Minca may be a town in northern Colombia, but staying in this backpacker enclave is definitely – almost 100% – more about staying in the jungle-y foothills of the Sierra Nevada.
The outdoors game here is strong – think jungle treks, mountain rivers, nature watching, waterfalls, touring coffee plantations, as well as ending (and/or starting) each day with a literally incredible view. It’s definitely a delicious part of the world.
But that’s the thing… do you want to stay actually IN the mountains, complete with jungle views (and the critters that come with it), or would you rather stay in a crumbling old place in Minca itself?
Don’t you worry! With the help of our handy list of the best hostels in town (split up by category, too) you’ll be able to find the right hostel to suit you.
So what are you waiting for? Check out the top hostels in Minca below!
Quick answer: The Best Hostels in Minca
- Best Overall Hostel in Minca – Finca Carpe Diem
- Another EPIC Hostel in Minca – Casa Loma Minca
- Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Minca – Hostal Cocobomgo
- Best Cheap Hostel in Minca – Finca Hostal Bolivar
- Best Hostel with a Private Room in Minca – Mundo Nuevo Minco
Best Hostels in Minca
If you’re a nature lover backpacking Colombia, there is no way around Minca for you. In order to enjoy the outdoor adventures to the fullest, you need to be well recharged. Minca’s hostels are the perfect accommodation if you’re looking for a safe place to rest your head, a chance to meet like-minded travellers and keep the costs low. We’ve listed our favorites below.
Finca Carpe Diem – Overall Best Hostel in Minca
If you’re within 100km of this place, you should go out of your way to get to Carpe Diem. Like a stylish enclave of calm and minimalism in the chaotic green jungle, this cool hostel in Minca is pretty dang sick. AND CHEAP.
This place has Wi-Fi (not common in Minca), which makes this flocking grounds for digital nomads. But close the laptop if you can to disconnect and chill on the wooden terrace complete with pool overlooking the jungle canopy. Need we explain further why this is the best hostel for digital nomads in Minca?
Casa Loma Minca – Another EPIC Hostel in Minca
Well, dang, this place is EPIC. Like, seriously. One of the best views you’re gonna find in all of Colombia, for reals. This top hostel in Minca is literally on the side of a mountain so that’s probably why the views are so amazing… but still. And the cheapest option is a hammock.
Despite being on a mountainside you can still get to town pretty easily from this best overall hostel in Minca. Nature-lovers will, um, love this one, since you’re basically surrounded by jungle and mountain landscape up here. They serve up their own food at this place, and there’s NO WI-FI… But that just means more actual human interaction.
Hostal Cocobomgo – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Minca
Set in an old colonial building this Minca backpackers hostel is small and brimming with atmosphere. Actually instead of small, think of it as personal: you get to know people really well at this place and the staff are super, super kind.
So that’s why we’d say this is the best hostel for solo travellers in Minca. Also, this place is really clean (major plus), has large beds and a big outdoor terrace for chill times. Also 5 mins from the minibus stop, which is always helpful.
Finca Hostal Bolivar – Best Cheap Hostel in Minca
Although Minca backpackers hostels tend to be generally on the affordable side of things anyway, this one really is the BEST cheap hostel in Minca. It might not be in the middle of town, but it’s 5 mins walk to the city centre from this hostel’s jungle edge location.
There’s a whole lotta value for money, comfort and big dollops of heart here. And surprisingly, for the middle of the jungle, it’s spotlessly clean. The dorm has only 8 beds, so you get a real community feel here. The wooden terrace looks over the river. Nice mix of jungle and city, we’d say.
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View on Osprey View on REIMundo Nuevo Minco – Best Hostel with a Private Room in Minca
This is a farm hostel. On the farm hostel you learn about working on a farm. You also learn about indigenous culture and biodiversity. The private rooms here have INSANE views – big wooden shutters open up to reveal a stunning mountain landscape.
So, yep, definitely the best hostel with a private room in Minca. But also nearby there are literally so many hikes you can go on. Back at the hostel the food at the restaurant is amazing. And there’s Wi-Fi in the dining area – for the ‘gram we reckon.
Casa Elemento – Best Party Hostel in Minca
Another Minca backpackers hostel with incredibly breathtaking views, you won’t wanna miss this one either (how about you stay at this one and Casa Loma?). It’s a bit of a rough ride outta town but once you’re here get ready for fun people, nightly campfires and views from one of the BEST outdoor terraces you’re likely to find at a hostel.
Again it’s set in jungle sorta place, so if nature’s not your thing don’t even bother. But the big group dinners, flowing drink and music playing loud late into the night easily make this the best party hostel in Minca. It might be out of town, but this hostel IS the destination.
Casa Elemento is one of our favourites in Minca but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Casa Viejas – Best Hostel for Couples in Minca
Set in the Finca La Victoria, an old coffee farm in the mountains near Minca, Casa Viejas is a cosy and relaxing spot for you and your partner to unwind in a bit of solitude. The whole place is all decked out in rustic chic and we can’t help but think this is definitely one of the coolest hostels in Minca.
Chill places to sit, a restaurant serving local food, plus a load of outdoor activities (which, of course, includes a visit to the coffee factory) make this our top pick for the best hostel for couples in Minca. It’s like a luxury adventure getaway… but you can actually afford it.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Best Hostels in Minca
Hostal Guacamaya
Offering up an authentic experience, and run by a Colombian family, this Minca backpackers hostel is definitely the place to stay if you wanna eat up a load of tasty local food and wash it down with cold beers. Nightly. That’s what we’re talkin’ ’bout.
Near all of the sights in Minca, staying at this recommended hostel means you’ll find nice cafes and bakeries nearby, which is cool if you’re more of a townie sorta person who likes walking around streets instead of jungles. But may we again stress the AUTHENTICITY of this place. Very cool – and not in a boutique way.
Casa Relax Minca
What more would you wanna do at Casa Relax other than chill the F out? So you can totally do that. Because this is another one of those top hostels in Minca that’s set in the mountains away from basically everything.
The house is beautifully maintained and features big ol’ clean beds – always a plus. The staff are also helpful and friendly here. But one of the funnest things about this place is the cheap pizza nights compete with drinks deals. It’s also 10 mins from town if you need any essentials.
Casa Relax Minca is one of our favourites in Minca but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Marymonte
5 mins from the centre of town, there’s a whole host of choice on offer at this youth hostel in Minca, from private suites all the way down to just camping in the open. It’s definitely a rustic kinda place, that’s for sure, very low-key.
However, it does have some very nice views of the surrounding city and the mountains, too. And you can do some pretty cool tours from here too, including checking out the coffee plantations and waterfall treks. Food’s available here, but otherwise, this is quite a basic, but decent, option.
Marymonte is one of our favourites in Minca but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
What to Pack for your Minca Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!
Why you should travel to Minca
Wow. So those were the best hostels in Minca.
You can stay in what’s basically jungle retreat here, complete with some of the best mountains views you’re likely to see from a budget hostel!
So many of these Minca backpackers hostels not only boast incredible vistas and out of the way locations, but they have AMAZING food on offer, too!
But you can also stay in town. With nature practically on your doorstep, it’s never difficult to arrange a tour into the amazing wilderness of this area.
Can’t decide on a place to stay? Don’t you worry.
As a good choice for anybody, we recommend Casa Loma Minca – the best overall hostel in Minca.
So get packing and get ready for the wild beauty of Minca (oh and don’t forget the mozzie repellent).
FAQ about Hostels in Minca
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Minca.
How much does a hostel cost in Minca?
The average price of hostels in Minca starts from $13 – $20+ per night. Of course, the private rooms are on the higher end of the scale than the dorm beds.
What are the best hostels in Minca for couples?
Casa Viejas is a cosy and relaxing spot for you and your partner to unwind in a bit of solitude.
What are the best hostels in Minca near the airport?
The airport is quite far from Minca, so it is better to find the best place that offers airport transfer. I highly recommend Finca Carpe Diem, the best overall hostel in Minca.
Travel Safety Tips for Minca
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
More Epic Hostels in Colombia and South America
Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Minca.
Planning an epic trip all across Colombia or even South America itself?
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
For more cool hostel guides around South America, check out:
Over to you
By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Minca has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!
If you’re planning on travelling further, you can be sure that you’ll always find a place to rest your head. There are amazing hostels all over Colombia, each offering a safe home-away-from-home, a chance to meet like-minded travellers and an affordable price for the night.
If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Colombia for a wealth of info!
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate South America backpacking guide.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
