The sleepy jungle town of Minca, nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains, is an unlikely backpacker hotspot. However, since the town opened to tourists, it has become somewhat of a hippie haven within Colombia.
Backpackers looking for hostels in Minca can breathe a sigh of relief. There are countless amazing options dotted all over town, from bougie offerings with swimming pools to sociable digs up in the hills.
The standard of hostels in Minca is extremely high, meaning that no matter your budget you are sure to bag yourself a stay somewhere special. To help you decide where to stay in Minca, we’ve teamed up with our community of backpackers to bring you this shortlist of the best hostels!
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Contents
Where to Stay in Minca, Colombia – Top Hostels
Best Hostels in Minca – Quick Answers!
- Best Hostel for Solo Travellers – Casa Loma
- Best Hostel for Couples – Costeño River Minca
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads – Finca Hostal Bolivar Casa Quinta
- Best Hostel with Swimming Pool – Mundo Nuevo Ecolodge
- Best Hostel for Families – Masaya Casa Viejas
Good to Know!
Best Hostels in Minca
1. Río Elemento
- Communal Kitchen: No
- Price: $$
Compare prices of Río Elemento💰: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Agoda
Just a stone’s throw from town, Río Elemento benefits from a central location while still feeling out of the bustle. They offer a range of accommodation options, from tents to dorms and jungle bungalows.
Activities are held regularly at the hostel and include yoga sessions and dancing. There is a big pool which is a great place to meet like-minded travellers and cool off in the heat of the day!
Río Elemento is best known for its friendly staff that go above and beyond to help you get the most out of your stay. Catered specifically to backpackers, there is generally a chilled vibe here so big-time ravers may want to head elsewhere.
2. Casa Loma
- Communal Kitchen: No
- Price: $$
Sitting atop a hill overlooking Minca, Casa Loma is a pretty special place. They have a range of room options, from swanky jungle lodges with an outdoor shower, private toilet and exclusive balcony, to hammocks for shoestring backpackers.
Digital nomads be warned, while there is a coworking space advertised, this is a bit of a stretch. There are very few power sockets and no proper desks. The coworking area is simply an upstairs space where you’ll likely see backpackers with laptops.
Yoga is offered daily and there is also a vegetarian restaurant and bar on site. Events take place regularly and include cacao ceremonies and jungle parties. Casa Loma prides itself on its bar views – it is arguably the best place to catch sunset in the whole of Minca. It’s got a proper backpacker vibe, making it great for solo travellers.
3. Mundo Nuevo Ecolodge
- Communal Kitchen: No
- Price: $$$
Compare prices of Mundo Nuevo Ecolodge💰: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Agoda
Although more costly than many of its competitors, Mundo Nuevo Ecolodge is a great hostel in Minca. Home to clean and comfortable bunks plus spacious private rooms, there is something for a range of travellers here.
Nature lovers will appreciate its location, nestled in the mountains. The views from the ecolodge are nothing short of spectacular and there is a wonderful swimming pool too. The food from the on-site vegetarian restaurant is well-rated and you can enjoy your meals surrounded by hummingbirds!
The peace and tranquillity offered at Mundo Nuevo Ecolodge is first class but this comes with compromise. It is around a 30-minute walk from the main town and takes approximately an hour to trek to the Marinka Waterfalls. The road up to the ecolodge is a little intimidating but can be managed by moto taxis and 4×4 vehicles.
4. Costeño River Minca
- Communal Kitchen: No
- Price: $$
Compare prices of Costeño River Minca💰: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Agoda
Another scenic spot, Costeño River Minca is a firm favourite among couples heading to Minca. There are private rooms and dorms, however, some travellers say that the latter gets very hot and stuffy.
The hostel is a short walk from the town centre by the river. Make sure you bring some insect repellent to keep the mosquitoes away! There is no kitchen for guest use but the room rate includes a great complimentary breakfast and other food can be purchased on-site. Don’t miss happy hour for good drink deals!
Guests report that they are made to feel very valued by the staff here who were very happy to help with requests and recommendations.
5. Finca Hostal Bolivar Casa Quinta
- Communal Kitchen: Yes
- Price: $$
Compare prices of Finca Hostal Bolivar💰: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Agoda
There are two Finca Hostal Bolivar in Minca, Casa Maracuya and Casa Quinta. Though either is a good choice, the hostel we like most is Casa Quinta.
Set in a Colombian finca, this hostel is a great option for budget travellers. There are private rooms and dorms as well as a fully equipped kitchen for guests to use – unusual in Minca! This makes it easy to rustle up your own meals to save some pesos. Free drinking water is provided.
There are hammocks for chilling out and private river access. This means that you get to fall asleep to the sounds of nature! Digital nomads will be pleased to hear that it is a great place to work on the road, with super fast WiFi and good workspaces.
6. Hostal Vista Verde
- Communal Kitchen: No
- Price: $$
Compare prices of Hostal Vista Verde💰: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Agoda
Feeling more like a homestay than a hostel, this newly opened accommodation is the place to go in Minca if you are looking for a personal stay. The hosts have boundless enthusiasm for their new venture and it seems to be off to an incredible start!
Dorm rooms and privates are offered and while pretty rustic, they are clean and comfortable. The hostel itself is located around a 45-minute walk from the middle of town but moto taxis are available to take you there if you can’t face the slog.
While there isn’t a shared kitchen, at Hostal Vista Verde they offer fresh, tasty meals. Come here as a stranger but leave as a friend!
💡 Be positive, no matter watt! 💡
7. Masaya Casas Viejas
- Communal Kitchen: No
- Price: $$
Compare prices of Masaya Casas Viejas💰: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Agoda
Another offering from the popular Colombian chain Masaya, this hostel is loved by travellers of all stripes. They offer dorms and private rooms, although the latter can be a little expensive.
The hostel hosts plenty of events, from morning yoga classes to live music evenings. As well as this, there is an outdoor swimming pool and an on-site restaurant and bar. While solo travellers do make it to Casas Viejas, the hostel is located a way out of Minca (half an hour by moto taxi) which makes it an expensive place to get to if you’re travelling alone.
It is a better choice for couples and families, though bear in mind that the dorm rooms are for over 18s only. All in all, it is well worth making the journey to this hidden paradise!
8. Casa del Pozo Azul
- Communal Kitchen: No
- Price: $
Compare prices of Casa del Pozo Azul💰: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Agoda
For shoestring travellers, Casa del Pozo Azul is a great choice. It is one of the most budget-friendly hostels in Minca and the hosts Mario and Anita will do whatever it takes to make your stay really special.
The hostel is perched on the river in a beautiful corner of Minca. Although it takes around a half-hour walk to get to Minca, this is the price for escaping the tourist strip! As you’d guess from its name, the hostel is close to Pozo Azul waterfall, one of the main local attractions.
Hiking enthusiasts will be pleased to hear that there are a number of trails which leave from the hostel, offering up some of the best views from your doorstep. Animal lovers, listen up! They have two cats at Casa del Pozo Azul which you are likely to fall in love with.
9. Mano Verde Minca
- Communal Kitchen: No
- Price: $$$
Compare prices of Mano Verde Minca💰: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Agoda
Overlooking the mountains of Minca, this remote hostel offers a first-class stay for guests. Bear in mind that the journey from town takes around 40 minutes and you should aim to arrive before dark. Think of it as an adventure!
The wood-panelled rooms are a no-frills option but provide everything you need for a comfortable stay. As well as dorm rooms, there are also private doubles. Guests are not able to cook their own food here, however, Mano Verde Minca offers meals which are tasty and priced fairly.
Owing to the distance from town, this is good for travellers who want to get off the beaten track. Watch the birds from the deck and enjoy some of the nearby hikes in the Sierra Nevadas. If you’re looking to relax in a beautiful setting, Mano Verde Minca is a great choice.
10. Finca Carpe Diem Ecolodge
- Communal Kitchen: No
- Price: $$
Compare prices of Finca Carpe Diem Ecolodge💰: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Agoda
Nestled in the town of Paso del Mango in the Minca area, this ecolodge and hostel offers a range of accommodation to suit all budgets. From low-cost dorm rooms to private eco huts with thatched roofs, there is something for everyone here.
You’ll have no neighbours at Finca Carpe Diem Ecolodge, meaning that you need to be content with spending the majority of your time (and money) here! There is a bar and restaurant known for its generous portions on site, but other options to eat nearby are very thin on the ground.
The indigenous-style huts make for a unique stay, perfect for lovebirds looking for private time after a few weeks spent in dorms. As you’d expect from an ecolodge, Finca Carpe Diem is working hard to operate more sustainably, through a tree planting project and farm-to-table meals.
11. Hostal Sierra Minca
- Communal Kitchen: No
- Price: $$
Compare prices of Hostal Sierra Minca💰: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Agoda
Another hostel located out of town is Sierra Minca, a sprawling complex sitting in the mountains. As well as private and shared rooms, there are also plentiful chill-out areas, table tennis, a bar and an infinity pool.
There is a well-rated restaurant on site but we’ve heard there are no vegetarian options – something for all you plant-based peeps to bear in mind! There are also no other facilities nearby so you will need to stock up on what you need before you arrive – this makes for a secluded and special experience.
While we’ve painted a picture of a quiet paradise so far, this is not the full picture. In true Colombian style, the music here starts early, gets very loud and goes on late into the night. It’s a good option if you want a more lively stay but might not be for you if tranquillity is what you’re craving!
One of Colombia’s true backpacker hotspots, the hostels in Minca and the surrounding areas are plentiful in number and high in quality. Mountainside retreats offer infinity pools, epic sunsets and jungle bungalows. And for the real shoestringers among you, simply rent a hammock and get ready to sway the night away!
No matter which of these Minca hostels you choose, you’re bound to experience some of the best that the hippie town has to offer!
What is your favourite hostel in Minca? Let us know in the comments!
Sheree Hooker | Editor @ South America Backpacker + Winging The World
Sheree is the awkward British wanderluster behind wingingtheworld.com, a travel blog designed to show that even the most useless of us can travel. Follow Sheree’s adventures as she blunders around the globe, falling into squat toilets, getting into cars with machete men and running away from angry peacocks.
