As San Gil has grown into a popular "backpacker" destination--complete with budget accommodations and adventure sports activities, "international hostels" have developed separate identities. El Papillon could best be identified as a family home--complete with a friendly dog and cat, clean facilities, and hammocks in the garden area out back. As with any family, the members of the family and their... More

We stayed here for five nights, and we had a great time--the wifi is fast (for Colombia), the management is helpful, and the hostel was a great price. The hostel staff helped us with trips and excursions to nearby attractions--San Gil is definitely worth a stop, and this is the place to stay.

We planned to stay just a few days in San Gil, but the relaxed atmosphere and the very kind owners of this hostal made us decide to stay a few days longer. Nice rooms for a very good price, the best equiped kitchen I have seen in whole south America and the owners will do everything to help you out... More

You know your onto a good thing when the only complaint is the door is a bit clangy! Clean, homely, quiet, comfortable hostel with everything you would want at a bargain (we paid 30 000pesos for a double room in high season). But the best thing about thus hostel is the owners, a columbian swiss couple who are warm, friendly... More

Good location, good value for money, enjoyable place, nothing to complain about. Ximena was an amazing host. We would definetely return..!

This place is great, so much so we stayed longer than planned, and were made feel completely welcome throughout our stay. The owner makes amazing bread & coffee, definitely worth the try. Also great for advice on local activities, markets and places to see.

Really nice hostel, the owners couldn't be more helpful and genuinely nice people. I stayed here in August for a couple of nights with my brother. The owners were so helpful in booking rafting and paragliding and our night bus to santa marta. The hostel was clean with nice rooms, free internet, good kitchen and chill out area with hammocks.... More

A solo traveler coming into San Gil from Bogota was such a welcome surprise. Greeted by the couple that run the Hostel: Sylvaino (Swiss and speaks English, Spanish and French) and his lovely wife Ximena (Colombian.) I instantly felt at home. The homely environment was was completed by the presence of their pet cat and delightful young puppy Auguste! Friendly,... More

Highly recommended hostel. One of the best hostels I have ever stayed in. Very friendly and helpful staff. The hostel is clean, secured and fun. The owner speaks english which was very helpful and provided all the information I asked; bus schedules, arranged all the the outdoor activities (rafting, paragliding, bungee jumping, canoping etc). Best deal in the town. prashant