We’ve stayed in some amazing hostels during our eight years of travel, but none can compare to La Serrana Eco-Farm and Hostel in Salento, Colombia. If you don’t stay here, you’re missing out!
La Serrana offers various room options: camping in your own tent, luxury tents, dorm rooms, private rooms with shared bathrooms, private rooms with ensuite bathrooms, and our room, which was in a separate house about a 7-minute walk from the main hostel.
Our house, called “Las Camelias,” had three rooms. We stayed in the King Room, which was spectacular. The large window provided stunning views of the mountains. Waking up to the morning sun was the best. On chilly, rainy evenings, we enjoyed lighting a fire in our private fireplace with a bottle of wine. The bed was comfortable, and the attached bathroom was a nice bonus.
We had access to the entire farmhouse, shared with two other couples. The living room had comfortable furniture, another fireplace, a large dining table, and a kitchen. The floor-to-ceiling windows offered breathtaking views across the valley.
Our room was cleaned daily, and the fireplace wood was replenished by the friendly staff. Breakfast was included, with eggs, toast, fruit, and coffee. The cost was about $40 per night after a 10% discount for our 7-night stay.
La Serrana, the main farmhouse/hostel, has a guest kitchen and a large common area with couches and tables. Laundry service is available for a small fee. The receptionists are very knowledgeable; one speaks English, and the rest speak Spanish. You can find travel info in binders or by asking the staff.
Next to La Serrana, you’ll find additional double rooms and the main kitchen (staff only), where nightly dinners are offered except on weekends. The women who serve breakfast and dinner are lovely.
The backyard has covered picnic tables and a bonfire area. There’s also a large camping area with an outdoor bathroom/shower and benches with mountain views. We enjoyed our morning coffee here.
We walked down our dirt road each morning for breakfast and sometimes ordered dinner in when it rained. Two town restaurants deliver directly to your door. Guests of La Serrana get a discount and a free beer at the Luciernaga restaurant.
If you love scenic mountain views and a peaceful atmosphere, this place is for you. The hostel is set on a hill surrounded by lush green hills and towering mountains. Even during rainy weather, the mist rising from the valley created a magical atmosphere.
We spent many mornings and afternoons with coffee, an adorable stray dog, and gorgeous vistas in front of us. The hostel was very serene.
There are plenty of activities around Salento that the hostel can help you arrange. A small dirt road beside La Serrana leads to the coffee farms of Osaco and Don Elias, a nice 45-minute walk. You can hire horses to these farms or the waterfalls.
For trips to the Cocora Valley, the hostel can call a jeep for you and provide hiking directions. They also offer yoga twice a week and can arrange Spanish lessons.
After a 7-night stay, La Serrana is our favorite accommodation to date. The staff were incredibly helpful and friendly. The property was spacious and never felt crowded despite being filled with like-minded backpackers. Having our own little farmhouse with a fireplace added to the romantic, tranquil vibe. We highly recommend staying here during your trip to Salento, but book ahead as it fills up quickly.
We weren’t paid or given a free stay; it was just so great we wanted to share it with you!
Cheers!