Hostels are a great way to save money and meet new people when visiting a new city. Whether you are going solo, living your best digital nomad life, or looking to socialize, here are some of the best hostels to consider when visiting Colombia:
Many travelers will search for hostels that provide the best value for their money. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean the cheapest option. Things to consider include cleanliness, comfort, and amenities. Because sometimes paying a little extra for a cleaner and more comfortable stay is often worthwhile.
Whether it’s a complimentary breakfast or late check-out times, it’s important to get an idea of what is important to you as you do your search. I strongly suggest that, in addition to scanning the star ratings of hostels you take the time to read some of the most recent reviews from travelers. This will give you an idea of what you can expect on your visit. Hostels that I generally like offer high ratings for Cleanliness, Safety, Location, and Atmosphere. On websites like Hostelworld, you can even read reviews based on a recent traveler’s age and where they are visiting from.
What I think you’ll find is that hostels can be a great social getaway, in your favourite city, in some of the best locations, at pretty amazing prices. And what you may find surprising is that many hostels feel more like hotels than cheap budget accommodations. So whether you’re looking to break into a new cultural experience, get away for a remote ‘workation’, or enjoy the nightlife while meeting new people, here’s a list of hostels to consider in some of Colombia’s most commonly visited cities. Happy hostelling!
Hostels in Colombia: Here are the top hostel picks for DIGITAL NOMADS, SOLO TRAVELERS, AND PARTY-GOERS in major Colombian cities:
CITY: Cartagena:
Digital Nomad: KIM Cartagena:
KIM Cartagena is known for its vibrant community, digital workspaces, and an excellent location near popular tourist attractions.
Note: KIM Cartagena is a modern hybrid accommodation featuring both private rooms and shared dormitories, designed to foster connection while offering personal comfort.
Solo Traveler: Republica Hostel Cartagena
The hostel is known for its lively atmosphere and excellent location, making it a great choice for solo travelers. This hostel comes with an outdoor swimming pool, plus a bar and lounge area, giving guests plenty of opportunities to socialize.
Party Hostel: Casa Movida Hostel
In the heart of Cartagena’s historic district, Casa Movida offers a unique style complete with a pool, rooftop patio/bar, colonial-style architecture, and some of the best pizza in the city at Mama’s Pizza, which is located on the ground floor. Rooms are clean, comfortable, and include a large safety locker.
CITY: BOGOTA
Digital Nomad: Granada Hostel
Located in the historic center of the city, offering a blend of comfort and history with its recently restored 1930s republican house. Complete with communal spaces to work and socialize as well as a refurbished hot-water pressure system, unique to the historic city center.
Solo Traveler: Urban Social Experience
Urban Social Experience Hostel in Bogotá is located in the secure neighborhood of Chapinero Alto, ensuring a safe stay for all guests. The hostel comes with a spacious jacuzzi that can accommodate 15-20 people as well as a stunning rooftop view of Bogotá. This hostel also offers a variety of daily activities, ensuring there’s always something exciting to do during your stay.
Party Hostel: Botanico Hostel Bogota
Botanico Hostel Bogota is more than just a place to sleep. It’s a vibrant community of likeminded travelers, a garden oasis in the city, and your base for exploring Bogotá. Join in on their group activities and make some new friends along the way!
CITY: MEDELLIN
Digital Nomad: 2 options
Los Patios Hostel is your gateway to the vibrant city of Medellin. With its modern design, eco-friendly practices, and a rooftop bar with panoramic views, it’s a hotspot for digital nomads and solo travelers alike. Whether you plan to work all day in their dedicated workspace, unwind in their rooftop pool, or just let loose at night with a lively atmosphere and stunning views of the city, Los Patios has it all.
Viajero Medellin has a similar vibe to Los Patios but with a little extra flair. Hang out on their rooftop patio, complete with not one but two hot tubs. The lower level is spacious and has a lounge area with a ping-pong table, a large shared kitchen area, and a dedicated workspace complete with a fast internet connection.
Solo Traveler: Medellín Vibes Hostel
Feel the pulse of the city at Medellín Vibes Hostel. With comfortable dorms, a communal kitchen, and a chill-out area, it’s a place to meet like-minded travelers and experience the true spirit of Medellin.
Party Hostel: Rango Hostel Boutique
Get ready for a fun-filled stay at Rango Hostel Boutique. Known for its lively atmosphere and social events, it’s the place to be if you’re looking to party and meet new people. Don’t miss their famous BBQ nights!
Santa Marta
Digital Nomad: Masaya Santa Marta
Masaya Santa Marta turns a restored colonial mansion into a full-blown community hub, complete with a rooftop pool and bar, dedicated co-working space, and a cinema room. Free salsa classes and local art nights keep the social side going, while privacy curtains on the dorm beds mean you don’t have to trade comfort for connection.
Solo Traveler: Cacao Hostel Santa Marta
Tucked into the quiet Pueblito neighborhood just outside the city center, Cacao Hostel wraps a pool and hammock zone around a tropical garden patio. Free breakfast and a big shared kitchen make it easy to fall into an easy, family-style rhythm with fellow solo travelers.
Party Hostel: La Brisa Loca Hostel
Housed in a 100-year-old mansion downtown, La Brisa Loca is Santa Marta’s nightlife staple, with an indoor courtyard pool and a rooftop lounge that fills up fast with live DJs and drinking games. It’s the easiest place in the city to fall in with a big international crowd — just don’t expect an early night.
Gateway to Tayrona National Park: Journey Hostel Tayrona
Right at the edge of Tayrona National Park, Journey Hostel swaps city streets for jungle canopy, thatched huts, and views over the mountains and ocean. A required family-style dinner and group excursions like tubing and hikes into the park make it the natural basecamp before, or after, Tayrona.
Salento
Digital Nomad: Viajero Salento Hostel
Viajero Salento Hostel brings a beach-party energy to the cool Cocora hills, anchored by a lively indoor-outdoor bar with nightly trivia, rum tastings, and group dinners. It’s one of the easiest places in Salento to walk in solo and walk out with a built-in group of friends.
Solo Traveler: Coffee Tree Hostel
Coffee Tree Hostel trades the party scene for a quiet eco-boutique setting on the edge of town, framed by streams and farmland. Sunrise views from the wraparound decks, a big shared kitchen, and two resident St. Bernards make it the pick for hikers and mature solo travelers who want to slow down.
Cali
Digital Nomad: La Vaina Cali
La Vaina Cali fits inside a colonial estate turned boutique hostel, with a courtyard pool, on-site dining, and morning yoga for travelers who want a social base without the chaos. A strict curfew on loud music means you can join a salsa workshop by day and still get a real night’s sleep.
Solo Traveler: Viajero Cali Hostel & Salsa School
Viajero Cali is built entirely around salsa — free group classes by the pool lead into drinking games at the tiki bar, and on weekends the hostel books an entire Chiva party bus straight to Cali’s best salsa clubs. It’s the fastest way to go from solo traveler to dance floor regular.
Party Hostel: The View Hostel and Lounge
The View Hostel’s multi-level rooftop lounge looks out over San Antonio and the Cali skyline, custom cocktails included, and it’s built for exactly what it sounds like: a scenic pre-party before you head out. Casual, social, and the easiest way to meet people before hitting the city’s nightlife together.