About

Welcome to Ritmo del Río – A Jungle Retreat Rooted in Community, Nature, and Art

Located just outside the vibrant town of San Rafael, Antioquia, Ritmo del Río is more than a hostel—it's a living, breathing project grounded in sustainability, cultural exchange, and personal growth. We’ve transformed an old cattle and coffee farm into a 14-hectare protected jungle reserve, a tropical food forest, and an organic farm, with the river El Macanal flowing through the property.

To enter the reserve, you’ll cross a suspension bridge that leads into a world of colorful birds and monkeys, jungle trails, natural pools, and riverside hammocks. Ritmo del Río is a space to reconnect with nature and yourself.

We offer a variety of accommodations to suit all travelers: private cabins, private rooms, and shared dorms (with a maximum of 4 beds per room). Whether you're looking for comfort, privacy, or a shared community experience, you’ll find a space to relax and recharge.

Our on-site organic farm produces vegetables, herbs, fruits, fish, eggs, and chicken for our farm-to-table restaurant. We harvest daily and offer a delicious variety of Colombian and international dishes—including homemade sourdough bread, pastries, cocktails, pizzas, falafel, salads and sandwiches. Vegetarian and vegan options are always available. Breakfast is included for all of our reservations.

Digital nomads are welcome. We offer a free coworking space with access to both Starlink and local internet.

For outdoor lovers, we rent mountain bikes for exploring the region's waterfalls, trails, and rural roads.

We are also home to a language school offering Spanish immersion programs, as well as English, French, and German classes for learners of all levels.

Ritmo del Río is a place to connect and grow. We offer free weekly classes for our guests, including yoga, salsa dancing, and Colombian percussion. Guests can also arrange private lessons with our experienced instructors in salsa, language, music, and yoga.

Check-In and Check-Out
Check-in: 2:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
If you arrive early, we’re happy to store your bags so you can enjoy the river, the trails, or a fresh juice from our restaurant while you wait.

House Rules

Check In

14:00 - 21:00

Check Out

until 11:00

  • Credit Cards Not Accepted
  • Taxes Not Included
View House Rules

Facilities

  • Free Breakfast
  • Free Parking
  • Free WiFi
  • Bicycle Parking
  • Coworking Space
  • Tours/Travel Desk
  • Parking
  • Housekeeping
View all facilities

Reviews

9.0Superb(31)
  • Value for Money
    8.8
  • Security
    9.6
  • Atmosphere
    9.2
  • Cleanliness
    8.8
  • Staff
    9.2
  • Location
    8.8
  • Facilities
    8.8
Summary of traveller reviews

Ritmo Del Río in San Rafael offers a stunning natural setting by the river, perfect for relaxation and connecting with nature. Guests praise the delicious food, friendly staff, and vibrant atmosphere with activities like music and language classes. Ideal for solo travellers and couples seeking a peaceful escape.

Stayed in May 2026
10
C
Caner
Male, 31-40, Turkey
A place out of the this world. Only downside (which isn't really) is the last 2km of the road is in very poor condition. If you are planning to come by a regular car think again. It's doable but there is high probability of damaging your car or tires.
Stayed in Mar 2026
6.3
M
Matilda
Couple, 25-30, England
*Check your bill against Hostelworld when you pay* -On checkout our room cost was x2 higher than HW. Learnt that they double booked our room, and put us in a more expensive room without us realising. An extra $110k more per night was added + the extra night we booked through them directly was $200k more as it was a ‘weekend’🤯 after alot of back n forth we got the difference for the first two nights back thankfully but it all just felt a bit disappointing + scammy. Nice place but screwed us a lil
Stayed in Mar 2026
9.4
M
Monica
Female, 25-30, USA
Cannot say enough great things about Ritmo del Rio! Absolutely perfect nature access, language and music activities that bring more than just partying, impeccable staff who always go out of their way to make you feel a part of the space and an owner (Jesse) who is so down to earth and warm hearted. There’s so much passion behind the space here and the vision of connecting people to community, culture, and nature is so loving and pure. This place is a gem!!
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Location

Terminal via vereda Macanal, San Rafael, Colombia
4.4km from city centre