Top 10 Best Places to Stay in Minca: Hotels, Hostels & Fincas

Planning a trip to Minca?

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the top 10 best places to stay in Minca, including the top hotels, hostels, and fincas for every type of budget and traveler.

Tucked away in the lush mountains of Northern Colombia, Minca offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers seeking tranquility and breathtaking views.

Whether you’re after social vibes, a peaceful retreat, or easy access to activities, finding the right place to stay in Minca is key to enjoying everything this charming town has to offer.

With so many accommodation options, from budget hostels in town to remote eco-lodges with panoramic mountain views, it can be tough to know which one best suits your needs.

I’ve visited Minca twice and have stayed in a few different accommodations.

Based on this personal experience and recommendations from fellow travelers, I’ve compiled this list of the places you simply cannot miss.

Keep reading as I share the best Minca accommodation to make your stay truly unforgettable.

*This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through a link on my site, I earn a small commission. Don’t worry, this is at no extra cost to you – check my full Privacy Policy here.

Where to stay in Minca: Overview

If you don’t have time to read the whole article, below is an overview.

Minca Town Accommodation

Staying in Minca town, or just a short walk away, is perfect for travelers who want easy access to restaurants, shops, and transport.

Being in the heart of town puts you right in the middle of the action, with easy access to most of the natural attractions.

This is where most of the hostels in Minca are, with many budget-friendly options.

However, keep in mind that the closer you stay to town, the more you’ll miss out on those stunning panoramic views of the mountains and valley.

Jungle Joe Ecolodge | My top pick

Designed with sustainability and comfort in mind, Jungle Joe’s is my favorite hostel in Minca.

For me, Jungle Joe’s offers the best of both worlds. While it feels like a tranquil oasis nestled in nature, complete with stunning views, it is only a short walk from Minca town.

What you can expect

• Sustainability – built entirely from bamboo, 100% solar powered, no plastic policy
• Huge hammocks with sunset views over the valley
• Great place to meet other travelers – board games/areas to socialize /outdoor gym
• Activities & tours – birdwatching/waterfalls/bike rental
• Breakfast included

Shared dorms from $10 and private rooms from $28 per night.

Rio Elemento

Located on the river just minutes from the center, Rio Elemento is the perfect hostel in Minca for travelers seeking a nature-filled retreat without straying too far from the action.

With a swimming pool, direct river access, and a lively bar, it’s an ideal spot to connect with like-minded adventurers.

And the best part? Hot showers. A rarity and luxury in Minca.

What you can expect

• 30-meter swimming pool, secret garden with river access, giant hammocks
• Amazing restaurant & bar – breakfast included / hot showers
• Free yoga in the mornings
• Great place to socialize – parties & DJs on weekends/table tennis
• Great jump-off point for hikes & waterfalls

Shared dorms from $16, camping from $30, and privates from $70 per night.

Casa Loma | Best for backpackers

Perched 10 minutes from Minca’s center, Casa Loma is a backpacker favorite and the place to be to meet other travelers.

It offers spectacular sunset views, a vibrant atmosphere, and a focus on sustainability, wellness, and plant-based goodness.

What you can expect

• Very social – sunset bar with panoramic views, DJs & live music on weekends
• Offers amazing activities – cultural workshops & ceremonies, yoga classes, hikes, wellness & massages
• Delicious vegetarian & ethical restaurant & cafe
• Coworking area with great wifi
• Unique accommodation options – hammocks, bungalows, or dorms

Hammocks from $10, dorms from $17, and privates from $25 per night.

Hostal de las Mariposas

For budget-conscious travelers, Hostal de las Mariposas is your cheapest place to stay in Minca.

I stayed here for one night – it’s rustic and basic but it does the job. It’s located bang in the center on the river with great access to the best restaurants in Minca and hikes.

What you can expect

• Best option for travelers on a shoestring budget
• Shared kitchen to make your own meals
• Located on the river – huge garden space & many communal areas
• Right in the middle of the action
• Basic amenities – no fancy or frills

Shared dorms from $6 and privates from $28 per night.

Mountain-View Accommodation

Mountain-view accommodations in Minca provide the perfect setting for a peaceful getaway surrounded by stunning natural beauty.

This is where to stay in Minca if you want to disconnect and enjoy some relaxation while immersing yourself in the breathtaking mountain scenery.

Staying in one of these scenic spots allows you to blend nature with comfort, but be prepared for a bit of seclusion.

While some are within walking distance, most require a moto-taxi or 4×4 vehicle to reach, especially after dark.

This can get costly, especially if you’re frequently commuting between Minca town and nearby attractions. The isolation also means you’re restricted to the hostel restaurant, which is worth bearing in mind.

However, for those seeking tranquility away from the crowds, these Minca accommodations offer the ideal retreat.

Mundo Nuevo Eco Lodge

A former coffee farm, Mundo Nuevo is one of the best eco-lodges in Minca for travelers eager to learn about sustainability and organic farming.

Located high up in the mountains, it offers breathtaking views, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking a peaceful escape in the heart of nature.

What you can expect

• Infinity pool with panoramic views
• Family-friendly atmosphere – communal plant-based meals make it easy to meet other travelers
• Amazing activities & educational workshops – hiking trails, Indigenous village & culture, bird-watching & organic farming
• Massages, yoga & meditation

Shared dorms from $33 and private rooms from $80 per night.

Hostal Sierra Minca

Set high up in the mountains, Hostal Sierra Minca is where to stay in Minca if you want extraordinary views but a lively atmosphere.

This is one of the most remote accommodations on this list, but it’s well worth the trek for the amazing amenities on offer and convenient location for nearby hikes.

What you can expect

• Two heated pools, zipline, & hammocks offering panoramic views
• Very social – pool parties, DJs on weekends, karaoke, ping pong, pool table, amazing cocktails
• Many different spots to relax – Insta-worthy viewpoints & photo opportunities
• Great jump-off point for nearby hikes (Los Pinos)
• No wifi

Shared dorms from $10 and private rooms from $40 per night.

Selva Minca | Best for couples

For a unique jungle experience, Selva Minca offers treehouse accommodations with incredible views and luxury touches.

Ideal for couples seeking the best hotels in Minca, it provides a secluded and intimate retreat-like atmosphere surrounded by nature.

However, these treehouses are located just 30 minutes from Minca town, striking the perfect balance between tranquility and convenience for those looking to disconnect without feeling too remote.

What you can expect

• 7 private eco-lodges with kitchens & spacious terraces
• Feels in the heart of nature – 360-degree panoramic views
• Daily yoga, spa treatments, hiking trails & hearty vegetarian meals
• Remote location but easily accessible – Cascada Escondida is nearby
• Free private parking

Treehouses from $200 and towers from $420 per night.

Fincas

Fincas in Minca offer a truly unique experience, blending rustic charm with authentic Colombian countryside living.

It is the best way to learn more about coffee and cacao production, as well as immersing yourself in nature and learning more about local culture.

Some of these fincas and eco-lodges in Minca are quite remote, allowing for a peaceful retreat away from the town’s hustle and bustle – but this is worth considering if you’re hoping for easy access to town.

Many fincas offer guided tours, farm-to-table dining, and the opportunity to learn more about sustainable practices and organic farming.

For travelers seeking a deeper, more authentic Colombian experience, these serene escapes are perfect for those wanting to truly disconnect and explore the natural beauty of the region.

Masaya Casas Viejas

Nestled within the grounds of the iconic Finca Victoria (Minca’s oldest coffee finca founded in 1892), Masaya Casas Viejas offers the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comforts.

Often regarded as one of the best hostels in Minca, it boasts an atmosphere that feels more like a 5-star retreat.

Though its remote location adds to its allure, it serves as an excellent base for exploring nearby hikes, waterfalls, and the fascinating coffee farm itself.

What you can expect

• Infinity pool with breathtaking views over the valley
• Family-friendly atmosphere with communal dinners (and delicious food)
• Amazing activities – morning yoga, waterfall hike, explore the coffee farm, traditional massages
• Projector with Netflix & beanbags
• Handcrafted local beers

Shared dorms from $25 and private rooms from $120 per night.

Finca Carpe Diem | Best finca in Minca

Located outside of Minca itself and entirely secluded, Finca Carpe Diem offers an authentic and sustainable experience in the Colombian mountains.

You cannot actually reach Finca Carpe Diem from Minca itself, making this such a unique place to be entirely surrounded by nature and learn more about ecological farming, permaculture,/ and coffee.

What you can expect

• Amazing location in the heart of nature – perched on the river, swimming holes, nearby waterfalls, hiking trails
• Three swimming pools, yoga classes & nearby cacao farm
• Farm-to-table meals with locally & organically sourced ingredients
• Great place to learn more about organic farming, permaculture, beekeeping & coffee harvesting

Shared dorms from $15 and private rooms from $45 per night.

Finca San Rafael

If you’re hoping for a rustic and authentic experience of a Colombian coffee hacienda without being too secluded, Finca San Rafael is where to stay in Minca.

Located in an old farmhouse just a 40-minute walk from town, Finca San Rafael has a charming, back-to-basics vibe and incredible views of the valley.

Primarily a working coffee and cacao farm, Finca San Rafael provides an authentic glimpse into local production, making it much more than just a place to stay.

This is also where I took my coffee & cacao finca tour – one of the best things to do in Minca.

Must Read: 13 Incredible Things To Do in Minca: Ultimate Travel Guide

What you can expect

• Outdoor pool, BBQ & sun terrace with stunning views
• Free coffee & cacao all-day
• Rustic rooms with basic amenities – no wifi or hot water
• Reduced price for coffee & cacao tour
• Animal sanctuary – many cats, dogs, & horses

Shared dorms from $11 and private rooms from $40 per night.

How to get to Minca

Getting to Minca is very straightforward and affordable.

Wherever you’re coming from, you will first have to reach Santa Marta (Simon Bolivar Airport). Santa Marta is the gateway to Minca and the entire northern coast.

From Santa Marta, it only takes about 45 minutes to reach Minca by car.

You have two options depending on your budget –

• Private transfer (book in advance to save) – roughly 50,000 COP ($10)
• Public bus – 10,000 COP ($2)

For full details: How To Get From Santa Marta to Minca: A Step-By-Step Guide

FAQs

How many days do you need in Minca?

I would recommend a minimum of two days in Minca.

There are many amazing things to do in Minca, and fortunately, the town is quite small.

Most of the main natural attractions are close to each other, so you can combine them on your trip. For example, I visited Cascada Escondida and Pozo Azul on the same morning.

If you benefit from more time, I’d recommend splitting it between accommodation near Minca town (for activities & restos) and then a secluded retreat or eco-lodge in the mountains.

This would give you the best of both worlds and allow time for relaxing and having a more authentic experience within nature, as well as exploring and hiking.

Recommend: Cascada Escondida: A Complete Guide To Minca’s Hidden Waterfall

Is Minca Colombia worth it?

Minca is well worth visiting and is one of my favorite destinations in Colombia.

Located further up into the mountains, Minca is a refreshing escape from the stifling heat of the Caribbean coast.

It is the perfect destination for nature lovers, eco-conscious travelers, and those seeking a peaceful escape.

As the world’s highest coastal range, the landscapes and views are absolutely breathtaking – think hiking, beautiful sunsets, coffee/cacao tours, and waterfalls.

Recommended: 13 Incredible Things To Do in Minca: Ultimate Travel Guide

Can you do a day trip to Minca from Santa Marta?

Minca’s proximity to Santa Marta (a 45-minute bus ride) means that it can be easily visited on a day trip from Santa Marta.

You can either do this yourself (my How To Get To Minca Guide might help) or take an organized day trip – I would recommend this one.

Minca’s beauty and accessibility mean that there is no excuse not to add it to your Colombia itinerary.

Full Post: How To Get From Santa Marta to Minca: Step-By-Step Guide

What is the altitude of Minca Colombia?

Minca is located at an altitude of approximately 660 meters (2,165 feet) above sea level.

This elevation contributes to its cooler climate compared to nearby Santa Marta. It is therefore a breath of fresh air for travelers looking to escape the stifling heat of the Caribbean coast and enjoy lush surroundings.

Need travel insurance? Small Girl Big Backpack readers get 5% off Heymondo Insurance when booking through this link. With 24/7 worldwide assistance, this is the best insurance for travelers.

What is Minca Colombia known for?

Minca is known for its stunning natural beauty, eco-tourism, and relaxed vibe, making it a favorite destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Here are some reasons people visit Minca, Colombia –

• Extraordinary sunsets
• Slow pace & cooler climate compared to the Caribbean coast
• Coffee & cacao farms
• Waterfalls – Pozo Azul, Cascada Escondida, Marinka Waterfalls
• Birdwatching & Indigenous culture
• Sustainability & eco-tourism

Minca is also becoming increasingly known for its diverse and evolving food scene. It is home to many amazing restaurants, including plant-based goodness and cuisines from all over the globe.

Recommended: Where To Eat in Minca: Top 10 Best Restaurants & Cafes

Is Minca safe?

Yes, Minca is generally considered safe for travelers and backpackers.

However, as with any destination around the world, it is important to exercise caution and respect local culture and traditions.

Suggested: Marinka Waterfalls in Minca: Ultimate Travel Guide

Where to stay in Minca: Final Thoughts

Well, there you have it! This post has detailed the best accommodation in Minca, including hostels, hotels, and fincas.

Whether you prefer to be in the center of it all or tucked away in nature, there’s a place for you to relax, recharge, and soak in the natural beauty of the area.

If you have visited Minca and stayed in any of these places, I would love to hear from you – reach out to me on Instagram or Pinterest and let me know how it was!