Recharge your batteries at this tranquil little village located in the hills of the Sierra Nevada just 14 kilometres from Santa Marta. With a tiny population of 500 people, there isn't a whole heap "to do".. so relaxation is pretty unavoidable.
You'll stay in one of a handful of "eco-huts" or hostels, trek through the lush vegetation, see vibrant wildlife (hummingbirds are SO cool), tour coffee plantation (definitely buy some coffee), visit a picturesque little church and jump into a tiny but refreshing waterfall. There's also the mega popular giant hammock at Casa Elemento just made for instagram.
Basically it's all about the chillaxing. But DEFINITELY pack some hardcore insect repellant if you want to avoid returning to reality with some annoyingly itchy souvenirs.
We recommend:
STAY Casas Viejas - it's about 30 minutes further up from the Minca town and only accessible by motobike or 4WD jeep.. but the secluded location is totally worth it. Both private rooms and very nice dorm rooms available. If you're not a "hostel" kind of person, this is the hostel for you. Stunning location, excellent food.. and a good base for exploring with horse riding, La Vittoria coffee farm, nature walks available. You can book a private jeep directly from Santa Marta for the most fuss-free way to arrive or take the colectivo bus, then moto for the cheapest. Website link here Tell them Cartagena Connections sent you!
STAY Iguana Soul - is located in the actual township and is run by the lovely Tash who speaks native English. It's a charming little farmhouse that offers breakfast and healthy super-food smoothies. Tash also runs photography and nature tours and has a very special relationship with the communities in the area which enables her clients to access experiences not usually available to the public.
EAT Cafe Duni - for a healthy hippie food fix you can't beat Cafe Duni. Lots of vegan and vegetarian options, simple sandwiches and salads and friendly, if slow, service. Think of it as a meditation? Patience is a virtue and time doesn't exist.
EAT Bururake Minca - quirky space, great grill-focused food, delicious cocktails. Happy hour is fun, but mosquitoes think so too, so pack repellant.
TOUR Birdwatching and Night wildlife - ok, I'll admit it, before coming to live in Colombia, I had no real idea of the huge movement that is birdwatching. And I do mean movement, because I've come to appreciate that birdwatching/ornithology is so much bigger than just a hobby or passion. It's no real surprise that Colombia, the country with more bird species than anywhere in the world, was the country where I was enlightened to the error of my ways. And if you are interested in birdwatching, the region around Santa Marta, including Minca, offers some of the best in the country. If this is your jam, let us know by sending us an email and we will connect you with our most recommended guides and experiences.
TOUR Horse-riding. We totally loved our horseriding tour through the inclines and declines of Minca. Anywhere you stay will be able to hook you up with the only horse-trail company operating. Prices are fair and the guides were lovely.
TOUR Coffee farm. Perfectly interesting tour explaining the bean to cup process. To be honest it's quite basic, but it's also not that expensive.
You'll stay in one of a handful of "eco-huts" or hostels, trek through the lush vegetation, see vibrant wildlife (hummingbirds are SO cool), tour coffee plantation (definitely buy some coffee), visit a picturesque little church and jump into a tiny but refreshing waterfall. There's also the mega popular giant hammock at Casa Elemento just made for instagram.
Basically it's all about the chillaxing. But DEFINITELY pack some hardcore insect repellant if you want to avoid returning to reality with some annoyingly itchy souvenirs.
We recommend:
STAY Casas Viejas - it's about 30 minutes further up from the Minca town and only accessible by motobike or 4WD jeep.. but the secluded location is totally worth it. Both private rooms and very nice dorm rooms available. If you're not a "hostel" kind of person, this is the hostel for you. Stunning location, excellent food.. and a good base for exploring with horse riding, La Vittoria coffee farm, nature walks available. You can book a private jeep directly from Santa Marta for the most fuss-free way to arrive or take the colectivo bus, then moto for the cheapest. Website link here Tell them Cartagena Connections sent you!
STAY Iguana Soul - is located in the actual township and is run by the lovely Tash who speaks native English. It's a charming little farmhouse that offers breakfast and healthy super-food smoothies. Tash also runs photography and nature tours and has a very special relationship with the communities in the area which enables her clients to access experiences not usually available to the public.
EAT Cafe Duni - for a healthy hippie food fix you can't beat Cafe Duni. Lots of vegan and vegetarian options, simple sandwiches and salads and friendly, if slow, service. Think of it as a meditation? Patience is a virtue and time doesn't exist.
EAT Bururake Minca - quirky space, great grill-focused food, delicious cocktails. Happy hour is fun, but mosquitoes think so too, so pack repellant.
TOUR Birdwatching and Night wildlife - ok, I'll admit it, before coming to live in Colombia, I had no real idea of the huge movement that is birdwatching. And I do mean movement, because I've come to appreciate that birdwatching/ornithology is so much bigger than just a hobby or passion. It's no real surprise that Colombia, the country with more bird species than anywhere in the world, was the country where I was enlightened to the error of my ways. And if you are interested in birdwatching, the region around Santa Marta, including Minca, offers some of the best in the country. If this is your jam, let us know by sending us an email and we will connect you with our most recommended guides and experiences.
TOUR Horse-riding. We totally loved our horseriding tour through the inclines and declines of Minca. Anywhere you stay will be able to hook you up with the only horse-trail company operating. Prices are fair and the guides were lovely.
TOUR Coffee farm. Perfectly interesting tour explaining the bean to cup process. To be honest it's quite basic, but it's also not that expensive.