Roadside, we waited beneath shaded trees to flag down a collectivo bound for Santa Marta. From there, we’d continue to the tiny village of Minca. Eventually, we planned to arrive at Casa Elemento, a thoughtfully constructed hostel perched high enough to boast views of the village, Santa Marta, the surrounding valley and out to the Caribbean.
In Colombia, transportation timetables are approximations. Forget trying to consult Google and talk to a human instead.
“Just wait till the blue and white bus passes by, you will see it,” explained the patient receptionist as we peppered her with questions.
It took a few attempts on a spotty phone connection to confirm our spontaneous reservation with Casa Elemento.
Skeptically equipped with directions, we checked out of our dreamy cabana at Costeño, squinted into the sun and hoped for the best.
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the curious passport 