On a trip to Colombia full of incredible experiences, Casa Loma Minca was a surprise highlight. Think insane sunsets, wonderful food, and falling asleep under the stars to the sounds of the jungle.
Where is Casa Loma Minca?
Casa Loma is nestled atop a hill right in the heart of Minca, Colombia’s coffee country. Only 14 km away from Santa Marta — the gateway to Tayrona National Park — Minca’s altitude and location means it’s a little cooler than the coast, and provides a welcome reprieve from the suffocating heat. Surrounded by coffee farms, lush jungles, and trickling waterfalls, Minca is the perfect destination for an active traveler looking to trek to the lost city of Ciudad Perdida, or someone who wants to relax in a hammock.
The main building is an open-air house, and is a great space to eat, drink, socialize, and watch the glorious sunsets. The views stretch out across the forested canopy of the Sierra Nevada, all the way to Santa Marta and the ocean beyond.
What kind of accommodations are there at Casa Loma Minca?
The accommodations are what make Casa Loma so unique! The hostel provides a wonderful range of the following:
- Private rooms
- Huts
- Dormitories
- Hammocks
- Camping grounds
The rooms I recommend are:
- El Mirador – situated in the main house, right above the common area, and definitely with the best sunset views! It’s probably the most comfortable, in close proximity to the bathrooms, and has its own living room area complete with a table/chairs/couch. However, light sleepers please note that sound travels pretty easily up from downstairs, and that you may be surprised by a nighttime visit from the local hostel cats 🙂
- Casa Luna – a hut in the middle of the jungle. I would highly recommend this for anyone looking for the true wilderness experience, but who wants the comfort of a bed instead of camping. Situated at the edge of the hostel grounds, Casa Luna provides sweeping views of the lush Colombian jungle beyond, and is the perfect spot to watch the sunrise. At night, the stars are incredibly bright, and we even saw some fireflies! Expect to fall asleep to the sounds of the wild.
For pricing, check out Casa Loma’s list here.
What kind of food is offered at Casa Loma Minca?
Eating is a great experience at Casa Loma! The dining area is right next to reception and also serves as a main common area, so dinner becomes a pretty social event.
The meat-eater in me was apprehensive at first upon learning that all food at Casa Loma Minca is vegetarian. However, a meal in and I was convinced they had the best vegetarian food I’ve tasted… This coming from someone who lives in Los Angeles, veggie food central.
Expect heaping bowls of pasta, warm curries, and delicious veggie burgers with plantain chips. Ingredients are often locally sourced, helping the economy of the countryside as well. The home cooked meals are plentiful in portions and incredibly filling — something much appreciated after a day of hiking!
The usual teas, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks are available for purchase as well. Overall, I found prices there extremely reasonable. Be sure to try the local beers.
What activities are there to do in the area?
Minca is an incredibly active stop for backpackers in Colombia, and Casa Loma does not disappoint when it comes to offering all the best options, including:
- Yoga — friends who took the class swear by it, and said it had a heavy focus on breathing exercises that affected their mental clarity
- Hikes to waterfalls (recommended: Pozo Azul and Las Cascadas Marinka)
- Trips to a family farm and see how locals live off the land
- Visits to a coffee farm
- Massages
- Spanish lessons
- Volunteer in exchange for food/accommodations
- And of course, the multi-day trek to Ciudad Perdida!
How do I get to Casa Loma Minca?
We took a collectivo taxi from Santa Marta to Minca. Most hostels in Santa Marta will be able to book one for you, or you can opt for a private taxi, or the more adventurous “moto taxi” option as well! Just note that within Minca, you’ll likely be taking moto taxis elsewhere as they’re the fastest/cheapest way to get around without walking long distances.
After you’ve arrived in “downtown” Minca (essentially the main intersection within a small square), follow these directions:
- Walk past the church and turn into the first left, passing the Pizzeria and Cafe Duni
- Follow this path for 2 minutes until you see a sign on the left, attached to a large tree
- Walk up the path following the signs, going past Casa Colibri
- Follow the stone path all the way up to the top — this walk should take you about 10 minutes
It’s quite a trek up to Casa Loma (gotta earn that view!) so I recommend leaving your main luggage in Santa Marta, and bringing a small backpack with the essentials.
