Colombia’s Costa Caribe: Hostels
Colombia’s Costa Caribe: Hostels
MAGGIE | ONWARDS TRAVEL
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The Caribbean coast of Colombia is home to some seriously top-notch hostel culture. There’s not a whole lot to do on the coast besides enjoying nature and a good party, so your experience tends to depend on where you stay. Luckily, there is a place for everyone. Whether you’re looking for fresh food, stunning views, or a crazy party — I got you. Best part? It’s seriously cheap.
I have either stayed at or visited each of these places myself, so please feel free to reach out directly for more tips. Vamos!
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The Fort Hostel
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FREE STUFF ALERT: present this guide with keyboard “ONWARDS” at check in and receive one free drink during your stay.
Gorgeous spot overlooking the jungle and the sea — like, you can see the ocean from your bed. Super chill for a recovery day.
No restaurant, but an A+ kitchen and mini-store for cooking. Insane cocktails with homemade botanical syrups.
Steep 15 min hike or mototaxi.
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Casa Mamá Waldy - Bar & Hostel
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My lovely Cartagena base. Clean, comfortable, cheap. Not a party hostel.
Pros: perfect walking distance to historical old town and lively Getsemani. Well-stocked kitchen. Rooftop bar. Strong AC.
Cons: dorms are small-ish. Iffy water pressure — but you’ll be sweating the second you step outside anyway.
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Viajero Hostel Cartagena
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Social time. Several chill spaces. Huge bar crawl - like maybe too big. Activities every day — salsa, cooking classes, tours, etc.). Centrally located in old town.
Probably not the best for quality sleep, but you’ll definitely make some friends. (That goes for all Viajeros.)
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Secreto Islas del Rosario • Barefoot Luxury Hostel
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Popular on the backpacker circuit for Wednesday & Saturday beach parties — though don’t expect a big stretch of sand. (Explore the island by foot for better beaches.) Resort vibes. Big pool. Music. Yummy food. Activities: mangrove kayaking, snorkeling, sunset tours.
More expensive than other Isla Grande options.
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EcoHotel Las Palmeras
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Affordable, no-frills dorms on the less-traveled side of Isla Grande. Clean. Good mosquito nets. Minimal wifi and outlets. Breakfast included!
Recommended for a laidback, off-the-grid night or two.
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Viajero Santa Marta Hostel
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Probably the largest, nicest (and cheapest) Viajero location. Rooftop bar and pool. Big dorms with good AC and en suite bathrooms. Delicious on-site restaurant AND kitchen, which is rare. Daily activities. Kind staff. Perfect base pre or post Minca.
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Casa Loma Minca
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Popular for its beautiful sunset views. Steep climb — like, forget about it if you have a suitcase. Can be very tranquil with yoga classes and healthy vegetarian options, but note there is a DJ on some nights.
TIP: book in advance!
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Chunuu Hostal & Glamping MINCA
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Unique spot located right on the river. Cool layout with a bunch of chill areas. Pool and jacuzzi (not heated while I was there). Full bar & restaurant with breakfast included. Good for solo backpackers or families.
15 minute walk from center.
Tip: They make you buy water, so come prepared.
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Masaya Casas Viejas
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Book in advance — super popular and for good reason! Truly beautiful, remote mountainside hostel on a coffee farm. Infinity pool with views of Minca — sometimes even the ocean on a clear day. Delicious dining and excursions (hikes, bird watching, finca tours, etc.).
The moto-taxi ride up is an adventure. Plan to be up the mountain for a majority of your stay.
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Hotel Playa Brava Teyumakke
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Stay here for your night in Tayrona. (TIP: use the Calabazo entrance.)
Skip the Cabo San Juan crowds and enjoy one of the most unspoiled slices of beach I’ve had the pleasure of visiting. Not a swimming beach, but insanely peaceful and beautiful.
50k pesos (10 USD) for a hammock/mosquito net. Tienda available for water, etc..
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The Journey Hostel
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Beautiful spot with insane views located by the Zaino Tayrona entrance (busiest one, fyi.)
Loved the family-style dinner.
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KASAKOLÁ HOSTAL
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My lovely chilled out Palomino home away from home. Simple, clean dorms. Well-maintained pool and cozy chill areas. Lowkey bar. Good kitchen. Simple breakfast included.
Quiet, 15 minute walk from the center.
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La Natura Hostel & Pool
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Fun treehouse vibes. Nice pool area / kitchen utilities. Breakfast included (but I was too hungover to wake up in time for it.) Largest, cheapest dorm is open air but not too hot at night.
Great location: Around the corner from the Main Street, but more laidback.
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El Zoo Hostel & Pool
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Central and social — but not too big like Dreamer. DJ nights, great happy hour.
Pros: free filtered water and a small, air conditioned coworking space.
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La Ponderosa Reserve
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Legendary in its own right, just getting to Ponderosa is part of the fun: a 45-minute moto brings you up into the mountains and totally off-grid. The place to be in nature.
No wifi at night, so I found the socializing genuine and refreshing.
And yes: the vegetarian food lives up to the hype. Too good.
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Rio Hostel Buritaca
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Legendary spot on the Buritaca river known for its parties. Mostly techno DJs — sometimes big names. Definitely fun, but I’d only stay two nights, if at all. It’s busy.
Many activities/tours, incl. volunteer work with the El Rio foundation. Really good food.
Con: kind of overpriced due to its fame.
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Hostal Baruch
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Good alternative to Rio: 15 minute walk, 2 minute moto. Simple dorms. Strong AC. Across from a tienda.
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Manoush Beach
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For a splurge: private glamping tents on a gorgeous stretch of secluded beach. Beautiful, natural property and kind owners. Yummy food too!
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Viajero Hostel Tayrona & Ecohabs
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Beachfront resort-vibes. Big pool. Surf stuff. Full service bar/restaurant — there was even a barbecue going while I was there.
Good for pre/post-Tayrona, but not for relaxing.
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Los Hermanos Beach Hostal & Bar
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5 minutes down the beach from Costeno. Similar vibes.
Only had a drink here so can’t say much for the dorms.
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Costeño Beach Hostal
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Big beachfront spot. Good parties/social vibe at night. Lots of hammocks. Food is solid.
Perfect for chilling/drinking on the beach for a couple days. On the expensive side.
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Mendihuaca Surf Camp
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My surf haven. Small, modern, wooden building with some dorm balconies overlooking the sea. Sustainable compost toilets. Surf & SUP rentals. Good people. Insanely good restaurant (Bela Onda) underneath — bring cash!
Only con: no fridge or kitchen access. (At least while I was there.)
Real talk: Mendihuaca was my favorite part of the coast — not just because of the surf. Calm af, where the river meets the sea, with beautiful sunsets.
(And you can walk 20 minutes on the beach to Costeno if you really need a party.)
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
MAGGIE | ONWARDS TRAVEL
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I’m Maggie: lover of the ocean, craft beer, and Google Maps.
I am a certified travel advisor with the amazing company Fora, where custom itinerary building and destination research is my specialty. I hope to use Thatch to reach likeminded travelers and share my knowledge in a fun, accessible format. My passion lies in people and human connection — this is why I travel.
My goal: make travel available to everyone in a way that transcends your Instagram discover page. While social media can be a wonderful tool for education and research, it is impersonal. I aim to use my interpersonal skills developed over years working as an actor to create truly unique travel memories that will surpass anything AI or search engine generated.
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