Until a few years ago, Minca was a quiet little village in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, where only the curious went to discover the beauty of nature. Today, Minca is one of the top destinations for a stay in and around Santa Marta.
For us, Minca was a stopover on a long journey along the Caribbean coast from Necocli to the Macuira National Park at the tip of the Guajira peninsula.
We wanted to stop off in Minca to get a feel for the village, which everyone comes back enchanted with. Unfortunately for us, it was a very quick trip and our busy schedule didn’t allow us to take full advantage of all that Minca has to offer.
So, take this post for what it is: the experience of a couple who spent some time in Minca.
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Disclaimer: we apologize in advance for any grammatical or syntactic errors, as our native language is not English (we're a Colombian-French couple), so we hope you'll forgive us and still enjoy the information we share with you! Please note that all the information on our blog is based on our own experience, and is checked and updated regularly.
Minca, a trendy destination
BACKPACKERS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD
Minca has been a runaway success in recent years. There are several reasons for this.
Reasons for success
Firstly, easy access: Minca is located in the only valley on this side of the Sierra accessible by road, bus or car.
Secondly, the arrival of foreign investors who bought up whole swathes of the mountains for a few million pesos saw a rapid expansion in the range of accommodation available to tourists.
Casa Elemento is owned by an Australian-Canadian duo, Mundo Nuevo by a Belgian, Finca San Rafael by a Swiss…. No surprise there, since this phenomenon can be found all over the country.
Minca is an easy and comfortable way to discover the natural wealth of this incredible mountain range, considered the “heart of the world” by the indigenous Koguis, Arhuacos, Kakuamos or Wiwas.
In Minca, the backpacker is king.
To tell the truth, we weren’t expecting to see so many tourists, and to be totally dishonest, when we arrived we wondered where the Colombians were!
Let’s just say that if you come from a less touristy village where you’re in contact with the local population, you’ll come to Minca looking for something different.
Here, travelers come to join Casa Elemento and its giant hammock, or Mundo Nuevo and its neohippie utopia, whose photos are everywhere on Instagram… Here we come to “connect with nature”, discover permaculture, why not eat vegan, listen to a guitar/percu concert with a view of the mountains, and chat with other backpackers from all over the world.
You don’t have to stay in the mountains, where the views are often magnificent. You can stay in the village and discover the viewpoints offered by these hostals for a few hours while you enjoy a drink.
In short, along with Palomino, which would be its “beach” equivalent, Minca is truly THE fashionable destination in the Santa Marta area.
Finca San Rafael in Minca
Cacao and Cofee Farm
We had chosen to stay in a coffee and cocoa finca, Finca San Rafael.
We arrived by bus from Cartagena to the Santa Marta terminal, where the late hour prompted us to take a cab up to Minca. After a rather bizarre journey with a rather bizarre, not to say drunk, driver, we arrive in the village center, where backpackers in shorts/dockers and hiking boots line the main street in search of information, arrivals or departures.
Time to negotiate the route with Motomink, Minca’s motorcycle kings, and here we are, with our suitcases, heading for the heights.
We discover our magnificent room, and for that reason alone, we’re glad we chose the finca San Rafael, because even if there are things to complain about in the end, this room with this view… it’s bliss!
Once we’ve set down our suitcases, the Sierra offers us its most beautiful sight: a sublime sunset! Then it’s off to a simple meal before enjoying the cool of the night.
Cacao Tour
Best things to do in Minca
The next morning we take advantage of the “tour of the plantations” offered by the finca to travellers staying overnight. It’s an opportunity to discover the cocoa culture, which we didn’t know at all! And so we’ll have the opportunity to rediscover it during our two fabulous days in the arhuaca indigenous community of Seydukwa.
Our guide takes us along the trail above the finca, where coffee and cocoa plants are grown on the mountainside. While the tour itself is nothing exceptional, it is an opportunity for us to chat with Osvaldo, a worker who works here and lives in another finca on the other side of the valley. He shows us who owns the land around here, and it’s amazing to think that whole swathes of mountain have been so easily bought and sold..
We get our first taste of fresh cocoa beans coated in a kind of sweet white honeydew with a distant taste of cocoa. Each huge fruit yields a fairly large quantity of cocoa beans, which are then dried and roasted on site. We’ll be leaving with 500g of whole beans, which will add a delicious aroma to our suitcases.
Once the visit is over, we head down to the village to enjoy one of Minca’s attractions, its river and famous “pozo azul”.
Swimming at Cascada Perdida
Best things to do in Minca
We set off walking for an hour’s stroll, including a beautiful view of the valley stretching as far as Santa Marta and the Caribbean Sea in the distance. Once in the village, we head off for lunch at one of the restaurants on Church Street. The restaurant’s terrace is very nice, and the menus are in Spanish and English. It has to be said, though, that we’re surrounded only by tourists, some with computers to enjoy the wifi and a small salad, others more partial to the burger/fry.
The very friendly waitress (which goes to show that you can still have exchanges with the locals if you take the trouble, of course) warns us that the pozo azul is closed, as a tourist had drowned the day before, swept away by rising waters… In fact, it’s the start of the rainy season, and when it rains at the top of the Sierra, the water rises suddenly and can be quite dangerous. Apparently the foreign tourist didn’t listen to the safety advice… proof if any were needed that you should always listen to the locals.
We ask her if she has a place to recommend, accessible walking, as at the end of our trip our budget is starting to tighten and the cost of motorcycles to get to the Marinka waterfalls is putting us off a little.
She recommends a small waterfall on a tributary of the main Rio, the “cascada perdida”, which is a 20-minute walk away. So 40 min..
We walk up a road to our secret waterfall, arriving at the Hotel Colonial where, for the modest sum of 2.000 pesos, we are allowed to go down to the river to enjoy the “cascada perdida”.
At the bottom, we cross the river, then climb up a steep path to a sublime little waterfall hidden in its green setting. The cool waterhole invites you to take a dip, which we won’t miss! The weather’s fine, the sun is shining through the foliage and we’re all alone… it’s hard to miss Pozo azul!
Be aware that the place is very small and few people can fit in comfortably, and it’s certainly less spectacular than Pozo azul or the Marinka waterfalls. Remember to respect the site and to leave without leaving any trace (take your garbage with you).
Sunset over the Sierra Nevada
Best things to do in Minca
We had in mind to come back early enough to climb up to a viewpoint on the heights of the finca and admire the sunset, which if it’s anything like the one the day before, should be worth a look!
Unfortunately, our timing was off and we arrived at the finca too late, just in time to enjoy the sunset over the valley from the terrace. The sky is ablaze, taking on shades of gold, then pink, then violet, the clouds playing with contrasts, the spectacle is sublime, all around us numerous birds are frolicking in the fruit trees, we’re in good spirits..
The next day we set off early for Santa Marta, meeting Adrian in the afternoon to prepare for our two days with his Arhuaca family. The motorcycles pick us up and we arrive in the village to sample the delights of Minca’s famous French bakery. Then it’s time to catch the bus back to the Santa Marta market, before continuing on to Palomino, where we’re sure to have a wonderful encounter!
Best things to do in Minca
VISIT MINCA in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
As you can imagine, we didn’t stay long enough to discover all the things to do in Minca! Quite the contrary… especially as the storms forced the locals to close off access to the main river.
That said, we had done our homework – we’d even made contact with one of the community tourism agencies we’d been meaning to meet – and got some information on the spot. So here are just a few of the activities we recommend for a stay in Minca!
A day Tour in Minca with a guide
If you’d like to spend the day discovering Minca with a guide, you can contact our local partner who offers a great program:
- Discover the village
- Visit a coffee finca and learn about the production process
- Forest walk to a waterfall for a swim
- Meal
- Discover the use of bamboo and local know-how
- Tasting of local cocoa
Sierra Nevada Memory Museum
A tiny museum with a big history. An interesting visit to learn about the history of Minca and the Sierra Nevada. The team is also active in the local community and with young people, so it’s a great initiative to encourage when you go!
- Price: free, but you can leave a tip to support their work.
- How to get there: go to Tienda Café Minca, and take the path away from the main road.
Pozo Azul
The best-known spot in Minca, Pozo Azul is a large swimming hole in the river. It’s a popular weekend getaway for Colombian families. There are other swimming holes further up the river. During the rainy season, be sure to ask about the possible risks. To get there, take rue de l’église, towards Finca la Victoria.
- Time to get there: 1h walking/20min by transport
- Motorcycle fare (one way): $15.000 COP/motorbike
- Rate for 4×4 transport (one way): $40.000 COP (4 pers. max)
Marinka waterfall
Here’s the other most famous activity to do in Minca: enjoy the Cascade Marinka. There’s a small restaurant here. To get there, head towards Casa Elemento.
- Getting there: 1h walk/20 min by public transport
- Entrance fee: $10.000 COP
- Motorcycle fare (one way): $15.000 COP/motorbike
- 4×4 transport (one way): $40.000 COP (4 pers. max)
Cerro Kennedy
Cerro Kennedy is a military base summit and one of the most spectacular vantage points in the Minca region. It’s a plan we really wanted to do if we’d had more time. Some agencies offer to take you up there for the night, to enjoy the sunrise over the valley and the view out to the Caribbean Sea. But this plan is accessible to hikers by a good day’s walk or by road with a local driver (motorcycle or car)
- Time to get there: 9h walking/3h by transport
- Motorcycle fare (one way): $90.000/motorbike
- Rate for 4×4 transport (one way): $450.000 (4 pers. max)
Bird watching
Minca, like the rest of the Sierra Nevada, is renowned for the richness of its flora and fauna, and this can be an opportunity for bird lovers to do a bit of Bird Watching! There are several possibilities, the best known of which is certainly to call on Jungle Joe, an old-timer with 30 years’ experience in birdwatching.
- Duration: 3 hours
- Price: $30.000 COP
BIrdwatching in Colombia
Read our post to discover the best areas for birdwatching in Colombia.
Visit a coffee and/or cocoa plantation
FINCA LA VICTORIA
This is one of Minca’s oldest fincas cafeteras, a veritable institution offering organic coffee growing and a model of social development in Minca. You can eat in the bistro, which is reputed to be superbly good!
- Tour duration: 1h
- Tour price: 15.000 COP
- Getting there: 2h30 walking/45min by transport
- Motorcycle fare (one way): $15.000 COP/motorbike
- Rate for 4×4 transport (one way): $80.000 COP (4 pers. max)
FINCA SAN RAFAEL
To be honest, we had a mixed experience: meeting Osvaldo was great, but the tour itself wasn’t that great, the machines were out of order, and we didn’t get to taste the cocoa. You’d think when everything’s working, it’d be nicer.
- Tour duration: 1h
- Tour price: The tour is included if you stay on site/otherwise it’s around 20.000 COP
- Time to get there: 40 min walking/15min by transport
- Motorcycle fare (one way): $15.000 COP/motorbike.
- Rate for 4×4 transport (one way): $50.000 COP (4 pers. max)
FINCA LA CANDELARIA/EL PARAISO DE TUKI
One of Minca’s most famous cocoa tours, especially for the encounter with Tuki the Toucan. This tour seems to be very well thought-out for tourists, explaining the whole process right up to testing the cocoa face mask!
- Tour duration: 1 hour
- Tour price: 25.000 COP
- Time to get there: 1h walking/30min by transport
- Motorcycle fare (one way): $15.000 COP/motorbike
- Rate for 4×4 transport (one way): $80.000 COP (4 pers. max)
Los Pinos
One of the options is to climb up to the “Los Pinos” viewpoint, to discover the Sierra pines which are few and far between in the area, and above all a beautiful viewpoint over the valley as far as Santa Marta.
- Time to get to Mundo Nuevo: 4h walking/1h30 by transport
- Motorcycle fare (one way): $25.000 COP/motorbike
- Rate for 4×4 transport (one way): $140.000 COP (4 pers. max)
Watch the sunset at Mundo Nuevo
This has become an activity in its own right. Indeed, it’s become so well known that even those who don’t stay there want to go and see it. So it’s possible to simply go for a drink at Mundo Nuevo to discover their ecotourism project and enjoy the setting to admire the beautiful sunsets over the sierra.
MUNDO NUEVO
- Time to get to Mundo Nuevo: 1h30 walking/40min by transport
- Motorcycle fare (one way): $20.000 COP/motorbike
- Rate for 4×4 transport (one way): $100.000 COP (4 pers. max)
Images of Minca
A few photos to whet your appetite
Contact guide to visit Minca
If you would like to spend the day discovering Minca with a guide, please contact our local partner, who offers an attractive program:
- Discovery of the village
- Visit to a coffee finca and the coffee-making process
- Forest walk to a waterfall for a swim
- Meal
- Discover the use of bamboo and local know-how
- Tasting of local cocoa
Where to stay in Minca
Minca
Hostal, Hotel
Casas Viejas Masaya
Double room : $300.000 to $350.000 COP
Like all Masaya hostels, it’s in a superb location for enjoying the beauty of the Sierra. A mix between hotel and hostal, with good service and every comfort.
Minca
Eco Lodge
Minca Glamping
Double room : $200.000 to $250.000 COP
Looking for a cosy nest for a romantic night? If so, this may be the place for you, with its charming decor and French-speaking welcome. Ecolodge-style rooms in a dream setting high above Minca!
Minca
Hostal
Mundo nuevo
Dormitory : $25.000 to $50.000/Double room : $100.000 to $150.000 COP
You’ve certainly heard of this Belgian and his permaculture project in Minca, and here it is! Another of the trendiest accommodations in the heights of Minca. For the peace and quiet, the view of the Sierra, the discovery of an alternative project and the vegetarian food.
Minca
Finca
Finca San Rafael
Dormitory : $25.000 to $50.000/Double room : $100.000 to $150.000 COP
Welcome to an organic cocoa and coffee finca. This is where we stayed during our visit to Minca. Ask for the room with a view of the Sierra Nevada, just sublime. The room rate includes the coffee/cocoa tour.
Minca
Hostal
Casa Blanca Hostal
Dormitory : $0 to $25.000/Double room : $0 to $100.000 COP
A small hostal recommended by our friend Sarah. Located just a few steps from the Minca church, you can stay in the heart of the village. You don’t have a view of the mountains, but you’re in a family atmosphere and the hostal is very inexpensive!
Where to eat in Minca
Minca’s gastronomic offer is quite varied. Many foreigners have moved here to open cafés, bars, restaurants and so on. We ate at the finca in the evening, so we didn’t try many places, but the two we did try were good.
La miga
Eating a real French baguette or a chocolate chip brioche in the Sierra Nevada, that’s the experience offered by the French baker set up on Church Street. You won’t want to miss it – everyone will tell you to go.
Lazy Cat Restaurant
Very good service, good global cuisine, reasonable prices between 15.000 and 26.000 pesos and very good advice from the waitress.
Transport to your accommodation
If you’re staying outside the village, most of the fincas and hostals are a bit lost in the mountains, so when you get to Minca, you’ll need to find some form of transport to avoid a long walk with your luggage slung over your shoulder..
Right next to the busetas arrival/departure point, you’ll see Motomink (motorcycles) and 4×4 Minca (cars) offering transport to all accommodations and to the main points of interest. You’ll see the fares displayed.
Please note : If you’re loaded, you’ll need a motorcycle for yourself and one for your luggage. Make your own calculations. For example, to get to the San Rafael finca, we’d need 3 motorcycles at a cost of $45.000 COP (3 x $15.000). On the way back, for the same trip by 4×4, we paid $50.000 COP.
How to get to Minca
From Santa Marta
Bus from Santa Marta’s “mercado publico
- Departures: every 15 minutes
- Fares: $8.000 COP
- Duration: approx. 1 hour
Cab from Santa Marta bus station
- Fares: $45.000 COP
- Duration: approx. 40 min
Cab from Santa Marta airport
- Fare: $80.000 COP
- Duration: approx. 50 min
From Palomino
Take a buseta from Palomino to Santa Marta’s “mercado publico”
- Fare: $10.000 COP
- Duration: approx. 2 hours
Then take a buseta from the Santa Marta “mercado publico” to Minca
- Fare: $8.000 COP
- Duration: approx. 1 hour
Hello Angelica and Samuel,
Already a huge thank you for your Blog and the immense work you do 🙂 the guides are so empty next to the richness of your writings, experiences and photos. What a joy to have discovered you before my departure. I went to the Pacific coast thanks to you and I loved it. And Pijao!!! Superb 🙂
A word of caution about Minca and a hotel you recommend without having been there: La Casa Blanca. I was there a few days ago and … oh what a disappointment!
The hotel is more than basic: there weren’t even any sheets … the shower was tiny (and yet I’m not particularly demanding), the decor non-existent and everywhere signs “no smoking” and “check out: 11 am” really unwelcoming, just like the person who received us and who made us very uncomfortable … lustful looks and so on. We fled the next day, relieved.
Thank you very much,
Julie
Hello Julie,
Thank you for your message and your feedback! We’re so glad you were able to discover the magical Pacific coast and Pijao! We love it when readers take a step aside and discover nuggets off the beaten track 🙂
As for the hotel in Minca, we’re sorry for you; it was a friend who recommended it to us and they have good reviews on booking, so we put it down as a basic, inexpensive option. That’s what we say, though, and when you look at the photos it’s clear. After that, service is another story, and sometimes it’s so difficult. In any case, thanks for your feedback, we’ll find another option to offer.
Just to share our experience in Minca and confirm the rates
Motomink from Minca to Cascada Marinka; 15,000 per bike (we were 2 adults 3 kids). Entrance to the site: 10,000 each. Meals at the on-site restaurant: 120,000 for 5 with juice
Cascada Marinka to Finca San Rafael: 30,000 per motorcycle. Return to village 15,000 per motorcycle
We’re staying near the airport, so cab to Minca: 85,000.
Thank you for your site.
Hi Matthieu, thanks a lot for this update 😉