mangal hostel — Hotel in Dibulla

Everything was perfect about Dibulla and Mangal hostel!! If you want to chill out and have a genuine insight into Colombian life, Dibulla is the place! The locals are friendly, the kids are playing in the street, the beach is stunning (you can swim in the sea), and the town is not overrun by tourists - we were essentially the only tourists in town for the 5 days we were there (let’s hope it stays that way!). ||||Then there is Mangal hostel - run by Giada, a tiny Italian lady who is possibly one of the most admirable people I’ve ever met. She’s created a gorgeous hostel that has a family feel that is genuine and very much blends into the community - no easy task given it is the first and only hostel in this small coastal town. Her close relationships with locals mean we are also treated like old friends. I could go on but let’s just say we extended our stay there and we were super sad to leave!||||The cherry on the cake was our day trip with Edison, recommended to us by Giada. Essentially a walking tour to a waterfall but you stop along the way as he tells you all he knows about plants and picks you fruit to eat. We have done things like this before but Edison’s facts are super interesting - he learnt alot of them from living with indigenous people. He also used to be in the parachute regiment of the army so is a bit of a nutter (in a good way!) and gets you jumping off rocks into the waterfall! You end the day eating lunch with his family on his finca, who are very welcoming. If you make a visit to dibulla would completely recommend spending the day...

My husband and I just visited Dibulla and Hostel Mangal for the 2nd time and it won’t be the last time. We have fallen in love with this magical, hidden treasure on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Mangal Hostel is a shining jewel of Dibulla and the owner Giada will amaze you with the food she prepares and the warm welcome and home she will provide for you. Giada is a master chef and is an expert at preparing her Grandmother’s Italian recipes! She will also customize any meal to meet common dietary restrictions. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten free as well as a deep understanding of food allergies. Her food is the best I’ve eaten in all of Colombia! The hostel is smaller with two private rooms and a dorm with a bunch of bunks. The common areas are large and there are tons of places to chat, and play games as well as lots of hammocks to relax in. One block from an amazing sandy beach that is calm enough to swim! It’s all so magical and pretty and Giada is just the sweetest and kindest soul. She will do whatever she can to make you feel at home and welcome. She also is very happy to arrange day trips to farms, waterfalls and massages. Dibulla is perfectly and centrally located right between Palomino and Riohacha on the Caribbean coast. It is a very friendly village. If you are looking to escape some of the “party scene” and you want to go someplace that is beautiful, quiet and off the beaten path then I highly recommend...

Dibulla is truly an amazing place and Hostel Mangal is the perfect place to relax after enjoying all Dibulla has to offer. Giada is a super sweet and warm hostess. The family style meals she prepares for breakfast and dinner are also amazing. But the highlight of my time in Dibulla was for sure the day excursion I did with Edison, a local to Dibulla, to some nearby waterfalls. He picked me up on his motorcycle and we drove up into the Sierra Nevada to his friends small farm in the mountain, stopping for some coffee and limonada. From there you begin the hour or so hike to the waterfall! All along the way Edison stops to tell you all about the flora and fauna around you. The best part is trying the amazing variety of fruits you´ll find along your hike. The waterfall is beautiful and the natural pool beneath is is super refreshing. Lots of great photo oppertunities there. After you hike back down, he takes you to his family farm and awaiting you there is a beautiful (and quite large) lunch. The price is super cheap compared to similar tours I´ve been on in the past, and in my opinion I liked this more than a traditional tour because it was very personal and felt more like a local sharing his daily life with you rather than a tradicional tour. 10/10 would highly reccomend going on this excursion. Just ask Giada to...