Lodging is quite expensive in Barranquilla, much more so than in its coastal cousins, Santa Marta and Cartagena. The higher prices will definitely hit the solo traveler’s wallet; here the advantage is to go in pairs. In the downtown area are hotels that fit into our budget range, with attached tabernas; these charge one rate per hour and another for amanecida (overnight) stays. Still, the least expensive options are to be found in the centro, with prices in the lower mid-range. The most costly are in El Prado. In the geographic in-between are inns with in-between rates. If you are staying for more than a few days in the off-season, it is worth asking about a discount.

At pre-Carnaval and Carnaval hostel prices double to quadruple. Reservations should be made several months in advance. This is definitely a time when having friends or connections with homestay organizations comes in handy.