This Is Your Sign to Volunteer at Rio Hostel

Words by : Daniel Colonia

I used to think I had to leave Colombia to find the life I was looking for.

So, before moving abroad again, I came to Rio Hostel for what was supposed to be one month. I thought I was going to volunteer, meet some people, and visit places around the area like Tayrona Park, Minca and Palomino... How wrong I was!

Yes, I was wrong because on the very first day I found a group of crazy people in costumes welcoming me (Love at first sight). During the first week, I became part of a routine I never imagined I needed, and after only two weeks, when they asked me if I wanted to extend my experience, I didn't hesitate to say yes. That's because I found a home in the middle of the jungle that I never knew I had. It was no longer just a one month volunteer experience; it became my home, a place I'm going to miss, a place I know I'll visit again because there are memories here, and mostly because I fell in love with my life here and with every person who arrives.

Every day people ask me, "How long are you staying here?"

To which I answer, "It's going to be three months."

Then they ask again...

"Is it really that good?"

Well, dear reader, imagine waking up every morning with the river, the mountains, and people who give you memories every single day as if they were family... and then you tell me.

I came expecting the famous parties by the river but they actually only represent a part of it. Rio hostel is not only a party hostel, it is the place that brought balance and inspiration back to my life.

I found mornings running through the jungle, afternoons working on my own projects (After going Tubing and drinking a Piña colada of course), creating alongside people who inspired me, nights dancing with strangers who somehow became family and weekends travelling the Caribbean coast with new friends.

Believe it or not, people sometimes tell me, "You are from Rio Hostel, right? You have Rio vibes."

Now I understand.. Rio isn't just a hostel. It's a community of people full of good energy who make life feel bigger.

People who create, who dream, who welcome you like you've always belonged. People who, beyond having fun, want to leave a mark. I'm proud to say I could support the Rio Foundation,  sharing afternoons with friends, staff and professionals inspired by the simple idea of giving back to kids from the local communities. Creating memories with them was one of my goals when I came here, and I can tell you I'll carry those moments with me for life.

If you ever visit us, do yourself a favor: check the activities on the reception board, choose one, and spend an afternoon with the Rio Foundation.

Two months later, there are times when I don't feel like a volunteer anymore. I just feel like I belong here. Not only because of the way people make you feel or because you never want to leave, but because during my time here, I gave my heart and my best intentions to enjoy this experience as much as I could.

To sum it up, I can tell you this:

I am a 26-year-old Colombian who fell in love with his country all over again.

And if this place could do that for me, being a local, imagine what it could do for you.

Whether you come as a volunteer or as a guest, don't miss this place. Maybe these words are your sign.

And if they are...

See you under the red fish.

You'll understand it soon.

DANIEL COLONIA
Volunteer / Colombia
Instagram: @itsdanielcolonia