Cali
#7 Best Hostel with Pool Access in Colombia – Selina Cartagena
#8 Best Hostel with a Private Room in Colombia – Hostel Trip Monkey Bogotá D.C
#9 Best Centrally Located Hostel in Colombia – Medellin BackPacker Hostel
#1 – Dreamer Santa Marta
Best Overall Hostel in Colombia
- Cost – $$
- Location – CR 51, 26D-161 Los Trupillos de Mamatoco, Diagonal 32, Santa Marta
- Reviews → Check on Hostelworld
Why we like Dreamer Santa Marta…
What can be best described as a tropical oasis, Dreamer Santa Marta has been internationally recognized by world-class travel brands including Lonely Planet, Cosmopolitan Magazine, and TripAdvisor as one of the best hostels in the world. AND you don’t have to look hard to find out why with the hostel having immaculate facilities along with an epic location.
Talking of location the hostel has incredibly quick access to almost everything you want in Santa Marta with the downtown bars and restaurants, picture-perfect Caribbean beaches, and all the jungle greenery of the Sierra Nevadas being on the hostel’s doorstep.
Dreamer Santa Marta is perfect for…
Those travelers looking for a beautifully designed hostel but also want awesome social facilities to mingle and meet other guests. The Dreamer Santa Marta has a stunning outdoor pool which is situated right next to the lively bar which is the perfect place to have a drink or two with some new pals. Here you will have an awesome selection of craft cocktails along with a delicious restaurant menu which has backpacker budget-friendly prices.
Editor’s Recommendation! These are the staff pick for the top hostels in Bogota (for all budgets!)
#2 – The Cranky Croc Hostel
Best Cheap Hostel in Colombia
- Cost – $
- Location – Silva Poetry House Cl. 12d #346, Bogotá, Colombia
- Reviews → Check on Hostelworld
Why we like The Cranky Croc Hostel…
We love that the Cranky Croc has a central location and excellent onsite facilities all at some of the most budget-friendly prices. The Cranky Croc has everything you need within a short distance from the hostel, whether you’re looking to hit the epic nightclubs and bars, adventure through the city’s top sites, or just somewhere trendy to have a coffee.
Another perk of the Cranky Croc is that it organizes epic social events on the regular giving guests the opportunity to meet other travelers. Along with this, the hostel has a great selection of vibrant and homely social spaces including outdoor patios and a TV lounge.
The Cranky Croc Hostel is perfect for…
Those heading to Colombia on a budget as this Bogota Hostel offers some of the cheapest hostel beds in the country, but doesn’t fall short of fantastic facilities. Other than the cheap hostel beds, the Cranky Croc also has another way to save yourself some cash with the hostel having a huge, fully equipped kitchen meaning you can save yourself some money on eating out. If cooking isn’t your thing then there is a restaurant on site with some great cheap eats to indulge in.
Colombia is amazing! And the best hostels in Cartagena will blow you away!
#3 – La Guaca Hostel
Best Luxury Hostel in Colombia
- Cost – $$$
- Location – Cra. 8 No. 27-75 SANTA MARTA (Magdalena) , Santa Marta
- Reviews → Check on Hostelworld
Why we like La Guaca Hostel…
WOW! Is what we can imagine goes through most people’s heads when they arrive at the La Guaca Hostel with it offering some of the most gorgeous and lavish facilities we’ve ever seen in a hostel in South America. The luxury hostel is located in a huge, revamped mansion just a short stroll away from the historic center of Santa Marta where you will find the best selection of restaurants and bars along with some beautiful architecture.
La Guaca Hostel is perfect for…
Those who like to travel in style but also want the social atmosphere and budget-friendly prices of a hostel! A somewhat flash-packer hostel La Guaca offers deluxe amenities throughout the hostel with beautifully designed dorm and private rooms along with a refreshing outdoor pool.
When staying at the hostel you have to make sure you wake up in type for its delicious homemade Colombian breakfasts. Not only is it super tasty but it is also included in the price of your stay!
Haven’t Booked for Medellin? Read up on our favorite hostels in Medellin (for any budget)!
#4 – The Wandering Paisa Backpackers Hostel
Best Party Hostel in Colombia
- Cost – $$
- Location – Calle 44 A No. 68 A 76 Laureles. , Medellin
- Reviews → Check on Hostelworld
Why we like The Wandering Paisa Hostel…
One of the best parts about the Wandering Paisa Hostel is the knowledgeable and friendly team who are more than happy to help you out with those backpacker needs. Whether you need any tips on tourist activities in Medellin and the surrounding areas or are looking to find the nearest public transport link they’re there 24-7!
We also love the effort this hostel puts into its social activities with daily events including free salsa classes, language exchange programs, karaoke nights, stand-up comedy, and open mic! This is the perfect place to immerse yourself with other travelers and perhaps have a drink or two.
The Wandering Paisa Hostel is perfect for…
Those travelers looking to party, with it having an epic and vibrant atmosphere with plenty of social spaces and events to meet other guests. The hostel is also located just a stone’s throw away from the local hotspots of La Setenta and La 33 which are both neighborhoods where the bar and club scene is vibrant. This means you won’t have to trek back too far if you want to stay out until the early hours of the morning.
Editor’s Tip: make friends by staying at a cool hostel in Santa Marta!
#5 – Casa del Puerto Hostel & Suites
Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Colombia
- Cost – $$
- Location – Calle 24a, 20-45, Cartagena
- Reviews → Check on Hostelworld
Why we like Casa del Puerto Hostel & Suites…
The on-site facilities are incredible at this new and revamped mansion which has been converted into an epic hostel. At the hostel, you will find a spacious patio where you can enjoy a tasty breakfast in the mornings or a refreshing beer in the evenings along with a backpacker budget-friendly restaurant and refreshing outdoor swimming pool.
Casa del Puerto Hostel & Suites is perfect for…
Those who are traveling solo and want to meet other guests with it having one of the most social and vibrant atmospheres in Cartagena. Not only does it have epic social facilities including an outdoor pool and patio area along with a selection of common areas, it also hosts several events to help guests mingle. This includes its famous pool party which is hosted every Saturday – we’ve heard these are something you’ll remember for the rest of your time in Colombia!
Looking for the Party? We’ve got you covered with our guide to the best party hostels in Medellin!
#6 – La Vaina Hostel Cali
Best Hostel for Couples in Colombia
- Cost – $$
- Location – Cra. 5 #6-32, Cali, Valle del Cauca
- Reviews → Check on Hostelworld
Why we like La Vaina Hostel Cali…
We love the added features and amenities La Vaina Hostel has, including a refreshing outdoor swimming pool, an open-air bar, and a tasty restaurant along with a relaxing yoga terrace. The hostel also has its own Dance & Drinks lounge where locals and travelers hang out together.
La Vaina Hostel is located in the cultural center of Cali meaning you will find plenty of lively bars, trendy cafes, rich cultural sites, and museums on your doorstep. If you’re looking to party then you’re in luck as Cali’s nightlife center is also close by.
La Vaina Hostel Cali is perfect for…
Those travelers who want a romantic getaway with their other half but still have the opportunity to mingle and meet other guests. La Vaina Hostel has an awesome selection of private rooms all of which have been recently renovated and feature upscale designs. Inside all the private rooms you can find comfortable queen-size beds and deluxe en-suites.
Editor’s Note: You can have a great time in Bogota staying at one of the top party hostels!
#7 – Selina Cartagena
Best Hostel with Pool Access in Colombia
- Cost – $$$
- Location – Calle Larga (25, Cra. 8b #148, Cartagena de Indias, Bolívar
- Reviews → Check on Hostelworld
Why we like Selina Cartagena…
One of the best perks of Selina Cartagena is its awesomely central location in Cartagena de Indias, meaning guests are surrounded by colorful buildings, cobbled streets, and authentic markets – you won’t have to travel far to find interesting things to do!
Selina Cartagena has some special added touches which you may not find easily in other hostels across Colombia, including a designated area for yoga classes along with a co-working space for those digital nomads.
Selina Cartagena is perfect for…
If you’re looking for fantastic facilities and most importantly a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, then Selina Cartagena may be the perfect hostel for you. The hostel is equipped with two beautiful outdoor deck areas with sun loungers and a refreshing pool along a bustling on-site bar that boasts a variety of specialty cocktails at backpacker-friendly prices.
Cartagena is alive! And you’ll find these party hostels have some of the best events around!
#8 – Hostel Trip Monkey Bogotá D.C
Best Hostel with a Private Room in Colombia
- Cost – $$
- Location – Cl. 66 #4a7, Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia
- Reviews → Check on Hostelworld
Why we like Hostel Trip Monkey Bogota…
Hostel Trip Monkey Bogota is beaming with character with the entire hostel being decorated with bright colors that fit in perfectly with other buildings in the hostel’s trendy neighborhood of Chapinero. Speaking of the hostel’s neighborhood of Chapinero, the gastronomic area is well known across the city for being one of the friendliest and most vibrant regions and is packed full of cultural and historical sites. Along with this, there are plenty of bars nearby that put on epic live music events!
Hostel Trip Monkey Bogota is perfect for…
Those travelers looking for a lively yet authentic experience in Bogota with the hostel attempting to show travelers the livelihood of many Colombian families. The team at Trip Monkey Hostel Bogotá are also some of the friendliest you will find in Colombia and are more than willing to help you with everything you need on your trip to Bogota whether you’re looking for some restaurant recommendations, checking which neighborhoods are safe to wander through, or just want a general chit chat.
The hostel offers deluxe private rooms for those who like socializing when they want to, but also like time to themselves to refresh and unwind.
Have an early flight? Book a hostel near Bogota AIRPORT to have a stress-free morning!
#9 – Medellin BackPacker Hostel
Best Centrally Located Hostel in Colombia
- Cost – $$
- Location – Cra. 51B #69 12, Medellín, Aranjuez, Medellín, Antioquia
- Reviews → Check on Hostelworld
Why we like Medellin BackPacker Hostel…
We love that the hostel has no curfew and a 24-hour reception meaning you can party the night away until the early hours of the morning if you please and not have to worry about being locked out if you’ve lost your key.
The hostel also comes with a variety of modern rooms whether you’re looking for just a standard comfortable single bed in a mixed dorm or fancy splashing out a little more and grabbing a deluxe double there is a range of great options at Medellin BackPacker Hostel.
Medellin BackPacker Hostel is perfect for…
If you want to be situated in the heart of one of Colombia’s most vibrant and bustling cities then this is the place for you. As you can probably tell by the name this hostel is located in the gorgeous city of Medellin and is located in one of the most lively and vibrant parts of town. Here you are also just a short stroll away from top attractions including the spectacular Botanical Gardens, The University of Antioquia, Explorer Park, and The Park of Wishes.
Have some time? Get out of the city with these epic day trips from Bogota!
#10 – Isla Roots Hostel
- Cost – $$$
- Location – 130019 Tintipan, Bolivar, San Bernardo Islas, Colombia
- Reviews → Check on Hostelworld
Why we like Isla Roots Hostel…
This is one of Colombia’s coolest and most unique hostels and has gained itself a reputation amongst backpackers as an experience like no other. Isla Roots Hostel is actually located on its own private island and is an authentic backpacker’s paradise. The eco-hostel is a rustic-tropical three-story hut surrounded by crystal clear sea waters of a beautiful natural conservation park where you can see the spectacular biodiversity of Colombia’s sea life just moments from your dorm room.
Isla Roots Hostel is perfect for…
Those travelers looking to experience something a tad different in Colombia and don’t mind stripping it back to the essentials. The hostel has a laid back atmosphere with basic dorm rooms with a traditional wooden design. Isla Roots also has plenty of cool communal areas to hang out along with plenty of activity options including free paddle board hire.
Need to see more of Colombia? These day trips from Cartagena will show you the coolest areas around
Conclusion to the Best Hostels in Colombia
Colombia truly is one of the most unique and epic travel destinations on the globe with the country being packed full of culture and history, having the most spectacular natural landscapes and vibrant nightlife where you can salsa all night long until the early hours of the morning.
As you can tell from this list the country certainly isn’t short of epic hostels, too. Whether you want the beach on your doorstep, to be in the heart of one of the bustling cities, or just want a friendly and vibrant atmosphere you’re bound to find one that fits your needs on this list!
With Colombia having such a booming hostel scene it was hard to narrow down this list to just 10 hostels, but that has meant we have only picked the very best. If we were to take it one step further and had to pick the ultimate hostel to stay in Colombia we’d have to choose Dreamer Santa Marta.
So what are you waiting for? Get those salsa shoes on and prepare for an epic travel adventure, Colombia is awaiting your arrival.
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