Why choose a hostel in Santa Marta?
Santa Marta combines Caribbean beaches with colonial heritage in a way few coastal cities can match. The historic Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, where Simón Bolívar spent his final days, sits within the city itself. The waterfront and surrounding beaches give you easy access to the Caribbean without the resort price tag. Hostels in Santa Marta put you close to all of it, at a fraction of what hotels charge.
Hostels here suit solo travellers and budget-conscious pairs equally well. Shared dorms keep costs low, while private rooms offer more comfort without the premium of a hotel stay. Compared to private rentals, hostels give you built-in common areas, local tips from staff, and a ready-made social scene. You spend less and often get considerably more out of your trip.
How to find the best hostel deals in Santa Marta
Want to use the same magic that powers our award-winning flight search to find the best room rates on the internet? Here are some handy tips to find the perfect stay and save in seconds.
Book in advance
Book early if you can. Organising things sooner rather than later often means better prices and a wider selection of hostels in Santa Marta, especially during peak seasons.
…or bag a last-minute Santa Marta hostel deal.
Prices tend to rise closer to your stay. But outside the busy season, last-minute offers can still be found when hostels have rooms to fill.
Flexible on dates? Say hello to better rates
A little flexibility goes a long way when searching for cheap hostels. Swap weekends for weekday stays, or travel during shoulder season instead of the busiest periods.
Where to base yourself in Santa Marta
Many travellers find the best hostels in Santa Marta are spread through El Rodadero and the historic centre, giving you two very different experiences to choose from. El Rodadero sits along a calm bay south of the city, with a beach promenade, seafood restaurants, and bars that stay lively into the evening. Shared taxis run frequently into the centre, so day trips are easy to manage from here. The historic centre, known as the Ciudad Amurallada area around Parque de los Novios, puts you close to colonial architecture, street food stalls, and local cafes. Simón Bolívar's final residence, Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, is a short ride away. Buses and shared taxis connect you to Tayrona National Park and Minca from nearby terminals. The right neighbourhood comes down to whether you want beach access or a more urban, walkable base.
Best hostels in Santa Marta
Hostel ratings on Skyscanner come from traveller reviews, covering everything from location and cleanliness to facilities and value. Whether you're backpacking on a budget or are happy to spend a little more, these scores make it easier to compare your options and find a place that suits you.
Best all-rounder hostels
For a stay that checks every box, you can't go past Hostal Las Guaduas. It gets great reviews for its location, service and value.
Cacao Hostel Santa Marta is another solid all-rounder. Guests give it high ratings for its cleanliness, value and its rooms, so you can expect more than just the basics.
Highest-rated hostels for cleanliness
Cacao Hostel Santa Marta takes care of the details. Guests rate this accommodation option among the best in the city for cleanliness. You'll find amenities like a 24-hour front desk and a laundry.
Baboon Hostel sets the same high standard, with guests giving it strong cleanliness ratings. Here you'll have access to a pool, luggage storage and more.
Hostels with the best customer service
A warm welcome awaits at Hostal Las Guaduas. This hostel in Santa Marta is highly rated for its customer service and comes with a lounge and air conditioning.
Hostel Musa Paradisiaca also stands out for its customer service, with travellers mentioning the staff for going above and beyond. Air conditioning and a barbecue are among the amenities here.
Centrally located hostels
Location is where Hostal Las Guaduas earns its reputation, according to the travellers who've stayed there. It has everything you need, including a lounge and a games room.
Or consider Baboon Hostel. This well-located stay offers a lounge and luggage storage.
Hostels near the best attractions in Santa Marta
Where to stay near Playa Taganga
Playa Taganga is a small natural bay and fishing beach on Colombia's Caribbean coast. It's a compact crescent of sand backed by dry hills, known as a base for scuba diving in the surrounding waters. The reef diving here draws travellers from across the country. If you're searching for hostels near Playa Taganga, you'll find them close to the water in this compact fishing village.
Check out Hostal Las Guaduas for easy access to Playa Taganga. This hostel in Santa Marta keeps guests satisfied with a games room, a lounge and more.
You can also stay close to this attraction at Hostal Solymar. You'll find amenities such as a lift and a television here.
Playa Inca Inca hostels
Put yourself in a great spot for sightseeing at Casa Escollera. This hostel in Santa Marta comes with Wi-Fi, parking and plenty more.
Staying near this top sight is just as convenient at Hellen House Playa Rodadero Santa Marta. You'll find amenities like a lounge and parking here.
