Sam's VIP

San Gil


There aren’t many hostels that claim VIP status, but Sam’s does, at least, make you feel like a VIB (very important backpacker). The dark garage entry off the main square doesn’t promise much, but things get infinitely brighter when you climb the two flights of stairs to enter a sunny, plaza-facing lounge-lobby-terrace.

Dorms, while clean, lack natural light, but there are several spacious doubles and a small pool on the roof for a post-paragliding soak. There's also a fine, straight-out-of-suburban-USA kitchen for guests.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby San Gil attractions

1. Parque La Libertad

0.04 MILES

The tree-lined plaza of Parque La Libertad, also called Parque Principal, is San Gil's most visible landmark and the heart of its social life. The…

2. Catedral Santa Cruz

0.07 MILES

A handsome 18th-century stone church, Catedral Santa Cruz is located on San Gil's main plaza.

3. Parque El Gallineral

0.4 MILES

San Gil's showpiece is the salubrious Parque El Gallineral, a 4-hectare park set on a triangular island between two arms of the Quebrada Curití and Río…

4. Cueva de la Vaca

5.39 MILES

Located just outside the town of Curití, La Vaca is the most attractive and adventurous cave in the are,a with numerous caverns filled with stalagmites…

5. Taller Centro Dia

8.11 MILES

Inside the courtyard of the Museo Aquileo Parra, this collective of 24 senior citizens weaves bags and other artisanal products from fique fibers using…

7. Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción

8.36 MILES

This 18th-century sandstone church is the most elaborate structure in Barichara, looking somewhat too big for the town’s needs. Its golden stonework …

8. Capilla de Jesús Resucitado

8.46 MILES

This humble pale-yellow chapel has a fine baroque mahogany altarpiece. The original bell tower was damaged by lightning but has since been restored. Do…