Origen Hostel

The natural setting is stunning, but we left after two nights instead of the three we had booked. On our second night there was no running water at all, so staying comfortably wasn’t possible. Getting to the hostel also means crossing a river by bridge and walking through the water over two small bridges. The room we booked as a “deluxe double” was described as 32 m², but it felt much smaller. Its bed was too small and uncomfortable for two people. There was no bathroom mirror or shower gel, and we had no hot water during our stay. The hostel didn’t feel clean or well kept, despite the beautiful nature around it. Service was disappointing too. The staff weren’t welcoming and didn’t seem interested in helping, and there wasn’t much of a hostel atmosphere. Breakfast was painfully slow: we waited over an hour for an arepa and scrambled eggs. Based on our experience, the advertised four-star standard didn’t match reality, and we wouldn’t recommend staying here. The facilities, cleanliness, and service need a lot of improvement.

Dinner was delicious, and the setting is beautiful. I had a wonderful stay overall, with comfortable beds and a mosquito net on each one. The only problem came on my last evening and morning, when there was no water in the toilet and shower block. The staff didn’t really try to fix it or offer another solution.

We felt lucky to find this place. It’s a home with heart and meaning, not a generic hotel, and a real gem. The family has turned the jungle surroundings into a lovely garden while caring about biodiversity and local culture. Their kindness and passion for nurturing the land come through, and they helped connect us with great experiences in Tayrona. The wildlife was everywhere: butterflies, hummingbirds, monkeys, and all kinds of other jungle life. At the other places we visited, we didn’t see wildlife with anything like the same abundance or closeness. A naturalist’s dream.

At sunset, we’d sit with an ice-cold beer and watch toucans move from tree to tree. The pool was the most beautiful one I’ve ever swum in, and the location worked perfectly for visiting Tayrona. We ate well and found the place wonderfully relaxed, one of the highlights of our Colombia trip. Thanks again, Will. Say hi to Mariposa for us! Cheers from Marcel and Marijke.