Booking hostels in Colombia can be a bit overwhelming because there are so many to choose from! As tourism increases in this country many new hostels and accommodation in general are opening almost daily, so it’s nice to know of a few that someone really enjoyed before you book. I personally did a ton of research before heading to Colombia and after staying in 12 different places have decided to write about my five favorites. There are many sites out there where you can read reviews but please read further than just the first few, some people complain about stuff that the hostel has no control over so be mindful when reading public reviews.
Because I was in the country for almost a month hostels were my top choice for saving as much money as I could. These are some of the cleanest, friendliest and fun hostels I have ever stayed in while traveling so don’t worry about finding a great place to rest your head after a day full of activities in Colombia!
EL VIAJERO HOSTEL IN SALENTO, COLOMBIA
I absolutely loved our stay for three nights at El Viajero Hostel this hostel is located in one of the first houses built in Salento. They have completely renovated it, added a beautiful bar, improved landscaping and added a fire pit-this property is absolutely stunning!
PROS
- Beautiful view of the mountains
- Free Breakfast(Basic Breakfast: cereals, fruit and toast)
- Extremely friendly staff
- Great prices Dorm: 38,000 COP ($11 USD) or Double Standard 140,000 COP ($44 USD)
- Keep in mind we visited in low season prices will increase in high season
- Awesome bar/hangout area
- Large hostel (90 beds) but cozy feel
- $1 beers
- Bonfire
- Free Yoga Classes
- Free Salsa Classes
We decided to book a private room because it was one of the cheapest prices for a private room we have seen at a hostel. We got lucky and they upgraded us to a premium room with a balcony, they even cleaned our room and made our bed each day!
After hiking the Cocora Valley and walking around the adorable town of Salento we were always excited to come back to El Viajero and rest. If you want to learn more about the area and read more about what to do and where to eat in Salento check out my blog post HERE!
HOSTEL RANGO BOUTIQUE IN MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA
The city of Medellin is home to over 3 million people and it is broken up into 6 sections. I recommend staying in Pablado (number 6) which is known as the nicest area in Medellin. Here we stayed in Hostel Rango Boutique, this is one of the nicest hostels we have ever stayed in. It is a bit more expensive than other hostels because of it’s location but it is so worth it. I recommend requesting the park view dorm it only sleeps six and has a private bathroom inside.
PROS
- Just opened in April (brand new renovated facility)
- Extremely clean
- Dorm price: 55,000 COP ($19USD)
- Offers a free welcome drink
- Friendly staff
- Tons of activities during the week
- Free breakfast(best I’ve seen at a hostel: homemade Swiss bread, fresh fruit and you can add on eggs and bacon for cheap)
- Private bar
- Close to metro, restaurants and activities
It’s hard to leave this hostel because it is so fun but don’t miss out on the awesome city tours offered in Medellin, read more about them HERE!
SWEET HARMONY HOTEL IN MINCA, COLOMBIA
We decided it was ok to splurge a bit and stayed at Sweet Harmony Hotel -it is funny to say splurge because it was only $28/each a night and the hotel was super cute and nice, for backpackers it’s definitely more expensive-but so worth it!
PROS
- Only a year old
- Only eight rooms total, so super cozy!
- Huge room and bathroom
- Awesome bedding(only down comforters I saw in Colombia)
- Extremely clean
- Balcony
- Room price: 165,000 COP ($55USD)
- Super friendly staff
- 15 minute walk into Minca
- Can start many hikes up into the mountains from here
- Free breakfast(eggs made to order, orange juice, coffee, bread, fruit and yogurt)
- Room service
- Private river access
View from breakfast
It is hard to leave this wonderful hotel but get out and see the wonderful town of Minca and explore the beautiful Los Nevados mountain range, learn more about what to do in Minca HERE!
CASA CHAPOLIN IN PALOMINO, COLOMBIA
I couldn’t talk more highly about Casa Chapolin -I have only stayed at a few other hostels that have this great of a vibe. The owners are super hands on and you can see how much time went in to planning this project. Not only do they care about their guests but they also have a great relationship with the locals of Palomino and Colombia in general. They provided us with such a fun, comfortable and relaxing stay.
PROS
- All you can eat breakfast. Not only is it unlimited but it was the best breakfast I have EVER had at a hostel! Homemade crepes, omelettes, juices and bread!
- Spacious rooms
- Option for surfing lessons if you’re interested
- Friendly, helpful and knowledgable staff-they will help you book any activity or transportation if you need it
- 3 minute walk to the beach
- Mosquito nets (you’ll need them!)
- Hammocks
Seriously this is my dream home!
Relaxing in the hammocks and visiting the beach will keep you occupied but if you decide to explore a bit read more about what to do in Palomino HERE!
REPUBLICA HOSTEL IN CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA
Oh Republica Hostel, this is a hostel I could write about forever. Especially for a hostel that sleeps over one hundred people I couldn’t believe how amazing the customer service was and how clean they kept it. When we walked in we were greeted by the nicest women who made our check in quick and easy. On top of all that it was located in such a beautiful building!
PROS
- Extremely welcoming, helpful and friendly staff
- Clean bathrooms
- Party AND chill options (pool party or movie night)
- Pod sleeping arrangements
- Breakfast included
- Pool-AND IT IS SUPER CLEAN (sometimes that’s hard to find at a hostel)
- Awesome location
- New activities offered daily
- Rooftop bar
- Air-conditioning
- Strong Wi-Fi
You might get lucky and receive a visit from the neighborhood parrot.
Get out and enjoy the wonderful Walled City read more about what to do in Cartagena HERE.
Have you stayed in any of these hostels in Colombia? What were your favorite hostels in Colombia? Comment below!
