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Minca may be a town in northern Colombia, but staying in this backpacker enclave is more about staying in the jungle-y foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Visiting Minca is to experience the magnificent natural beauty of Santa Marta (the highest coastal mountain range in the world!) up close and personal.
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. This mountain town is 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 fall asleep on a hill overlooking Minca, OR, in a crumbling old place in Minca itself?
Don’t you worry! With the help of my handy list of the best hostels in town (split up by category), you’ll be able to find the right hostel to suit you. Whether you need a table tennis table, an outdoor swimming pool, or bird watching trips, I’ve got dorm rooms for everyone.
So what are you waiting for? Check out the top hostels in Minca below!
Photo: @Lauramcblonde
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Minca
- Best Overall Hostel in Minca – Finca Carpe Diem
- Best Hostel in Minca for Solo Travellers – Mundo Nuevo Minco
- Best Cheap Hostel in Minca – Finca Hostal Bolivar
- Best Party Hostel in Minca – Casa Loma Minca
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Minca – Masaya Casas Viejas
The 5 Best Hostels in Minca
If you’re a nature lover backpacking in 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, you’ve arrived. I’ve listed my favourites below.
1. Finca Carpe Diem – Best Overall Hostel in Minca
- Dorm (mixed): From $13
- Private Room: From $36
- Address: Cll 14 # 18-339 Brr Masinga, Paso Del Mango, Bonda, Minca, Colombia
If you’re within 100km of this place, you should go out of your way to get to Carpe Diem. It’s like a stylish enclave of calm and minimalism in the chaotic green jungle. Have I just painted a picture of heaven?! This cool hostel in Minca is pretty dang sick, AND CHEAP, fabulous for the backpacking budget. This is the best of the best Minca hostels, hands down.
There’s that sexy outdoor swimming pool to lounge around and meet new amigos – watering hole vibes much? The swimming pool is always the best place to break the ice, in my opinion. So get yourself a drink from the onsite bar and mingle your lil heart out!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free Wifi
- Swimming Pool
- Book Exchange
Most hostels these days have free wifi, but Minca isn’t most places, so the fact that this hostel offers it is unique. Fabulous if you’re working on the road or if you just really want to call home. How good is the internet?!
Handy, but the connection you can make by disconnecting is by far superior if you ask me, and you’re encouraged to here. With Finca Carpe Diem Ecolodge being a wee hike from the city centre of Finca, those who are here are here, ya know?
You’ve got different types of rooms to choose from. There are private rooms or dorm rooms to choose between, with the dorms sleeping between four and eight people. The private room options sleep in twin or double setups, and there’s no kitchen.
There are meals available from the restaurant. There’s a cafe too, so have one of the beautiful staff make your morning coffee, por que no?!
2. Mundo Nuevo Eco Lodge – Best Hostel in Minca for Solo Travellers
- Dorm (mixed): From $22
- Private Room: From $56
- Address: Via Antigua a Bonda Km 2,2, Minca, Colombia
This is a farm hostel where you learn about working on a farm. You also learn about indigenous culture and biodiversity. This is an epic option for solo travellers because there isn’t a chance to feel nervous and awkward, and out of place. Just get stuck in (or get into that pool and CHILL)!
The private rooms here have INSANE views – big wooden shutters open up to reveal a stunning mountain landscape. This is something super sweet to indulge in from time to time as a solo traveller, in my opinion. Sometimes you just need to splurge on your own space, especially if you’re around people all day.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Swimming Pool
- Airport Transfers
- Laundry Facilities
So, yep, definitely one of the best Minca hostels with beautiful private rooms and a lil four-bed dorm room. No female-only dorms, but as a solo female traveller, it feels pretty safe and friendly. There are laundry facilities here if you need to do a big reset, and a swimming pool to lounge by and read your book. Or, meet other travellers!
Also, nearby, there are literally so many hikes you can go on, and massages are waiting for you when you get back. The food at the restaurant is amazing, and there’s Wi-Fi in the dining area – for the ‘gram I reckon. There’s a games room too, so you can slay (or play) some table tennis.
You can get up at the crack of dawn and be the early bird on the birdwatching tour (6-8 am). Then make your way back to the hostel and enjoy a morning coffee or cocoa from the neighbouring farm. Just chat to the staff, they’re darling and so helpful.
3. Finca Hostal Bolivar – Best Cheap Hostel in Minca
- Dorm (mixed): From $14
- Private Room: From $51
- Address: Via Cienaga – Minca, Minca, Colombia
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 a five-minute 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 eight beds, so you get a real community feel here. The wooden terrace looks over the river, with a nice mix of jungle and city, I’d say.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Hot Showers
- Freee Wifi
- Mosquito nets on the windows!!!
There’s a fully equipped kitchen, so you can cook your own meals. This is a fabulous way to save extra coin and stick to your budget as a backpacker. There’s a really cool viewpoint just a ten-minute walk away from Casa Maracuya, a cheap (free!) way to be in Santa Marta.
Being so close to the town centre means you can pop into town to stock up on supplies to cook with or take hiking. The staff here are lovely and are more than happy to recommend places to visit in the town centre. It feels so homely, you will love it here, I’m sure.
The communal places here are super cosy and clean, it’s a great place to meet people and make new friends. Some rooms have a private balcony, and there are swings and hammocks to relax on. This is a great place to hang out and do nothing and spend nothing.
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View on Osprey4. Casa Loma Minca – Best Party Hostel in Minca
- Dorm (mixed): From $15
- Private Room: From $22
- Address: Entrance to the left of the church, up the stairs, Minca, Colombia
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.
For starters, the rooms are CHEAP as chips – the cheapest option is a hammock. A hammock??! Get cooler! There are epic private room options too, so if you’re travelling with your crew, you can all bunk in together without any randos. I love rando’s, it’s a part of hostel life, but sometimes it’s nice to keep it tight, ya know?
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Sea Views for serenity
- Fitness Centre
- Free Wifi
Yep, there’s a fitness centre, so if you’ve gotta do the curls to get the girls, you can stay fit on vacay. Booya. There are board games here too if you need something to help break the ice, or you can visit the onsite bar. Yes, that’s what I know you’re here for, party people, THE BAR!
The onsite restaurant is vegetarian only, which is lush, not skanky meat on a queasy stomach. The beds are dreamy, too. They’ve got mosquito nets so no buzzy bugger gon’ wake you up, another win for anyone, party or not.
Despite being on a mountainside, you can still get to town pretty easily, it’s just a ten-minute walk (uphill) from the city centre in Minca. Nature-lovers will, um, love this one, since you’re basically surrounded by jungle and mountain landscape up here.
5. Masaya Casas Viejas – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Minca
- Dorm (mixed): From $26
- Private Room: From $69
- Address: Finca la Victoria, Minca, Colombia
This hostel is an absolute showstopper, with jaw-dropping jungle views and an infinity pool overlooking the valley that’ll have you pinching yourself. The beds are comfy, clean, and come with mosquito nets—jungle luxury at its best. And it’s not just a looker—it’s ridiculously practical for digital nomads too, with a coworking space smack in the middle of nature’s embrace.
This place has Wi-Fi (not common in Minca), which makes this a flocking ground 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 I explain further why this is the best hostel for digital nomads in Minca?
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free Wifi
- Swimming Pool
- Games Room
When the laptop’s closed, hit the Jungle Bar for local craft beer or grab a bite at the on-site restaurant. If adventure calls, they’ve got you covered with hikes, bird-watching, coffee factory tours, and more. This is as off the beaten path as it gets, without skimping on the comforts.
There’s a games room here too, which is epicccccc for some release/wind down after work. So is the swimming pool – lunchtime refresh, anyone? They do airport transfers too, so you can focus on your actual job and not haggling for a fair taxi fare.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Minca Hostels
So those are the best Minca hostels (according to me), but they may not be for you… All good, amigo, I’ve got some more options. While a hostel offers budget accommodation, new homies and dorm rooms, you’ll find them here, and more!
Hostels in Colombia are insane, and these ones in Minca are on another level. Mountains, ocean, birdlife, and coffee! Heaven to me.
El Elden Minca
- Dorm (mixed): From $15
- Private Room: From $40
- Address: Km 2 Via Pozo Azul, Minca, Colombia
This hostel has a luscious garden, INSANE mountain views and a stunning terrace. Each room here has a private patio with views over the city, and it’s an easy walk to the city centre. Or you could put your hiking boots on and take a hike to Santa Marta Cathedral, which is 22km away.
So is the Santa Marta Gold Museum, for that matter, a different kind of gold digger holiday could be yours! This hostel is pretty mellow, so a great place to tuck away and soak up the magic of the mountains and get some R&R. There’s a kitchen onsite, and they serve a lovely breakfast, and there’s actually a swimming pool across the street you can use.
Vista Verde Hostel Minca
- Dorm (mixed): From $12
- Private Room: From $41
- Address: Sector Monte Cristo, Minca, Minca, Colombia
This family-run hostel in Santa Marta has stunning views of the mountains and the sea and serves sensational meals. There are private communal areas for you and your boo to hide away in like the garden and the terrace, fabulous for a romantic escape. Nestled amongst the jungle, there is a plethora of wildlife and birds around the area for romantic walks, too, if you’re travelling as a couple.
Ideal for chilling in the hammock, no matter your relationship status, this hostel offers complete serenity. You can grab a moto taxi down into Minca town, or you can walk and be there in 20 minutes. Most hostels have wonderful staff, but these guys are on another level – oh! You should go to Pozo Azul while you’re here too, just a 30-minute walk away.
Dunarinka
- Dorm (mixed): From $11
- Private Room: From $23
- Address: Carretera Via Minca # CR 1-476, Minca, Colombia
Dunarinka looks after you from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave. From airport Transfers, to luggage storage, to free wifi and coworking spaces if you’ve got shit to do… This is your spot.
The staff are so lovely, there are wake-up calls and room cleanings on offer, and there’s heaps of fun to be had too. From books in the book exchange to read to board games in the common room to play, to cooking up a storm in the kitchen… You’ll be hard pressed to be bored in this paradise.
Green Hand Minca
- Dorm (mixed): From $11
- Private Room: From $25
- Address: Vista Nieve, Minca, Colombia
Green Hand Minca or Mano Verde Minca is the perfect hostel to get out of the hustle and bustle and look after yourself for a while. From the laundry facilities, to the hot showers, to the panoramic views and the restaurant come cafe, come bar onsite… It kind of wants for nothing – apart from a swimming pool and, well, that’s it, I think.
The city centre is just. a moto taxi away, or a big old walk (7.3kms, not too outrageous). The food at the restaurant is so delightful that you can just embrace being looked after and not stress about not having a kitchen. That being said, the staff are divine and may keep a few bits in the fridge for you if you need.
Minca Sintropia
- Private Room: From $88
- Address: FCA Campo Hermoso CRR Minca, Minca, Colombia
Is this image AI? No. It’s just 4km above Minca town, in the Sierra Nevada Santa Marta mountains. Literally heaven. This is a bit of a stretch as far as hostels go, as there aren’t dorm rooms as such at Minca Sintropica. Instead, there are a variety of private rooms which sleep up to four people.
This Eco-Lodge is on an organic coffee farm at 1,250m altitude. That’s high! The views are actually breathtaking nad the peace you will find here is unmatched. The farm is 29heactares and mostly covered in forest. There’s a shared kitchen if you want to self-cater to keep costs down, but I highly recommend getting some of your meals catered.
Casa Viejas
- Dorm (mixed): From $20
- Private Room: From $53
- Address: Finca la Victoria, Minca, Colombia
Set in the Finca La Victoria, an old coffee farm in the mountains near Minca, out of the city centre. 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 I can’t help but think this is one of the coolest hostels in Minca.
Chill places to sit, a restaurant serving local food, plus a load of outdoor activities, including a visit to the coffee factory… These are a few things that make this my top pick for the best hostel for couples in Minca, it’s like a luxury adventure getaway… but you can actually afford it.
Hostal Guacamaya
Offering up an authentic experience and run by a Colombian family, this Minca backpackers hostel is a great 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 I’m talkin’ ’bout.
Near all of the sights in Minca, staying at this recommended hostel means you’ll find nice cafes and bakeries nearby. Cool if you’re more of a city centre sorta person who likes walking around streets instead of jungles. But may I again stress the AUTHENTICITY of this place – very cool – and not in a boutique way.
Casa Elemento
Another Minca backpackers hostel with incredibly breathtaking views. You won’t wanna miss this one either (how about you stay at Casa Elemento hostel and Casa Loma?). It’s out of Minca town, but once you’re here, get ready for fun people, nightly campfires and views from one of the BEST outdoor terraces.
Again, it’s set in a jungle sorta place, so if nature’s not your thing, don’t even bother. But the big group dinners, flowing drinks, and music playing loud late into the night easily make this the best party hostel in Minca. It might be out of the city centre, but Casa Elemento hostel IS the destination.
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. Maybe you could go find an ancient hidden city or some shit… Just an idea!
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 drink deals. It’s also 10 minutes from Minca town if you need any essentials.
Marymonte
Five minutes from the centre of town, there’s a whole host of choices 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.
If you want to see some boujee digs, check out Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, where Simón Bolívar spent his final days. He was a great liberator of Spanish South America, a revolutionary and hero for you culture vultures out there.
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, including checking out the coffee plantations and waterfall treks. Food’s available here, but otherwise, this is quite a basic, but decent, option.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Minca
With all that awe and wonder, it’s no wonder you’ve lost your bag… Sound plausible? I feel ya! Book yourself some good travel insurance and don’t worry about it!
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.
FAQs About Hostels in Minca
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Minca.
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!
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.
Final Thoughts on Minca’s Hostels
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’re feeling overwhelmed, I feel ya, there are SO MANY beautiful options in Minca. I’d go for the obvious and pick my favourite hostel, Finca Carpe Diem. The swimming pool is beautiful, the people are fun and it’s SO CHEAP!
If that didn’t really float your boat, my wildcard pick is Minca Sintropia which is quiiiiite a bit more spenny. But that being said, if you’re rolling with the homies and can split the cost of a room, it’s not so bad. It’s almost the complete opposite of Finca Carpe Diem, no swimming pool and absolute serenity in the mountains.
Wherever you end up, it’s hard to go wrong in Minca. This place is paradise to me.
If you think I’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit me up in the comments!
Photo: @sebagvivas
- 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.
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