Minca: The best plans to do in this paradise of The Sierra Nevada

Hidden in the mountains of The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, lies a natural treasure called Minca. This town, with less than 600 inhabitants, is famous for its huge mountains and waterfalls, its coffee and cacao farms, and its refreshing climate. In the last years, this little town has become one of the most visited places for tourists.

What to do in Minca?

1. Bird watching

Minca is a sanctuary for bird watching thanks to its excellent location and because of its natural ecosystem. Here, you can find some of the most exotic birds in the region and some endemic species.

If you are interested in bird watching, you can go on a private tour, which will take 3 hours, and come with a private English-speaking guide, transport and specialised binoculars if needed.

Locals recommend going on a morning or afternoon excursion, so you can enjoy the most exotic species. Among the birds you can find here are parrots, toucans, owls, and many others.

You will be treated to beautiful views over the mountains and over the city of Santa Marta. It is a very special experience to oversee the Caribbean from the Sierra Nevada. Don´t forget to check out some of the Carribean beaches in your holidays. You can find information about the best beaches of Colombia here. 

2. Visit the coffee farms

If you are a coffee lover, this is a mandatory stop. You can find numerous farms here that cultivate one of the most famous beverages in the country: The Sierra Nevada coffee.

These beans are famous for having chocolate and wood notes with medium acidity. So, the best recommendation is to book a tour and enjoy a complete coffee route. Learn about the coffee growing process from the farmers.

These tours cost about COP$15,000 and include two cups of coffee; one at the beginning and one at the end. One of the most famous farms is La Victoria, located 15 minutes from downtown.

3. Pozo Azul

If the plan for your Colombian vacation is to relax and enjoy some of the natural treasures of Minca, then this option is perfect for you. Pozo Azul includes several swimming holes and a big waterfall where you can go cliff jumping.

This natural swimming pool is a perfect spot to relax and disconnect. Getting there is not too difficult. You can take a moto-taxi from the town and it will take only 15 minutes.

But, if you opt for a hike, it will take about 45 minutes, and you will be able to enjoy a wonderful view.

4. Hiking in Minca

In Minca, there are different hiking options, to suit your requirements. It all depends on how much time you would like to spend hiking.

• Las Piedras: this is one of the easiest tracks since it is only 15 minutes from the town. You will have a wonderful view of the Minca

• Marinka waterfalls: it is a one-hour hike from the town. When you get there, you will be rewarded with a refreshing waterfall, perfect for cooling off after hiking. To enter Marinka you will have to pay about COP$5,000; a small fee to enjoy a natural treasure in the forests of Minca.

• Los Pinos: this is probably one of the longest hikes, but it’s worth it. On this five-hour hike, you will come across Pozo Azul and Las Cascadas, while enjoying the incredible scenery. Finally, when you get to the highest point, you can enjoy a wonderful view of Minca, Santa Marta and the coastline. And, to top it all off, if you leave early, you can catch some snowy peaks at the end. So, if you decide to take this track, try to leave early in the morning to avoid the sun.

Where it is located and how to get there?

Minca is located 14 kilometers from Santa Marta. It is a direct route that will take about 40 minutes. The easiest way to get there from Santa Marta is by organizing private transport. (We can help you with this).

Conclusion

So you can see that Minca has something to offer for everyone. Relax, hike, observe birds, and enjoy a refreshing dive in the rivers. A little paradise nested in the mountains with seaviews, what more do you want!?

If you need help or guidance with the planning process of your trip to Colombia, don´t hesitate to contact us. We have a team of travel experts looking forward to help you have the best holiday of your life.