Colombia Travel Guide
Minca
Colombia
Nestled away from the coastal bustle, Minca is a small village in the Sierra Nevada that might not be noteworthy at first glance. It’s an ideal destination for adding a mountain and jungle hiking leg to your Colombian trip. It’s famous for birdwatching and has some beautiful eco-lodges.
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KEY INFORMATION ABOUT MINCA, COLOMBIA
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GENERAL OVERVIEW
For a breath of fresh mountain air after the beach.
Minca is a village in the Magdalena department, located in the dense jungle of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta on Colombia’s Caribbean coast.
Minca is 30 minutes from Santa Marta, 1.5 hours from Tayrona, and 5 hours from Cartagena.
Established in the 18th century, Minca prospered due to its coffee and sugar cane plantations. Its coffees were famous around the globe. In the 1970s, however, Minca faced a more difficult period with the arrival of paramilitaries.
Thankfully, the town has become much more dynamic (and safe) in the past fifteen years, thanks to many tourists who have fallen for Minca’s charm.
Minca is your best option if you’re looking to enjoy a “jungle” atmosphere on the Caribbean coast.
The village itself offers little beyond a few good restaurants and cafés. Most travelers prefer to head higher into the mountains to stay in eco-hotels that provide breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada and the sea.
Minca is also one of the few places in the region where you can plan a visit to a coffee or cacao farm.
Moreover, Minca is a renowned spot for birdwatchers, with 400 bird species recorded in the area.
The village of Minca is at an altitude of 600 meters. It is typically hot and humid during the day and cool at night. If your ecolodge is higher in the mountains, it will be (a lot) colder in the evening.
- Mid-December to April: Dry season – the best time to visit Minca.
- May and June: Frequent afternoon showers.
- July and August: Short dry season. Alternating between rain and sun.
- September to November: Lots of rain, but mornings are usually sunny.
Minca is quite touristy now. I suggest avoiding weekends and public holidays.
- Mid-December to mid-January: Peak tourist season
- Holy Week (Semana Santa): Very peak tourist season
- July and August: High tourist season
- March to May: Low tourist season
There are three ways to appreciate Minca:
- Book a day trip from Santa Marta. This will allow you to do most of the activities.
- For those who enjoy hiking, there’s a 2-day trek that includes visiting a coffee farm and climbing up to Cerro Kennedy—ideal for getting off the beaten path.
- Take your time to enjoy Minca’s atmosphere and relax. 3 days are enough for this.
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THINGS TO DO IN MINCA
The best sights and activities
The advantage of Minca is that you can explore without a guide. Just follow the paths leading to different viewpoints and waterfalls:
1-If you follow the main road through Minca, you will reach:
- Cascada Perdida: A lesser-known waterfall. Access it from La Veranda Hotel. 20 minutes.
- Reserva Natural Amazilia: Great for a bite to eat and a swim. Very nice.
- Pozo Azul: There are 3 pools for swimming, but they are often overcrowded. 30 minutes walk.
2- Another option is to follow the path that turns before the Chocolate Museum. I like this one because there are fewer vehicles. However, there are no waterfalls on this side. If you continue for 4 hours (without getting lost), you will reach Paso del Mango.
3- The Cerro Kennedy Oriente route. This is one of the most popular trails for hikers, as it leads to beautiful waterfalls:
- Cascada Oído del Mundo: 20 minutes. Free, but very crowded.
- Marinka: A well-maintained, paid site with 2 waterfalls (one of which you can swim in). There’s also a restaurant/bar and nets for lounging with a beautiful view.
- Los Pinos: A beautiful viewpoint after 3 hours of walking. You can then loop back to the main road (route 1) and descend back to Minca—another 3 hours.
There are many farms in the mountains of the Sierra Nevada.
Coffee and Cocoa Farms:
- La Victoria: This is the most well-known as it offers coffee tours showcasing 130-year-old machines. I didn’t particularly enjoy this tour. It’s a 2-hour walk from Minca.
- San Rafael: A small, authentic finca offering a short cacao and coffee tour. It’s a rather superficial visit, mainly intended to give you a feel for the finca’s atmosphere. A 40-minute walk from Minca. The owner is lovely.
- La Candelaria: offers the best chocolate and coffee tours in Minca. During the chocolate tour, you will be given lots of delicious samples to taste. It’s a 2-hour walk from Minca, so it’s better to take a moto-taxi. It’s quite well-known, so come early.
Learn About Permaculture
- PlanB is a farm that offers a permaculture workshop and a vegetarian cooking class twice a week (4 hours total). Pim and Anne, the owners, are self-taught, and their achievements are impressive. Don’t forget to taste their delicious honey!
Once again, you have several options—but in any case, you’ll need to get up early.
The classic option is to go with Joe from 6 AM to 9 AM. The tour is well-organized, and the guides communicate by radio to find the birds more quickly. Additionally, Joe provides binoculars, and the price is very attractive. It’s an excellent way to get into birdwatching.
Or you can go to the Observatorio de Aves, a 1-hour walk from Minca.
If you want to get off the beaten path and combine it with stunning views, you can set off at night for Cerro Kennedy (starting from Mundo Nuevo). This way, you can observe birds in the beautiful San Lorenzo Reserve.
Finally, the most passionate birdwatchers will be thrilled to spend the night in the El Dorado Reserve. It’s expensive and far, but it’s also the best birdwatching lodge in Sierra Nevada.
The sunsets in Minca are breathtaking. I strongly suggest choosing a hotel where you can take in the view. The higher your hotel is situated, the more spectacular the sunset will be.
If you stay in the village, you can climb the roughly 200 steps (I’ve never counted) to Casa Loma. There’s an open-air bar and seating where you can enjoy the sunset.
- Mundo Nuevo offers various types of massages and ceremonies. Nearby is a Wiwa community called Awindua.
- You can also check out Selva Minca, a fancy ecolodge (Bali-style) offering massages.
© Tomplanmytrip
MINCA SURROUNDINGS
Multi-day trips and next destinations
This is an activity you can do alone or with a guide.
The solo version: The simplest option is to stay at Casas Viejas, as it brings you closer to your final destination. Plus, the hotel is excellent. Follow the staff’s advice to reach Hotel El Ramo on the first day (about 5-6 hours of hiking)—the view from the hotel is incredible. Go to bed early because the next day, you’ll need to wake up around 3-4 AM to hike up Cerro Kennedy for an additional 2 hours. Your reward? Watching the sunrise over the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada.
The organized version: You can join a tour that includes visiting a coffee finca and takes you along trails that don’t follow the main road. It’s an excellent option.
There is a poorly maintained 4-hour trail from Minca to Paso del Mango, a village similar to Minca but without the tourists.
The village offers similar activities: cacao tours, coffee tours, permaculture, and waterfalls, so it’s not worth going if you plan to visit Minca.
However, it could be a nice alternative. There are places I love: Carpe Diem and Coaba Reserve.
The Lost City (Ciudad Perdida) is the most famous trek in Colombia. It’s a moderately difficult hike if you’re in good physical shape, covering about 80 km through the jungle. Each day involves minimal positive elevation gain, and the logistics are well-organized, with camps equipped with beds, hot meals, and potable water.
The hot and humid climate can be surprising, and the trail is often muddy when it rains, which happens frequently. The goal is to reach the Ciudad Perdida on the third day before returning. These ruins are the ancient terraces of a Tairona village. Along the way, you’ll get some insights into the Kogi culture, but this isn’t the main focus of the trek—just a bonus.
The trek is very popular, with daily departures from Santa Marta. It’s mandatory to go through a certified agency—there are five, and they all offer the trek at the same price. The classic version takes 4 days, but you can also opt to do it in 3 or 5 days, depending on your walking speed.
It’s a great way to experience the joys (and pains) of a multi-day trek.
Il n’est pas possible de visiter Tayrona en une journée depuis Minca.
Il est préférable de prendre un hôtel proche de l’entrée du parc et d’y entrer tôt.
L’atmosphère de Tayrona et de Minca est complètement différente, tu peux donc inclure les deux destinations dans ton itinéraire.
© Tomplanmytrip
WHERE TO STAY IN MINCA
The best hotels and areas around Minca.
The village of Minca isn’t particularly remarkable, but it has good restaurants and cafés. It’s a good option if you’re traveling on a budget, as you can easily buy what you need to eat and you don’t need to take a jeep or moto-taxi to get to your accommodation.
The most budget-friendly accommodations are not listed online.
Otherwise, you can check out Finca Hostel Bolivar and Casa Chill Out.
This is a great option as it allows you to enjoy Minca’s natural environment (birds, beautiful sunset views) while being close enough to walk to the village quickly.
- Sol de Minca Eco Lodge: Higher quality than Minca Glamping. Ecological cabins with authentic design, lush nature, breathtaking views, and attentive owners. 15 minutes walk from Minca. However, it’s on the “wrong side” of the village, heading towards Santa Marta.
- Jungle Joe: A budget option with bamboo lodging. 15 minutes from the village. The hostel also offers activities.
This area offers access to the most beautiful waterfalls and the Los Pinos viewpoint. From Minca, you’ll need to take a moto-taxi or a jeep to your accommodation.
One of my favorite hotels in Minca is La Reserva Tierra Adentro. It’s partly an animal sanctuary for those rescued from illegal trafficking and offers breathtaking views of the mountains. The rooms are beautiful, the service is excellent, and it’s ideal for families. It offers great value for money and is located 20 minutes away by jeep.
Staying here means you’re close to coffee and chocolate fincas. The views of the Sierra Nevada are excellent. However, the road access is in very poor condition.
My favorite hotels are:
- Mundo Nuevo: An outstanding eco-hotel with a pool that offers extraordinary views and delicious food. It’s a 30-minute uphill walk from Minca. There are many on-site activities.
- Trekker Glamping: For a luxurious glamping experience with high-end cabins at a premium price. Views are also breathtaking. 15 minutes by transport.
- Cabañas Minca Sintropia: Our latest find. It’s a coffee finca on a stunning property, secluded in the mountains (best for those who enjoy walking). The cabins have panoramic windows on three sides and a balcony with a hammock, offering views of the mountains, the rainforest, and the coast.
This is the main road, which is now in good condition. Therefore, taking moto-taxis is less intimidating. It’s a good option if you plan to visit Cerro Kennedy or do the Victoria Coffee Tour. This area also has the highest-altitude hotels (with the best views).
My preferred accommodations:
- Casas Viejas: The best pool in Minca. Everything is perfect: the rooms, the food, the view. The vibe is quite young. However, road access is bad—about 30 minutes by moto-taxi.
- Terramia Estate: This hotel provides an unforgettable experience in the middle of a coffee plantation. The unique and intimate rooms are ideal for relaxation or a romantic retreat. The jacuzzi and outdoor shower add a luxurious touch. The friendly and dedicated owners enrich the experience. However, this paradise is far from Minca: 40 minutes by jeep.
- Mano Verde: Great for losing yourself in the Sierra Nevada at a very reasonable price (except for the access cost, 40 minutes by moto-taxi)
© Tomplanmytrip
EATING AND DRINKING
My favorite bars and restaurants in Minca.
There isn’t much nightlife in Minca—and you won’t go out if you stay in a secluded hotel in the Sierra Nevada.
You can grab a beer at Donde Raul, have a strong cocktail at Chiquita Brava Bar, enjoy the rooftop at Khitajo, or head to Casa Loma for a drink with a sunset view.
There’s also a good craft brewery in Minca: Nevada. Try one of their beers 😉
Here are the recommended places by the jeep driver to enjoy a good sancocho (a type of soup with lots of meat and vegetables) by the river:
- Rincon del Toño
- Doña Ana
Another great spot is Bururake for delicious grilled meats.
Minca has a rather hippie atmosphere, where people live in harmony with nature. As a result, it’s easy to eat well and healthily.
Two restaurants stand out in particular:
- Amora Cocina, which serves incredible breakfasts and fruit juices.
- Café Duni, where you can enjoy vegan dishes or have a snack while working online (excellent Wi-Fi).
And since Minca is one of Colombia’s most well-known destinations, there are plenty of other restaurants. If you’re tired of eating rice, beans, potatoes, and chicken, here are some options:
- La Casa de la Pasta: For homemade pasta at an affordable price.
- Arabesca: Delicious oriental-style meals with generous portions and good prices.
- Pizzeria Mirador: Great pizzas with a view of Santa Marta.
- Vapa Esa: Japanese cuisine with a Caribbean twist.
The bakery La Miga is an institution in Minca (or it should be!). French visitors on the verge of depression because they can’t get their fresh bread fix will be delighted. They also offer pain au chocolat, ciabatta, and focaccia.
It’s ideal for grabbing a snack or preparing a picnic before heading out on an excursion.
© Tomplanmytrip
HOW TO GET TO MINCA
And getting around.
The only option to get to Minca by public transport.
If you want to reach Minca quickly, the best option is to take a taxi (from the airport or the bus terminal) as soon as you arrive in Santa Marta. You’ll pay a bit more, but you’ll save a lot of time. It takes about 50 minutes from the airport and 30 minutes from the terminal.
You can also go to the Mercado Municipal (Calle 11 con Carrera 9) in Santa Marta and use the Cootransminca transport company. The van leaves when it’s full, and the trip takes about 40 minutes. This is the most economical option.
In any case, you’ll be dropped off at the Minca bridge. Ensure to arrive before evening, as the Minca transport system doesn’t operate after 6 pm.
Almost all the roads in Minca are in bad condition (except the one leading to Pozo Azul).
If you plan to go to your hotel in the Sierra Nevada by private transport from Santa Marta, you’ll need to hire a driver with a 4×4 jeep. The easiest way is to ask your hotel; they have the right contacts.
Walking is the easiest option. It’s quite nice if you don’t have any bags. But with a 15 kg bag, it quickly becomes a struggle—since, naturally, it’s uphill.
There’s also the option of moto-taxis. All rates are regulated by Minca, so scams are usually not an issue. The moto-taxis will take one of your bags at the front (if it’s a backpack). They are used to it, but it’s still a frightening mode of transport, especially if the road is muddy. And they don’t have helmets for you.
The safest option is to book one of the village jeeps. If you’re alone, find other travelers to share the cost. The price is per trip, not per passenger.
Therefore, choosing a good place to stay is crucial because you’ll be too tired to return to the village.
© Tomplanmytrip
Is Minca Safe?
I never felt unsafe in Minca, whether in the village or on the trails—except maybe on a moto-taxi ^^.
© Tomplanmytrip
MY LAST TIPS
Get the most out of Minca with these recommendations.
- Don’t forget a sweater because it gets chilly at night and in the morning if you’re up in the highlands.
- And a rain jacket.
- I like to have a headlamp for the evening.
- There are lots of sandflies in Minca. It’s best to wear pants and closed shoes (or at least have them in your bag). And don’t come without mosquito repellent.
- Bring cash. There are no ATMs in Minca, and transportation services (as well as some restaurants and hotels) don’t accept credit cards.
The most beautiful hotels are far from Minca and never include the transport cost in their rates. They will provide you with the number of a Jeep driver, but you’ll have to contact him yourself.
Don’t forget that you’ll be in the middle of the mountains. So yes, there are insects.
Opt for hotels that provide free water to their clients.
Google Maps isn’t the best solution for getting around Minca. It’s better to download Maps.me and the offline maps.
© Tomplanmytrip
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