Cali, Colombia’s second-largest city, rewards backpackers with far more than salsa dancing and late-night clubs.
Yet the city is sprawling, and the hostel options are plentiful.
That’s precisely why this handpicked list of the best hostels in Cali exists.
This guide is built around a single goal: helping you identify the Cali hostel that matches your own travel style.
Whether your plan is to party hard, take it easy, or track down the most affordable bed in town, the selections below are organized to point you toward the right fit.
Known as the world’s salsa capital, Cali offers plenty of budget-friendly places to stay—this list will help you keep costs down.
Points to Consider Before Booking
This roundup is designed to point you toward a solid hostel in Cali. Still, a couple of practical notes are worth keeping in mind.
- Location matters a great deal. Safety in Colombia has been improving steadily, but Cali can still feel rough in certain areas. Avoid taking a taxi alone after 10 p.m.; if you must, let the driver see that you’ve shared the cab details with someone you trust. Booking a hostel close to the sights you care about is another way to sidestep that situation.
- Take advantage of free perks. Colombia has a strong budget-travel infrastructure, and many hostels throw in extras. Watch for complimentary towels, city maps, walking tours, pub crawls, or breakfast—these small savings add up fast.
The 19 Best Hostels in Cali
If Cali is a stop on your Colombian backpacking route, you’re in for a good time. The city is large enough to keep you busy exploring, and when you need to recharge overnight, one of these top hostels will serve you well. Our favorites are below.
The Pelican Larry – Overall Best Hostel in Cali
Well reviewed and comfortable, Pelican Larry’s accommodates a large number of travelers and earns a spot among our top picks in Cali, Colombia.
- Price: $
- Free Breakfast
- Cafe Onsite
- Self Catering Facilities
The Pelican Larry stands out as the overall best hostel in Cali. Finding a place that genuinely works for every kind of guest is difficult, and that’s exactly what makes The Pelican Larry special—it manages to cater to everyone. The staff are warm and kindhearted, putting guests at ease the moment they arrive.
The dorms are roomy, comfortable, and filled with light, and there are excellent private rooms with ensuite bathrooms as well. Communal areas abound for hanging out and meeting other travelers. The garden and patio are charming spots outfitted with hammocks and sunshine throughout the day. Whether you’re new to backpacking or a seasoned traveler, The Pelican Larry in Cali is likely to win you over.
El Viajero Cali Hostel & Salsa School – Best Party Hostel in Cali
Cali loves to party, and El Viajero’s bar and pool make it the best party hostel in Cali, Colombia.
- Price: $$
- Free Breakfast
- Swimming Pool
- Free Activities
For the best hostel party in Cali, look to El Viajero Cali Hostel & Salsa School. With a swimming pool, a bar, and lots of communal space, El Viajero makes it easy for nomads to meet, mingle, and party hard. If rhythm isn’t your strong suit, don’t worry—no one forces you into salsa classes, but they’re worth a try. Everyone is in the same boat, and a salsa class is a great icebreaker for party-minded people. On the entertainment front, El Viajero delivers: they’ve partnered with the Circo para todos Foundation to run weekly circus shows, alongside live music and party nights.
Havana en Cali – Best Cheap Hostel in Cali
- Price: $
- Free WiFi
- No Curfew
- Outdoor Terrace
Who else hears Camila Cabello’s “Havana” when they read Havana en Cali? Feel free to change the lyrics to suit. In any case, Havana en Cali is a cheap and cheerful youth hostel in Cali, ideal for travelers on a tight budget. The staff are helpful and usually on hand. Quiet hours run from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., so everyone gets a good night’s sleep. Located just a five-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.
La Clave Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Cali
- Price: $
- Chill Vibes
- Free Wi-Fi
- Good Location
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
- Price: $$
- Salsa Classes
- Rooftop Terrace
- Super Social
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.
The View Hostel and Lounge
- Price: $$
- Swimming pool
- Gym and sauna
- Two onsite bars
This incredible Cali hostel truly has everything you need and more under one roof – I mean what backpacker abode has two bars, a sauna, a pool and even a tanning spa? The panoramic view of the city is unmatched and trust me when I say need a pool in these temps!
Everything was super clean, and there are a few different options on where to stay, from mixed dorms to private ensuite rooms!
The staff are amazing and everything is well organized, giving you the ideal base to explore the city from.
Casa Ruta Sur
Top notch private ensuite rooms make this one of the best hostels in Cali
- Price: $$
- Self Catering Facilities
- Tours & Travel Desk
- Laundry Facilities
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
- Price: $
- Free Breakfast
- Cafe Onsite
- Tours & Travel Desk
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
- Price: $$
- Free Salsa Classes
- Swimming Pool
- Central Location
The vibe at La Vaina Cali is lively and international. The yoga and salsa classes are amazing—and free! The staff are all super friendly, and the salsa instructors are incredible. I love how the free classes get everyone involved without feeling forced. If you’re looking to level up your salsa game, definitely book the 1-on-1 lessons at the hostel.
Hostel food usually doesn’t impress, but the on-site restaurant here really stands out. The dorms are comfy, and the bathrooms are always clean. With a great social atmosphere and a central location, this place is a winner.
Oasis Cali Hostel
- Price: $$
- Super Social
- Central Location
- Daily Events Held
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
- Price: $$
- Bar Onsite
- Self Catering Facilities
- Tours & Travel Desk
RollinKeepers is the best hostel for digital nomads in Cali for sure. Whether you like to work at the bar, in a hammock or even in bed you can do it all at RollinKeepers as the WiFi reaches everywhere! Hosts Daniela and Augustine are super welcoming and understanding. They make you feel right at home and have created a youth hostel in Cali ideal for digital nomads. With a communal kitchen, laundry facilities and a TV lounge complete with Netflix RollinKeepers is perfect for digital nomads who are seeking a true home from home in Cali.
Hostal Pajara Pinta
- Price: $
- Swimming Pool
- Bar & Cafe Facilities
- Self Catering Facilities
There is a helluva lot to love about Hostal Pajara Pinta. It’s the coolest hostel in Cali if you’re looking for a chilled out place with a pool and bar. Located just 900m from Saint’s Peter Cathedral Hostal Pajara Pinta puts you right in the heart of Cali city. What more could you ask for?! The dorm rooms are simple but the beds are so, so comfortable! For travellers who like their home comforts, you can make the most of Hostal Pajara Pinta and cook up some homely treats to share with the hostel crew! A sure-fire way to make friends in Cali!
Santiago DC Hostal
- Price: $$
- Free Breakfast
- Sun terrace
- Shared kitchen
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
- Price: $$$
- Cafe Onsite
- Self Catering Facilities
- Outdoor Terrace
The Green House is a top hostel in Cali ideal for travellers who like the hostel feel but prefer a private room, or for travelling couples. With a lovely selection of private rooms and just the one dorm, The Green House is more of a guesthouse than a hostel. Worry not, there are all the Cali backpackers hostel vibes you could wish for. The team are super helpful and can arrange so many activities for you; naturally, salsa classes being Cali and all, but also tandem paraglider flights and even beginner courses.
Casa Miraflores
- Price: $$
- Free Breakfast
- Cafe Facilities
- Self Catering Facilities
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
- Price: $$
- Free Breakfast
- Self Catering Facilities
- Laundry Facilities
If you’re looking for a Cali backpackers hostel that you’ll never want to leave you’ve gotta head to Local House Hostel. Uber chilled out and super friendly Local House Hostel is a real home from home for long-term travellers. Bright and open plan Local House offers everything you could ask for in a top hostel in Cali; a free breakfast, free WiFi, salsa and yoga classes and more! The bathrooms are some of the biggest you’ll find in hostels anywhere in the world, promise! They’re super clean, of course, and there’s hot water too.
Hostal Encuentro
- Price: $$
- Free Breakfast
- Self Catering Facilities
- Tours & Travel Desk
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 has low prices and a cool location – great budget hostel in Cali, Colombia
- Price: $
- Cafe Onsite
- Self Catering Facilities
- Tours & Travel Desk
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
- Price: $$
- Bar & Cafe Onsite
- Self Catering Facilities
- Tours & Travel Desk
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!
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:
- Best hostels in Santa Marta
- Best hostels in Minca
- Best hostels in Medellin
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!
