Backpacking Salento and around? Rumour has it you are looking for the coolest hostels in Salento? We have collected for you the absolute 3 best hostels in Salento. So you focus on your backpacking experience, we do the leg work for your hostel choice. Pretty good deal, right?!
Our favorite hostels in Salento are:
- Viajero Hostel - best for Female Solo Travellers
- Hostel Tralala - best for Solo Traveler
- Hostal Vistaguila - best for Digital Nomads
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
1. Viajero Hostel
2. Hostel Tralala
3. Hostal Vistaguila
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
In this guide we cover not just Salento, but the famous Cocora Valley. 99% of travelers stay in Salento village and then take a pickup truck to the Cocora Valley.
For a backpacker, nothing is as dazzling as finding an off-the-beaten path. Knowing that you are one of the few people who have genuinely experienced its pristine grandeur is an inimitable ecstasy only a few ever experience. And off-the-beaten doesn’t get any better than Salento. Until a few years back, the town was under the control of guerilla groups but now ranks as one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations on the continent.
We obviously collected as well the best hostels all over Colombia. We even added a map here. It will help you plan your itinerary much easier.
We also put together handmade guides for:
Despite its eccentric rise, Salento remains largely off-the-beaten which is why it sits high on many backpackers’ bucket lists.
Salento is known for gorgeous coffee plantations and breathtaking vistas, making it a favorite for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. And for the history buffs, the town, unlike its neighbors that have been rebuilt over the years, still holds much of its historic charm.
To the east of the town, travelers can also take postcard-worthy pictures under the world’s tallest palm trees (which grow up to 200ft/60m). There is no doubt that the town’s quaint charm, unique culture, and countless outdoor activities make it an attractive destination for many travelers. However, before you pack your bags and book that flight, you must ascertain proper accommodation. We have put together a list of the six best hostels in Salento to help you make that decision.
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Salento
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Salento cost 5€ – 14€ per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room starts from 16€ up to 51€ per night. This is a rough average just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on season and holidays. Please always check exact rates on Hostelworld.com or Booking.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 Salento: Salento is probably one of the safest places in Colombia to be a tourist. Regardless, be very careful, especially when it comes to pickpocketing – there’s a lot of pick-pocketing in Colombia everywhere. You should be particularly alert when travelling on buses in Colombia. And for other safety tips we have our guide – 39 Simple and effective Travel Safety Tips (both offline and online).
Getting around Salento: Walk! It is by far the easiest. Salento isn’t a big town. And in the town most places are located just a few blocks of each other.
Bring Cash: This is a good tip for anywhere in Colombia. There are ATMs in Salento, but usually they have long lines and sometimes run out of cash. So our advice is just to be prepared and have money with yourself.
🎁 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 Salento are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Salento.
- Viajero Hostel – best for Female Solo Travellers
- Hostel Tralala – best for Solo Traveler
- Hostal Vistaguila – best for Digital Nomads
These are our favorite hostels in Salento. 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. Viajero Hostel
2. Hostel Tralala
3. Hostal Vistaguila
We put all three accommodation on the map, you will find the map at the end of the article.
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Hostel Tralala |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | Viajero Hostel |
| 👫 For Socializing: | Viajero Hostel |
| 👩❤️👨Couple Hostel: | Hostel Tralala |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | Hostel Vistaguila |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Hostel Vistaguila |
| 🎒 For Backpackers: | Viajero Hostel |
1. Viajero Hostel
Perched in the middle of the coffee-growing region in the colorful Salento, Viajero Hostel offers guests one of the most authentic ways to enjoy the backcountry thanks to the sprawling vistas in the background. With good coffee in hand and breathtaking mountain views, mornings at Viajero Hostel are a memory very few ever get over.
The hostel also offers free daily activities such as dance lessons, Spanish classes, campfires and yoga sessions. At night, the bar at the hostel opens its doors, and the board games come out for guests looking to unwind from the eventful day. But lying down in the garden and staring into the milky way is just as endearing for guests who prefer a quiet night.
Being the largest hostel in Salento, Viajero Hostel offers plenty of accommodation options. All the private rooms are equipped with a private bathroom and a shower. Some rooms even have a private balcony, while others offer beautiful garden views. There are also dormitories for guests looking to stay together or solo travelers looking to make a few friends. These range from 6- to 8-bed mixed and female dormitories. The rooms feature bed linen and free Wi-Fi, and guests are offered continental breakfast.
Terms and conditions at Viajero Hostel
- Colombians or foreigners with Colombian residency must pay taxes (IVA) of 19%, which doesn’t appear on the final rate
- Pet friendly, but after a prior request
- Guests should be over the age of 12 years
- Cancellation policy (48 hours before arrival for shared rooms and 72 hours before arrival for private rooms)
- Breakfast is only inclusive of the fee for private rooms only
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Location: Only a few meters from the main square, Viajero Hostel is near many attractions, and guests can book a day tour at the front desk to scour the town. For example, Pereira’s Art Museum and Founders Monument are only 36km and 37km away from the hostel.
From the airport, travelers can take a taxi to the bus terminal in Pereira or Armenia, where they can take the bus to the hostel. The hostel also offers airport pickups for guests, but you must book this service three days before arrival.
This is one of the best hostels in Salento for
- Female Solo Travellers
- Backpackers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. Hostel Tralala
Initially a traditional coffee-region house, Hostel Tralala was converted into a tasteful and comfortable stay for guests only a few steps from the central town square. One of the perks of putting up at Hostel Tralala is its great vicinity to the town’s attractions. For example, Pereira’s Botanical Garden and Pereira’s Art Museum are only 35km and 36 km away, respectively. The hostel is also an ideal starting point for a hike to the Cocora Valley.
The hostel also offers guests leaflets with up-to-date information on the best places and what to do during their stay in Salento. The brochures include maps, opening times, entrance fees, transportation schedules, and nearby restaurants to ensure guests have a memorable time in the town.
With only a maximum of only 25 guests, the hostel offers ample areas to relax or spend uninterrupted personal time with a spouse. In addition, hostel Tralala provides a variety of room options, such as a double room that sleeps two with a private bathroom, a studio that sleeps two, a single room with a bathroom but without a window, 8-bed mixed dormitory, and a double room that sleeps two with a shared bathroom.
The hostel also has two kitchens, both well-equipped with utensils for guests who want to prepare their meals. There is also free coffee, sugar, oil, and pepper in the cupboards. In addition, there is free Wi-Fi across the estate, and guests can pass the time in the TV lounge. The outdoors also has lush green gardens and a patio with hammocks.
Terms and conditions at Hostel Tralala
- Check-in at 13:00 (but it can be earlier if a room is available)
- Check out by 11:00 (but an extension can be granted)
- Payment upon arrival by cash
- Credit cards accepted
- The cancellation policy is 48 hours before arrival
- Taxes included
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Location: Hostal Tralala is located just one block from the central town square. It offers an ideal starting point for the trek to the Cocora Valley or a visit to a coffee farm.
The nearest airport is El Edén International, 41 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Travelers can take a taxi to Armenia, Pereira or Medellin bus terminals, where they can take a bus to Salento. One of the stops in the town is just next to the hostel. However, the hostel also offers airport pickups for travelers coming in through Armenia and Pereira.
This is one of the best hostels in Salento for
- Solo Travellers
- Couples
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Hostal Vistaguila
Hostal Vistaguila, located only 650 meters from the main square, is your best opportunity to enjoy the outdoors during your stay in Salento. Guests can rent out a bicycle to thoroughly scour the splendor of Salento or take a solo trek through the neighborhood, as there are many captivating places to see.
The hostel also offers free yoga and meditation classes, and after that, you can enjoy a sumptuous vegetarian breakfast with endless views of the Andean Mountains. Hostal Vistaguila also has many social areas where you will likely make some new friends throughout your stay. These include a heated social pool, Turkish bath, exercise area, and a lookout area.
The outdoors at Hostal Vistaguila is just as endearing, with ample space to enjoy a quiet morning with a picnic area, lush garden, outdoor furniture, swimming pool, a terrace and even BBQ areas. The hostel also has a shared kitchen fully equipped for guests to prepare meals for themselves. There is also free WiFi access across the estate.
Terms and conditions at Hostal Vistaguila
- Taxes included
- Breakfast not included
- No curfew
- Maximum stay of 14 days
- Reception is open from 08:00 to 22:00
- Cancellation policy (48 hours before arrival)
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
Hostal Vistaguila has an array of room options, such as a suite with a private jacuzzi, family rooms with a private bathroom with hot water, and a four-person double room. In addition, travelers who come in through the Matecana or El Eden Airports can access the hostel by taking a taxi to the bus station and buying a ticket to Salento. The hostel also offers airport pickups for guests who would rather go straight to the hostel.
Location: Hostal Vistaguila is located just 5 minutes of the main square of Salento. Check our map below for more details.
This is one of the best hostels in Salento for
- Families
- Digital Nomads
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
What about the cheapest hostels in Salento?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. Forget Salento hotels!
We think, it’s not worth it to go with the cheapest hostel out there.
Why?
The difference is typically 1-2€ ($1-2) per night, and a lot of amenities are not included. This can be breakfast or linen.
However, if you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every penny, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Salento.
- Open Hostelworld with full list of budget places to stay in Salento
- Order the listing by price
Simple as that.
Read: 15 hacks for booking hostels
Make sure you use then the other filters and rank per price.
Also keep a close eye on the ratings, especially the “extreme ratings”. Meaning, the best, and worst. These ratings can give great insight on what to expect.
Best Hostels in Salento for Solo Travellers?
What is seriously the best hostel in Salento for solo-travellers?
For those that are keen to meet other travellers and enjoy lively vibes, book your stay at Viajero Hostel.
This is the largest hostel in Salento, and offers plenty of accommodation options. All the private rooms are equipped with a private bathroom and a shower. Some rooms even have a private balcony, while others offer garden views. Their dormitories range from 6- to 8-bed mixed and female. The rooms feature bed linen and free Wi-Fi, and guests are offered continental breakfast.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Party Hostels in Salento
Let’s be honest here; partying in Salento isn’t really a thing. However, we do think that Viajero Hostel offers a great vibe worth checking out.
They have free Daily Activities – Spanish lessons, food tasting, dance classes, yoga sessions and bonfires. You could easily meet some people here and enjoy a hot cup of coffee while enjoying the view.
During the day, you can book a tour at their front desk and explore the area. You can choose trekking to the ‘Parque Nacional de los Nevados’, horse-back riding to the cascades and visit the coffee farms. If you are looking for a place to hike, live the culture and enjoy the nature and fresh air, this is the place for you.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
More Salento hostels worth a mention
Still looking for more? We have listed more Salento hostels that are worth considering, because you deserve to have more for your once in a lifetime backpacking experience!
- Coffee Tree Boutique Hostel
- Yambolombia Hostel
- Posada Aguanile Finca La Diana
Coffee Tree Boutique Hostel
Perched in the remote Salento, eight hours north of Cali and seven hours south of Medellin, Coffee Tree Boutique Hostel is an exceptional stay for guests looking to blend in with the locals. The hostel is only six blocks away from the town center, and the neighborhood is predominately residential homes and small food shops. Furthermore, given that the hostel is a few blocks from the robust city center, guests can enjoy a quiet, tranquil rest with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
However, the hostel is within striking distance of Salento’s gorgeous attractions, such as Founders Monument and Cathedral of Our Lady of Poverty which are both 37km away. The hostel is also near Valle del Cocora and local coffee farms.
If you don’t feel like leaving the estate, the common spaces are well decorated and comfortable to offer guests a homey experience. The hostel’s common areas are fitted with comfy couches and blankets, featuring an open-air design and a wrap-around balcony. In addition, each hostel floor has a separate hangout space with a hammock or two if you want to take a quick nap or catch up on a novel.
The hostel has a kitchen, but it is only accessible to staff to prepare meals for the guests. The hostel offers its guests a sumptuous American breakfast comprising toast, coffee, scrambled eggs, banana, fruit salad, butter, and marmalade. They also provide guests with fridge space if they want to store some foodstuffs and free coffee all day in the common area. There is also free Wi-Fi which can prove frustrating in a few corners, given the immense size of the hostel.
Coffee Tree Boutique has an array of room options such as a two-person double room with a balcony, a six-person double room with a mountain view, a standard family room with bunk beds, a 6-bed mixed dormitory with bunk beds, an 8-bed mixed dormitory with bunk beds and 4-bed mixed dormitory with bunk beds.
The shared bathrooms are pleasant, with hand towels, soap, and foot towels outside the showers. There is also hot water in the showers. In the dormitories, each bed has linen and a pull-shade to keep out the sun if you want to get a few more hours of sleep. However, the hostel doesn’t provide guests with towels (but they offer you a hook where to put one).
Terms and conditions at Coffee Tree Boutique Hostel
- Check-in from 14:00 to 22:00
- Check out before 11:00
- Payment upon arrival by cash or PayPal
- Taxes not included (Colombians and foreigners living in Colombia have to pay VAT)
- No smoking
- No curfew
- All guests must be over the age of 18 years
- Complimentary breakfast for private rooms (Guests in dorms pay for 10.000COP for breakfast)
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Yambolombia Hostel
The hostel has earned a reputation as one of the best spots to experience nature in Salento. Yambolombia Hostel is also within walking distance of attractions such as Reserva Natural Kasaguadua, which is only 400 meters away and Parque Centenario which is 9km away. The hostel staff is also fluent in both Spanish and English and well-trained to fully cater to the utmost comforts of their guests.
The hostel offers yoga sessions with an additional charge, free Wi-Fi, bike rentals, and à la carte breakfast every morning. Guests can bond over campfires at night, or you could sit in the gardens and stare into the constellation. The eco-hostel has varied room options such as a 4-bed dormitory, two private rooms with a private bathroom and two private rooms with a shared bathroom.
Terms and conditions at Yambolombia Hostel
- Check-in at 14:00
- Check out at 11:00
- Reception hours are 07:00 to 22:00
- Breakfast not included (10.000COP)
- Cancellation policy (72 hours before arrival)
- Children of all ages allowed
- Payment upon arrival by cash only
- Pets aren’t allowed
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Posada Aguanile Finca La Diana
The hostel in Salento is one of the few that accepts pets and offers an intimate connection with nature. Posada Aguanile Finca La Diana is also only two kilometers off the route of coffee and a fantastic opportunity to learn about one of the town’s biggest trades on a hike.
The outdoors, which consists of a lush garden and terrace, help the guests relax and unwind. The hostel also offers complimentary breakfast but also allows kitchen access to guests who want to prepare meals. Alternatively, guests can book sumptuous meals prepared in Aguanile style.
Posada Aguanile Finca La Diana has a smoking area, massage room, free Wi-Fi, on-site laundry services, picnic area, and kids’ jigsaw puzzle. However, the hostel only has six rooms, and each room has blankets and towels. Travelers can access the hostel by taking a 45-minute taxi from Matecana Airport, but the hostel also offers airport pickups.
Terms and conditions at Posada Aguanile Finca La Diana
- Check-in from 14:00 to 20:00
- Check out before 12:00
- Payment upon arrival by cash
- Credit cards allowed
- Taxes not included
- Free breakfast included
- Cancellation policy (72 hours before arrival)
- Reception available 24/7
- No curfew
Compare prices and read reviews at: Hostelworld
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 Salento 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 Salento for Female Traveler on a Map + Sights
Let us have a look on the map. Below, we list all three best Salento 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.
We also included the main tourist attractions you’ve to know in this list:
- Valle del Cocora
- Calle Real
- Alto de la Cruz
- Mirador de Salento
- Plaza de Bolivar
- Santa Rita la Cascada
- Kasaduadua Natural Reserve
- Cascadas de Cocora
- Finca De Don Elias
- Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Carmen
FAQ
Alright, you should have found your accommodation already. Below we list all the frequently asked questions. Have a look.
More guides
Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in Salento.
We did the leg work for you and bring you more hostel guides to destinations:
As you know by now, Colombia has awesome backpacker places to stay. So, we have more guides for you:
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You can find all our new and updates articles for Best Hostels in here.
We also created a huge guide to hostels. Here we cover how to build lifetime friendships in hostels, the perfect packing list and more.
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