Cacao Hostel Santa Marta

🏝️ Hostels in Santa Marta for Backpackers & Solo Travellers: Caribbean Beaches, Jungle Treks & Mountain Escapes

Santa Marta in 2026? This hot Caribbean city is one of the oldest in Colombia and a base for some of the country's top adventures. From here, you can usually reach jungle beaches, mountain villages and the multi-day trek to the Lost City, then come back for sunsets on the waterfront.

🏠 Where to Stay in Santa Marta

Hostels are often in the historic centre, close to restaurants, bars and the seafront, with more in nearby Taganga and Rodadero. Hostelworld.com lists over 55 Hostels in Santa Marta, all rated by travellers like you, with more than 19127 reviews. In Santa Marta hostels you can usually find:

• Shared dorms and private rooms with air-con
• Pools and rooftop bars
• Tours to Tayrona, Minca and the Lost City
• Shared kitchens and lockers

💡 Pro tip: The heat can be strong in the middle of the day. Plan walks for the morning or evening, and choose a hostel with air-con or a pool.

🏆 Top Hostels to Stay in Santa Marta in 2026

Looking for top-rated Hostels in Santa Marta? According to Hostelworld.com travellers, these are two crowd favourites:

• The Journey Hostel – ★ 9.26/10 – The Journey Hostel
• The Valley Tayrona Hostel - A social Jungle hostel – ★ 9.04/10 – The Valley Tayrona Hostel - A social Jungle hostel

🗺️ Neighbourhoods to Explore

• Historic centre – Colonial streets, plazas and lively bars
• Waterfront – A seafront promenade, often busy at sunset
• Taganga – A small fishing village nearby, known for diving
• Rodadero – A beach area to the south, popular with local families
• Minca – A mountain village with coffee farms, waterfalls and birdlife

🚌 Getting Around Santa Marta

• From the airport: Santa Marta's airport is south of the city; taxis usually take you to the centre
• Buses: Long-distance buses link Santa Marta with Cartagena, Barranquilla and Palomino
• Local buses: Cheap buses usually run to Tayrona, Taganga and Rodadero
• Shared transport: Shared cars and moto-taxis often go up the hills to Minca

🌿 Tayrona and the Lost City

Tayrona National Park has jungle trails and beaches backed by forest, and it may close for short periods each year to protect nature and local communities. The trek to the Lost City usually takes several days and must be done with a licensed guide.

💡 Pro tip: Check whether Tayrona is open before you go. Bring cash, water and insect repellent, as there may be few shops inside.

🌍 Want More Hostel Adventures?

Check out other top-rated hostels across Colombia → Colombia Hostels