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Hiking trails on a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve, enjoying panoramic views of the most fantastic scenery: sea, city, mountains, and jungle, pleasant temperatures and straight from the source coffee and cacao. These are some of the things that have made Minca an increasingly popular destination to explore.
The town of Minca itself is tiny, with two perpendicular roads and a small church. From there, pathways lead to waterfalls, viewpoints, vegetation, birdwatching, and coffee and cacao plantations.
While you can stay in town, it’s the lodging up in the mountains of Minca that gives you access to views of the sea, mountains, and Santa Marta city. If you are traveling by car, it’s easy to get to Minca, but once there, the roads are not well-suited for cars. Still, you can find accommodation on the main road.
I could easily stay for a while in Minca. The temperature is pleasant and there are plenty of nature-related activities. The town is calm with just enough restaurants and shops to still enjoy.
Minca is a place that fosters both inner and outer exploration. By contemplating the mountains and sunsets here, I’m reminded that life is about enjoying these simple moments. Enjoying the moment and doing the work, balancing both. It’s in places like Minca that I’m reminded to maintain a traveler’s mentality in life:
My time here is short. Explore the world every day. Do good, smile and expand your heart. Create your own path. Enjoy.
Best places to eat in Minca
Panadería La Miga / $$ / Google Maps
A popular and small French bakery serving coffee and baking French-style breads, such as pain au chocolat, baguettes, and sourdough breads.
Casa Aney / $$ / Google Maps
This cozy restaurant has a relaxed, dimly lit atmosphere at night. They serve tasty pizzas at affordable prices. Each personal-sized pizza costs about $20.000 pesos. Our favorites: Salami or mushroom pizza.
La Posta / $$ / Google Maps
Rustic restaurant with tasty arepas rellenas (stuffed flat corn bread) wrapped in banana leaves. The tables are outdoors, and the service is attentive. The restaurant has a family-friendly environment. They also offer choripan (Argentine chorizo sandwich), burgers, and wine. Arepa rellena: Around $20.000 pesos.
Central / $$ / Google Maps
This restaurant specializes in barbecue food. The tables are located outside in a spacious, leafy, and pleasant yard.
Best things to visit in Minca
⭐️ La Candelaria Cacao Tour / $$ / Google Maps
This farm, up in the mountains of Minca, offers inspiring views of the region and delightful tours on the cacao-making process. The tours include generous tastings of cacao. The guides, knowledgeable and funny, provide an insightful account of the cacao industry in Colombia and the world.
A welcomed side effect of multiple tastings is the cacao-induced endorphins. As explained during the tour, chocolate stimulates the brain region associated with love and care.
Cacao Tour: $30,000 pesos for a 1.5-hour tour. Coffee tours are also available. It’s a 45-minute walk up the mountain on a dirt road, accessible by motor taxi (60,000 pesos for a round trip).
Pozo Azul / $ / Google Maps
This natural pool with small waterfalls is a short and enjoyable 30-minute walk from town. Take a dip in the pool and enjoy the scenic view of tall, lush trees. Weekdays or early mornings are the best time to visit, as it can get busy otherwise. To get there from the main road, follow a 15-minute trail, and look for the sign to Casa del Pozo Azul on the right at the first road fork. The entrance fee is $6,000 pesos.
Best places to stay in Minca
La Veranda Hotel Deck and Pool, sun chairs, hammock, and a view of Minca’s mountains
⭐️ La Veranda / $$ / Booking.com
The deck and pool of this hotel overlook the jungle-filled mountains of Minca, the sea, and the city of Santa Marta in the distance. It’s a pleasant spot to watch the sunset, even if you’re not staying here. The restaurant shares the view of the deck and is open to the public. The hotel is on the main road and is easily accessible by car. Shared dorm: $70.000 pesos. Private room: $200.000. Breakfast included.
