Immerse yourself in Colombia's coastal jungle near the entrance of tayrona park. Choose your adventure at El Rio. 

As well as paddle boarding, volleyball, pool and ping pong at the hostel, we also organise loads of activities nearby. Make sure you're around for the explosive game of tejo, played in Buritaca every Tuesday! For a more relaxed activity during your stay at El Rio, enjoy a massage in our secluded massage area.

And if you would like to volunteer with our Foundation, you can do so every day. We start the week with our Monday Art club at 10am and build up to our famous Friday multi-sports club where we provide fun, inclusive and impactful activities for up to 60 local children every Friday 3 - 5pm.

Check out some of our other activities on offer below.

Tubing

Tubing_El Rio

At El Rio, we organise daily trips where tubers head up river and float back down to our private beach, with plenty of stops for swims and cliff jumps along the way.

Learn more


VOLUNTEERING

We have volunteering opportunities every day with the El Rio Foundation - From Art clubs to Yoga. For the latest opportunities, please see the Foundation Activities board in the reception.

Horse riding

HorseRiding_El Rio

Hop on a horse and discover the natural beauty of the area – whether you fancy a romantic afternoon amble on the beach or a mountain adventure, local guides will ensure you get the most out of the experience.

hiking

Hiking_El Rio

There are a number of walking trails and hiking routes from El Rio - check out the maps in reception. We also organise trips to local waterfalls, plus sunset and sunrise walks to nearby viewpoints. The sunrise mirador hike is the not to be missed.

Nature tour

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Take a boat down the neighbouring Don Diego river and see howler monkeys, caymans, plenty of bird species and more

Motorbike Hire

Motobike_El Rio

Hire a bike to explore the local area of head on one of the many tours organised by our boys at Adrenaline Addicts

Paddle boarding

PaddelBoarding_El Rio

We have two paddle boards available to hire and use on our stretch of river, just ask at the bar.

Yoga

Yoga_El Rio

Enjoy breathing the fresh jungle air and hearing the sounds of nature, whilst practicing yoga in our free weekday classes.

bird watching

Birdwatching_El Rio

There are over 200 bird species in the area so grab your binocs and get ticking!

KAYAKING

Kayaking_El Rio

Explore the Buritaca River for the day on your own or with a guide (don’t forget to pack the sunscreen and a few beverages from our bar)!

The beachES

We are just an 8 minute moto ride away from the Caribbean sea.

Koralia Beach, 8 minutes drive

Koralia Beach, 8 minutes drive

Costeño Beach, 25 minutes drive (then down a side road)

Costeño Beach, 25 minutes drive (then down a side road)

Mendihuaca Beach, 25 minutes drive

Mendihuaca Beach, 25 minutes drive

Cocos Beach, 30 minutes drive (Park by Juanchos House Hostel and ask directions)

Cocos Beach, 30 minutes drive (Park by Juanchos House Hostel and ask directions)

Los Naranjos Beach & River, 30 minutes drive, then a 40 minute walk (but worth it) - Ask us for directions!

Los Naranjos Beach & River, 30 minutes drive, then a 40 minute walk (but worth it) - Ask us for directions!

Surfing

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The closest surf classes and board hire are at Ojala (The Viajero Hostel), 8 mins away by moto. The best waves for beginners are on Mendihuaca beach where Tobias also offers lessons and board hire at Mendihuacasurf. You can also head down to All Good Surf on Costeño Beach to hire a board and catch a few waves. 

need wifi?

We now have an onsite co-working space with an outdoor terrace