While backpacking around South America might sound like something you do in your twenties to avoid reality, we’re here to tell you that it’s never ever too late to start planning your dream adventure. With these swanky hostels, you’ll hardly need to give up the luxuries that come with staying in a hotel either, however you’ll certainly get more bang for your buck — and the invaluable support and advice from those you meet along the way.
The Secret Garden Cotopaxi, Ecuador
Located just six kilometres south of the Ecuadorian capital of Quito in the immense Cotopaxi National Park, you’ll stumble across the aptly named The Secret Garden Cotopaxi hostel. Here, you’ll find Hobbit-like huts, two-storey cabanas and enchanting birdhouses nestled in the treetops, all of which offer unfathomable views of the Cotopaxi stratovolcano. Upon arrival, guests are invited to venture out on a trek to the forest to find some enchanting waterfalls, and they’ll also get the chance to meet a few of the permanent residents…a herd of lovely banana peel-munching llamas! A stay here includes all meals as well as snacks, tea and coffee throughout the day; plus, the hostel offers a number of other exhilarating activities, including treks to the summit of Cotopaxi, horse riding expeditions and driving tours of the national park.
JO&JOE Rio, Brazil
Finding JO&JOE’s Rio de Janeiro hostel feels like discovering a forgotten part of the city. The accommodation is housed in a complex of six historic pastel-painted buildings in a leafy cobblestone square. You can choose between staying in an airy dorm, a private room, or a larger space that you can share with a few friends or family. The grounds are the real draw here though: there are three very ‘Grammable swimming pool areas complete with hammocks and poolside bars, and you’ll likely come across a quiet terrace or two where you can chill out and listen to the jungly sounds, caïpirinha in hand, of course. When it comes to exploring the city, the hostel is located just three miles from Christ the Redeemer, and just a short taxi or bus ride from the stunning coastline.
Costeño Beach, Colombia
This beachfront haven is perched overlooking the Caribbean Sea, just an hour’s drive away from the Colombian city of Santa Marta. The site is located on a former coconut farm, so you can only imagine the beauty of the flora and fauna here. In addition to its tranquil swathe of sand, this hostel is renowned for its tropical pool area, which really is the stuff of fantasies. Accommodation-wise, in addition to the usual dorms, there are private wooden bungalows and two-storey cottages, but the most coveted spot is La Casito, which is located right on the beach and boasts its own private bath. If you want to get out and explore (although we wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t!), the hostel organises tours of local attractions, including the Lost City and a local brewery. Back within the comfort of Costeño Beach, there are plenty of activities to get involved in, from yoga to karaoke. Plus, you could even permanently commemorate your trip at the onsite tattoo parlour!
Viajero Kokopelli Lima, Peru
This renovated mansion is over a century old, and while it may be a little weathered in parts, we think that this only adds to its romantic charm. It also means its right at home in Barranco, the district that is considered the capital’s most bohemian, where you’ll find vibrant street art and live music, and an even more colourful nightlife scene. Back at the hostel, you’ll sleep beneath high, intricately decorated ceilings from which chandeliers hang and shimmer like stars. Meanwhile, the burnt orange and lemon-hued exterior features a majestic double staircase as well as plenty of space on the tiled terraces to kick back and grab some shade during those humid afternoons. When it comes to exploring, you’ll be placed within walking distance of some of the city’s coolest haunts, and just a ten-minute stroll from the beach…
Casa Caravan, Argentina
Nestled in the heart of energetic Palermo (Buenos Aires’ largest neighbourhood), is the new and improved Casa Caravan. This family-owned accommodation had to shut down when Covid hit, however in the time since, it has become a plant-based concept, complete with an orchid, a tranquil swimming pool area, co-working spaces, bicycle rental and yoga classes. While the family admit that it’s impossible for every single cog in the machine to be plant-based at the moment, they do as much as they can for now, offering vegan breakfasts and refillable toiletries. In the vicinity of Casa Caravan, you’ll find plenty more green and plant-based spaces to explore, as well as museums and galleries galore.
