Researching your trip to Vietnam and find yourself wondering, ‘Is Halong Bay Worth it?” Here’s everything you need to know about visiting one of the most famous natural wonders of Vietnam. Halong Bay is said to be one of the most jaw-droppingly gorgeous places on…
Finca Carpe Diem Hostel in Minca – What You Need to Know
Finca Carpe Diem is a breathtaking paradise hidden in the Paso del Mango forest near Minca.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here.
This family-owned hostel focuses on remote living, employing locals, and sustainability.
Here’s everything you need to know about staying at Finca Carpe Diem Hostel in the North of Colombia.
How to Get to Finca Carpe Diem
Getting to this hostel can be a little tricky, but once you know how to navigate the North of Colombia, you can learn to get anywhere.
You will likely book a combo of buses, taxis, and motorbikes.
I personally came from Cartagena and took a bus to Santa Marta and arranged a car through the hostel that picked me up at the bus drop-off point.
The mini-bus I took from Cartagena to Santa Marta was Berlinastur . This service is an air-conditioned budget-friendly option for under $13 USD (or 60,000 COP).
Where to Book Finca Carpe Diem Hostel
Typically I prefer to book hostels on Hostelworld. Occasionally, if I have points for savings or I’m booking a private room, I use Booking.com
Both these booking platforms are simple to use, have upfront cancellation & refund terms, and offer a level of protection that other websites may not offer.
My Hostel Essentials
What to Expect
Finca Carpe Diem Ecolodge offers both shared and private dorms throughout the property.
Many travelers expect to party at hostels in Colombia, but at Finca Carpe Diem you come to relax.
Most of your days will be occupied by eating at the hostel restaurant, lounging by the pool, and booking some of their daily excursions.
WiFi did not work during most of my stay, so bring a book or a deck of cards – you’ll need it!
Daily Excursions Offered
Many activities and tours are offered from the hostel.
Waterfall tours, yoga, cacao farms, and bird watching are just a handful of the excursions offered at Finca Carpe Diem.
I booked the waterfall tour and would highly recommend it.
Hostel Restaurant
The hostel restaurant was very impressive. Their farm-to-table ethics blend the owner’s Belgian culture with Colombian specialties.
My only problem was not running out of things to order, but getting to try everything I wanted before I left! Overall the menu has lots of options and gladly accommodates vegetarians and vegans.
Rooms & Facilities
I booked an all-female dorm and it was equipped with everything you’d hope for at a good hostel. The rooms themselves are relatively bare bones but ideally, you’ll be spending most of your time out exploring the hostel rather than in your dorm.
Our dorm’s private bathroom was huge and very nice.
All beds had mosquito nets!
Location
Bear in mind that this is a remote ecolodge, so you will be at the hostel or in the surrounding nature of it the entire duration of your stay.
Also, it is not technically in Minca town. While the hostel is near Minca (about an hour drive) it is actually located in a more remote area – Paso Del Mango.
Social Life
As I mentioned before, this is not a party hostel and many people come here to relax.
Most of the visitors were couples on a romantic getaway. This was the only aspect I disliked about the hostel, yet it’s not really anything anyone can control.
Thankfully I came with a friend but I feel I would’ve had a poor experience if I came alone. I would not recommend this hostel to solo travelers hoping to make friends.
However, at the end of our stay, my friend and I did meet a group of female solo travelers and we mingled and played games. So, it is definitely possible to make some friends – especially at the pool.
The Best Part of the Hostel is the Furry Friends!
I hope this post gives you a more well-rounded idea of what to expect at Finca Carpe Diem Hostel!
Planning a Trip to Cartagena?
Don’t forget to print this FREE Cartagena Checklist for your trip!
New From the Blog
How to Actually Visit the Hanoi Train Street in 2023
This post is all about how to visit the Hanoi train street. Photo by Thijs Degenkamp on Unsplash All Aboard! The Hanoi Train Street is the most buzzing street in Vietnam’s capital. It has become a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique and thrilling…
27 Best Christmas Destinations in The World to Experience the Holiday Magic
Searching for the best Christmas Destinations in the world to fully experience all things fresh pine and mulled wine? As the holiday season approaches, these 27 picturesque Christmas destinations transform into magical wonderlands, complete with twinkling lights and…
New From the Blog
How to Actually Visit the Hanoi Train Street in 2023
This post is all about how to visit the Hanoi train street. Photo by Thijs Degenkamp on Unsplash All Aboard! The Hanoi Train Street is the most buzzing street in Vietnam’s capital. It has become a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique and thrilling…
27 Best Christmas Destinations in The World to Experience the Holiday Magic
Searching for the best Christmas Destinations in the world to fully experience all things fresh pine and mulled wine? As the holiday season approaches, these 27 picturesque Christmas destinations transform into magical wonderlands, complete with twinkling lights and…
