Colombia is a beautiful country with so much to see. When backpacking Colombia, there are numerous hostels you can choose from. I have compiled my favorites in an easy list below!
City: Medellín
Hostel: Los Patios
If you’re in Medellín, I highly recommend Los Patios hostel. The rooms are nice and clean and you have your own personal fan within your bed space which is amazing in the heat.
Amenities-
- Wifi
- Rooftop pool and bar
- Gym
- Co-working space
- Full kitchen
- Free coffee as well as a coffee and breakfast bar
- Offers tons of excursions you can get through the hostel
Cost-
$19 a night for 8 bed with en-suite
Personal experience-
We were greeted with the most lovely staff we instantly became friends with and hung out with them on their days off. They gave excellent recommendations of things to do around the city as well as less touristy destinations. We participated in a hostel photo shoot which was incredibly fun and now our photos are around the hostel and their website! We participated in a drink making class and a salsa class hosted but the hostel and was incredibly fun and a great way to meet people. This is definitely a backpackers hostel with people from all over staying here for all different reasons.
City: Santa Marta
Hostel: Mr. Baboon Hostel
Amenities-
- Wifi
- Pool
- Rooftop bar
- Full kitchen
- Beds slightly bigger than a twin
Cost-
$10 a night for 12 bed mixed dorm
Personal experience-
This hostel was very nice and had breakfast included. they had out names on plates when we arrived for our rooftop breakfast and cooked our eggs upon request which was very cool. It was a very social atmosphere where I made a lot of friends that I kept in contact throughout my trip. The rooms were cool and the beds seemed a bit bigger than the typical twin which was nice. The bathrooms were very nice and clean and the showers had warm water which is always a plus.
City: Palomino
Hostel: Dreamer Palomino Hostel
Walking in here I felt as if I was staying at a resort it. The place itself was amazing and right in the beach
Amenities-
- Wifi
- Pool
- Beach access
- Bar/restaurant
- Massages
- Paid with wristbands so no need to carry cash
Cost-
$10 a night for a standard 10 bed mixed dorm
Personal experience-
This was the only hostel I stayed in that did not have curtains on the bed, however, I did not mind it all that much. For $10 a night with the location and amenities, it was worth it. The pool was warm and the beach was only steps away. The food was excellent and the bar was always busy making it quite a fun place to stay.
City: Minca
Hostel: Mundo Nuevo Eco Lodge
Amenities-
- Wifi
- Infinity pool
- Bar and restaurant
Cost-
$25 a night in a 7-bed dorm
Personal experience-
This hostel was unlike one I have ever stayed in before. It is up in the mountains so once you get there, you do not quite want to leave. There are small excursions you can do from the hostel such as a coffee and cocoa tour or a hike to a nearby waterfall or indigenous village. The hostel itself was beautiful and they feed you what they grow. This makes the hostel meals vegetarian and more of a community as you sit down and enjoy the same meals as everyone else, there is no menu (except for breakfast).
City: Cartagena
Hostel: Viajero Cartagena Hostel
Amenities-
- Wifi
- Pool
- Bar/food
- Can schedule trips/boats through hostel
Cost-
$20 a night in 10 bed mixed dorm
Personal experience-
I stayed in Viajero for quite a bit of time. It was very centrally located around the city and was easy to walk everywhere. They arranged day excursions to local beaches and islands and had access to laundry on site. The rooms are also very air conditioned which was amazing as Cartagena is incredibly hot.
