How to get from Minca to Santa Marta

Why visit Santa Marta?

Santa Marta is one of the main tourist hubs on Colombia’s north coast. It is the gateway to Tayrona National Park, arguably the most beautiful national park in the country. But to be honest, there’s not much to do in Santa Marta itself.

You can spare a few hours exploring the colonial houses in the Old Town or scuba diving in El Rodadero, which has some of the most affordable scuba diving centres in South America. But we recommend saving your time for the more exciting destinations near Santa Marta — like Tayrona, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and Ciudad Perdida.

There are 2 ways to travel the 21 kilometre (13 miles) distance from Minca to Santa Marta. You can choose between the private transport and colectivo. The journey takes 45 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes and the quickest way is by colectivo. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by colectivo with tickets starting at 10,000 COP ($2.70).

The cheapest way to travel from Minca to Santa Marta is by colectivo. It’s not exactly the most comfortable, but many budget travellers pick this option for the price, which is only 10,000 COP ($2.70).

Colectivos are often cramped, and many still don’t have have air conditioning — not ideal for a ride through winding mountain roads.

Some colectivos do have A/C, though, so it’s worth asking at the ticket office before you board. Airconditioned colectivos cost the same as non-airconditioned ones.

The journey by colectivo from Minca to Santa Marta takes around 45 minutes.

IMPORTANT: If you’re short on time, especially if you’re catching a flight in Santa Marta, we don’t recommend taking a colectivo. Their departure times vary depending on the number of passengers. It can depart at the scheduled time, or 40 minutes later.

Departure and arrival stations

Colectivos leave from the Cootrasminca Stop in Minca on the town’s main street. They operate daily from 07:00 to 18:00.

In Santa Marta, it stops at the Central Market (Mercado Público de Santa Marta), about a kilometre from the historic centre. That’s a 15-minute walk, but the streets outside the tourist areas are not pedestrian-friendly. It’s better to take a taxi with rates from 10,000 COP ($2.70).

If you’re heading to Santa Marta Airport, taxi fares range between 30,000 COP ($8.10) and 40,000 COP ($10.80). To the bus terminal, expect to pay around 15,000 COP ($4.10).

Keep in mind that drivers in Santa Marta are known for overcharging tourists, so we don’t recommend hailing one from the street. It’s more convenient to book a taxi via the Uber app.

A private transfer from Minca to Santa Marta is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 50 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation or the airport — no need to worry about extra transfers.

Uber is a good choice, if you can book one. Prices start from 79,000 COP ($21.50) for an Uber taxi and 94,000 COP ($25.50) for an Uber car. If you’re in a group of 4, it’s about 20,000 COP ($5.30) each. Just keep in mind that Minca is quite remote, so it might take a while for an Uber driver to accept your request.

If you prefer booking in advance, BookAway is a great choice. They’re very reliable but come with a higher price tag, starting at 179,000 COP ($48.50).

Regular taxis are also available for the Minca to Santa Marta route, but don’t just hail any taxi from the street. It’s best to ask your hotel to help you get a reputable driver. A regular taxi ride typically costs the same as an Uber taxi.