Sustainability Stories: Hostal del Cielo empowers the local community
High up on the busy mountains of Medellin, Colombia, Hostal del Cielo is a place where your stay helps to rewrite the story of a community once overlooked. Today, the neighbourhood of Comuna 13 is alive with culture, art and entrepreneurship.
We sat down with Thomas Quintreau-Musci, the founder of Hostal del Cielo, to hear how a chance encounter with a local family made him pack up his life in France to build something special in Colombia.
What began as a backpacking trip evolved into a mission to build real connections between travellers and the local community. Thomas runs not only Hostal del Cielo but also the Call me Mami initiative, a non-profit that offers travellers the chance to stay with local families.
The hostel has everything you need – dorms, private rooms, fast internet, comfy beds and homemade meals for those who want them. You’ll also find terraces, pool table, hammocks and board games. It’s the perfect spot for meeting travellers and soaking in the views.
And speaking of views? The 360-degree view from the panoramic rooftop terrace is breathtaking.
Trusting strangers – how it all started
It all began when Thomas visited Comuna 13, a neighbourhood in Medellin marked by a troubled past still carrying a stigma.
Thomas recalls the moment when a local mother invited him to stay with her family. “Everyone warned me that it was a trap and that they’d steal my organs,” he says. “I’ll admit that I was a bit stressed but decided to trust my instincts and go.”
Four days later, he was deeply moved by the experience. Spending time with the family in their 30 square-meter home turned out to be the best part of his trip. He wanted others to be able to experience it safely.
A stay that gives back to the community
That first visit inspired Thomas to support an unemployed single mother by helping her convert her home into a guesthouse. This grew into the Call me Mami, a non-profit that helps disadvantaged families to open their homes to travellers to earn an income locally in the neighbourhood.
One of Thomas’ most memorable moments? Hosting a traditional Novena for local children last Christmas – a big celebration with food, singing, and gifts for local kids.
There’s also Sancocho, a massive chicken soup served to the community cooked by travellers and volunteers. They also donate solidarity baskets for families in need, but at its heart, it’s about empowering families to stand strong on their own.
The ripple effect has been powerful. One guest, a motorcyclist in his 70s, came to stay for a couple of days but stayed for weeks with a local family of ten kids and young adults. He built a huge shelf in their living room and the family launched an art studio. They sell drawings of young local artists and over 30 drawings have been sold so far.
Writing the new story for Comuna 13
Medellín may have a rough history, but as the city has transformed, so has Comuna 13. The outdoor escalators whisk visitors uphill to find the colourful street, art galleries and home-made stands selling food, crafts and souvenirs.
Still, some remnants of its past linger. Some taxis hesitate to make the trip up from downtown. “That’s why it’s so powerful for a foreigner to choose to live and invest here,” Thomas explains. “We want to show that this community is moving forward.”
Hostal del Cielo is about building real bridges between travellers and locals. Thomas urges to ask yourself after the trip what the most meaningful moments were: “It’s always the people you met.”
Thomas’ insider tips for exploring Medellin beyond the tourist path
Escape the city
Hostal del Cielo sits high in the mountains, with stunning 360-degree views of Medellín. From hidden waterfalls to secret trails, there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path wonders waiting to be discovered here.
Local celebrations with a view
At midnight on November 30th, the city ignites to celebrate the arrival of the sacred month of December, known as alborada. Fireworks light up the city, as well as on New Year’s Eve. Hostal del Cielo hosts a party with a DJ on the rooftop to enjoy the spectacle, but don’t worry – they have rooftop parties around the year.
Don’t miss the orange moonrise over the city
If you happen to visit during full moon, make sure to be at Hostal del Cielo’s rooftop terrace to enjoy the magical orange moon rise over the city.
In our Sustainability Stories series, we show you how hostels go above and beyond for the environment, culture and their communities:
Changing lives through education at Wonderland Jungle Hostel
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