Colombia has many good and affordable hotels and hostels that are also of particularly high quality. A nice type of place to stay is a finca. A finca is the way to stay outside the big cities and get to know real Colombian life. In addition, fantastic fun to spend the night in. There are many fincas and each time I try to pick out the nicest ones. In this article I will take you into the world of the Colombian finca, explain you exactly what it is and list my favorites. Get even more out of your stay in Colombia and sleep in a finca!
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What is a Colombian finca?
A finca is an old country house in the middle of nature, often surrounded by farmland where tropical or non-tropical fruit is grown. So a finca is not a farm, although some estates do have animals roaming around. Often Colombian fincas have a long and rich history that is well reflected in both the traditional and architectural design and the materials used. Despite their often advanced age, most mansions have ample facilities, such as a swimming pool, sports facilities and TV. Compared to hotels and hostels in Colombia, a finca tends to be slightly more expensive and more remote. Staying in a finca is staying close to nature in a typical Colombian country house.
Fincas are immensely popular in Colombia. Almost every Colombian I know has family somewhere with a finca outside the city, where they all go to during the vacations. You have probably heard of the typical coffee finca in Zona Cafetera, in the middle of a coffee plantation.
My favorite fincas to stay at in Colombia.
Eco-Hotel La Cabaña near Salento
This beautiful country house is a true joy to stay in and is also perfectly located between Salento and the Cocora Valley. Surrounded by nature, you’ll find hiking trails, many birds, cows, horses, and a stunning historic house.
Eco-Hotel La Cabaña is easy to reach from Salento, and the owner will take you everywhere. A unique experience and truly highly recommended. Read more about this hotel in Salento, or book your stay directly!
Without a car easily accessible? Yes.
Finca San Vicente in Barichara
Finca San Vicente is one of my favorite hotels in Colombia. I’ve been there many times. Run by a Belgian couple who have lived in Colombia for years and know everything about the beautiful surroundings.
Finca San Vicente is an experience in itself. At about 15 minutes by taxi from Barichara, you’re in the village in no time. But really: this place is so nice that you’ll want to spend most of your time just being there. You have a beautiful view, many birds, a wonderful stay, a large bed with a mosquito net, and a shower with a view.
The breakfast is so extensive and delicious, it immediately gives you enough energy for the whole day. You simply won’t want to leave. That’s why I keep coming back…
Read more about Finca San Vicente in Barichara here or book your stay right here.
Without a car easily accessible? Yes, by motorcycle taxi from Barichara.
Finca San Pedro at Sogamoso
Finca San Pedro is a lovely place to stay and centrally located for discovering the surroundings of Sogamoso. Therefore, this house is also perfect for backpackers.
The country house is located on the outskirts of the town of Sogamoso near Lago de Tota, in the middle of a beautiful garden with beautiful flowers. The old rooms have their own theme and are really fantastically decorated. At this finca, in addition to enjoying nature, you can do yoga and there is even a sauna. Book your stay here.
Without a car easily accessible? Yes.
Eco Hotel La Juanita near Manizales
During my first stay in Zona Cafetera, we visited the town of Manizales. Since we did not want to stay in the city, I found a beautiful house on the mountain, with an amazing view and a beautiful garden around it.
From your room you can take beautiful walks and enjoy the many trees, flowers and plants. The house is set more for budget travelers and thus perfect for backpackers. Book your stay here!
Accessible without a car? Yes (cab or walk some more).
Finca Hotel La Casona de Suanoga at Pesca
This beautiful country house is located far off the beaten path, without Internet, and the only thing you hear at night is nature. From the blue and white house you have a fantastic view of the mountains and the surroundings are spectacularly beautiful.
From here you can visit typical Colombian villages where no tourist comes, and enjoy real Colombian life. Enthusiastic? Book your stay here!
Without a car easily accessible? No (ask to be picked up or take a cab).
Casa Yerbabuena at Toca
What a wonderful residence this is! I’ve been there twice now, and for good reason. Totally remote from the outside world and also far off the beaten path, you will find this beautiful old country house on a secluded lake.
Wake up to fantastic views, go hiking, canoeing, horseback riding, tennis or biking during the day and enjoy the warmth of the fireplace in the evening.
You have to pay a bit more and be prepared to travel further, but then you really have something very special. Click Read more information here or book your stay directly.
Easy to reach without a car? No (ask to be picked up, take a taxi, walk 4 kilometers from the paved road, or hire a car).
Jardín Colibrí between Sopó and Guatavita
Jardín Colibrí is beautifully situated in the mountains between Sopó and Guatavita, and is a largely self-sufficient finca. This is a very special stay, far away from everything. You come here to experience what that’s like and to go on beautiful hikes in the area.
The cottage where you stay is magical; it gives you a bit of a Hansel and Gretel feeling.
Read all about Jardín Colibrí here or book your stay directly here.
Without a car easily accessible? No. You can only get there with a good 4×4 vehicle; have the finca pick you up or take a taxi.
Practical information about staying in a Colombian finca
The finca is the ultimate holiday accommodation for Colombian families. If you choose a large country house in a popular area, you can expect large Colombian families with many children during the busy holiday periods and puentes.
Fincas can be found throughout the country and almost always breakfast is included.
Note that a finca, with a few exceptions, is almost always more expensive than a hotel or hostel.
Discover Colombia: stay in a finca!
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