Where to stay in Colombia: Areas & booking tips

Figuring out where to stay in Colombia is part of the fun. One night you could be crashing in a hammock near Tayrona, and the next sipping coffee on a balcony in the Andes. Colombia’s mix of jungle, mountains, and coast means there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to places to sleep.

In the cities, you’ll find rooftop hostels, boutique guesthouses, and design hotels with a local twist. Out in the countryside, it’s all about rustic fincas, eco-lodges, and beach cabins you reach by moto or mule. Some stays come with street art and salsa nights, others with river swims and no phone signal. It’s all part of the ride.

Where to stay in Colombia: From budget to luxury

Colombia isn’t the cheapest spot in South America, but it’s still great value. From cheap hostels in Medellín to stylish eco-lodges on the Caribbean coast, where you stay can shape the way you see the country.

Budget travelers can find dorm beds or simple rooms from $15-30 USD (€14-28) a night. Expect basic comforts, occasional cold showers, and maybe a chatty parrot in the courtyard. But you’ll often get a free breakfast, relaxed communal areas, and owners who’ll tell you exactly where to find the best arepas.

Mid-range stays, around $50-100 USD (€47-94), are a big step up. You’ll find coffee farm B&Bs in Salento, design-forward guesthouses in Bogotá, and quiet beach cabins in Palomino. These usually come with private bathrooms, decent Wi-Fi, and some real charm.

Luxury starts around $140 USD (€130) and climbs quickly. Think rainforest lodges in the Amazon, colonial mansions in Cartagena, or high-end fincas with infinity pools in the Zona Cafetera. For the best trip, mix it up, city nights, mountain mornings, and a hammock by the sea.

Best accommodation types in Colombia

Wondering where to stay in Colombia? It depends if you're after city buzz, jungle quiet, or mountain views. One night could mean a rooftop hostel in Medellín, the next a hammock strung between two palm trees near Tayrona. Accommodation here is often full of personality, with proud hosts and plenty of local color.

Hostels and backpacker stays

From $15 (€14) per night

If you're looking for where to stay on a budget, start here. Medellín, Bogotá, and the Caribbean coast all have a solid hostel scene, think mural-covered walls, rooftop terraces, and group hikes or salsa nights. Dorms and private rooms are basic but social, often run by travelers-turned-locals with solid tips on what to eat, see, and avoid. In smaller towns like Salento or Minca, you’ll find hammock-friendly guesthouses with jungle views and strong coffee.

Coffee farm stays (fincas)

From $40 (€37) per night

A finca stay is one of the most uniquely Colombian experiences you can have. Found mainly in the Zona Cafetera, around Salento, Manizales, and Filandia, these working farms often double as rustic B&Bs. Rooms are simple, meals are homemade, and mornings start with a tour of the coffee fields. Some fincas come with infinity pools and yoga decks, others with rubber boots and muddy trails.

Cabañas and eco-lodges

From $50 (€47) per night

In coastal or rural regions, cabañas are basic cabins made from wood or bamboo, sometimes just a step above camping, other times surprisingly chic. You’ll find them near Tayrona, Palomino, or Guaviare, often run by local families or collectives. Eco-lodges go a step further with compost toilets, solar showers, and guided jungle treks. These are ideal for exploring Colombia’s wild side, think birdwatching in Minca, river swims in Caño Cristales, or hikes to ancient rock art in the Amazon.

Colonial guesthouses and boutique hotels

From $60 (€56) per night

In cities and pueblos with Spanish-era architecture boutique hotels and guesthouses fill colonial houses with leafy courtyards, tiled floors, and wooden balconies. Many are family-run, with warm service and breakfast spreads that include tropical fruit you probably can’t name.

Luxury hotels and island resorts

From $140 (€130) per night

Colombia does luxury a little differently. In Cartagena, it’s colonial mansions with rooftop plunge pools. In the Amazon, it’s a floating hotel reached by canoe. Out on the Rosario Islands or Providencia, expect overwater bungalows, private snorkel spots, and fresh seafood by the kilo. Some high-end spots also double as conservation hubs, with guided wildlife trips and community-led experiences. Great if you want to splurge but still feel like you're somewhere real.

Apartment rentals and urban stays

From $65 (€61) per night

For longer stays or more independence, apartment rentals are easy to find in cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali. In neighborhoods like Laureles, Chapinero, or San Antonio, you'll get proper kitchens, washing machines, and Wi-Fi that works. Ideal for digital nomads or travelers mixing work and play. Rentals are also a smart pick for families wondering where to stay in Colombia with kids, especially in Medellín, which has parks, cable cars, and good public transport.

Camping and nature stays

From $5-25 (€5-23) per night

National parks like El Cocuy, Los Nevados, and Tayrona offer basic campgrounds and, in some cases, glamping-style tents. Refugios (hiking shelters) exist in places like Cocuy but are more limited than in countries like Chile or Argentina. Wild camping is allowed in some remote areas, but always check with locals first.

Average prices per night

Colombia isn’t ultra-budget, but it’s still one of the best-value countries in South America, especially outside tourist hotspots and holiday periods. On average, a private room in a hostel or guesthouse costs $25-45 USD (€23-42) per night, while mid-range hotels and boutique stays range from $55-100 USD (€51-94). Luxury hotels and eco-resorts usually start around $140 USD (€130) and can climb quickly if you’re after beach access, jungle guides, or serious seclusion.

Dorm beds in hostels run between $12-20 USD (€11-19), especially in backpacker hubs like Medellín, Santa Marta, or Salento. High-end eco-lodges, particularly in the Amazon, Tayrona, or the Rosario Islands, can range from $130-220 USD (€120-205), depending on location, privacy, and extras like meals, transport, or guided excursions.

• Prices spike during peak travel times: Christmas and New Year, Semana Santa (Easter week), and July-August. Cartagena, Medellín during Feria de las Flores, and Tayrona National Park fill up fast, so book early if you’re traveling then.
• The best time to score deals is during shoulder months like March-May or September-November: fewer crowds, lower rates, and still good weather in most regions.

Where to stay in Colombia: Best areas by region

Colombia’s geography is wild, from Caribbean beaches to Amazon rainforest to Andean peaks, so picking accommodation in Colombia really shapes the kind of trip you’ll have. Whether you’re chasing city energy, cloud forest quiet, or colonial charm, each region has its own rhythm and style.

Bogotá

Colombia’s high-altitude capital is sprawling, cultural, and often misunderstood. Where you stay in Bogotá changes your whole perspective.

• La Candelaria is the historic heart: colorful streets, museums, student energy, and plenty of budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. Best for culture buffs and first-time visitors.
• Chapinero blends arty and upscale. Think boutique hotels, LGBTQ+ friendly bars, and some of the city’s best restaurants. A great area if you want more nightlife without the backpacker crowd.
• Zona G or Zona Rosa are polished, safe, and business-travel-friendly, with international hotels and rooftop bars. Not much soul, but comfortable and easy to navigate.

Medellín

Once infamous, now transformed, Medellín is a favorite for travelers looking for a mix of urban life and mountain views.

• El Poblado is the obvious choice: tree-lined streets, hostels galore, cafés, coworking spaces, and thumping nightlife. It’s safe and easy, if a bit over-polished.
• Laureles is more local and laid-back. Expect leafy streets, craft beer bars, and Airbnb-style apartments.

Cartagena and the Caribbean coast

Colombia’s Caribbean is hot, colorful, and packed with character. Where to stay depends on how close you want to be to the buzz (or the beach).

• Cartagena’s walled city is romantic and touristy, with colonial mansions, boutique hotels, and high prices. Great for a splurge.
• Getsemaní has more edge, think street art, live music, and boho hostels in crumbling colonial buildings. It’s noisy, but fun.
• Islas del Rosario and Barú offer beach bungalows and high-end eco-resorts. You’ll need a boat, but it’s worth it if you're after peace and white sand.

Zona Cafetera (Coffee Region)

Rolling hills, bamboo forests, and some of the best coffee on earth. This is rural Colombia at its most welcoming.

• Salento is the classic base. Lots of colorful guesthouses, coffee tours, and easy access to the Valle de Cocora.
• Filandia is quieter and less touristy, but just as pretty, ideal if you want to avoid the crowds.
• Manizales, Armenia, or Pereira work well for more urban stays or as jumping-off points for day trips and finca visits.

The Amazon

For wild, remote adventure, head to Leticia, the gateway to Colombia’s Amazon. Most lodges here are outside town, along the river, and often only reachable by boat. Accommodation ranges from rustic cabins to jungle eco-luxury. Where to stay in Colombia for a real nature escape? This is it, but pack light and expect patchy Wi-Fi.

Booking tips and travel advice

Booking accommodation in Colombia isn’t just about comparing prices, it’s about understanding how travel works here.

Here are some essential Colombia travel tips to help you get the most out of your stay:

• Book early in high season (December-January, Easter week, June-August). Cartagena, the Caribbean coast, and coffee towns like Salento fill up fast. Places near Tayrona National Park and Providencia Island can be booked solid months ahead. Last-minute means fewer options or paying double for the same hammock.
• Watch out for long weekends (puentes). Colombians travel locally, and destinations like Villa de Leyva, Barichara, and Guatavita get packed. Prices jump, and popular stays disappear fast, even the basics.
• Check the actual location, not just the town. A place listed in Palomino might be a 40-minute moto ride into the jungle. Coffee fincas near Salento can be gorgeous but remote. Always look at the map before you book, especially if you’re relying on buses or taxis.
• Wi-Fi and power can be spotty. In jungle regions like Leticia, rural areas like Minca, or even beach spots like Capurganá, power outages and slow Wi-Fi are common. Don’t expect full connectivity unless you’re in a city.
• Cash is essential outside cities. Many guesthouses in places like Jardín, Nuquí, or San Agustín only accept cash. ATMs can be scarce or empty, so bring enough pesos or use apps like Nequi or Daviplata where possible. Credit cards aren’t a given.
• Breakfasts vary, but often include fruit, eggs, and arepas. Even budget guesthouses usually serve something hot. But if you’re hiking early or heading out on a boat trip, ask if breakfast starts early, or plan to pack snacks.
• Eco-lodges and fincas may include extras. Some stays near Tayrona or in the Amazon, throw in guided hikes, meals, or transfers. Ask what’s included, it might be more than just a bed.
• Contact hosts directly. Many small places in Colombia aren’t on major booking platforms, or charge less if you message them on WhatsApp. This is especially true in remote or family-run stays.
• Don't count on walk-ins in peak season. Book ahead. Even hostels in Minca or cabins in Cocora Valley can sell out. If you're picky about hot water, Wi-Fi, or hammock views, reserve in advance.