Welcome to this guide on what things to do in Minca, Colombia.
Did you know Minca is one of Colombia’s most eco-friendly places?
Minca is one of my favorite spots in this region! In this guide, we are going to look at how to get to Minca in Colombia and what to do here.
If planning a trip to Minca there are a few things you’ll want to make sure you’ve got in check. See my tips for Minca if you’re visiting soon.
Minca, Colombia: Travel Guide
It’s likely that you’ll travel from Santa Marta to Minca. And arriving here you realize you’re amongst a community in a mountain paradise.
Minca is hidden away from all the hustle and bustle. Which can be a challenge to escape when visiting popular places to visit Colombia.
Things to do in Minca
So arriving in Minca, what is there to do here? In fact, there is more than meets the eye.
I suggest the first thing you do is try to get a map of the area. I have posted an image of my map in the Minca travel tips section below:
Las Piedras
Literally a clear water stream with some giant rocks. This was the closest attraction to see from the town which takes around 5-10 to walk to.
There is not much going on here but it is a nice place to come to sit in the morning.
Get right in the middle of the stream – which looks like a river. But it’s actually a stream from the nearby waterfall that links back into the river Minca.
Being the least tantalizing and the closest attraction to the town, I recommend you come here first. Especially if you arrive at Minca in the late afternoon and know it’s going to go dark soon.
Mundo Nuevo Eco Lodge
Whilst in Minca you’ll need somewhere to stay, Mundo Nuevo is an eco-project that you can visit and stay at.
Located in the mountains, you must walk uphill for around one hour, or, travel by moto-taxi to arrive there.
Mundo Nuevo is that secluded that once here, you are a part of the community! A part of this means eating together at set times (3 vegetarian meals per day) and taking part in communal activities (if you choose).
The views are spectacular! Staying at Mundo Nuevo for one-night: just to see the sunset and the stars, is totally worth it. I spent two nights here and probably could have stayed a couple more.
💡Smart Travel Tip
Once here you generally don’t leave the site until you check-out. So all refreshments i.e. beers or snacks are purchased on-site.
Pozo Azul: Waterfall
This was my second favorite place to visit in Minca, a magnificent and tranquil place to do a spot of rock clambering.
Especially if you want to escape the crowd. I found this location to be busier than the other spots I visited such as Cascadas Marinka. I arrived later in the afternoon which seemed to be a peak time.
Ask at your accommodation the best time to go, there are various mini-tours arriving here daily so expect it to be slightly overcrowded.
Also, ensure that you have some decent footwear as the gigantic rocks are slippy and, you’ll want to go further into the rocks to find your own spot.
After all that walking, you deserve to relax for at least a good hour. If planning on spending the day here, carry some snacks with you from the town.
Coffee Farm Tours
How about a morning or afternoon learning more about coffee? There are various Coffee farm tours you can do from Minca so just ask around.
I recommend the Colombian coffee farm tour which you can take from Mundo Nuevo, all you have to do is walk a few meters and you’re literally on the coffee estate.
This is a perfect introduction to coffee production!
Especially for those who have not yet, or will not, make it as far as the Colombia’s coffee region to learn about the cash crop of the land.
Cascadas Marinka
By far my favorite little hideaway in Minca. I think I was just lucky because when I arrived there was hardly anyone around.
You’ll pay a small entry fee of $5,000 and it is totally worth it. You’ll encounter a beautiful waterfall, hammocks, and a water pool to bathe in.
There is a second waterfall you can walk up to and get some amazing Instagram shots! Just mind your step because it can get slippy, and you don’t want to have an accident here.
Order a Tinto from the restaurant, take off your shoes, and kick back on the hammock.
Insect repellent is a necessity for most travelers – so remember to pack a travel-sized bug spray or equivalent before you arrive.
I walked here, but you can get a moto-taxi. You’ll find other little interesting pit-stops along the way, so as well as some great photo opportunities, don’t miss on on the walk.
La Cuidad Perdida
Anyone backpacking Colombia will have heard about this gem, but not everyone is brave enough to make it.
The good news is, whilst in Minca, you are one step closer to one of the oldest ancient ruins in Latin American history.
The hikes and treks to this ancient city usually span over 4-5 days through the Sierra Nevada mountains.
From Minca, you can book tours and save money as the prices are slightly lower than you will pay in Santa Marta.
Cacao Museum
This is a hidden gem! Please don’t miss it!
I think I walked past this place at least two or three times without noticing! As a cacao lover, this for me was like an oasis within a paradise.
Inside you’ll instantly connect with the owner who is not afraid to tell you everything about his products.
Known locally as Mr. Kakaw this initiative has been set up to inform visitors to Minca about the story of organic Cacao in the local area and beyond. You can also get coffee and food here.
Minca Travel Tips
Below is a list of travel tips for Minca that you’ll benefit from. I will update this list sometime in the near future.
Things to carry during your travel to Minca:
- Your Passport
- Carry Sun Screen (that mountain sun is deciving)
- Bug spray
- A decent pair of hiking shoes
It is safe to say that Minca is still a relatively off the beaten track travel location in Colombia.
So you may find that it lacks some infrastructure, but, if you are anything like me, that is where the beauty is at.
You can still adhere to your South America travel budget and get a Menu del dia here for between 10,000COP-15,000COP.
There are some other eateries and a wonderful bakery which is very popular with travelers and backpackers.
Where to Stay in Minca
As Colombia’s most sustainable destination, as you can imagine, there are some eco-project which you can support.
My mission was to do exactly that by staying at the Mundo Nuevo however there is a host of other types pf accommodation suit all tastes and styles.
Casa Loma Minca
- Jungle-based location
- Breathtaking views
- Delicious food on offer
Casa Loma lies in the hills of Sierra Mountains and has various private hut you can choose from. All beds are protected with mosquito nets and it is famous for its amazing vegetarian food!
I suggest you see this list of hostels if you’re on a really tight budget but it’s work sacrificing that little extra in Minca because this is a totally one of the most unique places to visit in Colombia.
Santa Marta to Minca
Getting to Minca from Santa Marta is relatively easy!
All you have to do is get yourself to the market area in Santa Marta, where all the buses go.
The buses usually leave once every hour or so, or, as soon as one bus fills up.
The journey takes around 45 minutes and you’ll all of a sudden feel like you have entered another dimension after the hustle and bustle of Santa Marta’s chaotic marketplace.
Travel Insurance for Colombia
I always recommend backpackers and travelers (no matter who you are) use World Nomads Insurance for fully comprehensive cover.
If you are due to travel soon, you can get a Get A Free Quote by clicking the link or the image above and filling out your details – that way you’ll get instant cover from the exact date that you choose.
On many occasions World Nomads has provided me with reliable insurance cover for travel in Latin America and the rest of the world.
Things to do in Minca Colombia
Minca is an eco-warrior’s paradise!
If you happen to be a Ganja smoker, you’re in one of the most special parts of the world to sample some of Colombia’s finest high grade.
However, I did not tell you that.
Minca is not for everyone and you should know what to expect before coming here.
Over the years, this Colombia travel destination has become more popular with backpackers dying to get off the beaten track after leaving places like Cartagena looking for something more tranquil.
Let me know how you get on and more importantly just enjoy yourself, it may be the closest you get to nature during your whole trip to Colombia.
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