Plan your stay
The practical stuff.
Times, rules, money, getting here and what to pack — with every answer marked by how sure it is. If something matters for your trip, ask the hostel before you travel.
House rules at a glance
- Check-in From 15:00
- Arriving after 21:30 Tell the hostel in advance — listings show different cut-offs
- Check-out By 11:00
- Adults only 18+ to check in; no children
- Quiet hours 22:00–07:00
- Smoke-free house
- No pets
- No parties or events
- Pay in cash Colombian pesos at the property; cards aren’t accepted on site
- Cancellation & deposits Depend on the platform and rate you book
Arriving & leaving
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
ConfirmedI’m arriving late. Is that OK?
The listings disagree on the latest arrival time (Booking.com says 21:30, Hostelworld later), and reception isn’t staffed around the clock. If you’ll arrive after 21:30, message the hostel before you travel so someone can let you in.
Ask to confirmCan I drop my bags before check-in?
Yes — luggage storage is free, and the hostel has confirmed you can leave bags before check-in.
ConfirmedHow do I find the door?
The hostel is on the upper floor (piso 2) of the corner house at Carrera 6 # 3-49, Salento’s Calle Real, about a block from Plaza de Bolívar. Guests describe going in at street level beside the shop on the ground floor and heading upstairs to reception. If in doubt, call or WhatsApp +57 318 519 9053.
ListedGetting to Salento
How do I get here from Armenia?
Small buses (busetas) run frequently from Armenia’s Terminal de Transportes. The operator Cootracir lists departures every 15 minutes from about 5:30 to 20:00, taking roughly 1 hour 10 minutes. By car it’s about 25–30 km. Times and fares change — confirm at the terminal.
And from Pereira?
Pereira’s Terminal de Transportes lists direct services to Salento (Expreso Alcalá and Flota Occidental), several a day. By car it’s about 50 km, around 1 h 10 min. The terminal notes that companies set their own schedules — check before you go.
Which airport is closest?
Two: El Edén (AXM), near La Tebaida south-west of Armenia, and Matecaña (PEI) in Pereira. Both are roughly an hour from Salento by road. The hostel lists an airport shuttle for an extra charge — ask for a quote.
Is travel affected by the August 2026 earthquake?
A magnitude 7.4 earthquake hit western Colombia on 10 August 2026. Both airports reopened (Matecaña on 25 August, with reduced capacity reported into late October), and some roads were closed by landslides in August. Check current road and airport status before you travel: Aerocivil, Aeropuerto Matecaña and INVÍAS.
Coming from Bogotá or Medellín?
From Bogotá most people fly to Armenia or take the long road (about 316 km to Armenia), then a buseta to Salento. From Medellín there are direct buses of around six hours, or you can go via Pereira or Armenia.
Around town
Where do the jeeps to Cocora leave from?
From Plaza de Bolívar, about a block from the hostel. Shared jeeps usually leave when they’re full; schedules and fares aren’t officially published, so confirm in the square and carry cash. More in our Cocora guide.
What should I pack for the weather?
Salento sits at about 1,900 m: mornings are cool, afternoons mild (averages around 17–18 °C), and the weather can change several times a day. Bring layers, a light waterproof, shoes with grip for muddy trails, sunscreen and a hat — UV is strong at altitude even under cloud.
Do I need cash?
Yes. The hostel takes cash only (Colombian pesos) at the property, and jeeps and farm entrance fees in Cocora are usually paid in cash too. Arrive with enough pesos — cash machines in a small town can run dry at busy times.
ConfirmedWhen is Salento busiest?
Weekends and Colombian public-holiday long weekends (puentes). If you can, plan Cocora for a weekday morning and book beds ahead for holiday weekends.
House rules
Is it adults only?
Yes. Guests must be 18 or over to check in, and children can’t be accommodated.
ConfirmedIs it quiet? Is it a party hostel?
Quiet hours are 22:00–07:00, and parties and events aren’t allowed. That said, you’re in the heart of a lively town on its main street, in an old wooden house — street sound and footsteps carry. Light sleepers should pack earplugs. Looking for a livelier night? Ask reception what’s on in town.
ConfirmedSmoking? Pets?
The house is smoke-free, and pets aren’t allowed.
ConfirmedIs the hostel step-free?
The hostel is on the upper floor of an old corner house, reached by stairs. We couldn’t confirm any step-free access — please ask the hostel about your needs before booking.
Ask to confirmFacilities
Is there Wi-Fi?
Yes, free in all areas. Speeds depend on the day — download maps and boarding passes in advance.
ConfirmedCan I cook?
Yes — there’s a shared kitchen with a stove, fridge and microwave. It’s compact, so cook in shifts at busy times. Breakfast isn’t included.
ConfirmedIs there laundry?
Laundry is listed for an extra charge, and guests have been pointed to a laundry nearby. Ask reception for today’s options and price.
ListedCan I rent a bike?
Yes, bike rental is listed for an extra charge. Ask about helmets, locks and routes — see our bikes guide.
ConfirmedCan the hostel help with tours?
Yes — there’s a tour desk, and guests often mention help arranging Cocora, coffee and horse trips. Tours are run by independent operators; no hostel partnership is published.
ConfirmedAre there lockers? Towels?
There’s a shared metal locker unit rather than one locker per bed — bring your own padlock. Bed linen is listed as included; whether towels are included or for hire differs between listings, so ask.
Ask to confirmIs there parking?
No, the hostel has no parking.
ConfirmedBooking & payment
How do I book?
Two ways: see live prices and book instantly on Hostelworld or Booking.com, or ask the hostel directly on WhatsApp or by email with your dates.
How do I pay?
At the property, in cash, Colombian pesos; cards aren’t accepted on site. Booking platforms may take a deposit when you reserve. Hostelworld lists taxes as included.
ConfirmedWhat’s the cancellation policy?
It depends on the platform and the rate you choose — check the conditions shown before you confirm. Booking directly? Ask the hostel.
Pack for four seasons in a day
- Layers and a warm top for cool mornings
- A light waterproof or poncho
- Shoes with grip (Cocora mud is real)
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Cash in Colombian pesos
- A padlock and earplugs
- A small torch or headlamp
- Reusable water bottle