The 4×4 vehicle I’m in bumps slowly over large boulders up the mountain. I’m about 2 hours from Medellín, and almost arriving at my destination. Suddenly the car stops: the road is now impassable, even a 4WD cannot go any further. Heidi, the owner of Soplo del Tambo Retreat Centre & Eco-Hotel, where I’m headed, is waiting for me with the dog.
I drag my backpack out of the car and fully packed we continue on foot. Slowly we walk up the mountain. And suddenly I see the sign: Soplo del Tambo. I look up and my heart makes a jump. How amazingly beautiful this is. I almost forget that we still have to walk 10 minutes further up the mountain. But none of it matters anymore.
These are going to be 11 very special days. An unforgettable experience in absolutely one of the most beautiful places in Colombia. Want to know more? In this article, I will take you to this magical place in Cocorná, near Medellín, and tell you everything for a great holiday in Colombia.
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Soplo del Tambo: a Retreat Center & Eco-Hotel for nature and well-being in Colombia
There are so many beautiful hotels to stay at in Colombia. In the most extraordinary places. After living and traveling in Colombia for 11 years, you could say I’ve had the chance to discover a lot of them.
But I haven’t experienced anything quite as special as Soplo del Tambo yet. This is pure magic in the mountains near Medellín. A unique experience. This place breathes peace, spirituality, nature, well-being, and energy. In a beautiful spot in the mountains, where you can completely unwind. A paradise for introverts on the road and for everyone who loves mountains, nature, tranquility, and hiking.
Upon arrival, you are warmly welcomed by the lovely Heidi, who conceived and developed Soplo del Tambo. For several years now, she has lived with her children in a bamboo house here in the mountains. And she welcomes travelers who want to be close to nature and, like me, want to experience the energy and spirituality of these surroundings.
Look out over the vast valley surrounded by green mountains, clear blue rivers and waterfalls. And get the ultimate feeling of freedom. All you can hear are the birds singing and the wind rustling the leaves of the many banana and palm trees. It clears your mind and makes room for you to truly enjoy the present moment. Soplo del Tambo is paradise; there is simply no other word to describe this eco-hotel.
What does “Soplo del Tambo” mean?
‘Soplo’ is the wind that always blows. And about the only thing you hear here. Delicious!
‘Tambo’ dates back to ancient Inca times and is a meeting place for shelter and food, or just to store food. Tambos were also used as places to stay for travelers on the Inca Trail.
Tambos were usually built using materials available in the area, such as stone, clay and wood. And the same has been done here, only with bamboo, a wooden floor and a roof made of palm leaves. And that’s pretty impressive I can tell you: staying in a mighty Tambo high on the mountain.
What is there to do in Soplo del Tambo and Cocorná?
Although you are staying at the Retreat Center & Eco-Hotel Soplo del Tambo in the mountains, you won’t be bored at this eco-hotel. I was there myself for 11 days in 2023 and another 5 days in 2026, and my goal was to work from a different location, to rest, to experience community life, and to completely isolate myself for a while from the hectic world we live in. And all of that was more than successful.
Soplo del Tambo offers many activities and experiences. Totally customizable the way you want it. Here’s a sampling of what’s on offer.
Yoga classes in Cocorná
In a place like this, it is almost impossible not to be swept up in the world of spirituality and yoga. Even I ventured onto the yoga mat three times, something I had never done before.
I’m as stiff as a board and can’t do it for the life of me (yet), but gosh, it was wonderful. The best place to practice yoga is in the mountains. And even better in the Tambo. Completely open, that insane view, the wind through your hair, soothing music, and an inspiring yoga teacher. Heidi is an amazing yoga teacher. Whether you like yoga or not, she gives you an experience you’ll never forget.
Outdoor massage: going to the spa in Colombia
I love massage, but this was a very different experience from what I am used to. A massage in a bamboo Tambo, in the open air, with the birds in the background, is quite different from a massage at home in chaotic Bogotá.
Luz, the masseuse, turned her life around 10 years ago. Without ever having been there, she moved to Cocorná. She has since established her own spa in the mountains. A cottage on stilts, with a lovely soft bed, the wind through your hair and a shower made of bamboo on the rocks. She knows all about Chinese medicine and knows exactly what the pain points in your body mean.
I did two massages with Luz. The first in the Tambo, the second in her spa. Includes a cleansing with chocolate and clay. Imagine being smeared with delicious-smelling chocolate, and then sitting in the grass in the sun to let it dry up. Then to rinse everything off under the bamboo shower under the trees. It could so be a scene from Pocahontas.
Really: this is pure enjoyment. From the sweet and inspiring Luz, the wonderful massage, the nature around you, the peace, the birds and the clean air. I highly recommend it. On the Instagram page of crisalida.saludybienestar you can find more information. If you stay in Soplo del Tambo they can arrange everything for you.
Hiking in Cocorná
If you like hiking you’ve come to the right place. Just to get there is a wonderful hike. But there is much more. Hike to waterfalls, streams among the mountains or cold mountain pools for swimming.
Get out of bed, put on your hiking boots and hike down the mountain to the creek. Take a refreshing swim and hike back up for a delicious breakfast. The dog walks with you and keeps you company. I have done this hike several times, and is delightful.
And there is more. You can take both longer and shorter hikes. Some on your own, some with a guide. But all of them are magical. And in the beautiful mountains, you are truly deep in nature. You hear nothing. No cars, no noise, no engines, no planes. Here you will find ultimate tranquility and the feeling of really being in the mountains.
To El Peñol and Guatapé
The high rock El Peñol near Medellín, and the neighboring village of Guatapé are about a 1.5-hour drive away. If you haven’t been there yet, you can take a day trip from the eco-hotel. Read more about El Peñol and Guatapé here.
Working as a digital nomad
Here you can work like the best, really. I did it too. Although I am not a digital nomad, I do regularly work in a different place. And Soplo del Tambo is ideal for that. On your terrace with that bizarrely beautiful view. In the grass on a rug, in the hammock, at the big dining table with the mountains in the background: wherever you want. The tranquility of this place allows you to fully concentrate on your work. You don’t get distracted. On the contrary: in the mountains, inspiration comes.
The Wifi is very good, I even did Zoom meetings with it. So all you need is your laptop.
Want to get away from the daily grind to work somewhere new? I highly recommend the mountains near Medellín. Here you can not only work well, but also discover a very special part of Colombia off the beaten path.
Volunteering in Colombia
Want to get away for a little longer and volunteer in Colombia? That too is possible here. Soplo del Tambo has special accommodation for volunteers, a tent on the campsite with its own kitchen, living room, compost toilet and private shower.
The volunteer work consists of all kinds of activities in nature (on the farm) and in the eco-hotel, such as helping in the (vegetable) garden, planting trees, making compost, small construction work, taking care of the children, feeding the animals and cooking.
Here on WorkAway you can find more information about volunteering in Soplo del Tambo. Below in the photo you can see the accommodation for the volunteers.
Being one with nature
This eco-hotel is an excellent place to be one with nature. To lie in the hammock for hours, walk your feet through the grass, reflect on life, cuddle with the cats and dogs or stare at the mountains…. Just doing nothing at all. I liked that SO much!
More activities
As if all this were not enough, here you can also paraglide (and admire this from the hotel), go to the swimming pool or jacuzzi and go on bicycle tours.
Retreats in Soplo del Tambo
The Retreat Center & Eco-Hotel Soplo del Tempo is known in the Medellín region as a great place for a retreat. Heidi offers many types of retreats to detox, slow down, and completely unwind.
That makes Soplo del Tambo not just an eco-hotel, but a place for well-being, nature, and peace. It is an experience, not just a stay.
You can book a retreat with a group, with a few people, or alone. Ideal for when you are traveling through Colombia solo and want to go on a retreat. You then stay at Soplo del Tambo and during the retreat, you participate in activities like yoga, go out into nature, and can, for example, do a cacao ceremony.
Are you organizing a retreat in Colombia yourself? You can also turn to Soplo del Tambo for that. Here you can organize your retreat for your group.
For more information and to get in touch, click here.
How do you book your stay at Soplo del Tambo?
Book your stay at Soplo del Tambo here. After booking, you will receive information from the hotel. You can also contact them if you have any questions about arrival, for example. Do you have special requests, such as booking a retreat with a group, or are you traveling with children and need an extra cot? Then contact Heidi via +57 312 8964221 (in Dutch, English, or Spanish). You can also follow and contact the eco-hotel via their Instagram account.
At Soplo del Tambo you can book a private room, for one, two or three people. You can also camp there or stay in a dormitory. Ideal for backpackers, couples or families with children. The rooms are cozy and entirely made of bamboo, clay and wood. You have your own large balcony, a hot shower, nice chairs, a closet and a lovely bed.
I myself stayed here by myself. So even if you are traveling alone, this is a very good place to check out from everyday life. Only do this if you’re good at being alone, because here you can’t walk to a café or just meet other backpackers.
How do you get to Sopló del Tambo in Cocorná?
The hotel is located near the village of Cocorná in the department of Antioquia, 15 minutes by car or motorcycle cab uphill from the village.
From Medellín, you can reach Cocorná in 2 hours. The first time I came from the airport at Rionegro, a drive of about 1.5 hours. I flew from Bogotá to Medellín then. The second time I came by bus from Bogotá. That is about an 8-hour drive. You should ask to get off at Cocorná and you can ask Heidi for a contact for a driver to pick you up from there.
Wherever you are coming from, you must first go to Cocorná. This can be done by bus, for example from Medellín. Or you can be picked up by private transport. They can arrange this for you at Soplo del Tambo. I did this myself from the airport; I was picked up there and taken to the hotel.
You can also go by your own car.
What is important to remember: you cannot get to the eco-hotel by transportation. If you go by car or motorcycle, you will be dropped off at a certain point. Even if you use your own rental car, park it in a certain spot. From the hotel you will get information about this after booking. From that point you have to walk uphill for about 15 minutes. Always arrive before dark. This is a remote community, where much goes on foot and people sleep around 9PM. Everything is trickier in the dark, and no one can come and pick you up or look for you after sunset.
Find the eco-hotel on the map here.
You have to walk the last part: how hard is this?
As mentioned, you have to walk up the mountain for the last 15 minutes. This is a delightful walk, and immediately the first experience in this special place.
The road is fairly steep and full of stones. When it rains, it can be slippery and muddy. Therefore, make sure you have good walking shoes on when you arrive. It is a tough hike, so do it at your own pace and enjoy the wonderful fresh air and beautiful views that soon come your way. If you have mobility problems, this is not for you.
In addition, it is helpful to think about what you will bring with you to the hotel. It is best to travel with only backpacks. A small dayback and your backpack, for example. Are you coming with a suitcase on wheels? You can’t possibly use those there. The only way to get to the top then is on horseback and with the help of others. If this is the case, you must arrange this in advance. So then contact the hotel in advance and say you have a suitcase on wheels.
For who is Soplo del Tambo suitable for and for who it isn’t?
Soplo del Tambo is perfect for anyone who loves nature, wants to rest, explore Colombia off the beaten path, be in the mountains, take yoga classes in the mountains, hike and do other outdoor activities.
Take in account that this is a special stay, not a normal hotel in the city. You are in a totally different environment and way of life than you are used to. You are in the middle of nature, where there are also critters and it can sometimes rain heavily (especially at night). The rhythm of life is different from what you are used to. This is precisely what makes Soplo del Tambo so special, but is not for everyone.
You can’t arrange for last-minute transportation, or for someone to just lift your bags upstairs. This should be arranged in advance. To this place you need to prepare well before traveling.
Are you traveling through Colombia with children? Then, too, this is the perfect place. Children live in the eco-hotel, and so children are very welcome. Children can join in hiking, playing in the Tambo and trampolining. In addition, the experience is incredibly special for children.
What do you bring to Soplo del Tambo?
Although you are near Medellín, it is wise to take other things with you to the mountains. The climate there is a lot more pleasant during the day than in Medellín (less hot, nice and warm), but in the evening it is cold. And as soon as the sun sets, it is pitch black here. I would recommend to take with you at least this:
- Hiking boots that are allowed to get dirty. I myself found high hiking boots very nice, because sometimes there can be a lot of mud.
- A headlamp. Your phone can also work, but I would really recommend a flashlight. I definitely needed this one.
- Although it is nice and warm during the day, walking in long pants is recommended. That way you are well protected from critters and sometimes sharp plants.
- Warm clothes for the evening. This is really necessary.
- Sunscreen. Like everywhere else in Colombia, you burn quickly.
- You can’t drink water from the tap here, which is why they have a water filter. With that, you can fill your water bottle. So be sure to take a sustainable water bottle with you.
- An open mindset.
And what you need in some cases:
- Would you like to join yoga classes? Then bring something to do yoga in. Sports shorts, for example.
- If you want to go swimming or have a chocolate cleaning, bring swimwear.
What not to bring
There are mosquitoes in the evening and at night, so you will need a mosquito net to sleep under. This is provided at the eco-hotel, so you don’t need to bring your own. Mosquito repellent is useful (only needed in the evening).
Nor is a water filter necessary: you can fill your bottle with filtered water at the hotel.
Food and drink at Soplo del Tambo
Because the hotel is located a 40-minute walk from the village, you won’t just pop out for dinner at a restaurant. But that is exactly the idea of this place: to be completely away from civilization for a while.
Therefore, at Soplo del Tambo they offer all meals of the day. Breakfast is included in the price, and lunch and dinner you buy separately. The cooking is incredibly delicious, healthy and balanced. Are you vegetarian or vegan? No problem! I myself ate delicious vegetarian food there. Craving a banana? You take those right out of the tree. Fancy fresh mint or anise tea? You pick that right out of the garden.
Heidi cooks delicious meals, a real treat. I’ve often wondered what I enjoy more: the tasty food or the view while eating…
How does Soplo del Tambo fit into your roundtrip Colombia?
Although you have to go off the beaten path in Colombia for this special place, it is still easy to fit into your roundtrip.
Some ideas:
- The bus from Bogotá to Medellín or vice versa passes the road to Cocorná. Get dropped off there and stay a few days in the mountains before traveling further.
- First spend some days in Medellín, then a day in Guatapé and then a few days in Cocorná. Then travel to Rionegro airport and fly to your next destination.
- Choose to spend a week at Soplo del Tambo, giving yourself a retreat. After that, you can travel on to wherever you want in Colombia.
Don’t be put off by the remote location: it’s all part of this special experience. Colombia at its most beautiful! Be enchanted by the mountains surrounding Cocorná, a place you will spontaneously fall in love with.
Soplo del Tambo: the most beautiful place in Colombia? Bring a visit and find out for yourself!
And don’t forget to send greetings from me to dear Heidi and the kids! Meanwhile, want to see more of my stay in Soplo del Tambo? On the pinned stories ‘Cocorná’ on my Instagram account you will find many photos, stories and cool videos.
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