The Advantages of Al Bosque Hostel and Glamping

The local term for the weather in the mountain on the outskirts of Medellin Columbia is eternal spring. I look around and wonder why I live in the Midwest of the United states. It is early morning at the Al Bosque Hostel and Glamping. The morning mist lingers softly in the 60-degree night air. Standing on top of one of the buildings I can watch the mist lift like a theatre curtain from the steep slopes. This afternoon is almost insured to be sunny, and about 70 degrees. But in the meanwhile, I watch dew sparkle on stunning flowers. I am surrounded by all the luxuries of modern life WIFI, hot showers and video games. At the same time, I am on the very border of a large park full of birds and insects and scenic trails. If I itch for a big city, Medellin is less then an hour away by public transportation.

Whether over lander or backpacker if you hate staying in the middle of a big city all the time Al Bosque Hostel and Glamping is the place for you. You will love the place so much you won’t want to leave. The Hostel Is so fantastic for three reasons. First Medellin is close enough to go to but is far enough away so that you are out of the big city. Second, The Arvi park literally shares a border with the grounds There is a trailhead about 100 feet from the hostel. Next the Hostel provides stellar facilities. Including an entertainment system, a clean kitchen and friendly staff.

Medellin is a city very worth seeing, and the ride from the hostel to the city is one of the best parts. You can literally walk down the road about 100 yards from the hostel gate and you will hit a bus stop. From the bus stop you can either catch the bus or a taxi will stop and offer to give you a lift to the Arvi park cable metro station. Take some time before the car ride to shop at the stalls, maybe buy a large cup of local fruit with chocolate drizzled on it. The cable car is wonderful, the first ride is fairly long over a forest then you crest the top of the hill and the real fun begins. The city is in a gigantic bowl with sides that look about 45 degrees. The cable car takes you to the bottom of the valley above the houses tacked to the crazy slopes. The cable car drops you at the metro system and you are free to wander Medellin. The botanical gardens and the museum Casa de Memoria are specially recommended. The Museum is a tribute to the Columbians who died in the violence surrounding Escobar the drug lord. The food in Medellin is dirt cheap get off the main drag and eat at a busy café for the classic plate of beans rice, soup, and piece of meat for 4500 pesos, about 1.50 us dollars.

Walking in the park is as simple as trotting down the hill to the trailhead. Enjoy bright butterflies shining in the sun. Crane your neck to look up at towering pine or cedar trees. One of the friendly hostel dogs is likely to ramble the woods with you. Take special note of the many species of butterflies. There is one as about three inches across that shines translucent blue and yellow. The locals call it the mariposa de medio dia, the butterfly of midday.

I have rarely enjoyed better services. The staff was stellar. No, they were not dressed up in tuxes or anything. They were regular people for example the girl on duty one morning showed me how to make the hot chocolate all Columbians drink. The chocolate is special because local panela or natural sugar is used to sweeten it. The facilities are fantastic as well. You can use hot showers and a washing machine. A clean fully equipped kitchen as well as an outdoor firepit with free wood available. Right next to the kitchen enjoy sitting in the common room, decorated with a full bookcase a wooden bow on the wall and other antiques. Make your own music with the guitar and drums. That’s not all there is also a game room. A large screen tv with a PlayStation and WI are on one side of the room. Try out racing motorcycles. A pool table that converts to ping pong is on the other side. There are many spots for camping with a van or tent. Also, there are multiple rooms.