3 reviewed party hostels · from €6.44/night · Hostelworld rated
Minca isn’t your typical party destination, but that’s exactly why backpackers end up staying longer than planned. Perched in the Sierra Nevada mountains, this small town comes alive after dark with reggae bars, fire pits, and hostels that double as social hubs. The main strip, Carrera 5, is where you’ll find most of the action: think cheap cocktails, impromptu jam sessions, and travellers swapping stories under the stars.
Hostels here are more than just a place to sleep. Sierra Minca Hostel, for example, has an infinity pool overlooking the jungle and a bar that stays open late. Most places don’t have Wi-Fi, but no one seems to mind. The focus is on disconnecting and soaking up the laid-back vibe. If you’re after non-stop clubbing, you’ll be disappointed. If you want a mix of adventure by day and lively nights without the chaos of big cities, Minca delivers.
Rated by Hostelworld score · Prices per dorm bed per night
Casa Loma Minca takes partying to new heights with its legendary sunset bar and epic DJ nights. Set atop a hill with panoramic Caribbean views, this treehouse-style venue transforms into Minca's hottest party spot after dark. Regular live music events and weekend parties draw crowds from across town, while multiple viewing decks create perfect spots for sunset drinks and social gatherings.
Masaya Casas Viejas rocks the Sierra Nevada with its Jungle Bar serving craft beers and hosting live music nights. The infinity pool becomes party central by day, while the terraces offer stunning sunset drinking spots. Regular events and social activities keep the energy high, with the 500-hectare coffee farm setting providing an extraordinary backdrop for unforgettable parties.
Chunu'u Hostal brings riverside revelry to Minca with its pool parties and nightly bonfire gatherings. The well-stocked bar serves creative cocktails while hosting regular events that keep the party flowing. Multiple social spaces, from poolside to hidden riverside nooks, offer varied party venues, while the sound of flowing water creates the perfect backdrop for evening festivities.
How Minca's nightlife zones break down
The main drag in Minca, Carrera 5 is where you’ll find most hostels, bars, and restaurants. It’s a 10-minute walk from end to end, with a mix of backpacker hangouts and local shops. The atmosphere is relaxed during the day but picks up after dark when travellers gather for drinks and live music.
A quieter area just outside the town centre, El Campano is home to a few eco-lodges and hostels with stunning mountain views. It’s a 15-minute walk from Carrera 5, but the scenery: think coffee plantations and jungle: makes it worth the trek. Perfect for those who want to be close to the action but not in the thick of it.
Further afield, La Tagua is where you’ll find Minca Brewery and a handful of off-grid hostels. The area is more spread out, with dirt roads and fewer crowds. It’s a great base for hiking or visiting waterfalls, but you’ll need a mototaxi to get to the town centre after dark.
Where the hostel pub crawls end up, and where to go on your own
The social heart of Minca’s backpacker scene. The bar stays open late, serving cheap cocktails (10,000–15,000 COP) and local beers. Expect a mix of reggae, Latin tunes, and travellers lounging in hammocks or by the fire pit. It gets busy after 9 PM, especially on weekends when live music kicks off.
A rustic bar with a bohemian feel, Lomax is the place to go for craft beers and homemade pizza. The outdoor seating area is strung with fairy lights, making it a cosy spot for a late-night drink. Happy hour runs from 5–7 PM, with beers for 6,000 COP. It’s a 10-minute walk from the town centre, so bring a torch if you’re heading back after dark.
A weekly event that draws backpackers and locals alike. Held at different venues around Minca, it’s a chance to try local food, play games, and meet new people. Entry is usually free, but bring cash for drinks and snacks. Check hostel notice boards for the latest location: it moves around, but it’s always a good time.
A hidden gem with a thatched roof and a laid-back atmosphere. The bar serves fresh fruit juices, cocktails, and local rum at decent prices. It’s quieter than Sierra Minca but has a loyal following among travellers who prefer conversation over loud music. Open from 4 PM until late.
A must-visit for beer lovers. This microbrewery crafts small batches of IPA, stout, and pale ale, all served in a garden setting. Tastings cost 15,000 COP and include a tour of the brewery. It’s a 15-minute walk from the town centre, but the scenic route through coffee plantations makes it worth the trek.
A lively spot with a mix of live music and DJ sets. The crowd is a blend of backpackers and locals, and the dance floor fills up after midnight. Drinks are affordable: beers start at 7,000 COP, and cocktails at 12,000 COP. It’s on the main strip, so it’s easy to find and even easier to stumble home from.
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