Viajero Cartagena Hostel

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.  

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.  

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.  

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.