10 Best Things To Do and Places To Stay in Minca Colombia

Are you looking for a place to go next on your Colombia trip? Check out Minca! If you have never heard of this Colombian town, it’s because it is one of the country’s hidden gems that should be on your bucket list. This post will reveal everything you need to know about Minca Colombia.

The beautiful little town of Minca is located in the Sierra Nevadas, overlooking the beautiful city of Santa Marta and the Caribbean Sea. Located at a distance of 45 minutes from Santa Marta, this little town with a population of 800 is often overlooked when planning a trip to the region.

However, it is quite famous among the hikers and backpackers who like to visit the isolated town to enjoy its beautiful waterfalls, fincas, lush jungles, coffee plantations, and relaxing and tranquil ambiance unmatched in the region. A few hours into the town will convince you why it is truly one of the best places to visit. 

So, if we have piqued your interest, here is a detailed guide on how to get to Minca, where you can stay, and how to make the most of your trip to Minca.

How to Get to Minca, Colombia?

To get to Minca, you first need to get to Santa Marta. Even if you are traveling from Cartagena, you will still need to pass to Santa Marta and Minca. 

Here are the 2 ways you can get to Minca.

Traveling to Minca by Bus

The first and cheaper option is to hop on the bus to Minca from Santa Marta. 

You must get to the Mercado Publico in Centro or the main square. When you reach the corner of Calle 11 and Carrera 9, you will see a small white bus with the word Minca inscribed on its windshield.

The bus is a cheaper option and is popular with people traveling on a budget or backpackers. Once the bus is full, it will be ready to leave. It will take 45 minutes to get to Minca, and a one-way ticket will cost you 9,000 Colombian pesos or 2 US dollars. 

The last shuttle leaves Santa Marta square at 5 pm and will drop you at the town center. So, if your accommodation is near the mountain slopes, you will need to hire a moto-taxi to get you there.

Traveling to Minca by Taxi

If you do not want to travel by bus, you can hire a taxi service to take you from Santa Marta to Minca. Taxi service is convenient and cost-efficient if you are traveling with a group. 

Depending on how well you negotiate, it can take 40,000 to 60,000 COP ($9 to $13) to get to Minca.

On the way to Minca, you will enjoy the sights of the beautiful mountains. The taxi will drop you at the town center, and if you have accommodations towards the mountain slope, you can hire a moto-taxi from thereon.

10 Best Things To Do in Minca, Colombia 

1. Visit the La Victoria Coffee Farm

A trip to Minca is not complete without a visit to a coffee farm. You can visit the La Victoria coffee farm, one of North Colombia’s largest and oldest coffee farms, which opened in 1892. To date, the old machinery used on the farm at that time is still in use.

The farm is located around 1 hour and 20 minutes from the town and offers a wonderful tour where you can choose to see some of the finest coffee produced and learn the process of coffee growing and harvesting. 

The tour will cost you around 10,000 COP ($2.27) and includes 2 coffees as part of the tour.

2. Go to the Los Pinos Viewpoint

The Los Pinos viewpoint offers a beautiful view of the Sierra Nevada region, and if you like to hike, it can be a wonderful activity. The activity would take around 3 hours, so you may need to plan accordingly. 

To get to the Los Pinos Viewpoint, go towards the Cerro Kennedy Oriente from the town until you reach the viewpoint. You may find the walk refreshing, but if you do not want to walk, you can rent a motorbike for around 20,000 COP ($5) and get to the viewpoint to watch the sunset.

3. Try Bird Watching

Minca has an abundance of birdlife, including a variety of hummingbirds and other larger birds. You will see plenty of birds in the area searching for prey, which is hard not to notice as they tend to create quite a ruckus in the morning and afternoon when it is peak feeding time.

If you get a chance and are fond of the activity, join a birdwatching tour. You will be able to visit areas that have various unique and interesting kinds of birds, including hummingbirds and toucans.

Alternatively, you can choose a hotel located a distance from the town in the jungle where you will find numerous birds.

4. Try Swimming at the Pozo Azul

If your travel itinerary includes a trip to the La Victoria Farm, make a quick stop at Pozo Azul, Minca’s most popular waterfall. Although the water is quite cold, a quick swim will surely cool you down. 

The fall is an hour’s drive away from the town. You can rent a taxi for around 10,000 COP ($2.25) to get to the fall.

5. Visit the Marinka Waterfall

Another famous waterfall we recommend you visit is the Marinka waterfall. It is an amazing place to visit and perhaps even better than Pozo Azul. The overall stunning ambiance of the thick forest makes this place a must-visit.

You can have the best time walking through awe-inspiring nature and then cooling down at the waterfall. If you decide to hike toward the fall, it will take you an hour. 

You can also take a moto-taxi to get to the sides of the fall. It will cost you 5,000 COP ($1.13), while the entrance to the waterfall will cost another 5,000 COP ($1.13). 

The fall becomes quite crowded by the day, so it is better to visit in the earlier part of the day.

6. Experience Ciudad Perdida

Ciudad Perdida, or Lost City Trek, is one of the unique sites in Minca. It is an ancient archaeological site founded around 800 CE and holds significant cultural value for the locals. 

The journey to Ciudad Perdida will take you along the Sierra Nevada Mountains, where you will pass beautiful valleys and the indigenous Wiwa communities.

A trip to the lost city entails a 4 to 5-day hiking journey, and you will need to join a tour for this trip.

7. Hiking to the Cerro Kennedy

If you are looking for adventure, take advantage of the opportunity to hike Cerro Kennedy. Although not much known to tourists, it can be exhilarating to undertake the adventure.

You will need to dedicate 2 days and 1 night to hiking the trail, which will take you 10,170 feet (3,100 meters) above sea level. Once you reach the summit, get ready to be blown away by the spectacular view of the Sierra Nevada and the snow-covered mountains of Pico Bolivar and Pico Colon. 

8. Shop for Handmade Crafts

Colombia is a culturally rich country, and you get a glimpse of its culture in souvenirs and gifts across the country. 

Minca is particularly famous for selling unique handmade items, and you can get really good items at nice prices, such as oils, jewelry, Colombian snacks, etc. These can make for really nice gift ideas as well.

9. Watch the Sunset at 360 Mirador

Minca has beautiful viewpoints in its surroundings, and one such place is the 360 Mirador viewpoints, which offer beautiful views of Minca, the Caribbean, the Sierra Nevada mountains, and Santa Marta. 

You can hike to the viewpoint directly from the Minca town and stay there till sunset to enjoy the beautiful views and peaceful ambiance.

10. Try Local and International Cuisine

Minca is famous for its food. The town features many trendy restaurants and cafes that you can visit to enjoy the local cuisine. 

The Casa Aney is a local restaurant that offers Israeli and Mediterranean food. Similarly, another amazing option is the Arabesca, which serves divine Arabic cuisine and if you are craving Mexican food, try Sativa in the same area.

International food is a little more expensive than local street food, but if you want to indulge, you can find great options in Minca. 

However, if you want a change in the menu, check out the food options at the Carrera 5 A. 

Where To Stay in Minca, Colombia?

Due to flourishing tourism, Minca offers a lot of accommodation options. You will find excellent variety in the main village. 

Here are a few recommendations:

• Finca Carpe Diem Ecolodge outside of Minca is very popular with backpackers. The property features amazing views, trails for hiking, and three swimming pools.
• Casas Viejas won the award for the best hostel in South America. Located almost 30 minutes from Minca, it is a wonderful place with a natural ambiance and outdoor activities. 
• Reserva Natural Tierra Adentro is a wonderful place to stay, ideal for couples. Rooms offer a view of the river and jungle.
• Sierra Alta is a fine boutique hotel and is suitable if you are looking for an upscale option.
• Minca glamping is another eco-lodge ideal if you want to have the glamping experience.

For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.

Tips To Enjoy Your Stay in Minca, Colombia 

Glorious waterfalls, exciting trails, lush fauna, clean, fresh air, and lively wildlife make Minca a tourist haven, particularly for nature enthusiasts. Some months of the year are busier than others; for instance, December, August, and July are peak months. 

Weather-wise, it is better to visit between November to February. The weather is pleasant with a little rain. The days are bright, and the weather is ideal for hiking.

December, July, and August are the busiest times, so hotel prices may go up. 

Also, the tourist spots may be crowded. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider the time between March to May.

Minca is a very safe city for tourists, but at the same time, it is important to practice caution. Avoid deserted areas at night, and do not flaunt your valuables in public. Keep your valuables and passport safely locked in your hotel room.

Since the city offers so many attractions, it is best to spend at least two nights in the area to explore all the popular spots and enjoy the activities.

How To Stay Safe In Minca, Colombia

Minca, Colombia, is a beautiful and serene destination nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains. While it’s generally safe for tourists, like any place, it’s wise to take precautions. Here are some tips to ensure your safety while visiting Minca:

• Keep Valuables Secure: Avoid displaying expensive jewelry or cameras that may attract unwanted attention.
• Be Vigilant in Crowded Areas: Keep your belongings close, preferably in front of you, and be mindful of your surroundings.
• Respect Local Customs: Familiarize yourself with Colombian customs and culture to avoid unintentionally offending locals.
• Stay Hydrated and Protected: Minca can get hot and humid, so drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Apply sunscreen regularly and wear protective clothing to avoid sunburn, especially if you’re hiking or spending time outdoors.

Additionally, consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!

Frequently Asked Questions – Minca, Colombia

Is It Safe To Travel to Minca, Colombia?

Minca is a very safe place for tourists, even solo backpackers. 

If you want to visit the place, you can do so without any safety concerns.

What Is Minca, Colombia Known For?

Minca is mostly famous for its organic coffee and is home to different variations of bird life. 

Is It Expensive in Minca, Colombia?

Minca is regarded as one of the least expensive cities in the world. However, hotel rates and other prices slowly increase as tourism grows in the area. 

Can You Drink Water in Minca, Colombia?

It is better to drink filtered water in Minca since tap water may not be suitable for drinking. 

Conclusion – Minca, Colombia

If you are looking for a laidback destination where you can enjoy nature, have an easy, relaxing day taking a dip in the waterfalls and strolling along the trails, head out to Minca, Colombia. 

The town also hosts a Machu Picchu alternative, so you can have a trek at the Lost City to feel like you are traveling back in time. 

With the variety of memorable activities Minca has to offer, make sure to include this awesome destination in your travel itinerary. Enjoy chilling out in MInca Colombia!

---

Your Ultimate Travel Guide & Booking Resources

Related reads:

• 18 Things to Do in Popayan Colombia – Best Places & Activities
• Valle de Cocora Colombia: The Best & Complete Travel Guide