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hostles and 3 small children

Has anyone ever stayed at a hostel in bogota? if so what r they like? Are families with small children welcome we're going this summer for 2 months on an extremly tight budget can't afford hotels in bogota. Any suggestions of good ones also my oldest want to go camping is there any good camping there. one last question we would love to visit panama,ecuador, or venezula if we can afford to is there another way to reach these places safely without having to fly? Thanks to all who help us out I'm a single parent and I promised them the an awsome trip so somehow i must come through.There father was from colombia and was supposed to take them this summer but he past last year.

By princess15 on May 14, 2008, 11:07 in Travel tips.

rmorgan3 says on May 14, 2008, 11:18:

try wonderfulhouse we stayed there a few times very nice large rooms fairly cheap

princess15 says on May 14, 2008, 11:40:

Thanks do you no if they have web site

jonas says on May 14, 2008, 11:49:

Sorry to hear the kids lost their dad.
There is a new hostel opposite from Platypus which rents mini-apartments.
I will get you the name, contact details and prices.

Yes you could take them to Ecuador or Venezuela. Ecuador is pretty cheap, Venezuela is pretty dangerous. Panama you would have to fly. I would recommend to take them to Parque Tayrona for camping in paradise. You can break up the trip to the coast at some really nice places for hiking and other activities like white water rafting. San Gil would be a good place for that. It is very common that families stay together in one room at cheap Hotels. What ages are the kids?

What I have, I do not want to lose, but Where I am I do not want to stay, but those I love, I do not want to leave, but those I know I no longer want to see, but Where I die, I do not want to go;I want to stay where I have never been

princess15 says on May 14, 2008, 11:56:

In response to jonas post my children are 9, 2, and 9 months

Peter (Moderator) says on May 14, 2008, 12:17:

You could also try the Platypus http://www.platypusbogota.com If you want a room there, make sure to make a reservation, and mention the kids. Herman might also be able to find you a place somewhere else that's good for the kids. Ecuador is easy to get too and fun and safe, although not that close by really. Venezuela is more complicated as mentioned above. Parque Tayrona is indeed great for camping, and San Gil is indeed a great stopover o the way to the coast.

Poor but snappy

jonas says on May 14, 2008, 12:20:

I will go out for lunch and check on the name of the hostel now.
9 months is pretty young but there are plenty babies traveling here.
Here is one route I would suggest. I don´t know how much you want to travel, maybe fewer places and staying more time at each would be easier.

Bogota
Villa de Leyva
San Gil
Bucaramanga
Santa Marta (Taganga is cool for kiddies)
Parque Tayrona (camping or sleeping in hammocks)
http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/post/parque-tayrona-santa-marta-and-t...
maybe La Guajira (a bit difficult to get around but can be organized)

The coffee region (eje cafetero) is also very child-friendly and beautiful. There is also an amusement park.

Or if you want to travel south you could go to San Augustin, another nice spot to visit with kids.

Problem is Colombia is a big country and I doubt you want to travel too much. I would limit the travels to the first plan (Bogota to coast).

pedro says on May 14, 2008, 12:59:

Are you in contact with your late husband's family? You should get in contact with as many in-laws as possible, by any means possible. This will make your trip so much nicer and easier to manage.

Colombian hostels are not really set up well for families, nothing like you would find in Europe for example. They are not even the cheapest option to stay. You can find equivalent accommodation cheaper at non-hostel places. A self catering apartment is possibly a good option, if you are staying minimum 3 weeks and bargain on the price.

Jonas's suggestions of the coffee region and Santa Marta / Tayrona are excellent.

que nota!

miamimike says on May 14, 2008, 13:13:

In my 25 years of using Hostels, I have seen families with Children many many times staying at the hostels both here in the USA and Overseas. Absolutely no problem for the most part.

You want to stop in Venezuela, well many safe Areas outside of Caracas.Why not try Merida, high in the Mountains, lots of stuff to do, outdoors, a University city. Great place. And your US Dollar goes very far presently in Venezuela,,,

Merida: http://www.andesholidays.com/

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? ... That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.,

jonas says on May 14, 2008, 13:37:

OK here is the info on the hostel. Friends of mine have stayed there and were very happy. The owners are extremely friendly. They will give you a room (which is like a mini apartment) and promised to charge you only for 2 people which is COP 45mil / night. The place is brand new and they have a patio with a little fountain so your kids wouldn´t be stuck in a room but could play outside (enclosed/safe).
www.hostallacandelaria.com
It is situated exactly opposite from the Platypus in the Candelaria.
Calle 16 #2-38 (57 1)600 75 59 or (57 1)4 82 27 60 celular: (57) 315 209 9999
I really like the place and would recommend it, especially for staying with kids.

Bill Turley says on May 14, 2008, 14:41:

Good luck and if you want to explore the out of town scene drop me a note

Mr. Bill Somondoco

jonas says on May 14, 2008, 15:04:

ooops just going over my comment I noted that I made a mistake. The price is 90 mil or about 50 US bucks per night in the apartment. Sorry about that.

Alma del Norte says on May 14, 2008, 17:18:

I recommend "Anandamayi".

www.anandamayihostel.com/

La vida es una rutina

jonas says on May 14, 2008, 17:32:

Anandamayi looks nice. The only downside (considering that kids get tired after a day around the city) is that it is quite a walk uphill from the Transmilenio station. It also costs a little more (but that might be negociable since it appears like the owners have little kids (on the pictures, don´t know whose they are). But a nice place, indeed. There is a wonderful restaurant close bye, Cicuta, with a great garden with hammocks, great food and country side feeling to it.

rmorgan3 says on May 15, 2008, 03:35:

yes they do it is www.wonderfulhouse100.com

adrimm says on May 15, 2008, 07:22:

How old are the children?

I think Platypus is a good shot - A few of well-behaved little'uns would probably have been popular with the group of travellers that was at staying there while I was there. If he thinks it may not work out, German will probably have some good sugestions of where it might.

webmanco says on May 15, 2008, 07:41:

You will need prenty of time, two months seems enough. For camping near Bogotá 1 hour the most, try

http://www.chicaque.com/

There are also a few walking clubs, they schedule walks to different areas near Bogotá. What months would you be visiting?

There could be different activities for you and your kids.

But, I'm going to start making some assumptions here.... Which means I might actually end up making an ass out of myself ..........Thu 04 17, 2008 11:34 am

GregYohn says on May 15, 2008, 07:41:

Hola!

Travelling with 3 small children sounds very demanding! Having 9, 2, and 9 months olds basically means you can not go running around as if you were a single adult. Sorry if this sounds like I am talking down to you, but you need to consider what you are planning before you think of going on your trip.

Go some place and make friends with the locals, if you plan to go there. If you are on a tight budget, then maybe you should save your money for your family's other needs. Your 9 year old can go camping in the USA. I camped as a 7 yr old in the USA and its much easier to handle than some place completely without the same camping infrastructure. The other 2 children can stay at home. Have you camped with your family in the USA alone? Seriously, thinking of visiting multiple countries without knowing where you are going or even that you can not drive to Panama from Colombia, shows that you have not yet learned much yet about the places you want to visit.

Now that I discouraged you from going to Colombia and you think that you still want to go, try thinking of day trips from your base of operations in Bogota. Did you know that Bogota is not warm compared to USA standards in the Summer? You better bring sweaters to Bogota!

12VOIP.com gives free calls to Colombia.Greg

webmanco says on May 15, 2008, 07:45:

Bogotá is not as cold as most people put it. Sometimes an umbrella is needed, just sometimes, last days had been sunny, little windy but not freezing

Amigos de Colombia

Villa de Leiva in August would be good for the kite festival.

But, I'm going to start making some assumptions here.... Which means I might actually end up making an ass out of myself ..........Thu 04 17, 2008 11:34 am

princess15 says on May 15, 2008, 08:54:

Thank you so much you have all been so helpful. I do however have a response to greg yohn you are making it sound as though i am an idiot I probably no more about colombia then you just because I don't no about places to stay. yes traveling with children is hard but so what I want them to see their fathers homeland and as for traveling to panama I no you can't drive there but I was talking about boats. One last thing in regards to camping in usa I'm a cuban national residing in canada so usa is off limits and you suggest I leave the other 2 at home with whom may I politly ask are you offering to babysit? Please next time don't be so quick to judge I was married to the most wonderful colombian man for 10 years who spoke daily of his land

webmanco says on May 15, 2008, 08:56:

Nice to hear from you Princess15. Enjoy your trip and don´t hesitate to ask again.

But, I'm going to start making some assumptions here.... Which means I might actually end up making an ass out of myself ..........Thu 04 17, 2008 11:34 am

jonas says on May 15, 2008, 09:23:

Princess15 I think you are on to the right thing. People do travel with babies (just ask Peter).
But you should limit your travels somewhat because it won´t be much fun on the buses or even the bus terminals with 3 little buggers. 2 months is good time, so you can really take it easy at each spot and stay a while.
I think you should look into the suggestion of contacting your late husband´s family.
For camping closer to Bogota I really like Tobia which is close to Villeta, only about 2 hours by bus from Bogota. Great climate, river, activities, nice people, no thieves, camping, stunning scenery. It is a small town and the camping places are 1 to 2 Kilometers up river.
There are some nice girls running a place, take a look at their webpage to get an idea:
http://www.mariposaazul.net/contenido/donde.htm

Alma del Norte says on May 15, 2008, 10:19:

Princess15 - I do think GregYohn was trying to be genuinely helpful.

La vida es una rutina

ColombianoGringo says on May 15, 2008, 10:51:

Princess. It is hard to travel with small children internationally. If you do have contact with the father's family in Colombia, staying with them could be a great option to explore. Not only would it make your trip a bit easier, it would give the kids and their Colombian relatives the opportunity to know each other.

Good luck,
CG

princess15 says on May 15, 2008, 11:56:

I will be visiting with all of them they truely are great I just feel that due to where they stay and the general overcrowding due to poverty I would be putting a great strain on them

jonas says on May 16, 2008, 10:49:

if you let us know what town they live in maybe we could give you some input on what to do around there.

adrimm says on May 17, 2008, 00:03:

Ah I missed the ages. 2 months, 2 years and 9 years... Wow - so two of them are are **entirely*** dependent on you for their mobility. As I am sure you are aware, considerable parts of Colombian cities aren't exactly stroller-friendly.......

It will be difficult and I agree that Greg's cautions are well-intentioned, and worthwhile. I dont think that the problem is travelling with children, but just with 2 that are so young.

My suggestion is that you pick one or two comfortable places and stay put for as long as possible and visit with the relatives. The 9 yo stands to gain the most, maybe he/she can stay with abuelita, tia, tios & primos for some overnight stays - after all it is through family & locals that one is best exposed to culture, otherwise one is practically a tourist, and there is always space for a child.

Leave the grand explorations for another few years when you are more mobile and the kids will have a chance appreciate it.. for now it is the banter of relatives and family that will make the most lasting connections/impression

slguy says on May 17, 2008, 07:19:

princess, i admire hell out of your pluck.

please keep notes on your trip, and when you return, write us a trip report? i'd love to read about this adventure, and i'm certain i'm not alone...

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

princess15 says on May 18, 2008, 11:04:

thanks to all you wonderful people for your help i will definitly give a trip report in english and spanish when i return. I am sure you all think i'm crazy for taking three small kids alone but we only get one chance at life and we never no how long we have.

GregYohn says on May 19, 2008, 14:06:

Hola!

Basically, you admitted you had a tight budget, so what is the big hurry for just 1 of your 3 children to remember going to Colombia, Panama, VZ, & Equador? Your son can go camping in a Canadian park to go camping. I've done travel with a baby in Colombia and its not so easy when you just have 1 adult. Have you gone a weekend away from home by bus in Canada with your 3 children to learn how to handle the situation?

I visited Canada and camped there. I met a woman who had 2 sons, but she was camping with children older than your children. She also camped with another family. In addition, constantly having her 2 children with her made her appreciate the other family taking care of her children for bit. I also helped by taking the children out to the beach.

Since you already have planned to get to Colombia, have you paid for the tickets? Your oldest child will remember the visit playing with his relatives. The other ones will have their relatives hold and hug them. The relatives might do babysitting while you take your oldest son to other places. If you are breastfeeding your baby, you may want to purchase a breast pump or the baby will need to follow you where ever you go. A strange city is not so easy compared to staying among friends and family.

12VOIP.com gives free calls to Colombia.Greg

princess15 says on May 20, 2008, 12:51:

In response to greg yohn yes I got our tickets approx. 6 months ago. I'm not breastfeeding anymore baby drinks regular cows milk now. I am actually a very seasonsed traveller I have traveled across mexico from juarez to el salvodor by bus with my 2 children when I was 3 months pregnant with my baby as well my 2 nephews who at the time were 3 and 7 came along and I was the only adult I like to travel by bus as do my children as well I traveled with my oldest son across africa when he was 2 for 89 days all by land transportation and it was one of the best experiences we had together. I don't no why you are so down on me I feel like you are saying single parents can't travel with our children and have a great time. I have no family in this country all in cuba, mexico, and argentina and dads familia in colombia. Being a single women with my children for me we will handle whatever god throws our way in pride.

kat1 (Moderator) says on May 20, 2008, 12:58:

no princess15 yohn doesn't mean that he is only concern of you traveling to Colombia on your own with such small kids. I have been taken mine since they were little but with the difference that i had the help of my family.

engage brain before opening mouth

princess15 says on May 20, 2008, 13:00:

I will have the help of their family as well I just don't want to be tied down with them.

kat1 (Moderator) says on May 20, 2008, 13:04:

you seem like an experience traveler, so wish the best, and i hope the kids enjoy the trip...
i have never been camping in Colombia so i can't give you any advice on that :(

engage brain before opening mouth

GregYohn says on May 22, 2008, 13:41:

Hola!

Not many people are able to handle going all over with so many children! My GF in Cali does not even take our baby shopping at the grocery store, unless she leaves the baby home and he sleeps, even though she has a baby stroller.

12VOIP.com gives free calls to Colombia.Greg