The Best Party Hostels in Colombia

The hostel voted the best in Colombia and second-best in Latin America at the Hostelworld ‘Hoscar’ awards in 2017, El Rio is a dream destination for backpackers in Colombia. It might seem like a chilled-out location, on a beautiful river in the coastal jungles of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, but El Rio has cultivated an excellent party vibe, and regular DJ sets from local and international DJs give their monthly parties an edge. El Rio is definitely the hippest party hostel in Colombia right now.

Cartagena is a party town, and the best place to stay if you’re looking for a party is Media Luna. Every night, guests tend to meet and mingle in this historic colonial building before heading out for a night of fun. On Wednesdays, however, the party is at the hostel, as visitors come in droves to partake of their infamous weekly event, Visa por un Sueño. Media Luna has achieved legendary status as one of Colombia’s top party hostels, and it’s certainly the best option in Cartagena.

Not all party hostels have to be like nightclubs, and Casa Elemento is the ideal party hostel for anyone whose ideal night out is a house party with some good friends and plenty of drinks! With a great bar and stunning views over the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Casa Elemento has cultivated a really great communal vibe and hanging out there for a few nights feels like joining the best house party you’ve ever been to.

One of Bogotà’s best party hostels, Fulano Backpackers is located on a buzzing street in the city’s hipster neighbourhood of Quinta Camacho (close to El Mono Bandido, one of Bogotà’s best craft-beer pubs, and Matik Matik, a top alternative music venue). Located in an attractive old red-brick mansion, the hostel is famous for its parties, and their regular live-music events draw crowds from throughout the city, locals and backpackers alike.

If you’re looking for peace and quiet in Santa Marta, don’t book a night at the Dreamer! One of Colombia’s top party hostels, this lovely little spot on the outskirts of the city is famous for its buzzing bar, beer pong nights and general party atmosphere. Although the days are chilled out at the Dreamer – its pool is one of the best around – the nights are when the hostel really comes alive, and it attracts a fun-loving crowd of travellers.

Located smack-bang in the middle of Medellín’s main party neighbourhood of El Poblado, Happy Buddha Boutique Hostel is the place to be for backpackers looking for a big night out in Colombia’s second city. Its famous Tree Bar on the second-floor terrace is open to all comers, and it is usually packed out at weekends with big crowds eager for a classic Medellín nightlife experience. With an epic Wednesday bar crawl and some of the strongest cocktails out there, Happy Buddha is the best party hostel in the city.

Set in a 100-year-old mansion, this beautiful hostel is famous for its wild parties. With space for almost 100 backpackers throughout the plush complex, the fiestas at La Brisa Loca are undeniably loca (crazy). The best action takes place on the buzzing rooftop terrace, although guests love hanging by the stylish indoor pool amid a lush ivory-clad courtyard as well. For anyone tired of relentless partying, their sister hostel La Brisa Tranquila is a chilled-out beachside spot near Tayrona National Park.