You want to go to Minca and you're wondering: How do I get from Santa Marta to Minca? What is there to see in Minca? Where can I stay in Minca? Here's my experience…
How to go from Santa Marta to Minca?
To get from Santa Marta to Minca , you can take the bus from the market for 9000 COP (estación at El Mercado, opposite El Emporio).
After almost an hour's drive from Santa Marta to Minca , we discovered a charming little village nestled in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta . It felt like we had changed regions and were hundreds of kilometers from the Caribbean coast… we were now in a beautiful and lush rainforest.
1st good surprise: temperatures cooler than on the coast! Phew, we finally breathe ...
What to do in Minca?
What to do in Minca - El Pozo Azul
The most popular activity is undoubtedly the walk to the El Pozo Azul waterfalls . Simply follow the main road when you are in the village and continue along the path for about an hour's walk.
What to do in Minca - Marinca waterfalls
Other (less frequented) waterfalls are accessible after a one-hour walk: the Marinca site . Located on the other side of the village (immediately to the right as you exit the path leading to Minca Glamping), I really enjoyed the site. My only slight complaint: the constant stream of motorcycle taxis that somewhat spoiled the precious silence that nature offers…
Practical information: Entrance costs 4 COP, there are toilets and a restaurant at the 000st waterfall.
We preferred to eat somewhere quieter than we found on the way. La Fuentes (Bed and Breakfast) prepared us for 12 COP (000 €) a great fish and chips.
What to do in Minca - Visit a coffee finca
This is also a Minca classic. You have the choice between going to finca Victoria (a little above Pozo Azul) or to finca La Candelaria , a slightly smaller but equally interesting coffee and cocoa finca.
We visited both.
At La Candelaria, we only did the “Cacao” visit at 20 COP which ends with a cocoa mask being placed on the face. We met a mascot there: Tuki, the toucan. He lives in freedom but he approaches and poses as if he were waiting to be photographed!
Where to sleep in Minca? Minca Glamping our favorite
Our second pleasant surprise upon arriving in the heart of this wild and deep nature was our unusual accommodation at Minca Glamping!
I loved this quiet place lost in nature. Without the noise of cars, you can only access it by a small path.
Maxime (the owner) and an employee come to welcome us and carry your luggage to climb the small path for about 600m.
We loved everything, the fact that the bungalow was entirely made of mosquito netting (without walls) gave us the impression of sleeping under the stars… We could hear everything and enjoyed (in our bed) this wonderful forest (sunrise and sunset, birdsong…).
Staying in this bungalow is a real experience of communion with nature!
The decor is perfect. The breakfasts were delicious, we counted about ten fresh fruits in our large bowl! and what about Arepa… and the kindness of Maxime…
It was with regret that we left this magical place, hoping to have the chance to return one day! See this hotel on Booking.
Come and discover the rest of our tour and our stay in Cartagena!
Hello,
I stumbled upon your blog by chance, and what a great surprise !!
We are going to Colombia this summer with my boyfriend and have more or less planned the same itinerary. We wonder if we should book the hotels in advance? Because for example we would very much like to be able to spend a night in this "glamping" but are afraid that by reserving at the last minute there will be no more room… did you have to book in advance?
And another question concerning the Salento-Medellin trip, we were planning to do it by plane but your blog dissuaded us a little… I wanted to know how were the roads? is it mountainous? do we go through "dangerous" places in terms of road (ravines ...).
Your blog is really great and we will be sure to inspire us for our trip!
Hello Johana,
Regarding hotels, you can very well book on site. There are enough hotels in the main tourist sites not to spend the night outside… On the other hand, the cheapest and best placed hotels are often full. This is why I had booked all the hotels and guesthouses in advance. In addition, it saves time on site and it is better to be able to enjoy when arriving rather than looking for a hotel.
Regarding the Salento-Medellin route that we did by car, I can assure you that it is not dangerous unlike the Tatacoa Desert - Armenia route. The road from the coffee region to Medellin is good and pleasant. On the other hand, you have to leave as early as possible to avoid traffic jams on arrival in Medellin. We did it in one go in a little over 7 hours it seems to me, so we were able to enjoy part of the afternoon in Medellin.
Don't hesitate if you have any further questions!
Thanks a lot for all these informations ! I think we will therefore try to book in advance, we will be more peaceful. And for the journeys between each city, you had seen on the spot or also in advance?
I had booked everything in advance. For long-distance transport, I went through a local agency which made private drivers available to me. It was Pierre Verger who combined everything for us.
Pierre VERGER www .colombiainfinita.com (57) 3208125670 Mail: pierreverger@colombiainfinita.com
It was only for the Medellin Santa Marta route that we took a flight.
Top thank you very much, I will contact him to see what he can offer us 🙂