Minca is a small town of coffee tradition located in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. It is located less than 20 kilometers from the city's Historic Center and can be easily reached by road in a journey of between 45 and 60 minutes (depending on traffic).
Minca is a town with a rich history and a population of fewer than 1000 people. It has become a must-see site for locals and visitors alike, full of sensational restaurants and accommodations designed to offer fabulous experiences in recent years. So special has it become for national tourism that it has been cataloged as the Ecological Capital of Colombia.
At Visit Santa Marta we know that Santa Marta is a city with many special places to discover and Minca is one of those magical places in our beautiful region that you can't miss. Here we are going to tell you about 5 activities you can do in Minca.
Coffee is a particular part of the culture and history of the entire Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, and Minca is an obligatory stop to get to know the coffee culture of the region. The Coffee Tour is an incredible experience in which you will have the opportunity to take a tour in which you will learn about all the stages of coffee production and understand where the delicious cup you drink in the morning comes from.
On tour, you will visit a coffee farm to learn firsthand how the coffee plants are cultivated and how the beans are harvested. It will be an exciting experience where you will be able to interact with local farmers dedicated to coffee production.
After the visit to the farm, you will have the opportunity to learn about the next stages of production and take a tour of the production plant of CAFICOSTA, our coffee ally in the region. During the tour you will be able to:
Observe the process in the roasting plant.
Visit the laboratory and learn how to taste a cup of coffee and distinguish between different types of products.
Taste a delicious cup of coffee and enjoy an entertaining barista show performed by a professional CAFICOSTA barista.
For hiking lovers, Minca is an ideal destination where you will find many spectacular paths and trails for unforgettable hikes. You don't have to be an expert hiker or have the best physical condition, Minca offers different trail options for all types of abilities.
With the accompaniment of a local guide, you can hike through rainforest trails, through thick tropical forests, cross icy rivers and encounter impressive waterfalls. If you are more intrepid and you like to do your hikes alone, don't worry, you only have to inform yourself well with the Visit Santa Marta team who will give you all the information and organize all the necessary logistics to find your destination.
The following list is a small summary of some of the most entertaining hikes you can do during your visit to Minca:
Oído del Mundo (beginners).
Pozo Azul (beginners).
Marinka Waterfalls (intermediate).
Hacienda La Victoria (intermediate).
Minca - Los Pinos Circuit (advanced).
Trek to Cerro Kennedy (advanced).
Minca is a global birdwatching paradise. UNESCO declared the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site in 1979 for its immeasurable ecological and cultural richness. Its geographical location, altitude, and ecosystems make it home to hundreds of bird species in the region, both endemic and migratory.
From the town of Minca, you can start different tours to see and identify different types of birds. In addition, the Sierra has one of the most important private reserves in Colombia for birdwatching.
Colombia is a privileged country for mountain biking lovers due to the number and height of the mountain ranges that cross the country. The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is not outside this reality and has many trails for cycling enthusiasts.
Starting from the road from Santa Marta to the town of Minca, you will find many other mountain trails that will take you through ancient jungles to peaks at 2,800 meters above sea level.
Remember to be well prepared for your adventure, as the slopes are steep and temperatures can vary from 30° to 5° Celsius degrees. But don't worry, at Visit Santa Marta, we know how to organize your adventure so you won't suffer any setbacks.
If adrenaline is your thing, you will enjoy a motorcycle tour from Minca. The region has several paved and unpaved roads that will take you to countless incredible destinations. You don't have to worry about having a motorcycle, as there are companies dedicated to guided tours or renting the necessary motorcycles for the roads of the Sierra, always remember to wear a helmet!
The main routes that we recommend you do on a motorcycle are:
Minca - La Tagua
Minca - Los Pinos Circuit
After all that we have just told you, you should undoubtedly include Minca in your list of must-see places. It is a spectacular place where you can find several incredible adventures and unique experiences that you will remember for the rest of your life.
At Visit Santa Marta we can organize your visit to the fabulous and mysterious town of Minca. Contact us through WhatsApp (+ 57 3108720384) or our social networks (@visitsantamarta).