Although not the capital of Colombia, Cali has become the world capital of Salsa, enchanting all who visit it to move to the rhythm of its unique beats. But this city offers much more than bewitching turns and body movements.
We will show you the best hostels in Cali (where you can dance or simply mingle) and some safety tips so you can really enjoy this town where colonial and modern architecture meets the shade of nearby mountains.
Also, make sure you check our best hostels in Colombia. We put all hostels and hidden gems on a map for better planning.
Our favorite hostels in Cali are:
- Oasis Cali - best for Female Solo Travelers
- El Viajero - best for Party Lovers
- La Sucursal Hostel - best for Backpackers
- Extra: La Vaina - best for Couples
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
1. Oasis Cali
2. El Viajero
3. La Sucursal Hostel
Cali has over 200 Salsa dance schools and even more private teachers and locals who offer classes to tourists. It can be overwhelming to choose where to learn salsa and have fun. The best hostels in Cali will provide you with a safe and accessible location to explore everything the city offers and fun activities to partake in – like Salsa lessons! Best way to try to learn to dance and meet some new friends.
For backpacking Colombia, we have also handwritten the best hostels in Medellin, Bogota, and even Cartagena de Indias. Read this guide especially our a secret island hostel.
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
What we cover in this article?
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Cali
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Cali cost 6€ – 12€ per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room starts from 15€ up to 35€ per night. This is a rough average just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on the season and holidays. Please always check the exact rates on Hostelz.com or Hostelworld.com.
Check-In and Check Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3pm), while the Check-Out time is before 11:00 (11am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
Safety in Cali: We are sure you hear that Cali (and Colombia in general) can be rough. Even though safety in Colombia has improved so much in the last few years, travellers still need to be smart about their decisions.
Here are some safety tips we think you should keep in mind:
- Don’t take a taxi by yourself after 10 pm, especially if you’ve had a few drinks and you don’t speak Spanish. You might end up with someone who sees you as an easy victim to rob. If you have to use a cab, go in groups, and try to see if your hostel can order one for you instead.
- In case you need a taxi, use: Uber, Cabify, or MAT applications. Using the apps will make it easier to avoid scams and communicate where you want to go. Also, if the driver says where you want to go is not a safe area, do not insist on going there. It might be too easy to get into trouble.
- Don’t casually walk into neighborhoods you haven’t researched. Although Cali has a lot of safe and beautiful areas to explore, some still have a high crime rate, so make sure you know where you’re going. This isn’t a city where ‘wandering off’ is a good idea.
- There’s a local expression in Colombia that you should follow: ‘‘No dar papaya,” which translates to ‘‘Don’t give papaya’’. Locals are not referring to the sweetness of the fruit but the fact that you shouldn’t display any of your own ‘sweet’ items like computers, watches, and phones (unless you want someone to take them).
🎁 New to Hostels? Read my guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. I especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels?
- Understanding Hostels in Europe - and what makes them special
The 3 Best Hostels in Cali are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Cali.
- Oasis Cali – best for Female Solo Travelers
- El Viajero – best for Party Lovers
- La Sucursal Hostel – best for Backpackers
- Extra: La Vaina - best for Couples
These are our favorite hostels in Cali. We want to make your life even easier, so we put all accommodations on a map for you. We even added our own tips for favorite restaurants, things to see, and more.
1. Oasis Cali
2. El Viajero
3. La Sucursal Hostel
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | La Sucursal |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | Oasis Cali |
| 🥳 Party Hostel: | El Viajero Cali |
| 👩❤️👨Couple Hostel: | La Vaina |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | La Sucursal |
| 🧘 Cozy Hostel: | The Pelican Larry |
1. Oasis Cali
Oasis Cali combines salsa’s fast-paced party style with Bachata’s slower romantic feel, as its dance instructors teach both styles of dance. Here, although classes are free, they are more personalized to your needs, thanks to teachers that belong to the local La Sucursal Dance school.
But enough about dancing, this accommodation is regarded as one of the best hostels in Cali Colombia in significant part thanks to its atmosphere. It provides travelers with some of the best social areas in South America, with numerous activities to choose from throughout the day.
It is also known for its clean and peaceful space that provides a great social ambiance and encourages travelers to form bonds.
Communal spaces are somehow luxurious and comfortable and include:
- kitchen space,
- studio,
- mini gym (yoga mats, weights, punching bag), and
- a beer garden and terrace equipped with its own little hot tub.
Location: One of the most popular nightspots in Cali is the leafy and safe San Fernando neighborhood. This hostel is a couple of blocks from Parque del Perro, where you’ll find busy bars, clubs, pubs, and a sea of fusion-cuisine restaurants.
Although the area is quite popular, it has managed to maintain its Colombian charm and authentic culture.
This is one of the best hostels in Cali for
- Female Solo Travelers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. El Viajero
At El Viajero, you’ll learn to dance to salsa beats and reward yourself with a well-deserved drink by the pool. While this accommodation has free salsa classes and private lessons every day, its main reputation is that of being the best hostel in Cali for party lovers above the age of 18. As such, expect a wide range of tours and parties to pick from almost every day of the week.
But don’t scratch this place off your bucket list if you’re not really into this type of social scene. There is an endless list of non-party activities that you can also partake in, from yoga sessions to salsa shows. They even organize a circus show almost every week!
The Viajero hostels have been slowly taking over South America, with locations opening up in Uruguay, Argentina, and Mexico. Even Miami has become home to one of their spots, so you know you’ll be staying at an establishment with plenty of experience serving guests and providing a safe and fun environment for them to relax in.
Regarding facilities, you can expect:
- great social areas,
- a well-equipped kitchen,
- private and comfortable beds, and
- swimming pool with a cool area to hang out
One notable thing is that they pride themselves in a philosophy that contributes to the local community. So part of their private sales lesson fees is donated to organizations in Cali that help children affected by violence.
Location: In the city center, a short 10-minute walk from the Historical district of Cali, Colombia. Nearby popular points of attraction include:
- San Antonio Hill park,
- Parque Simón Bolívar riverwalk,
- Centenario Commercial Center, and
- Galeria Alameda.
The hostel’s street is lined with impressive colonial buildings hosting cafés, restaurants, and vendors, and it is a short walk from the city’s main bar area.
This is one of the best hostels in Cali for
- Party Lovers
- Social Butterflies
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. La Sucursal Hostel
La Sucursal Hostel is known for valuing its guest comfort over everything. This accommodation provides spacious common areas, rooms, and large beds with individual fans, lamps, and lockers to make for an enjoyable stay. Like many hostels in Cali, it is adults-only and provides complementary Salsa classes to travelers every day from 7 to 8 pm.
You’ll find a coffee shop on the ground floor with fast Wi-Fi that offers discounts to the hostel’s travelers and many supermarkets, bakeries, restaurants, and bars nearby. If you feel like cooking, the hostel has a decently equipped kitchen that overlooks beautiful panoramic city views.
This is one of the best backpacker hostels in Cali, Colombia, for solo travelers and is very focused on socialization: staff organize pub crawls or hangouts almost every night and tours and yoga glasses during the day. Alternatively, their rooftop bar provides a fantastic terrace space to mingle in and very cheap drinks to indulge in. The hostel has 43 rooms and is continuously frequented throughout the year, ensuring you’ll find a good group of friends to bond with.
Location: In the heart of the Granada neighborhood of Cali, Colombia, near the city’s main attractions.
Nearby sights include:
- Cali Cathedral,
- the Cane Aquapark, and t
- he Merced Church.
Sports fans will also note the hostel’s proximity to the Canaveralejo Bullring and Olympic Stadium Pascual Guerrero. The area is lively – particularly at night- and is one of Cali’s most popular neighborhoods with both locals and travelers.
This is one of the best hostels in Cali for
- Backpackers
- Social gatherings
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
4. La Vaina
La Vaina is the new kid on the block but has quickly added itself to the list of best hostels in Cali, Colombia. It provides travelers with recently renovated areas and elegant modern decor filled with plants extending from its cozy private rooms to its sunny swimming pool terrace. Facilities include a Dance & Drinks lounge, disco room, restaurants, and an open island-style bar.
Location: This hostel’s terrace overlooks Cali’s historic district and is close to many museums, bars, and cafes. Popular sightseeing points include:
- The Poet’s Park,
- La Ermita Church, and
- the Jorge Isaacs Theater.
One of the top choices for:
- Couples
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Party Hostels in Cali to Dance
First things first: if you do hate Salsa you are in the wrong place.
Cali is the Salsa paradise and partying in this city consist also of dancing salsa. That does not mean that you have to know how to dance it, beginners are fully welcome. Just bear in mind you would be asked to dance as most people come to Cali to learn and dance salsa as much as they can. Don’t be shy and try, just follow the rhythm. I am sure you will get it easily.
At El Viajero they do have salsa classes daily and also party every evening. They do also have a circus show every week. Therefore this would be the best hostel to party in Cali.
Get ready for:
- Beer pong nights
- Salsa classes
- Circus Show
- Nightly events
- Outdoor swimming pool
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
More Hostels worth a mention
Cali understood that backpackers love learning how to dance in a safe environment. There are many cool hostels with salsa classes in Cali and picking only 3 was not so easy.
Yet, we always only recommend three for you. We wanna give you simply the absolute top ones and you make your final choice.
That being said, we want to mention we found a few more hostels worth it for you to know.
- The Pelican Larry Hostel
- Hostel Rossa Palma
- Hostal Ruta Sur
The Pelican Larry Hostel
Hostel Pelican Larry is a bright and colorful decorated hostel that provides travelers with an environment filled with contemporary paintings and whimsically tiled floors. The atmosphere here is much more relaxed than in other hostels in Cali, and this accommodation is known for its delicious morning breakfast served at a big shared table.
They also have many facilities, especially compared to similarly-priced hostels: entertainment space with board games, a huge garden with hammocks, an outdoor pool, a rooftop terrace, a dance studio, a Netflix room, a bar, a pool table, a ping-pong table, and an air-hockey table.
In addition to its salsa lessons, this hostel also provides Spanish lesson services to its guests.
Location: In the Historic Center! In addition to being one of Calis’ best and safest neighborhoods, close to many restaurants, bars, and popular points of interest, the area is also well connected through public transport.
A fun place for:
- Chilled backpackers
Check prices: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
Hostel Rossa Palma
Situated in the colonial district as part of The Old Cali, Rossa Palma offers a range of cosy dorms and simplistic privates.
All sorts of fun things are possible here. Explore the city, wind down with some yoga, learn salsa or simply relax by the pool – the choice is yours.
There’s also a bar and restaurant on-site, so you needn’t go far to satisfy your belly.
Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Hostal Ruta Sur
The warm and pleasant space of Hostel Ruta Sur will have you feeling less like a tourist and more of an associate, treated with warmth and respect.
Make yourself at home in bold spaces with clever design. Be sure to nab the hammock quick!
It’s a 5-minute walk to one of the most fun salsa bars around. A salsa school is even closer.
Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
What about the cheapest hostels in Cali?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Cali.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Cali
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
Any Discounts?
From time to time, I receive special promo codes for booking platforms, hotels, or hostels. I will be sharing these here once received. Bookmark this page to get an update.
How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
I included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
I recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Cali best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
My Best Hostels in Cali for Female Traveler on a Map + Sights
Let us have a look at the map. Below, we list all three best Cali hostels on a map.
Personally, we love to plan our trips with a map having all sights and potential hostels on it. We thought this map will help you with planning your trip too.
In Cali we absolutely enjoyed:
- Admire a panorama over the city at El Cristo Rey
- Enjoy a Cholado, a mixture of condensed milk, fresh fruit cut into small pieces, and syrup
- Hiking the Farallones of Cali Waterfall
FAQs
Here we share with you the most asked question:
What are the best hostels in Cali?
The three best hostels in Cali are
What is the best hostel in Cali for solo travellers?
The best hostel in Cali for solo travelers who want to learn to dance salsa and have fun is El Viajero
What are the best hostels in Cali with private rooms?
The best hostels in Cali with private rooms are:
More handmade Guides for you
Did you expect a full guide on the best hostels in California? We know some people call California Cali, so worry not, we also have a guide about the best hostels in California for you.
Nevertheless, this guide is your answer to where to stay in Cali on a budget, yet in style. And having fun.
As you know by now, Colombia has awesome backpacker places to stay. So, we have more guides for you:
- 43 Best Hostels in Colombia – full country guide + map
- Best Hostels in Cartagena
- Best Hostels in Medellin
- Best Hostels in Bogota
- Best Hostels in Salento
- Best Hostels in Santa Marta
- Best Hostels in Taganga
- Best Hostels in San Andres
- Best Hostels in Palomino
- Best Hostels in Guatape
- Best Hostels in Minca
- Best Hostels in Popayan
Party hostels in Colombia:
- coolest party hostels in Cartagena de Indias
- coolest party hostels in Bogota
- coolest party hostels in Medellin
And Nearby:
- best hostels in Lima, Peru
- best hostels in Cusco, Peru
- 40 cool hostels in Mexico
- 3 Best Hostels in Aruba
- 22 Best Hostels in Caribbean
We also created a huge guide to hostels. Here we cover how to build lifetime friendships in hostels, the perfect packing list, and more.
