Colombia’s second largest city, Cali is a gem-city for backpackers, that offers so much more than just salsa and nightclubs.
But it’s a big city, and there’s a ton of hostel choices.
Which is exactly why we put this list together of the 20 best hostels in Cali Colombia.
The Broke Backpacker’s Guide to the Best Hostels in Cali is designed with one purpose – to help you find the best hostel in Cali for YOUR travel needs.
So whether you are looking to party like a rockstar, be chillin’ like a villain, or just find the cheapest bed available, our list of the best hostels in Cali will help you find the hostel that best fits your needs.
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Cali
- Overall Best Hostel in Cali – The Pelican Larry
- Best Party Hostel in Cali – El Viajero Cali Hostel & Salsa School
- Best Cheap Hostel in Cali – Havana en Cali
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Cali – La Clave Hostel
- Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Cali – La Sucursal Hostel
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Before you Book your Cali Hostel
This list will help you find a great hostel in Cali – we guarantee it! But here are a few things to keep in mind…
- Location, location – While Colombia’s safety is rapidly improving, Cali can still be pretty rough around the edges. Don’t take a cab alone after 10pm, or if you do, make sure the cab driver sees that you have given the cab information to a friend. Or, to avoid this, try and book a hostel that is nearer to the sights you are interested in.
- Freebies are awesome – Colombia as a whole has a great budget-travel scene, and many hostels offer plenty of freebies. Keep an eye out for free towels, city maps, walking tours, pub crawl or breakfast. These can add up quickly
The 19 Best Hostels in Cali
If you’re backpacking Colombia and stopping over in Cali, you’re in for a treat. Since it’s a pretty big city, you can be sure to have many things to explore. For a bit of recharging during the night, stay at one of the best hostels in Cali. We’ve listed our favorites below.
The Pelican Larry – Overall Best Hostel in Cali
The Pelican Larry is the overall best hostel in Cali and you’re gonna love it! It’s hard to find a hostel that genuinely suits everyone but that’s why The Pelican Larry is the best hostel in Cali, because they cater for everyone in every way! They’ve super lovely, kindhearted staff make guests feel instantly at ease when they rock up at The Pelican Larry.
The dorms are spacious, comfortable and bright. There are wonderful private rooms too, with ensuite bathrooms. There are plenty of communal areas to hang out in and meet fellow travellers. The garden and patio areas are cute space complete with hammocks and sun throughout the day. Whether you’re a rookie on the road or a well-seasoned backpacker you’ll love The Pelican Larry in Cali.
El Viajero Cali Hostel & Salsa School – Best Party Hostel in Cali
The best hostel party in Cali is El Viajero Cali Hostel & Salsa School. With a swimming pool, bar and plenty of communal areas El Viajero make it super easy for nomads to meet, mingle and party hard. If you’re not blessed with rhythm worry not, you’re not obliged to join in any salsa classes, but why not give it a go? You’re all in the same boat and a salsa class is a great way for party people to break the ice! In terms of entertainment, El Viajero is killing it! They’ve teamed up with Circo para todos Foundation to run circus shows each week, on top of live music and party nights!
Havana en Cali – Best Cheap Hostel in Cali
Who else heard Camila Cabello’s “Havana’ in their head when they read Havana en Cali? You can definitely change the lyrics to fit! Anyway! Havana en Cali is a cheap and cheerful youth hostel in Cali, ideal for travellers on a shoestring budget. The staff are helpful and on hand most of the time. There is a quiet time between 11 pm and 7 am meaning everyone gets a good night’s sleep. Located just a 5-minute walk from the metro stations that connect you to the rest of Cali, Havana en Cali puts you exactly where you need to be to make the most of your time in the city.
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REILa Clave Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Cali
La Clave is a super chill hostel near San Antonio, with bars, salsa spots, and great restaurants nearby. Monica is a gem—helpful and lovely. Showers are hot, the Wi-Fi’s solid, and the beds are comfy. The kitchen has everything you need to save your pretty pennies in Colombia—it even has an oven!
It’s not the most social spot, but if you’re a digital nomad looking to get some work done, it’s an ideal place to chill. Fuel up on breakfast from the restaurant in the morning or grab your own from the fully equipped kitchen, then take over the comfy communal spaces to set up an impromptu office.
La Sucursal Hostel – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Cali
The crew at Sucursal have created the perfect social hostel vibe—everyone’s super friendly, and the volunteers are awesome. Salsa classes every evening, plus activities galore every day. The atmosphere is so welcoming, you’ll feel right at home. They’ve got food tours, daily hikes, and even discounts at local stores, so you know you’re well looked after at Colombian Home. Oh, and there’s a kitchen, which is a rarity in Colombia hostels.
Perfect for solo travellers and anyone serious about learning salsa. Hit up the group classes every night and even take advantage of the private lessons if ya fancy. The vibe on the rooftop was solid too; easy to make friends or just kick back if you’re in need of recharging your social batteries.
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!More Best Hostels in Cali
The View Hostel and Lounge
This incredible Cali hostel truly has everything you need and more under one roof – I mean what backpacker abode has two bars, a sauna, a pool and even a tanning spa? The panoramic view of the city is unmatched and trust me when I say need a pool in these temps!
Everything was super clean, and there are a few different options on where to stay, from mixed dorms to private ensuite rooms!
The staff are amazing and everything is well organized, giving you the ideal base to explore the city from.
Casa Ruta Sur
Casa Ruta Sur is on of the best hostels in Cali and super ideal for couples. With a great selection of private ensuite rooms, couples love the positive and relaxed vibes. If you and your SO are looking for a chilled out, friendly hostel free from intense party feels you’ll feel right at home. Being a highly recommended hostel in Cali the team are keen to keep up their good name. The Casa Ruta Sur staff are super helpful and will go out of their way to make your stay enjoyable. If you’ve got a late flight out of Cali just let them know, they’re cool if you hang around after you’ve checked out.
Casa Blanca Hostel
Casa Blanca is a top hostel in Cali ideal for solo travellers who are set on meeting, mingling and exploring. Located in the heart of new Cali city in the Santa Monica neighbourhood Casa Blanca makes it easy for solo travellers to connect with fellow travellers and locals too. They have a free salsa dance class for their guests, just the basic steps, nothing too intense. A great laugh and a must-do when in Cali. There is no curfew but there is quiet time after 11 pm which is much appreciated; always a good night’s sleep at Casa Blanca Hostel.
La Vaina Cali
The vibe at La Vaina Cali is lively and international. The yoga and salsa classes are amazing—and free! The staff are all super friendly, and the salsa instructors are incredible. I love how the free classes get everyone involved without feeling forced. If you’re looking to level up your salsa game, definitely book the 1-on-1 lessons at the hostel.
Hostel food usually doesn’t impress, but the on-site restaurant here really stands out. The dorms are comfy, and the bathrooms are always clean. With a great social atmosphere and a central location, this place is a winner.
Oasis Cali Hostel
Oasis Cali Hostel feels like one big family with the guests and volunteers The hostel is small, which means that you get to know everyone that lives here. There are social and fun events every day, and so easy to make new friends! Chilled but sociable, and the group/individual dance lessons are amazing.
Theres plenty of things to do in the city with the tours they offer and the staff are all super friendly and helpful. The hostel itself is in a perfect location with all the necessities within walking distance such as ATMs, Pharmacies, Grocery stores and TONS of restaurants. This one is a great spot for solo travellers.
RollinKeepers
RollinKeepers is the best hostel for digital nomads in Cali for sure. Whether you like to work at the bar, in a hammock or even in bed you can do it all at RollinKeepers as the WiFi reaches everywhere! Hosts Daniela and Augustine are super welcoming and understanding. They make you feel right at home and have created a youth hostel in Cali ideal for digital nomads. With a communal kitchen, laundry facilities and a TV lounge complete with Netflix RollinKeepers is perfect for digital nomads who are seeking a true home from home in Cali.
Hostal Pajara Pinta
There is a helluva lot to love about Hostal Pajara Pinta. It’s the coolest hostel in Cali if you’re looking for a chilled out place with a pool and bar. Located just 900m from Saint’s Peter Cathedral Hostal Pajara Pinta puts you right in the heart of Cali city. What more could you ask for?! The dorm rooms are simple but the beds are so, so comfortable! For travellers who like their home comforts, you can make the most of Hostal Pajara Pinta and cook up some homely treats to share with the hostel crew! A sure-fire way to make friends in Cali!
Santiago DC Hostal
This colorful, art-filled hostel is one of your coolest options in Cali. The free breakfast doesn’t hurt either obviously! The space has a ton of different stay options, ranging from dorms (cheapest) to private ensuite family style rooms.
There’s also a coffee shop, bar and lounge right on site making this just about the most amenity filled hostel in town. I loved the shared kitchen to save money on meals and found the location fab to explore the city.
The Green House
The Green House is a top hostel in Cali ideal for travellers who like the hostel feel but prefer a private room, or for travelling couples. With a lovely selection of private rooms and just the one dorm, The Green House is more of a guesthouse than a hostel. Worry not, there are all the Cali backpackers hostel vibes you could wish for. The team are super helpful and can arrange so many activities for you; naturally, salsa classes being Cali and all, but also tandem paraglider flights and even beginner courses.
Casa Miraflores
Describing themselves as a ”sanctuary of amazing energy of like-minded people coming together in a communal environment of happiness” Casa Miraflores is a truly authentic Cali backpackers hostel ideal for travellers who go slow and take it all in. This is a legit hippie hostel and it’s awesome. Full of open-minded, laid back and welcoming people, Casa Miraflores embodies what travel is all about. Make sure you don’t miss the free salsa class with Yeison, it’s such great fun.
Local House Hostel
If you’re looking for a Cali backpackers hostel that you’ll never want to leave you’ve gotta head to Local House Hostel. Uber chilled out and super friendly Local House Hostel is a real home from home for long-term travellers. Bright and open plan Local House offers everything you could ask for in a top hostel in Cali; a free breakfast, free WiFi, salsa and yoga classes and more! The bathrooms are some of the biggest you’ll find in hostels anywhere in the world, promise! They’re super clean, of course, and there’s hot water too.
Hostal Encuentro
Hostal Encuentro is a classic Cali backpacker hostel offering amazing views of Cerro de las Tres Cruces. Hosting up to 26-guests at a time Hostal Encuentro is a mid-sized youth hostel in Cali suitable for travellers of all kinds. A bit of a hidden gem, Hostal Encuentro is often overlooked; those who do take the time to discover this jewel love everything about it, and fair enough! They have a great free breakfast and the staff are really very welcoming.
Lulos Hostal Boutique
Lulos Hostal Boutique is the best budget hostel in Cali for sure. It’s rare to find a boutique style hostel for such a reasonable price and they do offer great value for money. Set in the quaint, traditional neighbourhood of San Antonio Lulos gives you a taste of authentic Cali. As a highly recommended hostel in Cali Lulos is an intimate affair, they have just three dorms and one private room. Ideal for travellers who like homely, low key kinda place or for couples who want a private room for a great rate, which is why it’s one of the best hostels in Cali.
Tostaky
Tostaky is a great youth hostel in Cali with super laid back party vibes and always a friendly welcome. The staff are chilled out and helpful, they’ll be happy to point you in the direction you need to go. Combining Colombian and French cultures in this authentic Cali backpackers hostel Tostaky is a real home from home. There are plenty of areas to meet and mingle but if you feel like simply observing the scene you totally can from the comfort of a hammock; there’s plenty to go around!
What to Pack for your Cali Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!
FAQ about Hostels in Cali
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Cali.
How much does a hostel cost in Cali?
Dorm rooms in Cali cost $10/night on average. For a private room, the average cost starts from $33+/night.
What are the best hostels in Cali for couples?
Oasis Cali Hostel is the best hostel for couples in Cali. It offers lovers a free breakfast, a free city tour, and the use of not one but two Netflix TV rooms.
What are the best hostels in Cali near the airport?
The Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport is quite far from Cali, so it is usually better to find a place to stay that offers an airport shuttle service. Once you’re in the city, I’d recommend The Pelican Larry, our best overall hostel in Cali.
More Epic Hostels in Colombia and South America
Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Cali.
Planning an epic trip all across Colombia or even South America itself?
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
For more cool hostel guides around South America, check out:
Over to you
By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Cali has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!
If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Colombia for a wealth of info!
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate South America backpacking guide
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
