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Colorful graffiti brightens a narrow alley in Bogotá, showcasing vibrant street art and lively urban culture.

South America

Backpacking Colombia

Colombia is one of South America's main backpacker destinations, with hostels in the walled city of Cartagena, in Medellín and across the coffee region and Caribbean coast.

Photo: Gustavo Solmott / Pexels

Hostel destinations in Colombia

Colorful graffiti brightens a narrow alley in Bogotá, showcasing vibrant street art and lively urban culture.

Bogotá

Colombia's high-altitude capital, from colonial La Candelaria to café-lined ChapineroStunning aerial drone shot of Tayrona National Park's coastline in Colombia, showcasing turquoise waters and lush greenery.

Santa Marta

A Caribbean port city between the sea, Tayrona and the Sierra NevadaDiscover the lush valleys and iconic palm trees of Valle de Cocora, Colombia, enveloped in mystic clouds.

Salento

A colourful coffee-region town at the gateway to the Cocora ValleyClose-up of a glowing green hummingbird perched on a branch in Minca, Colombia's lush environment.

Minca

A cooler mountain village in the foothills of the Sierra NevadaBreathtaking view of Medellin's skyline at sunset with dramatic clouds and vibrant colors.

Medellín

The City of Eternal Spring: mild weather, cable cars and a lively hostel sceneVibrant colonial architecture on a historic street in Cartagena, Colombia.

Cartagena

Colonial walls, Caribbean heat and the street art of Getsemaní

Hostels and backpacking in Colombia

Colombia spans Caribbean beaches, Andean cities, coffee country and Amazon rainforest. Cartagena's walled old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site on the Caribbean coast, Medellín sits in a mountain valley with a famously mild climate, and the coffee region, Tayrona National Park and Bogotá are common additions to a route.

Hostels are well established in the main hubs. In Medellín, many cluster in neighbourhoods known for cafés and nightlife, and walking tours, Spanish classes and day trips are often organised from reception. Cartagena's hostels are often in and around the old town and Getsemaní, where rooftop terraces and pools help with the heat.