Only half an hour’s car drive from the bright lights of Santa Marta, Minca, Colombia, is a mountainous paradise! Here, temperatures are cooler than in Santa Marta and nature is abundant.
Cascading waterfalls, clean fresh mountain air, hiking trails, organic coffee plantations, hummingbirds, toucans and a variety of other colourful birdlife makes Minca a haven for nature lovers.
From some trails in the mountains, it is possible to see the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada in one direction and the exotic white beaches of the Caribbean in another โ it is here in Minca, Santa Marta that the incredible diversity of Colombia really hits home.
The main village of Minca has some awesome and cheap places to stay, as well as a few great local restaurants and cafรฉs. After reading this guide, youโll be well-prepared to make the most out of your trip to Minca!
Minca Map & Resources
MORE INFO (Opens in new tab):
- ๐จ๐ด Colombia Backpacking Guide
- ๐Amazing Hostels in Minca
- ๐ Nearby places: Santa Marta | Palomino | Taganga
- ๐ Must-do activity: Birdwatching tour
Contents
Minca, Colombia โ Travel Guide
Best Time to Visit Minca, Colombia
Minca can be visited year-round, however, different times of the year offer a different experience. The best months to visit Minca are from November to February (winter) with warm/hot weather (highest 33 degrees), little rain and sunny, bright days โ great for hiking.
The busiest months for tourists are December, as well as June, July and August, so if youโre not a fan of crowds, it’s best to avoid these times. Accommodation costs rise during the summer months but booking in advance should mean you avoid peak prices.
March to May is considered the spring in Minca and these are the least crowded months to visit. During this time, youโre likely to get cheap deals on hotels and benefit from empty hiking trails. The weather at this time is still pleasant and good for hiking. Autumn (September to November) is also a fine time to visit, though these months see the most rain, so hiking can get be little muddy!
Is Minca, Colombia Safe?
The Colombian Paramilitary indeed used to control the land around Minca for decades. In fact, Minca was completely shut off to tourists until very recently, around 2010! Even the locals were scared to visit.
Today, however, youโll see many backpackers and Colombian families enjoying the beautiful hiking trails and waterfalls around Minca. The enthusiasm of the local people as they get the chance to explore their country is infectious.
Like anywhere you travel, donโt wander around with valuables on show, especially late at night. Have your wits about you and chances are youโll be fine. In the three months weโve spent in Colombia, Minca feels like one of the safest places weโve been in Colombia, due to the friendly locals, village atmosphere and burgeoning backpacker scene.
“During the week that we stayed in Minca, we felt safe the entire time. As two girls travelling alone in Colombia, we had researched a lot about safety before travelling and were apprehensive about setting off on treks alone in the mountains. However, we did this several times without any issues in Minca.”
Tyler Protano Goodwin, Contributor at South America Backpacker
Where to Stay in Minca, Colombia
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There are lots of budget options around town, yet as tourism is increasing in the area, many of the hotels are becoming more upmarket and expensive. If you want to feel really close to nature, there is even glamping! Here are some of our absolute favourite backpacker digs in Mincaโฆ
Good to Know โ Getting to Your Accommodation
Nestled in the mountains, Mincaโs magnificent setting is best appreciated from a height. Much of the accommodation is outside of the town, and while these offer the best views some are a little more challenging to get to! Buses will drop you off in the centre of town, from where you will need to walk or get a moto taxi to your accommodation. Be warned that some of the most popular options require a little extra effort to reach.
For example, Casa Loma is set in the hills and involves a 5-10 minute climb up steps. (It might not sound much but in the heat with your backpack it can get sweaty quickly!) The popular Mundo Nuevo is a few kilometres out of town and involves a 15-minute moto taxi (around 20,000COP, approx. $5USD) or 4WD (around 100,000COP, approx. $26USD) drive up what are essentially dirt tracks to get there.
Research exactly where your accommodation is and how to get there before booking so youโre not surprised when you arrive.
Best Hostels in Minca
OUR TOP PICK! Casa Loma
You will find an absolutely amazing community of backpackers sharing this hippie hideaway on the hill (loma)! With a range of accommodations to suit all budgets, from hammocks and dorms to jungle cabaรฑas with private balconies, there is something for all kinds of traveller!
There is an excellent on-site veggie restaurant and coworking space which is free for guests. With yoga, massage, cacao ceremonies and tantric sunset sessions, this is a free-spirited stay which youโll never forget. We canโt recommend it enough! Beds go fast so make sure you book in advance.
“Casa Loma is only of my favourite places I’ve ever stayed. I woke up in the mornings to the sound of nature all around me and got a front row seat at the best sunset spot in Minca. The hostel staff were friendly and accommodating and there was even somewhere I could work on my laptop. I’d go back in heartbeat.”
Sheree Hooker, Editor at South East Asia Backpacker
A popular hostel set in beautiful surroundings while still being close to town. Offering private rooms and dorms, breakfast is included and drinking water, tea and coffee are available around the clock. The communal chill-out areas are great and booze is cheap too. Less than $3USD for a glass of wine? Count us in!
Finca Hostal Bolivar – Casa Quinta
Set in a Colombian finca, Finca Hostal Bolivar is a small and quaint accommodation option for budget backpackers. The place has just a few rooms, allowing you the opportunity to really get to know the other guests. There is a well-equipped communal kitchen which makes whipping up your own meals a breeze.
Costeรฑo River Minca offers guests a wonderful relaxing stay just a short walk from the town centre. Thrifty travellers will love the dorm rooms but beware, they get hot at night! The real magic of Costeรฑo River Minca is the private rooms. The standard doubles are in unique, palm-roofed huts with shared bathrooms. The ensuite rooms house beautiful bathrooms with the more expensive options also featuring private balconies. Guests have access to the fantastic swimming pool, which offers a great place to relax, unwind and meet fellow backpackers!
OUT OF TOWN: Hostal Sierra Minca
Itโs a right trek to get there (30 minutes by van from Minca town) โ but the views at the top of the remote hill where Hostal Sierra Minca is situated are worth the journey. Run by a group of ex-backpackers, the place feels like a playground for adults with (what they claim) is the worldโs biggest hammock, a tightrope walk and a treehouse. We might be well into the twenties but there is still no WiFi โ remote workers should go elsewhere.
OUT OF TOWN: Masaya Casas Viejas
Another option located outside Minca is the Masaya-run Casas Viejas. Known for its stunning location and friendly vibe, it is a good choice for those who like to be in the thick of nature. It also offers one of the best swimming pools around, a big plus for those who find the warm weather of Santa Marta and the surroundings a bit stifling!
Also read: Top Minca hostels for backpackers.
A Note About WiFiโฆ
Minca is no longer the off-the-beaten-track spot of old and most accommodation providers in town have now got WiFi access. Despite this, power cuts happen fairly regularly (on our most recent visit to Minca, we had two in the space of five days!) and can last for hours at a time. Remember to bring a book!
Best Ecolodges in Minca
If youโre looking to treat yourself, these special bamboo cottages are just divine! The cabaรฑas are located in the jungle so youโll feel like you’re staying in the heart of nature. A delicious breakfast is provided, served up in a gorgeous setting with a great view of the surrounding mountains. Great for birdwatching and hiking trails.
This is the perfect spot for hiking and nature lovers, located not in Minca itself, but in the village of Paso del Mango, a beautiful tropical valley crossed by two rivers (one hour from Minca town). The lodge has three swimming pools, magnificent views over virgin forests and river access at their doorstep. There are dozens of hikes and tours you can do from here (waterfalls, bees, coffee, cacao, etc.). Daily yoga classes make this place feel more like a retreat than an ecolodge!
Nestled in an old coffee farm, Mundo Nuevo Ecolodge is a little pricier than other hostels in Colombia but offers unrivalled views, easy access to surrounding hiking trails and a beautiful infinity pool in front of the incredible mountain vista! The onsite restaurant provides excellent meals and the communal areas make it easy to meet other travellers! Mundo Nuevo is more than accommodation, itโs an eco-museum designed to encourage thought and debate on how we can save our planet! Itโs a little way out of town, so you either need to walk or get a mototaxi from Minca.
Things to Do in Minca, Colombia
Whether you want to relax and unwind, hike, go bird watching or visit some epic waterfalls, youโll find plenty of things to do in Minca!
1. Pozo Azul Swimming Hole
This beautiful set of swimming holes is still worth visiting, despite its popularity. A walk to Pozo Azul will take around 45 minutes from the main village. The further up the river you climb, the more you will discover stunning river spots amidst the tropical jungle.
At the main swimming hole, thereโs a swing where you can jump right in the river to avoid the agonising edging inch by inch into the freezing (sorry, refreshing!) water.
Remember, Pozo Azul is also not the unspoilt paradise it once wasโฆ Big buses full of tourists from Santa Marta mean you can see 300 people at the swimming hole all at once nowadays! Your best bet is to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the chaos.
2. Las Cascadas de Marinka (Minca) Waterfalls
A one-hour walk outside town along an undulating track will take you to these beautiful cascadas (waterfalls) where you can splash around in the cold mountain water, take a refreshing shower and absorb the gorgeous surroundings.
To get there, walk past the church on your left and keep going straight up the hill until you see a sign that reads โFinca la Esperanza, La Cascadas Minka.โ Itโs 10,000 COP per person to enter the three stages of the falls.
Bear in mind that the waterfall gets much busier than the first photo implies (see below) โ avoid the weekends if you donโt like crowds!
3. Las Piedras Trek
Where the waterfall stream meets the River Minca, Las Piedras is a beautiful relaxing spot only a 15-minute walk from the village, perfect for those who want an easy trek to paradise.
4. Los Pinos Trek
A spectacular day trek that takes you on a loop around the mountains of Minca, walking past both Pozo Azul and Las Cascadas. On a clear day at the top, itโs possible to see the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevadas (usually best seen early in the morning!). The day trek takes around 5-7 hours in total and unfortunately, you canโt avoid a solid two-hour climb uphill โ but itโs worth it!
5. Visit a Local Family Farm
Around an hourโs walk from the village, you will come across a local family farm where they grow vegetables by hand using simple methods.
6. Watch the Sunset at Casa Loma
Watching the sunset in Minca is nothing short of an event and the best place to catch the sunset is from the beautiful bar terrace at Casa Loma. Get yourself an Aguila, grab a cushion and relax as the sky shifts into hues of pink and orange. Amazing!
7. Visit La Victoria Coffee Farm
This is by no means a big commercial coffee farmโฆ They accept visitors and they wonโt even try to sell you coffee โ they will give you a free tinto though!
You can take a tour of the coffee farm and see all the original machines which are still run on water. German-born, American-educated owner Micky cuts out the middlemen and pays coffee farmers a fair wage.
Take a motorbike taxi there (around 20,000 COP) and the journey will take around 20 minutes. The trail takes around an hour and a half on foot. A tour of the farm costs 20,000 COP per person and includes a cup of coffee. Read more about La Victoria Coffee Farm in this article.
8. Mountain Biking, Motorbike Riding and ATVs
Several travel agencies can take you into the mountains around Minca and show you an amazing adrenaline-fuelled adventure! There are tours for beginners or advanced cyclists and you can book from tour agencies and hostels in the town. If you want something a bit more fast-paced, rent a motorbike or ATV.
Scooter rental costs around 140,000COP (approx. $36USD) for the day (8 am-6 pm) or 200,000COP (approx. $51USD) for 24 hours. Manual motorbikes cost around 160,000COP (approx. $41USD) for the day or 220,000COP (approx. $57USD) for 24 hours.
9. Bird Watching at Hotel Minca
Grab dinner and watch the tiny buzzing hummingbirds less than a metre away from the beautiful balcony at the charming Hotel Minca โ La Casona. Itโs a wonderfully relaxing experience and a must for any twitcher! If you want to wake up to this wondrous sight, the rooms at Hotel Minca also come very well-rated.
10. Spot Toucans on a Birdwatching Tour
A number of agencies offer birdwatching tours around Minca. Beginner-friendly and starting at 6 am every morning, these tours are a great way to get an introduction to twitching. Tours begin at around 50,000COP per person. Talk to Jungle Joe (below) to book.
11. Check out Jungle Joeโs Adventures
Local Colombian Jungle Joe can help you to explore off-the-beaten-track adventures around Minca โ from tubing along the River Minca to bird watching, the tours are a great way to explore!
12. Trek to La Ciudad Perdida
The Lost City Trek (La Ciudad Perdida) is an absolute must-do hike in Colombia. This multi-day adventure takes hikers deep into the Colombian jungle in search of the magical lost city, a site that is often compared with Machu Picchu. The route passes through the lands of indigenous communities offering hikers the chance to also learn more about the tribes that make their home in the Sierra Nevada.
The trek can be booked in person in Minca or online in advance. We recommend the highly rated Expotur. The cost of the trek is set by the government so you will pay the same price whichever way you decide to book.
If youโre staying longer in Minca, you may have time for the following epic adventures which take two days or more…
13. Trek to Cerro Kennedy
An overnight trip which takes two days and one night. It will take you to the viewpoint of Los Nevados (snow peaks). On a clear day, this is surely one of the most incredible views in the whole of Colombia as you can see the coast, city and snow-capped mountains from the same spot! You can arrange the trek with a guide in the town.
Read more about the Cerro Kennedy Trek here.
14. Visit the Village of Paso del Mango
Enjoy the amazing scenery in this traditional village one hour from Minca amid the rainforest. It fully merits its name because of the abundant mango trees. Discover indigenous ancient ruins (there used to be a Tayrona town about 100 years ago), spectacular mountain views, beautiful waterfalls, natural pools, and coffee and cacao farms. This is an ideal place for relaxation, meditation and outdoor activities.
15. Volunteer on a Farm
Many of the farms in the area happily accept volunteers. Check out La Tagua Farm run by an excellent chef (Adam) or Finca Semilla, run by Swiss guy Guiseppe and Colombian Ana-Maria. For more information ask our friends at Casa Loma!
16. Learn How Chocolate is Made on a Cacao Tour
Join one of the excellent cacao tours (around 30,000 COP, approx. $8USD) at Finca La Candelaria, an organic coffee and cacao farm. On the tour you will learn about growing and harvesting cacao and the process used to turn it into everyoneโs favourite confectionery. You will watch fresh beans roasted and transformed into cocoa, the main ingredient of chocolate, and youโll even get to sample some hot cocoa as well as dark and milk chocolate made fresh in front of you. Yum!
Food and Drink in Minca
As Minca continues to establish itself as the backpacking hub of Colombia, more and more great food options catering to foreigners have popped up. Here are a few of our favourites:
- Bururake โ Friendly staff and great food with delicious homemade sauces, (also great 241 cocktails!). This place is a quirky gem! Try the โPollo Tropicaleโ.
- Soul Kitchen โ Located at Casa Loma, this veggie restaurant offers a variety of Western and Colombian plant-based dishes to tantalise your tastebuds. If youโre not staying here, combine a dinner visit with a sunset view.
- Cattleya Fast Food & Souvenirs โ If youโre looking for a cheap and cheerful bite to eat, donโt miss the holy grail of arepas! There are also veggie options available.
- Lazy Cat โ Great place for lunch on their forested balcony โ delicious wraps, pasta and fruit shakes. Look out for the gringos sitting outside!
- Marhaba โ For falafel and other tasty Middle-Eastern delights check out Marhaba.
- Nonni Pizzeria โ Satisfying your craving for pizza at Nonni Pizzeria where you can enjoy tasty brick oven pizzas and calzone.
- La Miga Panaderia โ Get your fill of daily bread at this French Bakery.
- Duni Cafe โ a small but delightful cafe serving breakfast, sandwiches and arepas. Try the veggie burger with the ginger and beetroot hummus. Mmmm.
- Taco y Chela โ A popular Mexican restaurant serving all the usual yummy Mexican meals, including burritos, tacos and fajitas.
Getting Around Minca, Colombia
Minca is a small pueblo, making it easily walkable. Moto taxis (a literal motorbike) are available for trips a little further out. Bikes are also easy to rent.
Getting to Minca, Colombia
Minca is located just 30-45 minutes from Santa Marta. You can get a bus from the Plaza Mercado which will cost you around 9,000 COP. These depart regularly and leave when they are full.
If youโre travelling from Palomino or Cartagena you can avoid going into the centre of Santa Marta and instead take one of the shared minivans from Mamatoco, just on the edge of the city. Look out for the office of Transportadora Sierra Mar S.A.S. Local buses from Palomino will stop here and itโs just a 15-minute walk from the bus terminal where buses from Cartagena stop. One way to Minca costs around 10,000COP (approx. $2.50USD).
Where to Go Next:
Parque Tayrona: Switch from the mountains to the beach! This national park, complete with stunning white beaches is many travellers’ next destination from Minca.
Santa Marta: This coastal city is the jumping-off point for many destinations and backpackers often spend a night or two here in the city before heading on to more adventures.
Barranquilla: The city where Shakira was born! Shakira Shakira! This built-up city is only really an attraction for travellers during the famous carnival celebrations which take place at the beginning of March.
Contributors:
South America Backpacker is a โtravel diary for everyoneโ. This article has been written with the help of backpackers and local experts. We would like to thankโฆ
๐ Lisa Barhamย | Writer at South America Backpackerย
๐ย Sheree Hooker | Editor at South America Backpacker
๐ย Tyler Protano Goodin | Contributor to South America Backpacker
๐ย Staff atย Casa Lomaย
Nikki Scott | Founder & Editor
Nikki is the founding editor of South East Asia Backpacker. At age 23, she left the UK on a solo backpacking trip and never returned. After six months on the road, she founded a print magazine about backpacking in Asia. The rest is history.
Would you recommend staying in the centre itself or one of the hostels 15 mins outside?
Of a night for example how easy would it be to go to the bars downtown and then back to your accommodation?
Hi Callum, I would recommend staying just outside of town in the hills – that’s where you’ll be able to enjoy the views that Minca is famous for! There are moto taxis that provide cheap and convenient transport so getting to and from town won’t be a problem. See our pick of Minca’s best hostels in this guide https://southamericabackpacker.com/minca-hostels/
Great article, although it is a bit outdated with it’s information, I would recommend an update! Thanks for sharing the info FYI there is WiFi everywhere in town as well as at Casa Loma
Thanks for your comment Jared! We are actually heading to Minca in the next few weeks so this guide will be updated very soon! Watch this space… ๐
Hi there, very interesting article !
I am actually living in Minca as a photographer, and it has changed a bit lastly, since they finished the main road wich joins Minca to La Tagua. So there is Much more people than before, especially on week ends. Last Time I went to Marinka, there was 200 people, while there was 10 max in the past…
Also I see that you don’t mention Mundo Nuevo, but in clear it is one of the best option to do in Minca. Highly recommended ๐
Definitely look into adding Casas Viejas as an option as a place to stay. It was ranked #2 in all of Latin America for 2019. I stayed and loved the food, vibe and area. Outside of Minca town and nestled away in the mountains near La Victoria
Hey, a great guide! Minca is definitely worth the visit for anyone on the fence. Marinka was the highlight for us, but we didn’t have the time to do any of the longer hikes. I also as a coffee lover, loved the tour at Victoria and it was the most informative of the several I’ve done over the years. And Lazy Cat was cool too.
“The best months to visit Minca is November to February (winter) with warm weather (highest 33 degrees), little rain and sunny, bright days, great for hiking.”
What are the best months to go there?