Shared Bathroom Twin Room
- 1 King-size bed
Hotel · Santa Marta (Magdalena) · Magdalena
Cacao Hostel Santa Marta - Santa Marta (Magdalena)
A sociable hostel with a pool, air-conditioned rooms, and a location close to transport links for exploring the region.
- 5-minute walk to Sesquicentenario Park
- Outdoor pool, sun terrace and hammocks
- Air-conditioned dorms and private rooms
9
Perfect
2393 reviews
Booking.com 9 · 2393 reviews
About
Cacao Hostel Santa Marta - Santa Marta (Magdalena)
Cacao Hostel Santa Marta sits about a 5-minute walk from Sesquicentenario Park, with an outdoor pool at its centre. The hostel's common areas are built for relaxation: a sun terrace, garden furniture, a bar with happy hour, and hammocks tucked around the property. Breakfast is available (a simple spread according to guest reviews), and the on-site kitchen is shared for those who prefer to cook.
Rooms range from mixed and female-only dorms to private twins, doubles, and a deluxe double with garden view — most with air conditioning. Practical touches include bag storage, lockers, laundry, and a 24-hour reception with tours and ticket assistance. The team is repeatedly praised in reviews for going out of their way to help with trip planning and storage while guests head to Tayrona or Minca.
- Non-smoking rooms
- Wi-Fi
- 24-hour reception
- No pets allowed
- 24-hour security
- Luggage storage
In brief
What works, what to weigh
+
Strengths
4 reasons to book- Easy access to regional transport — Several guests highlight the hostel's proximity to the bus terminal and within walking distance to stops for Tayrona and Minca, making it a practical base for day trips.
- Relaxing outdoor pool and garden — Guests consistently praise the pool, hammocks, and sun terrace as a highlight, with the common area described as spacious and social.
- Air-conditioned rooms and dorms — All room types except the Shared Bathroom Twin Room list air conditioning, and reviews specifically call out the effective AC, with one noting it runs from 8pm to 8am.
- Exceptional staff service — Many reviews name team members who went beyond expectations — helping with trip planning, storing luggage, and organizing activities.
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Worth weighing
4 to weigh- No parking on site — The policy list does not include parking, so guests arriving by car may need to find street parking or a nearby lot. The quiet street location may help, but it's not guaranteed.
- Pets not allowed — The hostel's policy is explicit that pets are not permitted, so travelers with animals will need to look elsewhere.
- Limited air conditioning hours in some reviews — One guest mentioned air conditioning only from 8pm to 8am, which may not suit those who want cool rooms during the day.
- Breakfast is simple — While breakfast is available, one review describes it as 'simple yet delicious' — travellers expecting a lavish spread may be underwhelmed.
01 — Rooms
Rooms & rates
High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.
10 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Mixed
- 1 Bed in shared room
- Shower
- Air conditioning
6 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room
- 1 Bed in shared room
- Shower
- Air conditioning
8 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room
- 1 Bed in shared room
- Shower
- Air conditioning
4 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Mixed
- 1 Bed in shared room
- Shower
- Air conditioning
4 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Female only
- 1 Bed in shared room
- Shower
- Air conditioning
Twin Room
- 1 King-size bed,1 Double bed
- Garden view
- Shower
- Air conditioning
Budget Double Room
- 1 Double bed
- Shower
- Air conditioning
Deluxe Double Room
- 1 King-size bed,2 Single beds
- Garden view
- Shower
- Air conditioning
02 — Amenities
Services & amenities
Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.
Pool & Outdoor
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Sun loungers
- Sun terrace
- Garden area
- Garden furniture
- Terrace
- Picnic area/ Tables
- Beach access
Food & Drink
- Restaurant
- Poolside snack bar
- Shared kitchen
- Welcome drink
- Happy hour
Services
- 24-hour reception
- 24-hour security
- Luggage storage
- Locker room
- Housekeeping
- Laundry
- Tours/Ticket assistance
- Paid airport shuttle
- Fax/Photocopying
Activities
- Board games
- Game room
- Hiking
- Darts
- Yoga class
- Massage
Room & Comfort
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Curtains
- Trouser press
- Wi-Fi
Photos
Gallery
03 — Reviews
What guests say
Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.
Guest-rated 9/10 from 2,393 reviews
Booking.com · 9 · 2393 reviews
9Verified guest“Great staff — friendly and helpful. The hotel is excellently maintained. Relaxing pool and garden area. Convenient location near the bus station.”
9Verified guest“I got great value for my money at Cacao Hostel. The room was spacious and comfortable, with big lockers and good aircon.”
9Verified guest“Cacao Hostel was a great find during my trip. The rooms were comfortable, the staff — especially Jessica — were incredibly helpful, and the location was perfect for exploring Tayrona and Lost City. The pool area was a nice bonus and the atmosphere was welcoming. Definitely recommend.”
9Verified guest“Cacao Hostel in Santa Marta was a delightful surprise. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, making me feel at home. The spacious rooms and clean bathrooms were a bonus. The pool, hammocks, and bar created a relaxing atmosphere. Overall, it exceeded expectations and made my trip memorable.”
9Verified guest“The pool area was a great place to relax and soak up the sun. The breakfast options provided a nice variety and were tasty. We also appreciated the friendly and helpful staff who went above and beyond to assist with organizing activities.”
9Verified guest“The location was convenient, with a quiet street and nearby amenities like a supermarket and restaurants. The staff — especially Richard — were friendly and helpful, making my experience more fun.”
04 — Location
Getting around Santa Marta
The property sits in Santa Marta.
Sesquicentenario Park: About a 5-minute walk away, this park is a local green space where you can relax or people-watch. It's a handy landmark for finding the hostel.
Santa Marta Gold Museum: A short drive from the hostel, this museum offers insight into the region's pre-Columbian goldwork — worth a visit if you're interested in local history.
Bus terminal & stops for Tayrona and Minca: The hostel is close to the bus terminal and within walking distance of stops for Tayrona and Minca, making day trips straightforward. Several reviews mention this convenience.
Carrera 11, Numero 17 - 49, Santa Marta, Magdalena, 470004, Colombia
05 — Good to know
Policies & conditions
Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.
- Check-in
- From 13:00-23:59
- Check-out
- By 06:00-11:00
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
- Payment
- Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
- Pets
- Not allowed
- Property
- 49 rooms
06 — Questions
Frequently asked
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 13:00 to 23:59, and check-out is from 06:00 to 11:00.
Is there parking at the hostel?
The hostel does not list any on-site parking, so you may need to find street parking or a nearby lot. The street is quiet, according to one review.
Are pets allowed?
No, pets are not allowed at Cacao Hostel Santa Marta.
Is breakfast included?
Breakfast is available at the hostel, and a guest review describes it as 'simple yet delicious'. It is not clear whether it is included in the room rate.
How far is it to the bus terminal?
The hostel is conveniently located near the bus terminal, and several reviews mention it's within walking distance to bus stops for Tayrona and Minca.
Is there air conditioning in the rooms?
Most rooms, including dorms and private rooms, have air conditioning. One review notes it runs from 8pm to 8am.
The bottom line
Cacao Hostel Santa Marta earns its high rating through a winning combination of location, staff, and social amenities. For travellers prioritising easy access to Tayrona and Minca, and a place to unwind by the pool after a day out, it delivers. Just be aware of the no-pets policy, limited parking, and that air conditioning may not run all day.
9A solid choice for backpackers and couples who value location, pool time, and a helpful team.
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