5 things you only understand if you've stayed in a hostel.

5 things you only understand if you've been to a hostel.

Discover why hostel life is so much more than just sharing a room: it's a unique way to travel, meet people, and share unforgettable stories.

There are experiences that can't be explained... they're just lived. And if you've ever stayed in a hostel, you know exactly what we're talking about. Hostel life is a magical mix of chaos, laughter, strangers who become friends, and unwritten rules that we all follow without question.

Here we go, let's start with the famous ones “Dorms” and his snoringThere's always someone who snores. No matter what country you're in, the sound of shared dorms makes it seem like there's a huge party going on right next to you. And the showers? Flip-flops are more important than soap. It's a matter of hospitality survival, but don't worry, here are some quick tips:

Don't forget your noise-cancelling earplugs. They'll save your night and your mood the next day.
Always bring flip-flops for the shower (be sure to bring them) and a plastic or ziplock bag to store them afterwards without getting everything in your backpack wet.
Keep a comfortable eye mask handy so that the light in the middle of the night when someone is packing doesn't ruin your rest.

There is always one who is “working.” The inevitable digital nomad who claims to be on call, but is actually in a swimsuit by the pool with his laptop open and a piña colada by his side. We'll never judge, we all get the vibe...

But there are also the best moments, like the conversations at 2 am with someone you met in the kitchen, that moment when you share breakfast (yes, even if it's bread and jam) with someone from a country you couldn't even locate on a map.

There is always an improvised plan; Salsa class? Pub crawl? Bonfire on the terrace? In hostels, you never know how the day will end (although it always ends well).

And not to mention the Group activities. In Masaya, you'll always find something to do, from dance classes to relax and meet people, city tours to get lost in (with a guide, of course), painting workshops to unleash your inner artist, yoga classes to recharge your batteries, afternoons of fun with live music that fill you with good vibes, theme parties where you meet people from all over the world, and even adventure tours if you're all about exploring fearlessly. Where it seems like everyone has known each other their whole lives, where the group of travelers adopts the solo traveler, and where no one is embarrassed to take the first step and speak up.

And finally, that mix of reggae, salsa and electronics that sounds every day…and in the end, you end up with the same playlist on your phone to take the mood with you and show it to your friends at home.

At Masaya, we believe a hostel isn't just a place to sleep. It's an experience where every day can be completely different. And that... you only understand when you experience it.

Valentina, Camila, Sebastián, Pilar & Ana met at the opening of Masaya Tayrona. Today they remain in contact, collaborating on new projects, and continuing to discover other Masaya Experience destinations.

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What will be your next destination: Bogotá, Medellín, Santa Marta, Minca or Tayrona? talk about each venue.
What to do in Medellín If you're staying in Masaya, check out our daily activities.

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