There’s plenty more to Santa Marta than the great beaches and laidback lifestyle of Colombia’s Caribbean coast (although that’s more than enough for many visitors)! It’s also the gateway to the stunning Tayrona National Park and treks to the magical Lost City!
With everything going on in Santa Marta, it can be hard to know where to stay. Hostels are a good choice as they’ll enable you to save some cash and meet some cool and interesting people at the same time!
To make things as easy as possible, we’ve scoured the best hostels in Santa Marta to find the most relevant to your itinerary and of course, your budget.
There’s plenty of choice, including crazy party hostels, chilled out eco-lodges, and colonial style converted mansions. So, let’s jump straight in to see the best hostels in Santa Marta and find the best one for you!
Quick Answers – The Coolest Hostels in Santa Marta
#1 Best overall hostel in Santa Marta, Colombia: The Dreamer Hostel
#2 Best party hostel in Santa Marta, Colombia: La Brisa Loca
#3 Best hostel for solo travellers in Santa Marta, Colombia: Cacao Hostel
#4 Best hostel for digital nomads in Santa Marta, Colombia: La Guaca Hostel
#5 Best hostel near Rodadero Beach: Calle 11 Hostel Santa Marta Rodadero
#6 Best hostel in Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona: Olas de Neguanje Hostal
#7 Best hostel near Simón Bolívar International Airport: Casa Mediterranea
#8 Best hostel near Terminal de Transportes de Santa Marta: Hotel Portobahía Campestre
#9 Best high-end hostel in Santa Marta, Colombia: Hostel La Bella Samaria
#10 Best budget hostel in Santa Marta, Colombia: Casa Nuba Eco Hostel
#11 Best hostel with private rooms in Santa Marta, Colombia: La Sierra Hostel
#1 – The Dreamer Hostel
Best overall hostel in Santa Marta, Colombia
The Dreamer Hostel is the best overall hostel in Santa Marta, Colombia
The Dreamer Hostel is the best overall hostel in Santa Marta, Colombia
The Dreamer Hostel is the best overall hostel in Santa Marta, Colombia- Cost – $$
- Location – CR 51, 26D-161 Los Trupillos de Mamatoco, Diagonal 32
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like The Dreamer Hostel…
This friendly and cool hostel has been voted not just the number one hostel in Santa Marta, but all Colombia! So, you don’t just have to take our word for it that it’s the best hostel in Santa Marta. There are so many things that we love about this place – pool tables, ping pong, and buffet breakfast are just 3 of many!
The Dreamer Hostel is perfect for…
If you want to be in a cool, friendly hostel made by travellers for travellers then look no further than The Dreamer Hostel. It’s close to Tayrona National Park too, so if you’re planning to go trekking or see wildlife, then this is a fantastic option. There are even complimentary Spanish lessons so you can brush up on the local lingo!
Do you love hostels? These are the most amazing hostels in Medellin!
#2 – La Brisa Loca
Best party hostel in Santa Marta, Colombia
La Brisa Loca is the best party hostel in Santa Marta, Colombia
La Brisa Loca is the best party hostel in Santa Marta, Colombia
La Brisa Loca is the best party hostel in Santa Marta, Colombia- Cost – $$
- Location – Calle 14 N 3-58
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like La Brisa Loca…
It may look like a classical, colonial building from the outside, but inside there’s a great bar and fantastic rooftop parties, so it’s the best party hostel in Santa Marta! We love that there’s a tasty breakfast available if you want to get rid of your hangover the morning after too!
La Brisa Loca is perfect for…
If you’ve come to Santa Marta to party, then look no further than La Brisa Loca. It also offers excellent opportunities to meet other travellers – it will be a bit quieter during the week, but at least you’ve got the games room complete with a pool table and board games if you want to get chatting to other travellers!
Haven’t Booked for Colombia? Read up on our favorite hostels in Colombia (for any budget)!
#3 – Cacao Hostel
Best hostel for solo travellers in Santa Marta, Colombia
Cacao Hostel is the best hostel for solo travellers in Santa Marta, Colombia
Cacao Hostel is the best hostel for solo travellers in Santa Marta, Colombia
Cacao Hostel is the best hostel for solo travellers in Santa Marta, Colombia- Cost – $
- Location – Cra 11 # 17-49
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Cacao Hostel…
Thanks to a pool and plenty of places to chill in this cool and relaxed hostel, this is the best hostel for solo travellers in Santa Marta as it’s super easy to meet people and get chatting. We love the free breakfast which comes with fresh fruit and coffee!
Cacao Hostel is perfect for…
If you’re travelling solo and worried about making friends and having people to spend time with, then consider Cacao Hostel. You’ll forget those worries in a hurry! It’s also a fantastic option if you’re hoping to head into Tayrona National Park or trek to the Lost City as the tour desk is operated by experienced professionals!
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#4 – La Guaca Hostel
Best hostel for digital nomads in Santa Marta, Colombia
- Cost – $$
- Location – Cra. 8 No. 27-75 SANTA MARTA (Magdalena)
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like La Guaca Hostel…
This remodelled mansion is in a safe zone in the centre of Santa Marta. So, if you’re carrying expensive kit like laptops and cameras, it’s the best place to stay in the city for digital nomads. Of course, there’s super-fast WiFi here and a range of private rooms so that you can work away while you’re here!
La Guaca Hostel is perfect for…
This spot is great for digital nomads who want to balance their work with meeting people and chilling out. The hostel has a jacuzzi and an indoor pool, great for the hours that you’re away from your laptop! There’s also an open-air lounge, hammocks, and board games so it couldn’t be easier to meet people!
Heading to Bogota next? Check out the coolest hostels in Bogota and also the coolest neighborhoods to stay in Bogota
#5 – Calle 11 Hostel Santa Marta Rodadero
Best hostel near Rodadero Beach
- Cost – $
- Location – Calle 11 #4-120, Rodadero, Santa Marta
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Calle 11 Hostel Santa Marta Rodadero…
Even though there are mountains to climb and national parks to explore, sometimes you just want to chill out on the beach, and Playa Rodadero is one of the city’s most popular! This fun and friendly hostel is just a short walk away, so it’s the best place to stay near Rodadero Beach!
Calle 11 Hostel Santa Marta Rodadero is perfect for…
If you want to be close to the beach, then there’s nowhere better than this cool place! It’s a hop, skip, and a jump not only to Rodadero but 2 of the other best beaches in Santa Marta. The hostel is also close to some of the best restaurants, cafes, and nightlife in the city so there’s plenty to do once you’ve had enough of sunbathing!
Want to see all of Cartagena? Get started with accommodation in Cartagena’s best neighborhoods!
#6 – Olas de Neguanje Hostal
Best hostel in Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona
- Cost – $$
- Location – Kilometro 5 via a Neguanje, calle 25 No. 6-2 B La Esperanza
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Olas de Neguanje Hostal…
This friendly B and B is surrounded by countryside and as close as you can get to Tayrona National Park. You’ll be sharing your space (don’t worry, not your room) with dogs, cats, ducks, and chickens and you’ll even have the chance to see how a Colombian farm works when you’re not out exploring the National Park!
Olas de Neguanje Hostal is perfect for…
If you want to get a glimpse into local Colombian life while being within a hop, skip, and a jump of Tayrona National Park, then this is the perfect spot. There are plenty of comfy spots to enjoy, including a living room and hammocks. You can enjoy delicious Colombian coffee in either of them!
Recommended article! Also – if you’ll be in Cartagena, you HAVE to check out our article about some of the best day trips from Cartagena, Colombia
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#7 – Casa Mediterranea
Best hostel near Simón Bolívar International Airport
- Cost – $$
- Location – Cra. 12 125-205
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Casa Mediterranea…
This fresh and natural hostel has great views of both the sea and the mountains. It’s also the closest hostel to the airport, so it’s the best place to stay near Simón Bolívar International Airport. We love the Mediterranean cuisine in the restaurant, all of which is grown in the hostel garden!
Casa Mediterranea is perfect for…
If you have an early morning or late-night flight, then being so close to the airport will take away the stress of getting to or from there. However, this is way better than your average drab airport hostel! There are often visitors such as parrots, lizards, and butterflies, giving the garden bright splashes of colour!
#8 – Hotel Portobahía Campestre
Best hostel near Terminal de Transportes de Santa Marta
- Cost – $$
- Location – Cra. 4 # 25-253, Gaira, Santa Marta, Magdalena
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Hotel Portobahía Campestre…
This cool, country house style is the closest to Santa Marta’s bus terminal, so it’s the best place to stay if you’re arriving in or leaving the city by bus. We love that all the rooms here come with flat-screen TVs and aircon, perfect for relaxing after a long day of sightseeing!
Hotel Portobahía Campestre is perfect for…
If you want to be as close as possible to the central bus terminal in Santa Marta, then Hotel Portobahía Campestre is perfect. Sometimes hostels close to transport hubs can be a little sketchy, but that’s certainly not the case here. Like many hostels in Santa Marta, it comes with a swimming pool!
MUST READ – If you are making the trip there, you should definitely check out our article about the coolest day trips from Bogota.
#9 – Hostel La Bella Samaria
Best high-end hostel in Santa Marta, Colombia
- Cost – $$
- Location – Calle 11 # 04-06, Centro Histórico
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Hostel La Bella Samaria…
This beautiful hostel comes with a roof terrace, rooftop pool, a free evening drink, amongst many other things so it’s certainly the best high-end hostel in Santa Marta. Best of all though, prices mean that you aren’t breaking the bank. You just have to book plenty of time in advance as it fills up quickly!
Hostel La Bella Samaria is perfect for…
If you want to stay in a cool and luxurious hostel while paying bargain basement backpacker buck, then this is the perfect high-end hostel for you in Santa Marta! The beds are comfy, and the rooms are nicely decorated. If you’re feeling really fancy, why not pay a bit extra to enjoy a private room? It’ll feel more like a hotel!
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#10 – Casa Nuba Eco Hostel
Best budget hostel in Santa Marta, Colombia
- Cost – $$
- Location – Calle 26 #31C – 07, Diagonal 31 14-77
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Casa Nuba Eco Hostel…
This eco-friendly hostel offers some of the most reasonably priced beds in Santa Marta while still having consistently high review scores, so it’s the best budget hostel in Santa Marta! That doesn’t mean you’ll be in a dirty or grimy place though – the hostel comes complete with aircon, free WiFi, and breakfast included!
Casa Nuba Eco Hostel is perfect for…
If you’re travelling on a budget but you still want to have a good time and easily meet new people, then Casa Nuba Eco Hostel is perfect and should be high up on your list! The rooms come with private bathrooms and you can take full advantage of the sun in the spacious and pretty garden!
#11 – La Sierra Hostel
Best hostel with private rooms in Santa Marta, Colombia
- Cost – $$
- Location – Calle 17 # 3 – 99
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like La Sierra Hostel…
This stylish and elegant hostel comes with a range of rooms for 2 or 3 people, so it’s the best place to stay in Santa Marta with private rooms. It also offers mixed dorms if your budget doesn’t stretch to a private! We love the roof terrace and bar, great for enjoying the views with your drink of choice!
La Sierra Hostel is perfect for…
If you’re travelling as a couple or a small group of friends, then this hostel is the perfect place to get some privacy and a good night’s sleep! The hostel has some of the comfiest beds in Santa Marta, after all. There’s also a great pool where you can chill and cool off after spending the day hiking or sightseeing!
FAQ’s
How Much are Hostels in Santa Marta?
A typical one night stay in a dorm room will cost about $10, a bit more or less depending on the service. If you prefer private rooms, you can expect to spend between $25 and $60 for most places.
What are Hostels in Santa Marta Like?
Santa Marta is the gateway to the popular Tayrona Park and other Caribbean beach towns like Palomino which are popular places among travelers. Most hostels have a laid back beach vibe, many have swimming pools, and often you can arrange tours right from your hostel.
How Safe are Hostels in Santa Marta?
Compared to Cartagena, Santa Marta is a much safer destination, though some crime still happens. Most hostels have good security systems and you can ask about areas to avoid to make sure you don't encounter any problems.
How to Find Hostels in Santa Marta?
Check out online platforms like HostelWorld for a great comparison of the options in Santa Marta. If you're traveling to Medellin, Cartagena, or other places in Colombia, you can also ask for recommendation at your current hotel or hostel.
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Best overall hostel in Santa Marta, Colombia
The Dreamer Hostel
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Check for Best Price |
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Best party hostel in Santa Marta, Colombia
La Brisa Loca
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Check for Best Price |
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Best hostel for solo travellers in Santa
Marta, Colombia Cacao Hostel
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Check for Best Price |
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Best hostel for digital nomads in Santa Marta,
Colombia La Guaca Hostel
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Check for Best Price |
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Best hostel near Rodadero Beach
Calle 11 Hostel Santa Marta Rodadero
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Check for Best Price |
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Best hostel in Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona
Olas de Neguanje Hostal
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Check for Best Price |
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Best hostel near Simón Bolívar International
Airport Casa Mediterranea
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Check for Best Price |
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Best hostel near Terminal de Transportes de
Santa Marta Hotel Portobahía Campestre
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Check for Best Price |
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Best high-end hostel in Santa Marta, Colombia
Hostel La Bella Samaria
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Check for Best Price |
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Best budget hostel in Santa Marta, Colombia
Casa Nuba Eco Hostel
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Check for Best Price |
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Best hostel with private rooms in Santa Marta,
Colombia La Sierra Hostel
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Check for Best Price |
Conclusion
So, there you have it. We’ve taken a deep and detailed look at the best hostels in Santa Marta, and we’re sure that there’ll be something suitable for your personality (and budget) on our extensive list.
We wouldn’t want you to miss out on one of the hottest spots in Colombia now, would we?!
Hostels are a great way to travel, and although South America is cheaper than Europe, it doesn’t hurt to have more cash to put towards exploring, eating out, and having a few drinks! You’ll hopefully have plenty of budget to explore the rest of Colombia.
We hope that you have a fantastic trip to Santa Marta, and don’t forget our top pick – The Dreamer Hostel. We hope whichever cool hostel you choose, you have an amazing time!
***Disclaimer*** Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you book your accommodation through the site, One Weird Globe will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me keep the site going :)
