Drop Bear Hostel

Santa Marta


Although it's housed in the former mansion of a drug cartel family, there couldn't be anything less shady about this bright and breezy hostel. Ask for a tour if you're interested – Australian owner Gabe believes there's still money hidden somewhere in the walls. Despite being located in a suburb, the big rooms, great pool and superfriendly atmosphere keep travelers returning.

Some of the private rooms, barely changed since their '80s heyday, are quite fabulous, and you might find you have a bathroom larger than most hotel rooms in Colombia. Definitely a quirky place, it's a good mix of a chill-out and party hostel, and will appeal to anyone who enjoys character. A taxi here from the center is COP$6000.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Santa Marta attractions

1. Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino

1.08 MILES

This hacienda is where Simón Bolívar spent his last days in 1830 before succumbing to either tuberculosis or arsenic poisoning, depending on whom you…

2. Iglesia de San Francisco

1.53 MILES

Dating from 1597, the squat Iglesia de San Francisco is little more than its colonial facade these days due to recurring earthquakes and fires over the…

3. Museo del Oro

1.64 MILES

Oro (gold) is only half of what this fabulous museum is about. Housed in the impressively renovated Casa de la Aduana (Customs House), which features in…

4. Pozo Azul

8.32 MILES

This fun natural pool and small waterfall is a popular sight for locals and tourists alike, though it can get very full on weekends and during high season…

5. Finca La Candelaria

8.51 MILES

This small coffee, cacao and fruit farm is a family-run, organic business that visitors are welcome to tour to see the various stages of growth, harvest…

6. Cascada de Marinka

9.63 MILES

This lovely spot is a 1½ hour walk from Minca – or a 10-minute moto-taxi ride (COP$9000) – and is a surprisingly impressive set of two waterfalls, with…

7. Playa Cristal

9.9 MILES

This gorgeous boat-in beach on Bahía Neguange used to be known as Playa del Muerto (Beach of the Dead) – little wonder they decided on a name change. It's…

8. Finca La Victoria

10.2 MILES

Founded in the late 19th century, this family-run coffee plantation offers interesting 40-minute tours (usually available in English) in which the coffee…