This post contains affiliate links. If you book through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — at zero extra cost to you.
You land in Colombia with a backpack, a rough itinerary, and a budget you’re already nervous about blowing.
Then you check into your first hostel — and everything changes.
Colombia’s hostel scene isn’t just good.
It’s some of the best in the world.
Rooftop pools, jungle rivers, Caribbean islands, free breakfast, espresso martinis at 9am — we’re talking luxury experiences at backpacker prices. Dorm beds average around $13–15 USD per night across the country, with ultra-budget options dipping as low as $5 in smaller towns.
This guide breaks down the best hostels in Colombia for backpackers — city by city, vibe by vibe — so you can stop scrolling and start booking.
[CTA: Find the Best Hostel Deals in Colombia →]
At a Glance: Best Hostels in Colombia for Backpackers 🗺️
| Hostel | Location | Best For | Est. Dorm Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masaya Hostel | Medellín | Overall best | ~$15–20 USD |
| Los Patios Hostel | Medellín | Solo travelers | ~$15–18 USD |
| Viajero Hostel | Medellín | Party scene | ~$18–22 USD |
| El Rio Hostel | Buritaca | Jungle + vibes | ~$12–15 USD |
| The Cranky Croc | Bogotá | Budget city base | ~$10–14 USD |
| Fatima Hostel | Bogotá | Cheapest option | ~$8–12 USD |
| Casa Zahri | Cartagena | Getsemaní feel | ~$14–18 USD |
| Casa Movida | Cartagena | Walled City location | ~$15–20 USD |
| Masaya Santa Marta | Santa Marta | Luxury on a budget | ~$14–18 USD |
| Sam’s VIP Hostel | San Gil | Best value anywhere | ~$5–8 USD |
| Coffee Tree Hostel | Salento | Couples + nature | ~$12–16 USD |
| Casa Loma Minca | Minca | Off-grid escape | ~$10–14 USD |
Prices are estimates. Always check current rates on Hostelworld before booking.
🏙️ Best Hostels in Medellín for Backpackers
Medellín is usually the first city that hooks backpackers — and the hostel scene here is absolutely stacked.
Masaya Hostel Medellín
If you only stay at one hostel in all of Colombia, make it Masaya.
Located in El Poblado, Medellín’s most vibrant neighborhood, Masaya delivers a rooftop bar, restaurant, pool, jacuzzis, and a co-working space — all under one roof.
The views from the terrace alone are worth it.
It draws a great mix of backpackers, digital nomads, and curious locals, which keeps the social energy high every single night.
💡 Pro Tip: Book Masaya at least a week in advance during peak season (December–January and June–July). It fills up fast.
[CTA: Check Availability at Masaya Medellín →]
Los Patios Hostel Medellín
Los Patios is right up there with Masaya — just a slightly more intimate vibe.
Every dorm bed comes with privacy curtains, personal plugs, and solid storage, which is honestly more than most mid-range hotels offer.
There’s a co-working space, a communal kitchen, table games, and a rooftop bar with genuinely stunning city views.
If Masaya feels too big and buzzy, Los Patios is your answer.
Viajero Hostel Medellín
Looking for the best party hostel in Medellín?
Their rooftop has two jacuzzis and a killer view of the city, and there are themed parties, live DJs, and musicians going almost every night.
Each dorm bed is a private capsule with its own curtain — so you can actually sleep off the fun.
💡 Pro Tip: Happy hour at Viajero is a budget backpacker’s best friend. Get there early — it gets packed.
[CTA: Book Viajero Hostel Medellín →]
🌿 Best Hostel for Jungle Vibes: El Rio Hostel, Buritaca
This one’s different.
El Rio Hostel in Buritaca — about an hour east of Santa Marta along the Caribbean coast — looks like a Balinese villa that somehow ended up in the Colombian jungle.
There’s a river literally steps from the hostel where you can cool off midday.
At night, the bar takes over — DJs, playlists, zero noise complaints (because you’re in the middle of the jungle).
What makes El Rio extra special is its social mission: the El Rio Foundation supports local kids through fundraisers, tutoring, and beach cleanups — so your hostel spend actually does some good.
💡 Pro Tip: El Rio is fairly remote. Stock up on cash and essentials in Santa Marta before heading out. There’s no ATM nearby.
[CTA: Book El Rio Hostel →]
🏛️ Best Hostels in Bogotá for Backpackers
Bogotá isn’t everyone’s first love, but you’ll almost certainly pass through.
Make the most of it with the right base.
The Cranky Croc Hostel
The Cranky Croc sits right in the heart of La Candelaria, Bogotá’s historic neighborhood — museums, street art, and rooftop bars are all within walking distance.
It’s one of the most consistently rated hostels in the entire country on TripAdvisor, and its location makes it perfect for exploring the city before catching your next bus out.
Fatima Hostel Bogotá
If budget is your priority, Fatima Hostel is hard to beat.
Set inside a stunning colonial house in La Candelaria, the vibe here is boho-arty — think cool graffiti murals, free yoga classes, and breakfasts for around $4 USD.
The bar staff are legends, and the location puts you steps from the Gold Museum, Botero Museum, and Plaza de Bolívar.
[CTA: Compare Bogotá Hostels →]
🌊 Best Hostels in Cartagena for Backpackers
Cartagena is hot, colorful, and deeply photogenic — and the hostels match the energy.
Casa Zahri, Getsemaní
Forget the tourist trap hotels inside the Walled City.
Casa Zahri is a pink boutique hostel tucked into the Getsemaní neighborhood — more local, more colorful, and significantly more budget-friendly than anything inside the Old City walls.
There’s a pool to beat the relentless Caribbean heat, and it’s a solid base if you’re also working remotely.
Casa Movida Cartagena
If you do want to be inside the Walled City, Casa Movida is your spot.
It’s one block from the Clock Tower Plaza, which means you’re a 10-minute walk from literally everything in central Cartagena.
Rooftop bar, pool, restaurant — and a great launch pad for a night out.
💡 Pro Tip: Cartagena is Colombia’s priciest city. Book early and consider staying in Getsemaní to stretch your budget further.
[CTA: Book Your Cartagena Hostel →]
🌴 Best Hostels Near Santa Marta & Tayrona
Masaya Hostel Santa Marta
The Masaya brand does it again in Santa Marta.
Same formula: rooftop bar, pool, events, excellent staff, luxury feel — backpacker price point.
It’s in the heart of downtown Santa Marta and makes an ideal base before or after hiking Tayrona National Park.
Casa Loma Minca
Just 45 minutes from Santa Marta by mototaxi, Minca is one of Colombia’s best-kept secrets — a cool mountain village surrounded by coffee farms and jungle waterfalls.
Casa Loma is the go-to hostel here: authentic, homely, and always packed with travelers who didn’t plan to stay as long as they did.
Wi-Fi is minimal — and that’s the whole point.
Book in advance. This one fills up constantly.
[CTA: Check Minca Hostel Availability →]
☕ Best Hostels in Coffee Country
Coffee Tree Boutique Hostel, Salento
The Coffee Tree Boutique Hostel in Salento is one of those places that makes you want to cancel your onward bus ticket.
Tucked on the quiet outskirts of town, surrounded by coffee farms and nature, it has a boutique hotel feel at a fraction of the price.
Breakfast is included, late check-out is free on request, and there are two massive Saint Bernards who will become your best friends.
It’s the best hostel in Colombia for couples — but solo travelers love it too.
💡 Pro Tip: Pair a stay in Salento with a Valle de Cocora day trip to see the iconic wax palms. It’s only a 20-minute jeep ride from town.
Best Hostel for Adventure Travel: Sam’s VIP Hostel, San Gil
San Gil is Colombia’s adventure capital — whitewater rafting, paragliding, canyoning, you name it.
And Sam’s VIP Hostel sits right on the main plaza with dorm beds starting at around $5 a night.
For that price, you get a spacious bed, a big locker, a pool, and a sauna.
It’s absurd value and genuinely one of the most underrated hostels in all of Colombia.
[CTA: Book Sam’s VIP Hostel San Gil →]
Is Staying in Hostels in Colombia Worth It?
Absolutely — and here’s why it’s different from most places.
Colombian hostels aren’t just budget beds.
They’re community hubs — where you’ll meet your travel crew, pick up insider tips, organize group tours, and have experiences you won’t get staying solo in a hotel.
The average backpacker pays ~$14 USD per night for a dorm, often with breakfast included — that’s exceptional value compared to Southeast Asia or Central America.
Whether you’re partying in Medellín, hiking near Tayrona, or chilling in Salento’s coffee farms, there’s a hostel that fits your exact vibe.
FAQ: Best Hostels in Colombia for Backpackers
El Rio Hostel in Buritaca and Masaya Medellín are consistently ranked among the best in the country — and South America. El Rio wins on jungle atmosphere and community; Masaya wins on facilities and location.
Dorm beds typically run $10–20 USD per night in major cities like Medellín and Cartagena, and as low as $5 in smaller towns like San Gil. The national average is around $13–15 USD per night.
El Poblado is the most popular neighborhood — safe, walkable, close to restaurants and nightlife. Most of the top hostels like Masaya, Los Patios, and Viajero are located here.
Yes — Colombia’s hostels are generally very safe, especially the well-reviewed ones listed here. Stick to recommended areas, use the hostel’s secure lockers, and follow standard travel common sense.
Casa Zahri in Getsemaní is the top pick for vibe and value, while Casa Movida wins for location inside the Walled City. Both have pools, which is non-negotiable in Cartagena’s heat.
Cacao Hostel in Santa Marta is frequently cited as the best hostel in Colombia for solo travelers — free breakfast, pool, and a highly social atmosphere.
Very. A comfortable backpacker budget in Colombia runs $35–60 USD per day covering accommodation, food, transport, and one activity. It’s one of the most affordable countries in South America for the quality of experience you get.
December–March and July–August are the driest months in most regions and the most popular travel windows. Book hostels well in advance if you’re traveling during these periods.
