Minca, a small village in the mountains of Colombia, is a real insider tip for nature lovers and backpackers. It is only around 45 minutes from the city of Santa Marta and offers a welcome break from the heat and hustle and bustle of the coastal city. With its impressive biodiversity, stunning hiking trails and cozy accommodation options, Minca is the perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Highlights & sights in Minca
Amidst the lush, green mountains, Minca hides some of Colombia’s most impressive natural beauty. Whether you’re a fan of refreshing waterfalls, exotic birds or idyllic hiking trails, Minca has something for every nature lover.
The Pozo Azul
A must on any trip to Minca is the Pozo Azul, a natural swimming pool surrounded by lush green jungle. A short hike takes you to this idyllic spot, which is perfect for cooling off from the tropical heat.
My tip: Go a little further back, as there are usually fewer visitors here. You can also jump from the rock into the water there.
- Tip: Don’t forget mosquito spray!
Las Cascadas de Marinka
My personal highlight in and around Minka was the Marinka waterfall, in Spanish: Las Cascadas de Marinka. This impressive waterfall is hidden in the jungle and requires a hike of about an hour! With its double waterfalls flowing into crystal-clear pools, the Marinka waterfall is the perfect place to cool off in the tropical heat. There are also hammocks and small huts to relax in, as well as a small café.
- Entrance fee: 10.000 COP (~2,20€)
Coffee farms & cocoa farms
Minca is also known for its coffee and cocoa plantations, which you can visit on a guided tour. The tour gives you a unique insight into the coffee and cocoa production process and of course you can also taste the local products. One of the best-known farms is Finca La Victoria, which is also quite easy to reach.
Sunset
For an unforgettable sunset, you should definitely visit Casa Loma . The charming guesthouse is located on a hill overlooking Minca and its restaurant offers a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains and the valley. While enjoying a cool drink, you can watch the sun slowly sink into the distance and bathe the sky in spectacular colors. On a clear day, you can even see the twinkling lights of the distant coastal town of Santa Marta. A wonderful place to end a day in Minca.
The best restaurants and cafés in Minca
Although Minca has a very manageable size, the number and selection of restaurants and cafés is truly incredible and there is something to suit every taste.
Breakfast
My highlight for breakfast in Minca was the Duni Café. They serve excellent coffee and super tasty breakfast bowls, which have made the café my absolute favorite.
Another recommended café for breakfast is the “Amora Cocina Saludable.
If you are looking for delicious bread and want to try perhaps the tastiest pan de chocolate, you should definitely make a stop at La Miga Panadería bakery.
Lunch & Dinner
For lunch or dinner, I can recommend a visit to the “Chiquita Brava Bar y Restaurante”. The restaurant offers a varied selection of dishes, whether meat or vegetarian. There is also a good selection of cocktails. Another very tasty and highly recommended restaurant with a good selection of dishes is “The Lazy Cat” restaurant.
Where to stay
Nothing listed or not available? Then simply look directly for suitable accommodation in Minca at booking.com*.
Arrival & transportation on site
Arrival
Getting to Minca is relatively easy. Minibuses and cabs run regularly from the bus station in Santa Marta to Minca. The journey usually takes around 45 minutes and offers wonderful views of the surrounding countryside on the way.
Getting around
In Minca itself, the main means of transportation is the motorcycle cab, which is perfect for tackling the steep and often unpaved roads.
If you want to explore the surrounding area a little more actively, you can rent bicycles on site or, of course, explore the area on foot.
Costs Minca
The price level in Minca is quite moderate compared to many other parts of Colombia. Accommodation as well as food and activities are affordable for all budgets.
- Hostel: 10–25€ / night
- Cocktail: approx. 4€
- Hotel: 50–150€ / night
- Activities: 3–50€ / day
Best Time to Visit
Minca can be visited all year round as the climate is constantly warm with temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius. For hiking and nature lovers, the dry season from December to March is particularly recommended, as the paths are less slippery and you can enjoy the breathtaking nature to the full.
The months from April to November are known as the rainy season , but this time also has its charm. The landscape is particularly green and the rivers and waterfalls carry a lot of water. Rainfall is usually short and intense, followed by sunshine.
My conclusion about Minca:
For me, Minca really was a great oasis of peace and relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of the coastal towns. For me, the place offered the perfect mix of great nature, outdoor activities and a very relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for unwinding for a few days and just chilling out 🙂
