La Ponderosa Reserve

La Ponderosa Reserve is an off-grid regenerative hostel, nestled within a hidden jungle paradise of the Colombian Sierra Nevada. Secluded from roads and modern civilisation, you wake up to the sounds of monkeys, birds and rare dramatic views of the snowy peaks, in one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. Surrounding the land is an incredible crystalline river and white sandy river-side beach. Private and pristine, you can swim, tube, or even raft all the way to the Caribbean sea. With supplies of food arriving from local farmers on horseback, it’s easy to feel as though you've stepped back in time and into an authentic experience of rural Colombia…

La Ponderosa has something for everyone:
- Spend the day sipping on jungle cocktails at our river-side bar and soak up the sun on our beach
- Relax in a hammock in our peaceful traditional Colombian farmhouse surrounded by the fruit forest
- Those looking for adventure can freely explore our 13 hectares of jungle and mountain creeks
- Learn about permaculture on a tour of the farm and vegetable gardens


Our sociable family style dinners provide an easy space to meet like-minded people over delicious vegetarian food and our lively bar atmosphere with games, quizzes, live music events and full moon parties mean you will never be short of entertainment.

La Ponderosa is a hub for many unique local activities:

- Visit the neighbouring thermal healing spring, one of only two in the Sierra
- Treks to a number of sacred indigenous sites
- Tours of traditional indigenous villages
- A jungle hike up to the remote mountain village Quebrada del Sol
- We are also located close to the start of the famous lost city trek and can provide direct transport from the hostel


But beyond just a hostel, powered 100% by solar energy, La Ponderosa strives to showcase a regenerative model of tourism with zero waste and support in local reforestation projects. During the Covid-19 Pandemic we began to reforest the land planting 1000 trees and started the construction; making use of the local materials available to us. We made bricks from clay and sand from the land and used local wood, prioritising fallen trees and driftwood from the river. We refurbished an abandoned traditional Colombian farmhouse to create welcoming and comfortable dormitories and private rooms.


La Ponderosa Reserve Policy and Condition:

HOW TO ARRIVE
Please arrive in the morning before 2pm to avoid the risk of rain and complications with the river crossing!

Your adventure starts with a stunning 40 minute moto-taxi ride from the main road (Troncal Caribe) into the mountains.

You will then cross a wide stream, follow the path on the left handside of the stream to a farm house who will point you to the river crossing. Depending on the height of the river, you will cross on foot or be met by our staff to help float you across. Further details on directions will be emailed to you after we receive your reservation.

Cancellation Policy: 1 days before arrival. In case of a late cancellation or No Show, you will be charged the first night of your stay.

Check out before 11.00

Payment upon arrival by cash, credit and debit cards
Taxes included
Breakfast is included

General:
Reception from 07.00 to 18.00
No curfew
No special conditions