Where to Stay in Colombia
A regional guide to accommodation across the country
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Regions of Colombia
Each region offers a distinct character and accommodation scene. Find the one that matches your travel plans.
Colombia's Caribbean coastline offers the country's most diverse accommodation scene, from colonial luxury hotels in Cartagena's walled city to backpacker hostels in Taganga and eco-lodges in Tayrona National Park. This region commands the highest prices in Colombia, particularly in Cartagena, where restored colonial mansions serve as boutique hotels. Beach towns offer everything from hammock-strung hostels to all-inclusive resorts.
The Coffee Triangle offers Colombia's most unique accommodation experience through finca stays on working coffee plantations, ranging from rustic farmhouses to luxury estates with infinity pools overlooking coffee-covered hills. Small towns provide charming boutique hotels in colonial buildings, while the region has become a hotspot for eco-lodges and wellness retreats. This area offers exceptional value for immersive rural experiences.
Colombia's capital region offers the country's most extensive accommodation infrastructure, from international business hotels to trendy boutique properties in historic neighborhoods like La Candelaria and Chapinero. The city caters heavily to business travelers but has expanded its tourism offerings with design-forward hotels and upscale hostels. Surrounding savanna towns offer weekend escape options in colonial haciendas and rural retreats.
The City of Eternal Spring and surrounding Antioquia department blend urban sophistication with mountain town charm. Medellín offers modern high-rise hotels, innovative boutique properties in El Poblado, and a thriving hostel scene catering to digital nomads and long-term travelers. Surrounding pueblos like Guatapé and Jardín provide small-scale guesthouses and lakeside cabins, offering peaceful alternatives to the city.
This mountainous region encompasses colonial gems and archaeological sites with accommodation ranging from restored colonial houses to simple mountain lodges. The area remains less developed for tourism than northern regions, offering authentic experiences in family-run hospedajes and small hotels. San Agustín and Popayán provide the best infrastructure, while more remote areas offer basic but charming rural accommodation.
Colombia's wild Pacific coast offers some of the country's most remote and rustic accommodation, primarily accessible by boat or small plane. Eco-lodges in places like Nuquí and Bahía Solano provide the main options, focusing on whale watching, surfing, and jungle exploration. Accommodation here is basic but atmospheric, often featuring open-air designs and integration with surrounding rainforest and beaches.
The Colombian Amazon offers accommodation primarily through jungle lodges and riverfront properties accessible only by boat from Leticia. Options range from basic community-run lodges to more comfortable eco-resorts with guided excursions included. Leticia itself provides conventional hotels, but the real experience lies in staying deeper in the jungle, where accommodation is rustic but surrounded by extraordinary biodiversity.
This adventure-sports hub centered on San Gil offers accommodation geared toward active travelers, from budget hostels to comfortable fincas in the surrounding countryside. The colonial town of Barichara provides upscale boutique options in restored stone houses, while Bucaramanga serves as a regional business center with standard hotel chains. The region balances outdoor adventure with colonial charm.
Colombia's vast eastern plains offer unique hato (ranch) stays where accommodation is integrated with working cattle ranches and wildlife observation. These all-inclusive experiences typically include meals, horseback riding, and guided safaris to spot capybaras, caimans, and hundreds of bird species. Accommodation is rustic but comfortable, focusing on the authentic llanero (plains cowboy) culture and spectacular wildlife.
These Caribbean islands off Nicaragua's coast offer a distinct accommodation scene from mainland Colombia, with beach resorts, all-inclusive properties, and local posadas nativas (native guesthouses) run by Raizal families. San Andrés leans toward package tourism with larger hotels, while Providencia maintains a more intimate, locally-owned character. Prices are higher than mainland due to island logistics.
This highland region features some of Colombia's best-preserved colonial towns, with accommodation in converted colonial houses and traditional posadas. Villa de Leyva stands out with boutique hotels in centuries-old buildings around one of South America's largest town squares, while smaller towns offer simpler family-run guesthouses. The region attracts weekend visitors from Bogotá seeking mountain air and colonial atmosphere.
Accommodation Landscape
What to expect from accommodation options across Colombia
International chains including Hilton, Marriott, Radisson, and NH Hotels have established presence in major cities like Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, and Cali, primarily serving business travelers and upscale tourists. Regional Latin American chains like GHL Hotels and Estelar are widespread across Colombia. Budget chains are less common, with local operators dominating the economy segment. Cartagena has attracted luxury brands including Sofitel and Charleston, while Decameron operates all-inclusive beach resorts along the Caribbean coast.
Colombia's accommodation strength lies in locally-owned options: boutique hotels in restored colonial buildings, family-run hospedajes and residencias (guesthouses), and fincas (rural farmhouses) converted to guest accommodation. Posadas provide mid-range comfort with local character, while casas de huéspedes offer budget homestay experiences. The hostel scene is exceptionally well-developed along backpacker routes, with Colombian-owned properties offering excellent value, social atmospheres, and local knowledge. Many properties are family-run, providing personal service and authentic cultural connections.
Colombia's signature accommodation experience is the finca stay, particularly in the coffee region where working plantations welcome guests to participate in coffee cultivation and processing. Haciendas (colonial estates) throughout the Andes have been converted to boutique hotels, maintaining period architecture while adding modern comforts. Eco-lodges in jungle regions (Amazon, Pacific, Tayrona) emphasize sustainable tourism with solar power, rainwater collection, and indigenous community partnerships. Hammock accommodation (hamacas) is offered in budget beach properties. Hato stays in Los Llanos provide ranch experiences with wildlife safaris. Some coastal areas offer palafitos (stilt houses) over water, particularly in indigenous communities.
Booking Tips for Colombia
Country-specific advice for finding the best accommodation
Accommodation fills rapidly during Colombian puentes (long weekends created by moving holidays to Mondays), Christmas/New Year, and Semana Santa. Domestic tourism drives demand during these periods, often more than international high season. Book at least 2-3 months ahead for coastal destinations during these times, as many Colombians make annual family reservations.
Many smaller properties, especially coffee fincas and remote eco-lodges, offer better rates and packages when booked directly via WhatsApp or email rather than through international platforms. Direct contact also allows you to arrange transportation, which is often essential for rural properties and can be included in package rates.
Remote lodges (Amazon, Pacific coast, Los Llanos) typically operate on all-inclusive packages covering accommodation, meals, and guided activities, as there are no nearby restaurants or independent tour operators. Clarify exactly what's included before booking, particularly regarding transportation from gateway cities, which can be expensive and logistically complex.
While international platforms dominate, Colombian sites like Despegar.com and local hotel websites often offer better rates and promotions for domestic properties. Many smaller guesthouses and family-run hospedajes don't list on international platforms at all, requiring direct contact via phone or WhatsApp, which is the preferred communication method in Colombia.
Colombian accommodation often has stricter cancellation policies than international chains, particularly during high season and for remote lodges requiring advance logistical planning. Many properties require 50-100% payment upfront for peak periods and may not offer refunds for cancellations within 30 days, so travel insurance is advisable.
When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability across Colombia
For Christmas/New Year (mid-December to mid-January) and Semana Santa, book 3-4 months in advance, especially for Cartagena, coffee region fincas, and beach destinations. Popular properties sell out 6+ months ahead. Prices can double or triple during these periods, and minimum stay requirements (3-5 nights) are common.
During shoulder months (April-May, October-November), booking 3-4 weeks ahead provides good selection and rates. Many properties offer promotions during these periods to fill capacity, particularly in cities and the coffee region. Flexibility can yield significant savings, as weekday rates are substantially lower than weekends.
Low season (May-June, September-October in most regions) allows for last-minute bookings, often with walk-in rates competitive with online prices. This is ideal for flexible travelers, though some remote eco-lodges close during rainiest months. Budget and mid-range properties frequently offer 20-40% discounts during these periods.
For most Colombian destinations, booking 4-6 weeks in advance provides optimal selection and pricing outside major holidays. However, unique properties (boutique hotels in Cartagena's old city, popular coffee fincas, remote jungle lodges) should be booked 2-3 months ahead year-round as they have limited rooms. Business hotels in cities often have last-minute availability and weekend deals.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information for Colombia