Minca is definitely worth a visit! ItтАЩs one of the most popular destinations in Colombia for good reason. Minca showcases some of the best that Colombian nature has to offerтАФfrom stunning waterfalls and breathtaking views to delicious locally-produced coffee and hundreds of bird species to admire.
How do you get from Cartagena to Minca?
There are three ways to get from Cartagena to Minca: by bus, rental car, or private car service. Each one comes with its pros and cons, so make sure you check the тАШHow to get from Cartagena to MincaтАЩ section above to choose what suits your preferences.
What is the cheapest way to get from Cartagena to Minca?
A budget-friendly way to get from Cartagena to Minca is by bus. Including the taxi costs to get from one stop to another, the whole trip (one-way) will cost around $26 (тВм23).
How much is a taxi from Minca to Cartagena?
While there is no fixed rate for a taxi from Minca to Cartagena, you can expect to pay starting from $100 (COP 400,000 or тВм90). However, taking a taxi for this journey may not be the most convenient option, as taxi drivers often overcharge tourists, and you don't have any quality guarantee. For a more comfortable experience use DaytripтАЩs private car service.
How much is a private transfer from Cartagena to Minca?
A private transfer from Cartagena to Minca with Daytrip costs as little as $61 (тВм55) per person. Prices are for the vehicle, so the more people traveling, the cheaper it is!
What is the best way to get from Cartagena to Minca?
The best and most convenient way to get from Cartagena to Minca is by a private car service like Daytrip. We take care of everything from start to finish, so you donтАЩt have to worry about navigating the multiple bus transfers or driving the roads yourself. Getting to your destination has never been easier than that!
After visiting Cartagena, one of the most popular cities in Colombia, you might be eager to escape the city buzz and retreat to a peaceful oasis in nature. Minca is the ideal destination, and the journey from Cartagena to Minca will set the tone for that escape.
As you leave Cartagena and drive along the Caribbean coast, you will travel through roads surrounded by nature, passing by wetlands, small Colombian villages, and, in contrast, the busy city of BarranquillaтАФyour last bit of city life before you reach the peaceful Minca.
With Daytrip, you can tailor the trip to your preferences by choosing sightseeing stops along the way, such as the active El Totumo Mud Volcano for a relaxing experience, the town of Cienaga, which some say was Gabriel Garcia MarquezтАЩs inspiration for Macondo in тАЬOne Hundred Years of SolitudeтАЭ, or the oldest city of ColombiaтАФSanta Marta.
About Minca
Although often referred to as Minca Santa Marta, Minca is located in the Magdalena department of northern Colombia. Hugged by nature, Minca is the ideal nature tourism destination for those seeking a relaxing, tranquil experience and an escape to the heart of nature.
Minca is located at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the world's highest coastal mountain range. Due to its location, Minca is often used as a gateway to explore the surrounding Sierra Nevada, including its stunning natural landscapes and diverse wildlife. For that reason, MincaтАЩs popularity grew over the years, despite its small populationтАФonly around 800 people. As Minca is a relatively small village, it is usually the outskirts that attract visitors with its natural beauty and diverse eco-tourism possibilities.
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Colombia is the second-largest coffee producer in Latin America and the third-largest globally. Interestingly, the countryтАЩs very first coffee plantation was established in Minca in the 19th century. Back then, it was renowned for producing some of the best coffee, and to this day, the coffee from Minca has a unique flavor that you wonтАЩt find elsewhere. So, if youтАЩre a nature enthusiast and a coffee lover, a coffee tour in Minca should definitely be on your travel list!
Minca is also an ideal destination for those looking to escape the heat. Located at about 2,130 ft (650 m) above sea level, the village offers a cooler climate compared to other cities on the Caribbean coast.
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From Cartagena to Minca: travel tips
A trip from Cartagena to Minca promises a relaxing getaway. To ensure you are well-prepared for the journey, keep these essential tips in mind:
Protect yourself from the bugs
Getting closer to nature often means encountering bugs. Since Minca has a subtropical climate, packing effective bug repellent will help you avoid not only annoying mosquitoes but also other insects that are better off staying in nature rather than landing on your skin.
Bring some cash
Although Minca has become a popular destination, it is still a relatively small village, so some places may not accept credit cards. To avoid any inconvenience, bring some Colombian pesos with you.
Book accommodation in advance
Being a popular destination can lead to higher accommodation prices, especially during the peak season (typically the dry season). Booking your stay in advance can help you secure better rates and avoid the higher costs of last-minute reservations.
How to get from Cartagena to Minca
Minca is well-connected to other cities in Colombia by bus, including Cartagena. However, there are several additional Cartagena to Minca transfer options you can choose from:
From Cartagena to Minca by bus
If you are seeking a budget-friendly way to reach Minca, then taking a bus is the best option. To get from Cartagena to Minca by bus, first you have to take a bus to Santa Marta. This route is operated by the bus company Berlinastur, although the bus terminal is outside of the city, so you will have to take a taxi to get there. The tickets have to be purchased at the terminal, however, that should not be an issue, as the buses depart frequently.
The ticket from Cartagena to Santa Marta costs approximately $11 (COP 44,000 or тВм9.80). The bus from Cartagena to Santa Marta stops near a shopping center. From there, you will need to take a taxi to Mercado Publico, where minibusses to Minca depart. If you are unsure, you can tell the taxi driver you want to go to Minca.
The minibus ride from Mercado Publico to Minca costs around $2 (COP 8,000 or тВм1.80). Keep in mind that these minibusses only depart when they are full, so you may have to wait. Including the taxi rides, the total cost to get to Minca by bus is approximately $26 (тВм23).
From Cartagena to Minca by rental car
If taking a bus is too much of a hassle, you can also opt for a rental car. You will find numerous car rental companies in the area, so compare them, measure all the pros and cons, and check the reviews. However, you have to be a skilled driver, as the roads in Colombia are quite challenging. If you donтАЩt feel prepared for the Colombian roads, then the next option might be for you.
From Cartagena to Minca by private car service
The most convenient way to get from Cartagena to Minca is with DaytripтАЩs private car service. With Daytrip, you can leave all the worries behindтАФno need to juggle multiple transfers from bus to taxi, wait for a bus to fill up, or navigate challenging roads yourself. Instead, you will enjoy a direct, comfortable ride with minimal hassle.
Another advantage Daytrip offers is the optional sightseeing. Would you like to pamper yourself and take a mud bath at the Totumo Volcano? Or would you like to tick off another bigger city in Colombia, such as Barranquilla before you reach the tranquil Minca?
DonтАЩt miss the opportunity to explore the city of Cienaga, which, despite its historical events (such as the Banana Massacre), served as inspiration for the famous magical realism author Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Before reaching Minca, make sure to visit the coastal city of Santa Marta, which is famous for being one of the oldest cities in Latin America.
Things to do when you get to Minca
After your journey from Cartagena to Minca, it is time to immerse yourself in Colombia's natural beauty. While the village itself may be small, it is Minca's stunning surroundings that draw travelers from far and near. Here are some of our recommendations that we believe will make your trip truly memorable:
Relax at the waterfalls
Minca is known for its stunning waterfalls, making it a perfect destination for outdoorsy travelers. One of the most visited waterfalls in Minca is the Marinka Waterfalls, ideal for a refreshing and crisp swim after the hikeтАФit takes around 1.5 hours to reach the waterfalls.
There is an entrance fee of around $4 (COP 16,000 or тВм3.50) which is really not much, considering a whole tourist complex awaits you. You will find paved paths to access the waterfalls more easily, large hammocks, and even a restaurant to fuel up before exploring the rest of the area.
Go on a hike with a view
Minca offers a variety of hiking trails, catering to all levelsтАФfrom easy walks to more advanced treks. One of the most popular beginner hikes is Pozo Azul, which leads to natural pools and waterfalls, perfect for cooling off after a walk through the lush forest. For those seeking a bit more of a challenge, the hike to Los Pinos viewpoint is ideal, offering panoramic views of the stunning Sierra Nevada mountains and the Caribbean coast.
For the most adventurous hikers, the Cerro Kennedy trek, which reaches 10,170 feet (3,100 meters) above sea level, provides breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada range.
Take a birdwatching tour
Another activity you can't miss when visiting Minca is going on a birdwatching tour, especially if you are traveling with children. Minca is one of the best places in Colombia for spotting birds, with over 300 different species to discover. From toucans and woodpeckers to hummingbirds, parrots, motmots, and more, Minca is a birdwatcher's paradise!
P.S. If you book a ride with us and plan to travel with children, donтАЩt forget to request a child seat!
When is the best time to visit Minca
The best time to visit Minca is during the dry season, which spans from December to March. These months offer the most pleasant weather, making them ideal for exploring MincaтАЩs natural attractions, such as the waterfalls and surrounding mountains. The dry season also provides excellent hiking conditions, as the trails are easier to navigate.
However, as Minca grows in popularity, those seeking a quieter experience might consider visiting between April and November. While you may encounter occasional rain showers during these months, the lush, green landscapes and fewer crowds can make your visit even more rewarding.
The naturally-heated and mineral-rich mud in this volcano makes for a unique spa day.┬аHot, Dirty Sweats┬а
Barranquilla
Every year the streets of Gabriel Garcia Marquez' former hangout are filled with hundreds of thousands of revellers for a UNESCO-listed carnival.┬аThe Party Port┬а
Cienaga
This port cityтАЩs banana industry inspired Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and bestowed it with some beautiful belle poque bananera buildings.┬аThe Banana Belle┬а
Santa Marta
The colonial buildings of ColombiaтАЩs oldest city are colorfully lived in, with the white-washed customs house now housing a gold-filled museum.┬аOld Gold┬а
