The Best Hostels in Colombia

Arty boutique in Bogotá. Floating retreat on the Caribbean Sea. Surf camp on a private beach. Colombia is home to some extraordinary hostels. Here are the best – all bookable with Culture Trip.
Condor-soared Andean peaks, a Caribbean coast fringed with talc-soft beaches, the steamy expanse of the Amazon… the Colombian landscapes are breathtaking. And the cities burst with life – the cobbled streets of Cartagena, salsa-fueled clubs of Cali and modish bars of buzzing Bogotá. With more travelers visiting every year there are myriad hostels – even in remote corners such as the beautiful beach-lined La Guajira peninsula and the Sierra Nevada mountains near Santa Marta.
Calle 11, Santa Marta
Hostel

This villa in the Caribbean city of Santa Marta was reportedly once a drug-trafficker’s mansion. It now brims with partying backpackers – who hurl themselves into the turquoise pool and drink icy beer on the sea-view balconies. Dorms come with privacy curtains, reading lights and sockets, and the best of the doubles are hotel-comfortable – with plenty of space and a private balcony. Staff offer tours to the unspoiled Sierra Nevada mountains and beaches of Tayrona National Park – both on the doorstep.
Casa Elemento, Santa Marta
Hostel

Fernweh Photography Hostel, Bogotá
Hostel

Casa en el Aire, La Union
Hostel

Panorama Cafe Hostel, Buenavista
Hostel

Casa en el Agua, San Bernando Islas
Hostel

Paraíso Secreto, Isla Grande
Hostel

Costeño Beach, Guachaca
Hostel

Casa Loma, Minca
Hostel

Alex Robinson contributed additional reporting to this article.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.