Cannúa’s luxurious rooms and cloud-forest cabanas hang suspended over lush valleys in the foothills of the Andes, seamlessly blending into their remote mountain location deep in the Colombian countryside.
Location
Set high in the cloud forests of Eastern Antioquia, around 45–60 minutes from Medellín, Cannúa Lodge sits within a protected hillside overlooking the San Nicolás Valley. The setting feels remote and restorative, surrounded by forest, birdlife and sweeping valley views, yet still easily accessible from the city. The lodge is positioned within one of Colombia’s most biodiverse regions, with pre-Hispanic trails, dense vegetation and a strong sense of immersion in nature. It works particularly well as a slower-paced stop either at the start or end of a Colombia itinerary.
Rooms
Cannúa is deliberately small, with just 18 rooms and cabañas spread across the hillside, creating a strong sense of privacy and connection to the landscape. Accommodation ranges from cosy rooms near the main lodge to more secluded standalone cabanas set slightly higher up the slope. The cabanas are the standout, with floor-to-ceiling windows, wraparound views and private terraces that open directly onto the valley and surrounding forest.
Facilities
Facilities are intentionally low-key but well executed, centred around the main lodge building which houses the restaurant, bar and communal spaces. Dining is a major highlight. The restaurant follows a farm-to-table philosophy, with much of the produce grown on-site or sourced locally, resulting in a creative, seasonal menu rooted in Colombian flavours.
There is also a small spa offering massages and wellness treatments, alongside open-air spaces designed for relaxation, reading or simply taking in the view.
Activities
Activities at Cannúa are centred around nature, culture and slow exploration. Within the property, guided walks through the forest and permaculture gardens offer insight into the lodge’s design philosophy and the surrounding ecosystem. Guests can also take part in hands-on experiences such as planting, learning about sustainable agriculture or exploring the food forest.
There are also curated tastings of Colombian coffee, chocolate and rum, often led by local producers, adding a cultural and sensory layer to the stay.
For those wanting to explore further, hiking routes follow ancient pre-Hispanic trails through the hills, with opportunities for birdwatching, waterfall visits and panoramic viewpoints.
Beyond the lodge, excursions include visits to nearby towns such as Guatapé, as well as more adventurous options like paragliding or exploring the wider Antioquia region.
Sustainability
Sustainability at Cannúa is not an added feature, but the foundation of the entire project. The lodge is built and operated according to permaculture principles, a design philosophy that integrates architecture, agriculture and ecology into a single, regenerative system.
A key element is construction. Cannúa is the world’s first hotel built entirely from compressed earth bricks, significantly reducing the carbon footprint compared to conventional materials while allowing the buildings to regulate temperature naturally.
The lodge sits within a protected forest reserve, with around three-quarters of the land preserved for biodiversity, supporting birdlife, endemic species and native vegetation.
Food production is another core focus. The property is developing nearly 8,000 square metres of organic gardens and food forests, supplying the kitchen with vegetables, herbs and fruits grown on-site using regenerative practices.
Guests are actively involved in this system, with guided permaculture tours and opportunities to participate in planting or conservation activities, creating a more educational and participatory approach to sustainability.
Let me help you create your perfect Colombia holiday
Colombia Holiday Hotels and Lodges
Colombia Holidays, Trips and Tours Ideas
When to visit Colombia
Find out the best time to visit Colombia with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is part of Colombia's dry season, offering pleasant temperatures and less rainfall. The country's diverse geography ensures a variety of climates.
Coastal regions, like Cartagena and Santa Marta, enjoy balmy temperatures around 30°C (86°F), perfect for sunbathing and exploring pristine beaches. Inland cities such as Bogotá and Medellín experience milder temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), ideal for city sightseeing and hiking in the surrounding mountains.
February
February continues to offer favourable weather conditions for exploring Colombia. The dry season persists, ensuring pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall across the country.
Coastal areas like Cartagena and Santa Marta maintain their inviting climate, with temperatures hovering around 30°C (86°F), making it an excellent time for beach activities and water sports. Inland cities such as Bogotá and Medellín experience slightly warmer temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), allowing visitors to enjoy outdoor excursions comfortably.
March
March marks the transition from the dry season to the beginning of the rainy season in Colombia. While the weather remains generally pleasant, there may be occasional showers and increased humidity later in the month.
Coastal regions like Cartagena and Santa Marta experience temperatures around 30°C (86°F) but may also see some rainfall. Inland cities such as Bogotá and Medellín continue to enjoy mild temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) but may also encounter intermittent rain showers.
April
April is the beginning of the shoulder season in Colombia. During this time, the weather can be more unpredictable, with increased rainfall in various regions.
Coastal areas like Cartagena and Santa Marta may experience higher humidity and occasional showers, while inland cities such as Bogotá and Medellín can also see increased precipitation. It's advisable to pack rain gear and plan outdoor activities accordingly.
May
In May, Colombia experiences varied weather and climate conditions depending on the region.
Coastal areas like Cartagena and Santa Marta enjoy warm temperatures around 30°C (86°F) with occasional showers. Inland cities such as Bogotá and Medellín have milder temperatures ranging from 15°C to 23°C (59°F to 74°F).
June
June continues the rainy season and brings varied weather conditions across the country.
Coastal regions like Cartagena and Santa Marta experience warm temperatures around 30°C (86°F) with increased rainfall. Inland cities such as Bogotá and Medellín have milder temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) and can also see occasional rain showers.
July
In July, Colombia experiences diverse weather conditions depending on the region. Coastal areas like Cartagena and Santa Marta offer warm temperatures around 30°C (86°F) with occasional showers. Inland cities such as Bogotá and Medellín provide milder temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) and can also see rain showers.
July presents fantastic opportunities to explore Colombia's natural beauty. Discover the stunning landscapes of Tayrona National Park, hike through the Cocora Valley, or go whale watching along the Pacific Coast.
August
In August, Colombia experiences diverse weather conditions depending on the region. Coastal areas like Cartagena and Santa Marta offer warm temperatures around 30°C (86°F) with occasional showers. Inland cities such as Bogotá and Medellín provide milder temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) and can also experience rain showers.
September
In September, Colombia experiences varied weather conditions depending on the region. Coastal areas like Cartagena and Santa Marta offer warm temperatures around 30°C (86°F) with a chance of occasional showers. Inland cities such as Bogotá and Medellín provide milder temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) and can also see some rainfall.
October
October is the start of the rainy season or the Low season in Colombia.
Rainfall is heaviest inland in the cities like Bogota and Cali, however, it is perfectly navigable and manageable to visit these places despite heavy downpours. There are plenty of indoor activities like museums, restaurants, and art galleries.
November
The rainy season eases up slightly as it transitions to the dry season at the end of November.
Coastal areas such as Cartagena and Santa Marta continue to offer warm temperatures, ranging from 28°C to 32°C (82°F to 90°F), with lots of showers. Inland cities like Bogotá and Medellín start to cool down with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F). If you prefer warmer and drier weather, stick to the Caribbean side of Colombia. The coastal region, notably Cartagena, has a plethora of colourful attractions.
December
December is the beginning of the dry season, or High Season, and marks the start of the best conditions in which to visit Colombia.
Coastal areas such as Cartagena and Santa Marta offer warm temperatures ranging from 28°C to 32°C (82°F to 90°F). These regions tend to have a mix of sunny days and occasional showers. Inland cities like Bogotá and Medellín have milder temperatures ranging from 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F).
Speak to a Colombia expert today
and start planning your tailor-made holiday
Amanda
Colombia Expert