Jungle Joe's Ecolodge — Hotel in Magdalena

We stayed in Minca and in this lodge 2 nights in a private room with shared bathroom.

Three things are important, you have to walk to the lodge about 15 minutes (some steep parts). You could take a motorcycle but there are no jeeps available. It can be a bit exhausting depends on your luggage size.

Second thing, the rooms can not be properly locked, so bring a locker with you. If you do not want that someone enters your room.

For lunch & dinner: they told us on arrival, you can order lunch before 10am, this was not possible on our arrival day. The lunch should be served during the birdwatching tour which is offered by Joe as well. You can use the kitchen only after 5pm and we should not use the fridge (only if we have really small stuff).

You can eat in the village but you have to walk in the night, the way does not have lights. They only offer breakfast, which is great.

These are things, which should be communicated before you arrive. The communication via WhatsApp was not good. It took very long to receive an answer, and only if we asked a second time. The place is still beautiful, you have a magical view, but there are some important information which we did not...

We’re staying at Jungle Joes for four nights in total and can already say it’s one of the best hostels we’ve stayed at in South America. Yes, the basic amenities are a bit lacking - the Wi-Fi isn’t very strong and the electricity is turned off it seems during the day - however it hits the mark on every other point! The rooms are super clean and you are provided with mosquito nets - you will definitely get bitten in this part of Colombia. You are given breakfast every morning, included in the price, and it’s delicious - somedays they have pancakes, arepas other days etc. The best part however is definitely the view. They have a number of nets that you can sit on and look out over the rainforest and to Santa Marta - it’s not rare for you to see toucans or woodpeckers from this spot if you’re there early in the morning! What else? It’s only a 15 - 20 minute walk into town so you’re still living in the jungle but have the option to spend time in the town also. They do serve pizza in their restaurant from 6pm onwards but I haven’t tried it yet so I can’t talk about that. In all, you must stay here when...

Beautiful bamboo hostel in the middle of the jungle in the mountains. It has very nice panorama from both sides. Has a lot of rooms and large very comfortable common areas. The rooms are not well equipped you cannot pack your stuff nowhere nor sit down, just on the bed. The beds are very comfortable though, with comfy fluffy sheet and most of them with mosquito net. The showers are too small, you just walk in and shower, no place to hang your clothes or towel. And only one sink for the whole floor for all the rooms, in open air is not convenient either. The breakfast is very delicious, fresh and healthy, every day different. The owner and the staff are very attentive and helpful. From here you can see Santa Marta in the distance. The city is about 15 minute walk from here thru the forest uphill also, on rocky roads. Very advanterous area and relaxing place with fresh air and panorama. 1 hour walk to Pozo Azul waterfall and other waterfalls. Tours are organized also by the owner. Thank you Joe, had...