How to get from Santa Marta to Minca

Why visit Minca?

Minca is a jungle paradise set within the mystical mountain range of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. With only 800 residents, the small town offers a tranquil and laidback vibe perfect for nature lovers.

Some of our favourite things to do in Minca include chasing waterfalls, hiking up mountains, learning about cacao and coffee, and birdwatching (it’s home to 345 bird species!). And despite the town’s small size, it offers a wide array of restaurants — all offering fresh and healthy cuisine.

There are 3 ways to travel the 21 kilometres (13 miles) from Santa Marta to Minca. You can choose between the shared minivan, 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 ($2.60).

Taking a colectivo is the cheapest way to get to Minca, but also the least comfortable. They’re often cramped, with no air conditioning — not ideal for a ride through winding mountain roads.

That said, if you’re up for a more local experience, keep reading.

Colectivos for the Santa Marta to Minca route run from 07:00 to 18:00, but they do not have set departures. Drivers wait until the van is full before leaving. You may have to wait a little if there are not enough passengers, but this is usually no longer than 30 minutes.

Departure and arrival stations

These colectivos don’t leave from the main bus terminal. Instead, they depart from a stop behind the central market (Mercado Público de Santa Marta), quite close to the city centre.

The exact location is on the intersection of Carrera 9 and Calle 12. You can walk there in about 20 minutes, but the route goes through some unsafe areas, so it’s definitely safer to take a taxi. A ride from the city centre should cost around 6,000 COP ($1.50).

If you’re coming from the airport, expect to pay between 12,000 COP ($3.10) – 25,000 COP ($6.40) for a taxi. From the bus terminal, the fare is usually around 10,000 COP ($2.60) – 15,000 COP ($3.80).

Once you arrive, look for the Cootrasminca office and white vans with “Minca” written on the windshield. You can buy your ticket at the office for around 10,000 COP ($2.60).

The bus will drop you off at Cootrasminca Stop in Minca. If you are staying in town, everything is within walking distance. If you are staying outside of town, mototaxis (motorbikes) can take you to where you need to go, just negotiate the rate with the driver and make sure to wear a helmet.

A private transfer from Santa Marta to Minca 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 — no need to worry about extra transfers.

Uber is a reliable option, with prices starting at around 94,000 COP ($24). A cheaper alternative is booking a taxi through the Uber app for about 79,000 COP ($20) for a 4-seater — similar to what you’d pay for a standard taxi. Split it with your group, and it’s about 20,000 COP ($5) each.

If you’re not using the app, it’s best to take a taxi from the official stand at Santa Marta Airport (if you’re arriving at Santa Marta Airport) or ask your hotel to arrange one for you.

If you prefer booking in advance, BookAway is a great choice. They’re very reliable but come with a higher price tag, starting at 189,000 COP ($48.50).

If you’re flying into Santa Marta Airport (Simón Bolívar International Airport), you can take a minivan to Minca. Viajando por el Caribe operates on this route with limited departures daily.

The ride costs around 196,000 COP ($50) and takes about 50 minutes, depending on traffic. You’ll be dropped off near the church in the centre of Minca, but it’s worth asking if they can drop you off somewhere else in town.