About

FORMERLY KNOWN AS EL RIO HOSTEL, SAME HOSTEL, SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT NAME

Winner of Hostelworld's 2nd Best Hostel in South America 2025, 2nd Best Hostel in Colombia 2025, Most Popular Hostel in Santa Marta 2025, Most Social Hostel in South America 2025, 2nd Best Medium Hostel 2025, Community Superhero 2024, Best Hostel In Colombia 2018 and Second in Latin America 20218!

10 minutes from the Lost City (Ciudad Perdida) pickup point

25 minutes from Tayrona National Park

Our hostel is set right in the middle of a stunning jungle, whilst some of Colombia's best beaches are just a 30 minute walk away.

Fun stuff on offer includes:
Daily yoga (Tuesday to Saturday)
Tubing right from our doorstep
Horse riding
Paddle boarding
Motorbike rent
Waterfall hikes
Sunrise hikes over the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Cacao and Safari tours

In 2021, Rio Hostel became a signatory of the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative (GTPI), led by the UN Environmental Programme (UNEP) and the World Tourism Organization (WTO), in collaboration with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Read about our commitments here https://www.oneplanetnetwork.org/organisations/el-rio-hostel

We are also the very proud home of the Rio Foundation and you can volunteer with us every day in our local community through our educational, sporting and/or environmental programmes.

N.B - To fund our Foundation, which provides FREE, Fun, Inclusive and Impactful activities for 150+ local children every week, a $1.30 donation (COP$5,000) will be added to the bill of everyone who stays at El Rio. If you would like to remove it from your bill or you would like to donate more, please talk to reception.

See you by the river

House Rules

Check In

14:00 - 21:00

Check Out

until 12:00

  • Taxes Not Included
View House Rules

Facilities

  • Free Parking
  • Free WiFi
  • Free Internet Access
  • Free Luggage Storage
  • Bicycle Parking
  • Coworking Space
  • Airport Transfers
  • Luggage Storage
View all facilities

Reviews

9.6Superb(2992)
  • Value for Money
    9.3
  • Security
    9.9
  • Atmosphere
    9.8
  • Cleanliness
    9.5
  • Staff
    9.8
  • Location
    9.5
  • Facilities
    9.5
Summary of traveller reviews

Rio Hostel Buritaca in Colombia offers an unforgettable social experience, perfect for travellers seeking fun and connection. Guests rave about the incredible parties and vibrant atmosphere, making it ideal for solo travellers and groups. The beautiful jungle setting by the river, coupled with delicious food and a wide range of activities like tubing, ensures a memorable stay. Staff and volunteers are consistently praised for their friendliness and helpfulness, contributing to the hostel's welcoming vibe.

Stayed in Sept 2026
10
A
Anonymous
Male, 31-40, Australia
I loved my stay at Rio, the party was something special and the 6 bed with aircon was the perfect escape from the heat. All the staff were great but Lewis especially made me feel welcomed from the moment I arrived! Much appreciated Lewis!
Stayed in Sept 2026
10
M
Maayan
Male, 25-30, Israel
Great hostel, Eliav is the best!!
Stayed in Sept 2026
10
L
Lewis
Female, 25-30, England
It is an incredible hostel, the staff are great - Eli and Lewis really made it great and were very attentive. I would come back in a heartbeat
View all reviews

Location

Km. 49 Troncal del Caribe, Buritaca, Buritaca, Colombia
1.1km from city centre