Minca

Private car transfer
from Cartagena to Minca

Door-to-door
in 4 h 30 min
From ...
per seat
Comfortable
car
One way
Cancel for free 24 hours before departure
Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 2024
Excellent
trustpilot-stars

Trip Information

Pick-up

Your driver will meet you at your address in Cartagena.

  • Door-to-door service
  • Help with your luggage

Trip

You’ll travel in comfort for 4 h 30 min.

  • Optional sight-seeing
  • Clean, comfortable car
  • Professional driver
  • Bottled water
  • Child seats
  • Prepared for handicapped
  • Smoke-free
  • Pet friendly

Drop-off

Your driver will drop you off at your address in Minca.

  • Door-to-door service
  • Help with your luggage
In total
  • 248 km
  • 4 h 30 min

Overview: car trip from Cartagena to Minca

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 Barranquilla—your 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 Marquez’s inspiration for Macondo in “One Hundred Years of Solitude”, or the oldest city of Colombia—Santa 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, Minca’s popularity grew over the years, despite its small population—only 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.

<show-more>

Colombia is the second-largest coffee producer in Latin America and the third-largest globally. Interestingly, the country’s 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 won’t find elsewhere. So, if you’re 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.

</showmore>

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 €9.80). 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 €1.80). 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 (€23).

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 don’t 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 Daytrip’s private car service. With Daytrip, you can leave all the worries behind—no 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?

Don’t 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 hike—it takes around 1.5 hours to reach the waterfalls.

There is an entrance fee of around $4 (COP 16,000 or €3.50) 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 levels—from 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, don’t 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 Minca’s 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.

Questions & Answers about Traveling from Cartagena to Minca

Minca is definitely worth a visit! It’s one of the most popular destinations in Colombia for good reason. Minca showcases some of the best that Colombian nature has to offer—from stunning waterfalls and breathtaking views to delicious locally-produced coffee and hundreds of bird species to admire.
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 (€23).
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 ‘How to get from Cartagena to Minca’ section above to choose what suits your preferences.
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 €90). 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 Daytrip’s private car service.
A private transfer from Cartagena to Minca with Daytrip costs as little as $61 (€55) per person. Prices are for the vehicle, so the more people traveling, the cheaper it is!
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 don’t have to worry about navigating the multiple bus transfers or driving the roads yourself. Getting to your destination has never been easier than that!

Visit these sights on the way

El Totumo Mud Volcano

El Totumo Mud Volcano

The naturally-heated and mineral-rich mud in this volcano makes for a unique spa day. Hot, Dirty Sweats 

Barranquilla

Barranquilla

Every year the streets of Gabriel Garcia Marquez' former hangout are filled with hundreds of thousands of revellers for a UNESCO-listed carnival. The Party Port 

Cienaga

Cienaga

This port city’s banana industry inspired Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and bestowed it with some beautiful belle poque bananera buildings. The Banana Belle 

Santa Marta

Santa Marta

The colonial buildings of Colombia’s oldest city are colorfully lived in, with the white-washed customs house now housing a gold-filled museum. Old Gold 

Why people love Daytrip

Tripadvisor logo
4,800+ reviews
  • 290 travelers took this route with us
Dec 4, 2024

Excellent service for transfers in Thailand

I was unsure about this company but a few good reviews on Trip Advisor made me take the chance. I am so happy that we did. We needed a ride from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. Our driver Saksun was an excellent driver - it's not a long distance to drive (by Texas standards!) but the road is challenging and there are a lot of places where improvements to the road are being made. It took around 3 hours with a stop at a place with very clean bathrooms, very interesting hot springs and a place to get a snack and cold drinks. Saksun had a vehicle that was fantastic for this type of drive - a very comfortable ride indeed and was obviously well maintained and very clean. I highly recommend this company. I used to post on trip advisor as "lakekariba" but got out of the habit of doing so. This company was so easy to use and the result was so enjoyable that I felt that the company Daytrip and the driver Saksun had earned our trust and a glowing review. Gillian and Ted Pearsall Austin, Texas

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler lakekariba
Review author image

lakekariba

Dec 4, 2024
Dec 3, 2024

Excellent option to get to Vienna to Budapest!

We used Daytrip to travel between Budapest and Vienna with a 2 hour stop for lunch in Bratislava. Our driver Zsombor arrived on time at our hotel in Budapest and was very friendly and informative throughout our trip. His vehicle was roomy and clean and he was kind enough to provide us with some bottled water for the trip. Our quick visit stop in Bratislava was very nice as well. He gave us plenty of time to explore the city and have lunch before meeting him again when it was time to head for Vienna. Daytrip provided us with a happy and trouble free transfer between Budapest and Vienna. Many thanks to your team and especially to your driver Zsombor!

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler pgh1125
Review author image

pgh1125

Dec 3, 2024
Nov 9, 2024

Great communication with an actual person! They will take you ANYWHERE, No pre-set routes to choose from!

Last minute plan change and Daytrip was our last resort so I chatted with them and had an immediate response from a real person, best situation ever. Never used Daytrip before but the reviews were incredible so we took the chance and booked a driver at like 11-12pm and by 7am the next morning when we woke, they found us a driver and the driver had already texed us making contact! Very impressed and will definitely use them again. We went from Dubrovnik, Croatia to Tivat, Montenegro.

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler James B
Review author image

James B

Nov 9, 2024
Nov 1, 2024

Perfect Transport

Andreas did a great job picking us up from Pireaus Cruise Port and taking us to our rental in Spata. The three of us had been on a long cruise and had 9 pieces of luggage. He arrived in an appropriate vehicle and loaded and unloaded all of it. We are very happy with out decision to book with Daytrip.

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler LuckyTraveler01
Review author image

LuckyTraveler01

Nov 1, 2024

Vehicle options for this trip

Most popular

sedan

Sedan

Comparable to aVolkswagen Passat
Passengers and luggage
  • 1-3
  • 3x
  • 3x
  • Clean
  • Comfortable
  • Air conditioned
  • Handicapped accessible
  • Child seats
  • Pet friendly
  • Smoke-free
From ... per seatSelect

More options

mpv

Compact MPV

Comparable to aVolkswagen Touran
Passengers and luggage
  • 4
  • 4x
  • 4x
From ... per seatSelect
van

Van

Comparable to aMercedes Vito
Passengers and luggage
  • 5-7
  • 7x
  • 7x
From ... per seatSelect

The Daytrip driver advantage

Daytrip driver
  • Local knowledge about the route from Cartagena to Minca
    Including available sights:
  • English speaking*

    All Daytrip drivers speak English* as well as their native language (and sometimes additional languages too!). They'll be happy to discuss local history and culture with you, as well as answer any questions you may have. And because they speak the language, they're able to provide you with a unique opportunity to connect with local culture. *Drivers for Lite service aren't required to speak English but must meet all other standards.

  • Safety first!

    We screen all our drivers for criminal and traffic records, and personally interview each one. We also inspect their cars for safety, comfort, and reliability. All cars must be less than ten years old, in excellent operating condition, and insured as required by local law. And because our drivers are locals, they're familiar with the rules and customs of the road.

World-class customer support

  • Available 24/7
  • Close relationship with drivers
  • Experts on the route from Cartagena to Minca

Flexible cancellation policy

  • Cancellations: 100% refund up to 24 hours before the trip!
  • Changes: Free up to 24 hours before the trip!

Good to know

Children

If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!

Pets

Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.

Tips

Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).

Luggage

  • Big luggage
  • 29x21x11 inches
  • 74x53x28 cm
  • Small luggage
  • 22x14x9 inches
  • 56x36x23 cm

Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.

Payment methods

Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.

Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 13,800+ cities around the world.

Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.

We have been featured in

usa-travel logo
forbes logo
huffpost logo
monocle logo
wanderlust logo
aileen logo
World dotted map
Drive with Daytrip
I am a travel agent