Ben and Guy are two friends that met at university in the UK back in 2008. Following a few visits to South America they discussed the idea of working together and potentially opening a hostel, but it wasn’t until a few years later that they decided to take the plunge. After graduating, both worked for a few years, Ben in advertising then in restaurants and hotels, Guy in hotels and as a ski instructor, before opting to work a summer season in France together, all the while planning their eventual move to Colombia. 

In 2015, they returned to Colombia to travel the country and visit possible locations for their dream project. In June of that year, they found a run down property in Buritaca and decided that it was the perfect site for their hostel. 

It took around 16 months to buy the land and set up the El Rio that we know today. Ben and Guy’s plan is to continue the El Rio project and also in time open more. Stay tuned! 

The El Rio ethos is simple: Combine excellent facilities and service with a strong emphasis on socialising. We aim to do this at an affordable price, whilst being as environmentally friendly as possible.