Mundo Nuevo - More Than Just a Hostel

Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, only an hour’s drive from Santa Marta and with a mild and welcoming climate, it’s easy to see why Minca has become a hotspot for travelers.

Undoubtedly the reason I reflect so fondly on this mountainous town is because of the incredible organic farm come sustainability project come hostel I stayed at, Mundo Nuevo.

Mundo Nuevo nestled in the forest

Access isn’t exactly a walk in the park because the dirt road is steep and in poor condition, especially when it rains (which it frequently does). There are three options to get there: 4WD ($80k), mototaxi, which is the main form of transport here ($20k), or walk which will take between 60 and 90 minutes - depending on how much you’re carrying (leave your big pack in Santa Marta if possible) - and a fair bit of grunt!

Integral to their operations as an organic farm and eco-lodge, Mundo Nuevo works closely with and employs several Wiwa people, the local indigenous group, which brings an authenticity to their mission of living in harmony with their environment. brings an authenticity to their mission of living in harmony with their environment.

Cacao fresh from the trees and ready to be made into chocolate! Spotted on a nearby walk

Although I remain somewhat dubious of hostels with no shared kitchen, I was quickly won over by their incredible vegetarian cuisine, commitment to their mission and the most wholesome activities portfolio: sporting permaculture tours, visits to bee/chocolate/coffee fincas, waterfall hikes and bird watching. Combined with one of the best sunset views in the valley, a two-night stay here can quickly become five and for months afterward, when you’re on one of those eight-hour bus rides, you’ll find yourself in a blissful Mundo Nuevo reverie.

Sunset views from the ‘Punta’