Budget-friendly hostel with an excellent location in the walled city of Cartagena
Numerous room types including shared dorms and private rooms
All rooms have air conditioners and electronic safes
Communal bathrooms are cleaned multiple times throughout the day
Daily activities like salsa lessons, barbecues, and movie nights
Multiple communal areas, including two kitchens and an air-conditioned lounge
On-site tour desk can help guests book excursions
Within walking distance of restaurants, bars, and popular attractions
Staff members speak excellent English, which is not always common in Cartagena
Entire property feels safe
Free breakfast and Wi-Fi
Some rooms are located in an annex down the street (a pro for some)
Not all private rooms have private bathrooms
Obvious wear and tear throughout
Hot water in the bathrooms can be iffy (a common issue in Cartagena)
No pool
Part of a popular South American hostel chain, El Viajero Cartagena Hostel is a budget-friendly property with 32 rooms. El Viajero can accommodate up to 100 guests in its six-, eight-, and 12-person dorms, as well as several private rooms. Twenty- and thirtysomethings from all over the world flock to El Viajero for its prime location within Cartagena’s walled city, excellent activities schedule, and rock-bottom rates. Plus freebies like breakfast and Wi-Fi, and excellent on-site security, make this place a no-brainer for backpackers. However, travelers interested in booking a private room should note that only some private rooms have bathrooms, and a few are located in an annex down the street from the main property. Those in search of a budget-friendly property that’s not a hostel might prefer nearby Hotel 3 Banderas, though nightly rates are pricier.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
A happening hostel with a young, international clientele
The lively atmosphere around El Viajero isn’t surprising, considering its location in Cartagena’s vibrant walled city. The hostel always seems to be buzzing with energy, as staff members welcome new arrivals, tour operators book excursions, and guests hang out in communal spaces vividly describing their day’s adventures. Travelers looking to make friends in Cartagena will have no trouble meeting people here. Guests constantly hang out around the property’s multiple courtyards, and many take part in the hostel’s slew of weekly activities. The typical El Viajero guest is between the ages of 20 and 30, from anywhere on the planet — just take a look at the push-pin covered world map in the lobby for an overview. It wouldn’t be hard to walk past El Viajero and mistake it for a private residence. Only a small sign by the front door indicates its identity. Once inside, the lobby is a simple room with a check-in desk, a few computers, and a tour agency table. Check-in is usually a hassle-free process, considering most staff members speak excellent English. If your room is not ready upon arrival, the hostel is happy to store your luggage in a locked storage room until it is available.
Location
Within the walled city of Cartagena, close to shopping, dining, and nightlife
El Viajero has an excellent location within Cartagena’s historic walled city. The hostel is located on a quiet street within walking distance of popular bars, restaurants, and tourist attractions. The hostel is about a 15-minute drive from Rafael Nunez International Airport and about a 10-minute drive from Bocagrande, Cartagena’s modern Miami-like neighborhood with popular beaches, shopping, and nightlife. It should be noted that some of the hostel’s private rooms are not located within its main building, but are instead housed in a small annex down the street. The annex is quieter than the main building, and doesn’t have as much of a communal atmosphere — which can be a pro or a con, depending on the traveler. The annex location is equally safe, despite its separation from the main building.
Rooms
Multiple room types, including private rooms and dormitories
El Viajero has 32 rooms and can accommodate up to 100 people. The most popular room types are the six-, eight-, and 12-person dormitories which come in both same-sex and mixed varieties. The hostel also has private rooms with either one double or two twin-size beds. Only some private rooms have private bathrooms, so be sure to enquire when booking. All private rooms and dormitories are equipped with air conditioners, electronic safes, sheets, pillows, and bath towels. Wear and tear is pretty obvious throughout — you’ll find chipped furniture, threadbare bedding, and cracked tiles, but the entire property is clean. There isn’t much to speak of when it comes to decor — especially in the dormitories — but private rooms feature brightly painted walls with inspirational or travel related quotes stenciled above the headboards. The communal bathrooms at El Viajero are clean and well maintained. Each bathroom has multiple toilet stalls, showers, and sinks. Hot water can be iffy, though this is fairly common throughout Cartagena.
Features
No pool, but several communal spaces, great activities, and free breakfast and Wi-Fi
There’s no pool at El Viajero, but there are multiple open courtyards where guests hang out in the evenings. One courtyard has its own bar and several hammocks strung between its archways. El Viajero does an awesome job of keeping guests entertained. The hostel has a weekly changing schedule of activities, including Spanish classes, walking tours of Cartagena, salsa and bachata lessons, barbecue dinners, and movie nights. Most activities are free and many guests take part in at least one during their stay. The activities are a great way for guests to meet and get to know one another. There are several communal spaces at El Viajero, including the two aforementioned courtyards, two kitchens, and an air-conditioned lounge with cable TV and video gaming equipment. There are also several computers in the lobby, as well as free Wi-Fi throughout the property. El Viajero offers free breakfast to all guests, which consists of continental items like cereal, muffins, fruit, and coffee.
