pousadas and hostels are derivatives of the hotel, but tend to have been imagined and constructed on the philosophy of creating a home away from home, in the sense that it is more collective and intimate - visitors are greeted with friendly and outgoing guests as well as staff, who are generally open to join others on activities.

combining many of the qualities of bed-and-breakfasts, inns, eco-lodges and boutique hotels, over the years, the hostel and pousada industry has expanded, with owners investing vast amounts of effort into making their lodgings as charming, beautiful and unique as possible.