Viajero Medellín Hostel

Viajero Medellín is part of the Viajero chain of hostels, which also runs properties in Bogotá, Cali, Cartagena, Guatapé, Salento, San Andrés, Santa Marta and Tayrona. It is in Manila, a part of El Poblado where cafés, restaurants, bars and cultural spaces are all within walking distance, and it is designed for travellers who want to meet other people.

Accommodation is split between shared dorms and private rooms. Beds in dorms are not assigned in advance, so groups who want to share a dorm should email the hostel before arrival to ask, subject to availability. Facilities include free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour reception, a rooftop, a lounge, a coworking space, meeting rooms, a lift, luggage storage and safe deposit boxes at the front desk, and guests receive a welcome drink. The whole property is smoke-free.

Food and drink are handled on site. Final Feliz, the hostel's restaurant, serves burgers and bowls, and there is a bar. Breakfast is not included in the rate but can be added at a special price when booking online, by WhatsApp or at reception before check-in.

The social programme is the main draw. The hostel runs daily activities, games and parties, guided tours on Medellín's history and transformation, a champeta dance class and a free bar crawl. It also offers free transport to Guatapé, where the chain has a lakeside sister hostel, which makes a day trip to the town easier to organise.

Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is at 11:00, and late check-out is not allowed, although you can leave luggage at reception. Full payment is not needed before arrival, and cash and cards are accepted, although the hostel may pre-authorise a card. Guests must show an original passport or ID, and under-18s are not accepted. Foreign tourists are generally exempt from the 19 per cent VAT with the right passport stamp. Pets up to 17 kilos are allowed in private rooms only, for a fee, and assistance dogs stay free.

The hostel suits solo travellers, backpackers and digital nomads on a budget. Hija Mía Coffee Roasters is on the same street, and the bars and restaurants of El Poblado are close by. Contact the hostel by email at [email protected] or on WhatsApp.