Reserva Biologica Caoba

Our cabin had a lovely view and plenty of privacy, and the vegetarian food was incredible. We stayed three weeks and left feeling more refreshed than ever. The staff did so much to make us comfortable, and there was a huge property to explore, full of plants, animals, and waterfalls. A couple of things to know: the curtains are very thin, so with a light on at night people could see inside. There may not be many people out in the jungle then, but as a city girl I would have preferred thicker curtains for peace of mind. Also, it is the jungle, so there are lots of insects. We kept our clothes and things in secured baggage because ants kept showing up in our cabin despite sweeping and cleaning. It wasn't too bad, but worth knowing. If you love nature, care about health, and want to fully relax, this place is for you.

The hosts were incredibly kind, and the bio reserve is beautiful. We loved the small, family-like atmosphere and had such a great stay.

Getting here was difficult. My mototaxi cost 27,000 COP for a 4 km ride, while the hotel's transfer would have been 150,000 COP. I came away disappointed with my two months in Colombia, especially given how much you pay and how little you get. The people running it seem good at marketing, but I don't think they are what they claim to be. The quiet was real, and I could rest from the noise, but there isn't much to do. There are three fish ponds, a crocodile, an old parrot, and a river for swimming. They say there are indigenous petroglyphs on rocks, but I believe they're fake and weren't made by indigenous people. Waterfalls are nearby, though they won't explain how to reach them unless you pay for a guided tour. Yoga also costs extra, and if you want to practice by yourself, renting a mat is €3. There's a chocolate farm nearby too, but it's separate from this place and its tour is expensive. I paid 150,000 COP for a riverside room. The view was beautiful, but it was basic, with no air conditioning or hot water. During my four days there, nobody cleaned it or changed the towels. Ants were in the room, sometimes even in the bed, and tiny biting bugs were awful. They bit us so badly that I scratched my legs until they bled, despite using insect repellent. Bring secured luggage for clothes and belongings. Breakfast is included, but it's very basic, so you'll pay extra for something better. The fish was delicious, though a beer costs 12,000 COP, about ten times what it costs them. Their rules say you'll be fined if you bring your own alcohol. Paying by card at checkout also adds 5%. There is no ATM nearby, so you don't have much choice, and when I asked about card payments on WhatsApp, they didn't mention the fee. To me, this business profits by playing on foreigners' naivety and selling an eco-bio-sanctuary idea that it clearly isn't. I wouldn't return.

The room was simple, with two single beds and a small shared bathroom. It was clean, airy, and comfortable, with nice garden views and good beds. We could hear the river at night. A few small improvements would help, but it worked well for our budget, and there are more luxurious rooms if you can spend more. The owners also show real respect and admiration for local indigenous culture. We booked four nights at Cauba, then added two more. The biologist owners are working to turn a degraded banana plantation into a wildlife-rich jungle paradise, and we loved the deep relaxation and connection with nature. We took cool dips in the property's pristine river, walked 40-60 minutes off the property to waterfalls, and did yoga on the lower terrace and the hilltop one, where there was a Tayrona temple in ancient times. We also enjoyed the delicious on-site restaurant, the medicinal plants tour, and a nearby cacao farm tour. We had a wonderful time and can't wait to return.