Cartagena is one of Colombia’s most popular backpacking destinations, so there are a lot of hostels to choose from. If you’re wondering how you’re going to pick the right one from you - we’ve got you covered with this guide to the best hostels in Cartagena!
Updated March 2023
When we first visited Cartagena back in 2015, we paid 60,000 COP per night - and this was us pushing the boat out!
Fast forward a few years, and whilst there has never been so many great places to stay in the city, prices of accommodation have increased astronomically; on our last trip we struggled to find anywhere decent that had doubles for less than 140,000 COP (with the place we stayed at four years previously increasing its prices by 120%!)
Throw in the fact that many hostels in Cartagena don’t have kitchens (or indeed private rooms) and the city’s popularity means advance bookings are now almost essential, you may come to the conclusion that the prettiest city in Colombia just isn’t really for budget backpackers anymore.
If you’re just about to fly in to Colombia from Europe or the US, then most of the prices won’t seem too crazy, but for anyone that’s reading this and has already been on the road in South America for a while, they’ll come as a shock (especially if you’re a travelling couple).
So, what you have below is our personally curated selection of some of the best hostels in Cartagena for a variety of backpacker budgets and travel styles; some are super beautiful with a price tag to match, whilst others are much more reasonably priced, but one thing they all have in common is high ratings and good reviews - we’d never recommend a dud! Yes, you may have to stretch your day-to-day budget a little further whilst in Cartagena, but at least you can be guaranteed a decent place to stay for your money in either the Getsemani neighbourhood or within the old walls of the historic centre (the most popular neighbourhoods to stay in).
Here are nine of the best hostels in Cartagena - and if you think any others deserve to be on this list, then please do let us know in the comments!
best hostels in cartagena
Movida Hostel
Seemingly modelled off of the internationally popular Selina hostel chain, this hostel - located in the Walled City - is downright gorgeous. Located in a fully refurbed 19th century colonial property and split over several floors, it is impeccably designed with a uber-modern interior and vibrant colours.
Facilities wise there are pod-style dorms in large rooms, gorgeous doubles (some with balconies), a little , a co-working space, a great common room and an rooftop terrace with bar.
Quite frankly, it’s bloody marvellous.
Dorms from 100,000 COP (£17 / $20) | Doubles from 460,000 COP (£78 / $94)
For more information, prices and availability, see hostelworld or booking.com
Viajero Cartagena
One of the older kids on the block, Viajera has a popular option for a while. A social hostel with lots of organised activities, large and colourful communal areas and a great location in the centre of Getsemani. Although prices are much more than most places in Colombia, it’s actually one of the cheaper ‘popular’ hostels in Cartagena.
Dorms from 90,000 (£16 / $19) | Doubles from 435,000 (£75 / $89)
For more information, prices and availability, see hostelworld or booking.com
Republica Hostel
Located in a beautiful 3-storey colonial building, Republica has one of the largest courtyards within the historic Walled City. The design throughout is just beautiful, plus it has a lovely pool, guest kitchen, free breakfast, and a rooftop jacuzzi - perfect for watching the sun set. The only downside is the lack of private rooms.
Dorms from 100,000 COP / £17 / $20.50 | No doubles
For more information, prices and availability, see hostelworld or booking.com
Life is Good Cartagena
Referred to by many of the guests as ‘the best hostel they’ve ever stayed in’, this is another popular hostel for solo backpackers, or groups looking for dorm beds (although they do have a couple of private rooms now). Excellent facilities, exceptionally helpful and friendly staff plus a rooftop with two jacuzzis. They have an on-site restaurant with discounts for guests.
Be aware that while the reviews are truly glowing, many people state that the vibe is more hotel with a dorm, rather than a hostel. Definitely not a place to come party.
Additionally, do note that prices at this hotels have increased quite significantly in the last couple of years (around a 60% increase on the cheapest dorm bed), so it’s possible you’ll now get more bang for your buck elsewhere.
Dorms from 132,000 COP / £22 / $27 | Doubles from 440,000 COP / £76 / $91
For more information, prices and availability, see hostelworld or booking.com
El Barrio Hostal
These used to be some of the cheapest private room options on our list but as with many hostels in Cartagena, prices have increased somewhat in the last few years. Despite this however, El Barrio remains a hugely popular choice in Cartagena.
Located in the historic centre, it offers large clean rooms (all with ensuite), lots of white walls and good inside communal areas, the only down side is the limited amount of outdoor space - there’s only a balcony to the street.
A real selling point is that their doubles are some of the cheapest in Cartagena, which is especially impressive given their location in the historic centre.
Technically no dorms, but they do have bunk beds in two and four person rooms | Doubles from 170,000 COP (£30 / $36)
For more information, prices and availability, click here.
Santuario Hostel
Adorned with one our favourite pieces of Cartagena street art, the Santuario is a brand new offering in Getsemani. Stylish design and a super cool pod set up for the dorms, it also has a jacuzzi for cooling off after a long day’s sight seeing.
Dorms from 55,000 COP (£13 / $17) | No private doubles
For more information, see hostelworld or booking.com
Casa del Pozo Boutique Hostel
This hostel is just so damn adorable! The cutest design features, a pool for cooling off, great common areas and a cool bar area. There’s no guest kitchen but they do an excellent breakfast and it’s nice and close to lots of restaurants. The doubles are, in our opinion, way overpriced, but it’s an excellent pick for a dorm!
Dorms from 85,000 COP (£14.50 / $17.5) | Doubles from 428,000 COP (£73 / $88)
For more information, prices and availability, see hostelworld or booking.com
Maloka Boutique Hostel
Located on a quiet street between the Getsemani neighbourhood and the historic centre, this boutique hostel is all about its design features, including a wonderful rooftop terrace. The staff are incredibly helpful, there’s a free breakfast, an on-site coffee shop and bar (which is worth visiting even if you’re not staying here!) and even a co-working space for the digital nomads amongst you.
The only downside for solo travellers is that they no longer offer dorms.
No dorms | Doubles from 242,000 COP (£42 / $50)
For more information, prices and availability, click here.
Selina Hostel
We’re personally not the hugest fans of Selina hostels. We’ve stayed in several, across three countries in Latin America and never had the best experiences. Essentially, they look nice but they’re usually prohibitively expensive for most backpackers (and generally overpriced for what they offer), there’s often not that much of an atmosphere and we’ve had additional disappointments we’ve each of there three.
With that said, this list would be remiss without them - the hostel is stunning, it has not one, but TWO rooftop pools, a great (if really quite expensive) bar, guest kitchen and nice private rooms.
Social flashpacker central.
Just be sure to read the reviews, as they will almost certainly not suit everyone.
Dorms from COP 80,000 / £14 / $16.50) | Doubles from COP 235,000 / £40 / $50
For more information, prices and availability, see hostelworld or booking.com
WHERE TO NEXT?
Now we’ve told you about our pick of the best hostels in Cartagena, be sure to take a look at our other guides to this vibrant Colombian city, and elsewhere along its Caribbean coast.
13 Wonderful Things to Do in Cartagena
The Best Day Trips From Cartagena
Buying, Selling & Living | A Cartagena Photography Journal
Our Pick of the best Airbnbs in Cartagena | For All Budgets
Rincon del Mar | A Traveller’s Guide
Tayrona National Park | How to Plan Your Visit
