Cartagena is one of the most sought-after destinations in Latin America for backpackers — thanks to its incredible food scene, vibrant nightlife, white-sand beaches with crystal-clear waters, and a wide variety of excellent, budget-friendly accommodations.

Diving into Cartagena’s magic means walking its cobblestone streets, snapping photos in front of the beautiful murals of Getsemaní and the Historic Center, and experiencing its party vibe through local bars and venues.

There are many ways to explore Cartagena from its roots, and one that worked really well for me was staying in hostels that offer a complete experience: great service, comfort, accessibility, and a connection to the city’s history. Sharing space with people from all over the world who see life the way you do is truly an amazing adventure — and it’s one you should absolutely experience here in Cartagena.

Stay with us — we’ll show you the Top 8 Best Hostels in Cartagena, located in the city’s most strategic, tourist-friendly, peaceful, and iconic neighborhoods. Just because a place is affordable doesn’t mean it’s low quality. That’s why, when I choose the ideal hostel, I focus on its location, reviews, and photos to check how organized it looks — and finally, I consider the price.

In this blog, we present the best hostels in Cartagena based on the top neighborhoods. We’ve created a strategic list to help you plan your stay — but the Top 8 is not ranked in hierarchical order.

The Best Hostels in Cartagena: Northern Zone

Starting your vacation in the northern zone means enjoying the sea breeze, the calmest urban beaches, and easy access to shopping and tourism — all away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. At La Carta, we love giving you multiple options, but we always have one top recommendation for each area.

This is our first pick in the Northern Zone for the Top 8 Best Hostels in Cartagena:

Hostal La Boquilla

A place equipped with luxury hotel amenities in a hostel format: pool, sauna, private beach, private rooms with room service, and free parking. They welcome your whole family — including pets — and even have a spa for a relaxing massage.

Just steps from La Boquilla beach, you’ll find this charming hostel with an outdoor pool, cozy rooms, and spaces that offer a full experience during your stay, including access to a private beach area.

• Location: Carrera 1 #78-13

• Shared room price: Not available

• Private room price: Approx. $30 USD per couple

• Unique features: Rooms with equipped kitchens, sauna, relaxing spa, and pet-friendly.

Zion Beach House

A bit further north, on the beaches of Manzanillo, I found this beautiful hostel where, just upon entering, you feel immersed in an oasis of relaxation, freshness, and complete disconnection. The best part of Zion Beach Hostel is the stunning view from some of the balcony rooms, directly facing the Caribbean Sea. Just a few steps on white sand will lead you into the refreshing water.

They offer Spanish classes, kitesurfing camps, and tours to nearby islands. Stay here from around $51 USD per night in private rooms with an en-suite bathroom — a vibrant experience in Cartagena’s north.

For this area, I also recommend two more hostels so you don’t run out of options for your next vacation: Hostal Sico’s Beach House and Makena Beach.

Best Hostels in Cartagena: Crespo

We’re getting closer to the city center, and here in the beaches of Crespo, you’ll find a lively but not chaotic vibe, full of charm and cozy spots to chill. Stay in one of the Top 8 Best Hostels in Cartagena and unwind.

Wonderland Party Hostel

Just a few blocks from Rafael Núñez International Airport, you’ll find this super cool hostel in the Crespo neighborhood of Cartagena — a perfect blend of rest and party. Its pool and bar are the ideal combo for a sunny afternoon and refreshing water. They offer both shared and private rooms, so you can visit for any kind of special occasion.

Expect a very laid-back space and what many online reviews call Cartagena’s best coconut lemonade.

• Location: Carrera 8A #67-10

• Shared room price: Approx. $15 USD per person

• Private room price: Approx. $38 USD per couple

• Breakfast: Included

• Unique features: Day pass service, karaoke nights, epic DJ foam parties, and delicious daily or à la carte meals at Bijao restaurant.

Hostal El Bando

A hostel close to everything: just five blocks from the beach and 10 minutes from the historic center. Included in your nightly rate are breakfast, bed linens and towels, shampoo, conditioner, soap, coffee, tea, and board games.

Rates start around $46 USD per night for a private room for two, or $14 USD per person in shared mixed dorms. Enjoy a cold beer under the pool’s waterfall and take advantage of the BBQ area if you’re planning a special gathering with friends or family.

At La Carta, we bring you only the best hostels in Cartagena. That’s why in some categories of this blog you’ll find one or two recommendations — some areas simply focus more on hotels, loft-style apartments, or Airbnb-type accommodations.

Best Hostels in Cartagena: Historic Center

There are hardly any words left to describe Cartagena’s historic center — you just have to come and let your eyes soak in the charm of its streets, vines curling around balconies, and vibrant colors. This area is without a doubt one of the best places to find top hostels in Cartagena. And because I know choosing from so many options can be hard, here’s our top pick list for your next getaway:

Casa Movida

A luxury hostel concept that will leave you speechless with its thoughtful details, vibrant colors, cozy spaces, and amazing services: suites, shared dorms, a rooftop, delicious food, hotel-style rooms, and wood-fired sourdough pizza.

You’ll see beautiful design in every corner — from the layout of the rooms to common areas built for both fun and relaxation, with pink balconies draped in hanging plants and even dedicated workspaces if you’re traveling for business.

• Location: Calle del Tablón #7-35, Cartagena de Indias, Colombia

• Shared room (per person): Approx. $20 USD

• Private room (per couple): Approx. $80 USD

• Unique features: Mama’s Pizza – delicious oven-baked sourdough pizza, and a rooftop lookout for unforgettable moments.

República Hostel

On Calle Segunda de Badillo, right in the heart of Cartagena, you’ll find this vibrant hostel with three bars, a pool, rooftop, courtyard, and cozy common areas that reflect the hostel’s mission — to share good vibes and Cartagena’s local culture.

Rooms are spotless, and you can spend the night in shared dorms with 8 to 14 people from just $15 USD or in a private room for $100 USD per couple.

At República Hostel, escape the city buzz with a chill cocktail by the rooftop pool — perfect for an afternoon of beer, friends, and conversation. Two floors filled with stories to tell and unforgettable moments in La Heroica.

Honorable Mentions: Top Hostels in Cartagena’s Historic Center

• The Clock Hostel & Suites: A charming space with a unique style, from $16 USD per person to $62 USD per couple in a private room.

• El Viajero Centro Hostal: A party-friendly hostel for around $20 USD per night in shared rooms.

• Maloka Hostel: Stay in a design-forward space with a modern vibe.

Best Hostels in Cartagena: Getsemaní

Getsemaní — Cartagena’s coolest neighborhood — is a hub of art, nightlife, food, and relaxation, all in one place. You’ll fall in love with its colorful streets, vibrant murals, lush greenery overflowing from every balcony, and its wide variety of local shops and hangouts. Every day here brings a new adventure.

Casa Zahri Boutique Hostel

This stunning space absolutely deserves a spot in the Top 8 best hostels in Cartagena. Its design, vibrant colors, laid-back concept, and chill atmosphere will turn your next trip into something truly magical. Enjoy cooking classes, movie nights, karaoke, cozy reading spots, and even coworking spaces.

Casa Zahri is part of the Fedelsagroup family, a passionate team known for creating the best vacation experiences — with hotels, hostels, and beachfront homes. Just imagine what this visionary group brings to every one of its spaces. Zahri is definitely among their most magical places. Come and feel the magic of Getsemaní.

• Location: Calle 24 #10-13, Getsemaní, Cartagena de Indias

• Shared room: Approx. $16 USD per person

• Private room: Approx. $62 USD per couple

• Unique features: Adult-only pool, bar-hopping tours, game nights, and optional activities on or offsite (some with extra cost).

Socialtel – Formerly Selina

This hostel chain is a must-visit in Getsemaní, the trendiest part of Cartagena. Stay in shared rooms starting at approx. $19 USD, or book a standard private room for about $90 USD per couple.

Socialtel offers a fun, international party vibe with a rooftop bar, pool, and restaurant. It’s also ideal for digital nomads, with coworking spaces and chill areas to balance work and leisure.

Getsemaní is one of the most hostel-friendly neighborhoods in Cartagena, perfect for backpackers, nomads, and travelers seeking cultural exchange. That’s why we’re also giving you four honorable mentions to explore:

• El Viajero Hostal

• Santuario Getsemaní

• Los Patios

• Life is Good Hostel

Best Hostels in Cartagena: Manga

Manga is a neighborhood known for its history, safety, calm atmosphere, and beautiful architecture. It offers gorgeous views of Cartagena Bay and its port, and it’s a peaceful, residential area full of affordable restaurants and shops for all tastes.

Here, you’ll find some of the best hostels in Cartagena in a more family-friendly and relaxed setting, surrounded by green spaces. You can go for a morning jog or simply enjoy the fresh sea breeze with a view of the harbor from the malecón (boardwalk).

Peregrinos Hostel

This place welcomes you with a charming house, featuring a white facade and olive green details, giving off a cozy, homelike vibe. Step inside and discover the magic of the space: a pool, hammock zone, reading room, and shared kitchen.

They offer both private and shared accommodations, so you can choose the experience that suits your trip. There are seven rooms in total — four shared and three private — all equipped with AC, lockers, and private bathrooms.

You’re just a 10-minute walk from the Historic Center and a few steps from Cartagena Bay.

• Location: Carrera 18 #25-20, Manga neighborhood

• Shared room: Approx. $26 USD per person (ideal for families or friend groups)

• Private room: Approx. $48 USD per couple

• Unique features: Hammock & reading area, excellent location

Guakmaya Hostel

Manga, being such a residential area, offers a wide variety of guesthouses, hostels, and boutique stays — like Guakmaya Hostel. Stay here from just $40 USD per night in spotless rooms with private bathrooms.

Each room includes towels, bed linens, and a hotel-like experience. Some rooms even come with microwave and fridge, perfect for storing your snacks or prepared meals.

Honorable Mentions in Manga

At La Carta, we also recommend these two hostels in Manga for a more complete list of places to stay:

• Casa del Puerto Hostal & Suites
  A beautifully decorated space with ocean-themed private rooms, common areas, outdoor pool, and bar — perfect for sunny days with a cold lemonade.

• San Jacinto Hostal
  A simple and comfortable place for a quiet stay in Manga.

Best Hostels in Cartagena: Barú

Barú is a place for everyone — families, friends, couples, and solo travelers looking to enjoy peace and solitude. It offers diverse cuisine and beautiful beaches, just steps away from some of the best hostels in Cartagena. While Barú has more hotels than hostels, at La Carta, we’ve tracked down the top hostels to help make your next vacation a dream.

Hostal El Nido del Azulejo

A hostel surrounded by crystal-clear waters, mangroves, and natural reserves — the perfect place to disconnect in the Caribbean Sea. If your vacation checklist starts with beach, sun, sand, and fresh water, we invite you to experience the magic of Barú Peninsula.

Many accommodations here contribute to ecosystem conservation, so you can enjoy the landscape while being mindful of protecting it. Let’s care for this territory as the valuable resource it truly is.

The nightly rate includes one hour of kayaking. Bring your whole family — including your pet — and enjoy a few days of total relaxation at one of Barú’s best hostels.

• Location: Barú, Cartagena

• Shared room: Approx. $17.50 USD per person

• Private room: Approx. $38 USD per couple

• Unique features: Bike tours, hiking, snorkeling, fishing, and other adventure activities.

Hostal Ichtus

Located in Playa Blanca, this is a simple, comfortable, and, according to guests, extremely clean hostel. Just a few steps from the ocean, it’s a peaceful spot to soak up the sun and sip a cold beer.

You might encounter beach vendors, which is typical for Playa Blanca, but it’s usually manageable.

Honorable Mentions in Barú

At La Carta, we also recommend these two options as part of the best hostels in Cartagena – Barú:

• Hostal El Personaje

• Tipiland Hostal

Both offer restaurant service, showers, bathrooms, hammocks, and comfortable beds with mosquito nets — ideal for a cozy and laid-back stay in paradise.

Best Hostels in Cartagena: Rosario Islands

If you’re looking for the soothing sounds of waves, paradise beaches, nature, and water sports, then the Rosario Islands are your perfect escape. For your next visit to Cartagena, stay at this special hostel we’ve found for you.

Secreto Hostel

This place is truly a gem of a hostel in the middle of the Rosario Islands. In my opinion, it could be one of the best beach hostels in Cartagena. You’ll get to enjoy two freshwater pools, one smaller and another larger one with a slide to keep things fun. There’s also a bar for refreshing beachside cocktails.

The common areas include hammocks, spacious open-air spaces perfect for yoga, meditation, or just relaxing. There’s also a spa area and a gym to maintain your fitness routine. Simply one of the best hostels in Cartagena.

• Shared room: Approx. $30 USD per person

• Private room: Approx. $80 USD per couple

• Unique features: Pool with a small slide

Honorable Mentions:

• Eco-hostel Casa Nativa

• Eco-hotel Las Palmeras
  For a full experience of adventure, relaxation, and fun in the Rosario Islands.

Best Hostels in Cartagena: Tierra Bomba

Discover this paradise island just 10 minutes from Bocagrande and dive into its white sand beaches and turquoise waters. Try out activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling, and diving. While there are many hotels and beach clubs, here’s a special mention of Baruna Eco Hostel and its unique charm.

Baruna Hostel

This is like having your own villa for your vacation with family or friends. You can book the entire hostel exclusively for yourself with a group of 16 people, for a minimum stay of 2 nights. It features 8 private rooms with bathrooms, a pool, common areas, and a restaurant serving delicious traditional Cartagena cuisine.

Located right on the beach, it offers a relaxed and bohemian atmosphere. Its architecture uses recycled materials, contributing to a lower environmental impact and protecting nearby natural resources. Just take a boat from La Bodeguita dock in Cartagena — the ride takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

• Entire hostel: Approx. $1,125 USD for 16 people

• Private room: Approx. $110 USD per couple

• Unique features: Kayak rentals and free bike loans

To wrap things up, here are my two favorite hostels from this entire guide — places that truly capture the best of Cartagena:

• Casa Movida in the Historic Center – a perfect mix of luxury, comfort, and simplicity

• Baruna Hostel – because no Cartagena stay is complete without time spent on the beach

Choose other types of accommodations like luxury hotels, boutiques and more, here.

Thanks for reading this far and diving into all the magic Cartagena has to offer, brought to you by La Carta Blog.

To wrap things up, here are my two favorite hostels from this entire guide — places that truly capture the best of Cartagena:

• Casa Movida in the Historic Center – a perfect mix of luxury, comfort, and simplicity

• Baruna Hostel – because no Cartagena stay is complete without time spent on the beach

Choose other types of accommodations like luxury hotels, boutiques and more, here.

Thanks for reading this far and diving into all the magic Cartagena has to offer, brought to you by La Carta Blog.