Minca is a small town 20 km away from Santa Marta in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in Colombia. It sits 800 m above sea level with a slightly cooler climate than the coast, within a lush tropical forest, and as such is a popular retreat for tourists looking for a relaxed atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of Santa Marta.
Understand
It is famous for its organic coffee and has a much cooler temperature than the sweltering Santa Marta. The village is charming and has, in the past few years, grown as a traveler and birdwatching destination. It attracts mostly backpackers who want a week or two off from the beaten track and indulge into tranquility. It's a great base for hiking, mountain biking, bird-watching, and other outdoor activities, offering a fresh mountain breeze, over 300 bird species and spectacular views.
Get in
The road leading to Minca was rebuilt in 2015 and is in good condition. Local Santa Marta taxi drivers are willing to take you up to Minca for about COP$200,000 for the day. They will drive you around and wait for you and then take you back to town.
Colectivos (sharing taxis) leave from the marketplace in Santa Marta - “La Estacion de Minca” is situated on Calle 11/Carrera 12 next to a tienda (shop). The journey costs COP$8,000 (May 2019), and the car leaves when it is full, which can take 20–30 minutes. You can also pay a car to take you instantly for COP$30,000. The journey to Minca takes 30–60 minutes, however, on weekends and public holidays it may take longer.
Get around
In Minca, mototaxis can be found in front of the Mono Mink office. They charge COP$10,000 (Sept 2017) for little trips around Minca which are sometimes the only way to quickly access your guesthouse as most roads around the village are dirt roads. Relying on these numerous times over one day may end up making your stay in Minca more expensive than expected – think about it when booking a remote accommodation.
A ride to the famous Casa Elemento Hostel takes about half an hour and costs COP$20,000.Be careful about overcharging. The price should be appropriate for the length of your ride.
See
- 1 Cerro Kennedy. The end of this hike is the viewpoint of Los Nevados. From here you can almost see the entire Sierra Nevada and the sea. If the weather is good the two highest mountain Pico Cristóbal Colón and Pico Simón Bolívar are also visible. It takes at least a day to hike up and is recommended for experienced hikers.
- 2 Los Pinos (The Pine trees). From Los Pinos you have an amazing view all over the mountains of Minca and all the way to the coast and Santa Marta. It takes 2½ hours from town to walk there or you can make a trip of it by visiting the Marinka waterfall, sleeping in a hostel up there and then walking the last bit the following morning, or just pay a mototaxi to take you up there. There are two roads leading to the spot: one is the main road and the other is off-track, taking small paths leading you through coffee-plantations. Ask your hostel for information.
- 3 Marinka waterfall. A beautiful waterfall with a natural pool for swimming down below. You can walk there in 40–60 min or take a moto taxi (approx COP$6000). COP$5000.
- 4 Pozo Azul. is a popular swimming hole with two small waterfalls. You can jump from the top of the second waterfall into the refreshing water below. Reached by walking for about 45 minutes from Minca town - if coming from the church, walk to the junction, then turn right and follow the signs.
- 5 Minca Museum. 14:00-19:00. A wonderful place to learn about the history of coffee, indigenous people, civil wars and political conflicts in Minca.
Do
- 1 La Candelaria Coffee Farm, ☏ 57 321-588-7985, ✉[email protected]. Offers interesting chocolate and coffee tours. You can also stay overnight and buy organic coffee and cocoa. Included is a pet tucan ("Tuci"), which was rescued as a baby and now inhabits the house. Reached by a one hour hike, with good views, or take a moto taxi (COP$12,000-15,000) to the entrance path and walk the remaining 10–15 min. COP$20,000.
- 2 La Victoria Coffee Plantation. A completely self-sustaining coffee plantation, using water from mountain streams to power generators. Coffee beans are moved and processed using only gravity and power from the generators. People who own the plantation will sell you a cup of coffee they make and will be pleased to give you a tour of the place COP$10,000.
- 3 Aiwa Spa Biomassage, ☏ 57-310-610-0863. Offers relaxing massages with a technique called biomassage which is a mix of chiromassage, kinesthetic massage and reflexology/shiatsu, with natural and locally produced oils. Certificated practitioner. English spoken. Turn left after the church and follow the "Aiwa Spa" signs. One session lasts one hour. COP$80,000.
Buy
There are several Tiendas in the village for your basic needs but expect to pay a bit more. Mince Express underneath Hotel Brisas de Minca accepts credit cards. It is better to buy food in Santa Marta if you want to stay for an extended duration. It is also recommended to bring enough cash because there is no bank or ATM in Minca. The next ATM is at the Yucal gas station or in the Buena Vista shopping centre, both in the outskirts of Santa Marta
Eat
There are several restaurants in town and near the waterfalls.
- Lazy Cat[1] is known for its good hamburgers, but offers a wide range of other dishes as well, its located right in the town center. On the terraces below one can have a nice view of the river.
- Casa Cristi [2] An Argentinian steak house with many different meat meals. There's a seating area just beside the kitchen where you can see how your steak is being prepared. Also try their homemade Chimichurri (herbal sauce with parsley, garlic, oregano, and cilantro) along with your dish.
- Santisabella[3] is a 5-minute walk from the main junction and features a lot of good meals as well. Try the different Raviolis, they are worth it! If you want a liquid appetizer, can go into the bar below.
- Tienda Cafe de Minca [4] A nice café, by the main road with very good local coffee. Try the frappuccinos! The shop sells various interesting things and is definitely the best place buy souvenirs in Minca.
- Hotel Restaurant Casa d'Antonio [5] About 200 m after the bridge in direction Pozo Azul. Run by a Spanish-Colombian couple. Spanish and Latin American Cuisine. The seafood and the paella are delicious.
Drink
There are several bars and clubs in Minca. The most central one is just beside the bridge. Restaurant Santisabella also has a very nice bar with exotic drinks. If you want to dance go to Donde Raul. The hostels will sell you beers as well (COP$3,000-4,500). Locals also sell beers at the waterfalls (COP2,500). At Los Pinos lookout ask for a delicious milkshake. The Lazy Cat Cafe is also a popular spot for travelers, offering burgers, quesadillas, and woks.
Sleep
- Casa Loma[6] is a 10-minute walk uphill from behind the church in Minca. Great view from the patio area, accommodation from hammocks to dorms to privates. Communal meals, but vegetarian only. You can always walk down to town for some meat, or to use the internet (Casa Loma is a "wifi-free zone").
- Finca Hostal Bolivar[7] 100m after the main bridge in direction Pozo Azul. Boutique - style Guesthouse with view on the river as well as terrace and kitchen. Satellite-TV in the living room and Wi-Fi. 2 Double rooms and 1 Dorm for 4 people available. Prices between COP$45.000 and COP$160.000, COP 400.000 for the whole house per day. Private access to river and hut with fireplace.
- Hostal Mar y Monte [8] is around 1 km from the village, close to the telephone antenna. A campground, hammocks, dorms and private rooms are available. Prices range between COP$35,000 and COP$110,000. From the terrace, you can have a great view of Santa Marta. Other features include a little bar, an à la carte restaurant, free WiFi, free parking and a pool.
- Emerald Green Guest House [9] Irish run hostel next to the police station with single, double and 4-bedrooms. Every room comes with a private bathroom fitted with a shower It also includes a restaurant and a nice garden and the forefront looks like a castle. Rooms start at COP$100,000.
- Minca Ecohabs [10] This lodge is just before the Marymonte and also offers private rooms and huts. It also features a restaurant, free parking and Wi-Fi. However, this spot is a proper hotel and therefore more expensive. Prices start at COP$250,000.
- Casa Marinka [11] Leaving the town walking towards the waterfall Marinka you will find the hostel. Hostel started by two young climbers and they offer different kinds of tours and activities like canopying, rock climbing, and rappelling. Prices vary depending on whether you want a private room with private bathroom, dorm room or just want to crash in one of their many hammocks on the roof.
- Casa Elemento Accommodation options vary from private rooms to dorms to tents and hammocks (use theirs or bring your own). Bring coconut oil as there are lots of sandflies here. No Wi-Fi. If you only visit Casa Elemento on they way to/from Los Pinos, you have to pay COP$10,000 entrance fee (includes a drink).
- Yoga Pati Hostal A 5-minute walk from the bus stop in the direction of Los Pinos. Apart from yoga classes one private double (COP$50,000/room) and a 7-bed dorm (COP$15,000/bed) are available, the plumbing for both toilets blocks up frequently. No Wi-Fi. There is a kitchen but this isn't available for guest use, food and drink are offered to try but expect this to be added to your bill on check out.
Connect
The only place in town with Wi-Fi outside of hotels and hostels (Spring 2016) is the Lazy Cat restaurant (closed every Friday). There is an internet café next door with just a couple of computers. It is a good idea to buy a SIM card with a data plan (very inexpensive) before arriving here if you want to remain connected.
Go next
- Mamancana is a private game reserve where you can do wallclimbing and canopying. Check out their Facebook page [12] or talk to your hostel for arranging a trip.
- Take a moto back down to Yucal and a bus from there to Santa Marta, or wait at the crossroads for a colectivo to fill up (both about COP7-8,000). If you are going to Cartagena or Palomino you don't need to go all the way back into Santa Marta. Get out at "La Bomba" and flag down a bus for Palomino, or take a moto-taxi/taxi/hitchhike to the bus station (out of town on the highway) for Cartagena.
- Hike to Paso del Mango. Continue up past the police station, and after a few hundred meters you will see the first sign - the whole way is signposted, but some signs can be missed or misinterpreted, so pay attention. The hike takes around 6 hours, and as you get closer to Paso del Mango, you can swim in the beautiful mountain rivers and waterfalls.