Jungle city in the mountains with lots of nature, hippie vibes and eco-lodging.
Minca was probably my favorite place in all of Colombia. Super safe, tranquil, fun, good food options, several nature hangouts, beautiful lodging. It was such a vibe. And a much-welcomed break from the usual over-stimulated Colombian destinations with annoying vendors harassing you every 2 minutes.
2 days is good but many will extend to 3-5 days (and some even vowing to return again before end of their trip) because the vibe is so nice. 3 days was perfect for me. Pick an awesome accommodation and you’ll see what I mean.
Where to stay:
- Read around different reviews and check their photos. I imagine places higher up the hill will have a better view. I personally would not be choosing places on proximity to Minca town. Most of your time will be enjoying nature from your accommodation.
Hostels:
- Masaya Casas Viejas – super highly recommended one. Like a MUST-GO paradise oasis destination with amazing views and heated horizon pool. But it was full when I tried to book. That’s what I get for waiting till last minute. You have to book 1-6 weeks ahead depending on what options you want. Some drawbacks are that it might not well-cleaned or well-maintained, low food options, no WIFI, and you have to hike 15-20 mins through a mud swamp to reach this remote location (25 mins out of Minca).
- Finca Carpe Diem – the one higher up the view with amazing views. books out fast.
- Jungle Joe EcoLodge – big tree house with hammocks as you look out the amazing views of the mountains. Just an awesome vibe and easy to make great friends with all the other travelers. You’re definitely in nature. Facilities are not perfect in some ways but you won’t regret it. Bathrooms are clean, beds are a little stiff but have good mosquito nets, internet is surprising reliable. Enjoy nature! Jungle Joe doesn’t have a pool like some other places.
- Mundo Nuevo Eco Lodge Minca – super highly rated. must book early. one person said it’s definitely better than finca carpe diem.
- Dream House Homestay Minca – great reviews, close to Minca city center, but not in nature with mountain views like the others.
- Minca Hostel Mirador – this place was next to ours at Jungle Joe and it looks like it has an amazing view as well. Also highly rated, with the bad reviews complaining about service. But everyone agrees the view is amazing.
- Casa del Pozo Azul – highly rated but i dont think it has mountain views
- Finca Hostal Bolivar – great reviews and still in nature but no mountain views, still nice views to nature and santa marta though. down hill from other finca. great great reviews.
- Mano Verde Minca – small one with perfect chill vibes
Neighborhoods & Walking areas:
- Minca town center – walk around, many awesome restaurants. I really liked the handcraft jewelry vendors at the park. I saw some unique interesting stuff there that I bought.
- Walk to waterfalls
- Visit other accommodations
Activities to do:
- Rio Elemento – a nearby lodging that we visited during the day. You have to pay 20,000 COP but it’s right on the river and has nice pool area and just nature areas to hangout. Fun to visit with some friends or even alone. I probably wouldn’t stay here as I read bad reviews about their service.
- Waterfalls – Marinka Waterfalls is the best one IMO. You have to pay but it’s nice and not crowded. Looks great for photos. I recommend choosing the RIGHT option when the bridge splits, as the waterfall on this direction has fewer people. On the way to Marinka is the Oido del Mundo waterfalls. Looks nice but can get crowded if you don’t go early. Pozo Azul, I didn’t go but others told me it wasn’t as nice as Marinka and also too crowded. The Google ratings support that sentiment as well. But yes, you can visit Pozo Azul if you’re staying longer and just want to try something new. Many people say you should climb past the first 2-3 pools to find more secluded areas with fewer people, or go earlier.
- Sunset views – probably best from your accommodation or in town at some terrace bar/restaurant.
Restaurants & Cafes:
- Arabesca – super delicious. We loved everything. I especially loved the Uzi plate, the rice was amazing (although it fills you really fast).
- Marhaba – good food and service
Bars & Clubs:
- El Mirador – beautiful views during the day and a nice crowded locals bar at night. Maybe not so convenient to get to if you’re not staying nearby here. A more convenient bar in town or taking mototaxi might be a better idea than walking at night.
Miscellaneous tips:
Nearby towns:
- Santa Marta – I easily love Minca so much more. Just nicer, chiller, safer, more nature, more vibey. I’ll probably never return to Santa Marta, but Minca I would definitely go back.
- Tayrona Park – very nice and beautiful place that I skipped because I didn’t feel like dealing with tourists. You may want to look up the many specifics of how to visit this place, whether by organized tour or going on your own. And what things you want to see in there and how to get to them. I hear there’s different entrances and such and finding a ride back from there can be challenging.
Unfiltered notes:
- EIGHT WONDERFUL THINGS TO DO IN MINCA | A COOL ESCAPE ON THE COLOMBIAN COAST – ALONG DUSTY ROADS
1 thought on “Minca – quick travel guide”