BEST Hostels In Cartagena Colombia: 2023 Review
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Looking for the best hostels in Cartagena? You’re in the right place! Finding the best places to stay in Colombia can make or break your trip, so choosing the right hostel is essential!
In the following list, I have included the 9 best hostels in Cartagena. Whilst these are all accurate of this current time, it’s always important to still check the reviews and decide for yourself when booking.
So, let’s find out the best hostels in Cartagena, and ensure your stay is as successful as possible!
Still got a question about the best hostels in Cartagena? Let me know over on Instagram or shoot me an email at jennie(@)jenniewanders.com!
🇨🇴 Other Colombia posts:
- Cartagena Itinerary 4 Days: The PERFECT Plan!
- 10 BEST Day Trips From Cartagena Colombia!
- Getsemani Cartagena: FULL Travel Guide
- Palenque Tour Cartagena: The BEST Day Trip!
- Medellin To Cartagena: FULL Transport Guide
Best Hostels In Cartagena: A Summary
The best thing about the hostels in Cartagena is that they are all in a good location. Most of the major (and recommended) hostels are located in either Getsemani or the Old Town. Cartagena, especially in these specific areas, is entirely walkable, so no matter where you stay, you’ll only be a few minutes walk from all of the action.
The hostel you choose in Cartagena will depend on your personal preferences. Luckily, Cartagena has accommodations to suit everyone.
From raging party hostels (I’m talking about you, Media Luna), to more luxurious boutique hostels (Casa Bustamante) and wholesome hostels that feel like home (like Life is Good, our top pick) there’s a hostel for every type of traveller.
But, I’m going to be honest. There are a lot of hostels in Cartagena, and a lot of them are pretty bad (I’m not going to name names, but we stayed in one ourselves that was diabolical).
Sadly, some of these *awful* hostels are listed on popular travel blogs as being the ‘best’ in Cartagena. But, in reality, they’re more like the B&B from the ‘Only Fools and Horses’ Jolly Boy’s Outing! (And if you don’t get the joke, just note that you really don’t want to stay there!)
This list only includes hostels that I myself would stay in in the future, with average to moderatly high standards. I won’t be recommending any hostels without bedroom windows, air conditioning or basic cleanliness. I’ve got your best interests at heart, I promise!
This post is accurate at the time of writing. But, please, please do yourself a favour – read the reviews before booking! The reviews are the most accurate description of a hostels, and it is so , so important that you read the first few pages before handing over any money!
Accommodation really can make or break your trip. Don’t let a grotty hostel ruin your time in Cartagena!
Our Top 3 Hostels in Cartagena
#1 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: Life Is Good
✔️ Free cancellation | ✔️ Private and shared dorm rooms | ✔️ EXCELLENT location | ✔️ Chilled social atmosphere with hot tubs | ✔️ FREE breakfast
#2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: Casa Bustamante
✔️ Free cancellation | ✔️ Private and shared dorm rooms | ✔️ Beach location | ✔️ Traditional setting | ✔️ Walkable distance to Getsemani
#3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: Viajero Hostel
✔️ Free cancellation | ✔️ Private and shared dorm rooms | ✔️ EXCELLENT location | ✔️ FREE daily activities | ✔️ Bar crawls and party nights
Best 9 Hostels in Cartagena
1) Life is Good Hostel
😀 Best for: couples, solo travellers and digital nomads
⭐️ Overall Rating: 9.4 (Magnificent)
📍 Location: Getsemani
💸 Budget: ££
🥳 Hostel vibe: Chilled but social
❄️ Air conditioning: Yes
💻 Wifi: Yes, strong
🍽 Kitchen: Yes
🏊♀️ Facilities/extras: Onsite cooking classes, restaurant, free breakfast, hot tubs, beautiful rooftop views, AMAZING staff, daily activities, laundry, shuttles, tours, airport transfers
🏖️ What’s nearby?: Located in the Getsemani neighbourhood, close to Trinidad Square and all of the major Cartagena attractions. Walking distance to the Old Town and the beach.
Find out more on Hostelworld.com.
A ‘home away from home’, Life Is Good was one of our favourite hostels throughout our entire time travelling Latin America. Why? It is faultless. The rooms are clean and modern, the staff go out of their way to help you, there are daily FREE cooking classes and activities, and the breakfast included is delicious!
It also always felt safe and secure, and was just a five minute walk from the main Trinidad Square. If we return to Cartagena, we will undoubtedly stay at Life is Good!
“One of the best experiences in hostels thanks to all the staff. Attentive with a super good attitude, willing to collaborate ALWAYS and with a smile. Excellent location and quiet.”
-Hostelworld Reviews (Read more here)
2) Casa Bustamante
😀 Best for: solo travellers, couples, groups
⭐️ Overall Rating: 9.5 (Superb)
📍 Location: Cabrero district
💸 Budget: ££
🥳 Hostel vibe: Chilled boutique hostel, similar to a hotel setting
❄️ Air conditioning: Yes
💻 Wifi: Yes
🍽 Kitchen: No
🏊♀️ Facilities/extras: breakfast included, swimming pool, hot tub and easy access to the beach. Laundry, shuttles, tours, airport transfers
🏖️ What’s nearby?: Easy beach access, around a 10 minute walk to Getsemani main centre, a 5 minute walk to the walled city.
Find out more on Hostelworld.com.
If you’re looking for somewhere a little calmer and more modern in Cartagena, Casa Bustamante is it. A hotel-like hostel situated by the beach, Casa Bustamante is perfect for those who want to relax and unwind, and aren’t too bothered about social activities.
“Very cool hotel within an easy walk of the old town and Gethsameni. Hotel is an old colonial bungalow with a pool. Beds comfortable and the AC was much needed. Very pleasant stay here.“
-Hostelworld Reviews (Read more here)
3) Viajero Hostel
😀 Best for: solo backpackers, couples and groups who want to socialise
⭐️ Overall Rating: 8.9 (Fabulous)
📍 Location: Getsemani
💸 Budget: ££
🥳 Hostel vibe: Social
❄️ Air conditioning: Yes
💻 Wifi: Yes
🍽 Kitchen: No but onsite restaurant
🏊♀️ Facilities/extras: Onsite restaurant and bar, daily activities for backpackers, large common room, laundry, shuttles, tours, airport transfers, swimming pool, hammocks.
🏖️ What’s nearby?: San Diego (Old Town)
Find out more on Hostelworld.com.
During our time in Latin America, we stayed in a few Viajero Hostels, and every one was perfect. Modern and spacious rooms, excellent cleanliness, fun social activities (but not too far to say they’re crazy party hostels), swimming pools, delicious breakfasts and friendly staff.
They have pretty much nailed what it takes to be a dream hostel.
If you’re looking to make friends and meet people in Cartagena, stay at Viajero. It’s not too wild that you won’t get a good night’s sleep, but there’s enough going on to keep you entertained. It’s definitely one of our top picks!
“Amazing stay! Very sociable hostel, safe and clean and good location. Amazing staff, especially Carlos who was super friendly though out. Will definitely return and highly recommend.”
-Hostelworld Reviews (Read more here)
4) Republica Hostel
😀 Best for: solo backpackers and couples
⭐️ Overall Rating: 8.8 (Fabulous)
📍 Location: San Diego (Old Town)
💸 Budget: ££
🥳 Hostel vibe: Social
❄️ Air conditioning: Yes
💻 Wifi: Yes
🍽 Kitchen: Yes
🏊♀️ Facilities/extras: Social events, large common spaces, in an old Spanish Colonial building, swimming pool, laundry, shuttles, tours, airport transfers.
🏖️ What’s nearby?: All of Getsemani and the Old Town’s main attractions (bars, restaurants, pubs). The beach is within 10 minute’s walking distance.
Find out more on Hostelworld.com.
Republica is the perfect social hostel in Cartagena. It’s well-located (in the San Diego Old Town district), surrounded by cafes, bars, pubs and nightclubs. If you want a big night out, Republic run social events in the evenings.
Don’t be surprised to find solo travellers mingling in the common room, deciding on whether or not to take the plunge and book a Chiva bus. A great, well-located, clean and highly rated hostel in Cartagena.
“Amazing hostel! Reception team were so helpful. Great activities on every day, super social with lots of communal areas which was good as a solo traveller! Amazing location as well. 100% recommend!“
-Hostelworld Reviews (Read more here)
5) Casa Zahri Boutique Hostel
😀 Best for: couples and digital nomads
⭐️ Overall Rating: 8.4 (Fabulous)
📍 Location: Getsemani
💸 Budget: ££
🥳 Hostel vibe: Chilled, hotel vibes (it doesn’t have the atmosphere of a hostel)
❄️ Air conditioning: Yes
💻 Wifi: Yes
🍽 Kitchen: No, but onsite cafe
🏊♀️ Facilities/extras: Onsite cafe, bar, swimming pool, large communal spaces, outdoor tables (perfect for co-working), laundry, shuttles, tours, airport transfers.
🏖️ What’s nearby?: All the major attractions of Getsemani and the Old Town.
Find out more on Hostelworld.com.
Casa Zahri Boutique Hostel is one of my top picks for digital nomads in Cartagena. Why? Simply because it’s so peaceful! You can sit outside on one of the wooden tables, overlook the pool and catch up on some work. There isn’t too much going on, so you won’t be disturbed. There’s also an onsite bar to keep topped up throughout the day.
Casa Zahri Boutique Hostel is also located in the Getsemani district (my favourite district, you can find out why here), so everything you could possibly need in Cartagena is on your doorstep. An amazing Cartagena hostel!
“Such a nice hostel. The pool area is just amazing and so peaceful!”
-Hostelworld Reviews (Read more here)
6) Casa del Puerto Hostel & Suites
😀 Best for: couples and groups
⭐️ Overall Rating: 8.6 (Fabulous)
📍 Location: Manga
💸 Budget: ££
🥳 Hostel vibe: Chilled, relaxed and quiet
❄️ Air conditioning: Yes
💻 Wifi: Yes
🍽 Kitchen: No, but onsite bar, restaurant and cafe
🏊♀️ Facilities/extras: swimming pool, bar, cafe and restaurant, free welcome drink, laundry, shuttles, tours, airport transfers.
🏖️ What’s nearby?: restaurants, mini mart and sea views
Find out more on Hostelworld.com.
Casa del Puerto Hostel & Suites is a rebuilt mansion, in one of the quieter and most peaceful areas of Cartagena. It’s not the best hostel if you want to make friends, but if you want to relax and have a more authentic experience, it’s a great hostel.
There’s an onsite bar, cafe and restaurant, and a swimming pool to relax in in the midday heat.
Note that it’s either a 20-25 minute walk to Getsemani, or a 5-10 minute Uber.
“It was really nice and chill. I was looking for more of a relaxed vibe compared to party hostel across the bridge. I even liked how it was less touristy, letting me experience a more authentic Colombian experience!”
-Hostelworld Reviews (Read more here)
7) Zion Beach House
😀 Best for: those who want a more ‘community’ vibe from a hostel
⭐️ Overall Rating: 9.0 (Superb)
📍 Location: Playa de Manzanillo (near the airport)
💸 Budget: ££
🥳 Hostel vibe: wholesome, chilled atmosphere
❄️ Air conditioning: Yes
💻 Wifi: Yes
🍽 Kitchen: No, but onsite bar and barbeques
🏊♀️ Facilities/extras: free breakfast, daily activities, barbecues, game nights, pub crawls, Spanish lessons, cooking classes, tours
🏖️ What’s nearby?: Playa de Manzanillo (beach) and the airport
Find out more on Hostelworld.com.
Zion Beach Hostel is the perfect spot for those who don’t need to be amongst the action. If you prefer more of a community vibe, with family dinners and wholesome activities, Zion Beach Hostel is for you.
But don’t worry – there are crazy parties and bar crawls organised by Zion too, but it’s really down to you how you spend your time there. Chill with the beach views, take a salsa lesson or relax with a beer – Zion is a great hostel in Cartagena away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
“I initially booked 2 nights here, and after the first night, I extended my stay an extra 9 days. I’ll probably extend another week, as it’s such a special place. The staff are very friendly and welcoming, they always have a smile on their face. I love that they sit down and eat with everyone, and the food is really good. It is a 20-25 minute taxi to the Old Town, so if you need to be in the center of all the action and tourists, this may not be the place for you.”
-Hostelworld Reviews (Read more here)
8) Casa Del Pozo Boutique Hostel
😀 Best for: solo backpackers, couples, groups
⭐️ Overall Rating: 8.7 (Fabulous)
📍 Location: Getsemani
💸 Budget: ££
🥳 Hostel vibe: Chilled
❄️ Air conditioning: Yes
💻 Wifi: Yes
🍽 Kitchen: Yes
🏊♀️ Facilities/extras: swimming pool, communal spaces and TV, breakfast until 11, free salsa classes, daily activities.
🏖️ What’s nearby?: All of the main Getsemani attractions.
Find out more on Hostelworld.com.
The selling point for Casa Del Pozo Boutique Hostel really is the location. Perfectly nestled in the Getsemani neighbourhood, you’re just a stone’s throw from all of the best restaurants, cafes and bars. This means you can easily stumble home after a crazy night out without having to worry about Ubers or taxis!
However, the atmosphere at Casa Del Pozo Boutique Hostel is a little quieter than most, and it isn’t the best place for those wanting to make friends and meet new people. This is the perfect hostel for relaxing and booking some epic authentic activities in Cartagena.
“Overall, a really nice hostel, good beds, great breakfast, clean and comfortable. Plenty of bathrooms and AC at night. Kitchen available if you wanted it. One of my favourite hostels so far.”
-Hostelworld Reviews (Read more here)
9) El Chiringuito Hostel Parador
😀 Best for: couples, digital nomads and groups
⭐️ Overall Rating: 9.7 (Superb)
📍 Location: Playa de Manzanillo (near the airport)
💸 Budget: ££
🥳 Hostel vibe: Chilled, hotel vibes
❄️ Air conditioning: Yes
💻 Wifi: Yes
🍽 Kitchen: No
🏊♀️ Facilities/extras: swimming pool, BBQ, airport transfers, restaurant, bar, cafe
🏖️ What’s nearby?: Playa de Manzanillo (beach) and the airport
Find out more on Hostelworld.com.
Close to Zion Beach Hostel, this is another beautiful hostel away from the city centre. Known for it’s quiet and peaceful atmosphere, it’s a great spot to catch up on some work and spend your days by the beach.
Personally, I feel that El Chiringuito Hostel Parador is more of a hotel than a hostel (especially with it’s perfectly clean and modern private rooms), so if that’s your vibe, this is the perfect hostel for you!
“What a wonderful gem of a place to stay. The location was perfect to decompress after time spent in Cartagena city. The hostel is off the beaten track, just 5 minutes walk to a beautiful, quiet beach. The hostel is spotlessly clean, with good showers and delicious, home cooked food. I’d recommend a stay. Perfecto!”
-Hostelworld Reviews (Read more here)
Best Hotels in Cartagena
Hostels not your thing? These are my favourite hotels in Cartagena, Colombia. Simply click the link to read reviews and to find out more!
- Hotel Dorado Plaza Calle del Arsenal: a hotel with a rooftop in Getsemani. ➡ CHECK PRICES NOW!
- Hyatt Regency: for a more luxurious stay in Cartagena! ➡ CHECK PRICES NOW!
- GHL Hotel Armeria Real: a beautiful hotel in the middle of Getsemani! ➡ CHECK PRICES NOW!
Is Cartagena safe for backpackers?
Safety in different countries, cities and towns is subjective. However, I am going to talk about my personal experience of safety in Cartagena and how we found it.
We stayed in Cartagena for a week. Throughout this time, we felt safe, both during the day and at night, however, for longer journeys at night, we would get an Uber.
Overall, Cartagena, specifically Getsemani, has a safe feel to it. The streets are narrow and compact, and there are many security guards and police monitoring the area.
Most restaurants are al fresco, and the cocktail bars spill onto the street corners; meaning you can find groups of both locals and tourists drinking and socialising outside.
However, Cartagena isn’t the calmest of areas! If I’m honest, it’s chaotic, and you will get approached several times by sellers, regardless of the time of day or where you are.
But if you’re aware of this, and know how to respond (a simple ‘no gracias‘ will suffice), the heckling and selling is no more than heckling and selling.
For more information about safety in Cartagena and Colombia, check out my in-depth, honest and realistic blog post about how to stay safe in Colombia as a solo female traveller here.
Best hostels in Cartagena: FAQs
1) What is the best party hostel in Cartagena?
Media Luna and Republica are the best party hostels in Cartagena. They both have nightly social events, bar crawls, pool parties and other crazy antics to ensure you have a wild time in Cartagena.
Even if you are not staying at Media Luna, I recommend heading there on a Wednesday night for their ‘Mega Party’, which attracts both locals and tourists!
2) What is the best hostel in Cartagena for couples?
Viajero and Life is Good are both great hostels for couples in Cartagena. They’re both chilled yet social, have excellent cleanliness, free daily activities and are in a great location.
3) What is the best hostel in Cartagena for digital nomads?
Casa Zahri Boutique Hostel is one of my top picks for digital nomads in Cartagena. Simply because it’s so peaceful! You can sit outside on one of the comfy tables, overlooking the pool and catch up on some work.
It’s also quiet enough to be disturbed, and they have an onsite bar to keep you refreshed throughout the day.
4) Do I need a SIM card to travel around Cartagena?
Yes, I highly recommend downloading an eSIM on your phone to ensure you can use it for directions and safety in Cartagena. We found most of the cities to be chaotic and difficult to find local SIM cards.
ESIMs are easy to download and ready to use within a few minutes of purchasing, so there’s no longer a need to hunt down free Wifi! ➡ You can check out the prices and packages for eSIMs here!
Don’t forget travel insurance for South America!
If you’re visiting South America as a backpacker, or even for a short vacation, it is so important to have travel insurance. And if you ended up on a post that’s called ‘epic party tips’, you know (just as well as I do) that you definitely need travel insurance.
Personally, I recommend SafetyWing. As a digital nomad and world traveller myself, I can confirm it is the best travel insurance out there. And one of the cheapest – they have deals that start at just $42 USD per month.
I know, I know, you’re thinking ‘but I can’t afford that!’. I was the same! It’s tough to fork out $42 a month on something ‘you might not need’. But what if something DOES happen? That extra Mezcal shot results in you falling down the stairs, or you eat something dodgy from a street food van.
If you need medical help at any point whilst in South America, you need travel insurance.
With SafetyWing, you’re covered on travel emergencies, basic medical costs and medical expenses throughout your trip, so you can travel without worry (at a backpacker’s price!)
Don’t even think twice about getting travel insurance for South America. Trust me, I have heard enough horror stories about backpackers who haven’t had insurance and have ended up in a lot of debt. Don’t be that person!
If you’ve been putting the job off because it takes a lot of time and effort to research the best travel insurance companies, I understand. That’s why I’ve done the hard work for you. Sign up for SafetyWing, and the job is done!
Best Hostels in Cartagena: In A Nutshell
So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about the best hostels in Cartagena. As a digital nomad myself, I know how important this can be – so I hope it helps!
When you’re planning a trip to Colombia, make sure you let me know over on Instagram or in the comments below!
If you haven’t seen my blog before, I write practical and relatable posts aimed at worldwide travellers. I’m currently travelling around the world with my boyfriend (read more here!), creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!
Keep an eye out for more Colombia content, all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates here!
As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!
Happy travelling 🙂
Jennie x
- Cartagena Itinerary 4 Days: The PERFECT Plan!
- 10 BEST Day Trips From Cartagena Colombia!
- Cartagena To Santa Marta: FULL Route + Travel Guide
- Cartagena Nightlife: Colombia Party Guide!
- Cartagena To Santa Marta: FULL Route + Travel Guide
MEET THE AUTHOR!
Hi! I'm Jennie! As a part-time travel blogger based in London, I'm using my 10+ years of travel expertise to encourage & inspire you to step out of your comfort zone through sustainable, mindful and purposeful travel.
If I'm not writing, I'm either reading, drinking coffee or taking a wild swim (all at the same time if I'm feeling impressive).
