What to expect when visiting 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.
2 ways to get from Santa Marta to Minca
There are two ways to travel the distance of 21 km (13 miles) from Santa Marta to Minca: by colectivo from santa marta to minca (40 minutes) and colectivo from minca to santa marta (45 minutes). The journey takes between 40 minutes - 45 minutes and the quickest way is by colectivo from santa marta to minca. The lowest priced tickets start from 9,000 COP ($2.20) for the colectivo from santa marta to minca.Where to stay in Minca?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Minca at the bottom of this page.
Santa Marta to Minca by Colectivo from Santa Marta to Minca
Note that colectivoes operating from Santa Marta to Minca do not depart from the main bus terminal. Instead, they go from a bus stop behind the central market (Mercado Central), quite close to the city centre.
The exact location is on the intersection of Carrera 9 and Calle 11. You can either take a taxi from the city centre to the bus stop for 6,000 COP ($1.50) or walk for 20 minutes. However, you need to pass through some unsafe areas, so the better option would be to take a taxi.
Once you get to the bus stop, you will see a sign with the name of the company ‘Cootrasminca’. You should buy the ticket directly at the office for 9,000 COP ($2.20).
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 bus is full before leaving, so you may have to wait a little if there are not enough passengers, but this is usually no longer than 30 minutes.
Bus schedule from Santa Marta to Minca
The bus will drop you off at Minca Bus Stop. 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.
Santa Marta to Minca by Colectivo from Minca to Santa Marta
If you’re looking to travel in the opposite direction, from Minca to Santa Marta, then the same directions as above apply, just the other way around.
You’ll need to catch the Colectivo from the bus stop in Minca on the town’s main street. Buses come frequently, so it’s best to just arrive and wait for the next one available.
The bus journey to Santa Marta is only 45 minutes long and is the same price as the other direction – 9,000 COP ($2.20).
Our favourite places to stay in Minca
Staying in Minca is more than just choosing a place to stay. This is going to be an experience that you’re never going to forget. The majority of accommodations are farms or eco lodges.
You’ll be surrounded by nothing but jungle, eating some of the freshest produce and simply relaxing.
With so many great places to stay, here are our favourites in Minca:
Sierra Alta Finca - Treating Yourself
How many times in your life do you get to stay in the middle of the jungle? If the answer is ‘not many’, then why not treat yourself? Sierra Alta is a magical blend of indoors and outdoors. Outdoor bathrooms where you can shower under the stars and cosy rooms that guarantee a good sleep.
The hot tub overlooking nothing but the jungle has to be one of the best things about this place. The hosts, Julio and Pilar, come in a close second. They help to make your stay as relaxing and enjoyable as possible. This place is incredible.
- Hot tub overlooking the jungle
- Amazing hosts
- Beautiful and comfortable rooms
- Exceptional breakfast included
Double rooms cost $80+ per night
Reserva Natural Tierra Adentro - Mid Range
This is the kind of place most of us dream of. A jungle oasis, nestled between the mountains, with nothing but nature. You can even hear a waterfall as you lay in your huge and comfortable bed.
Every room has its own balcony where you can simply admire the view from your hammock or lounge chairs. You’ll quickly feel at home here because the staff are on another level! Always willing to help with anything.
- Idyllic location in the middle of the jungle
- Friendly and welcoming staff
- Beautiful and large rooms
- Delicious breakfast included
Double rooms cost between $40-$80 per night
Mundo Nuevo Eco Lodge - Mid Range
Mundo Nuevo has an incredible story that you’ll want to be a part of. Everything they do has sustainability and the planet in mind. Due to this, you’ll get to enjoy some of the freshest produce that’s grown on their own farm.
There are plenty of activities here: you can visit an indigenous village, join a bread workshop, learn about beekeeping or simply have a massage. Their comfortable and clean rooms are the cherry on top!
- Plenty of activities to keep you busy
- Sustainable farm and restaurant
- Inspiring and friendly staff
- A jungle oasis
Double rooms cost between $40-$80 per night
Sol de Minca Eco Lodge - Budget Friendly
This place is more than just somewhere to stay, it’s an experience. It’s a place where you will leave feeling inspired and rejuvenated. Through their yoga and meditation, family-feel atmosphere and eco-tourism, your eyes will be opened to many new things.
All of this, whilst being surrounded by lush jungle and views of the sea. The cabins are all made with natural building materials and boast unique designs. This is somewhere that you’ll never forget and potentially not want to leave!
- Yoga and meditation
- Incredible jungle and sea views
- Delicious restaurant on site
- Great breakfast included
Double rooms cost between $20-$40 per night
Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Marta to Minca
What is the distance from Santa Marta to Minca?
The distance from Santa Marta to Minca is 21 km (13 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Santa Marta to Minca?
The fastest way to get from Santa Marta to Minca is by colectivo from santa marta to minca and takes 40 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Santa Marta to Minca?
The cheapest way to get from Santa Marta to Minca is by colectivo from santa marta to minca with ticket costs starting from 9,000 COP ($2.20).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Santa Marta to Minca. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Minca Travel Guides
Top 10 things to do
in Minca, Colombia
Visiting Minca, Colombia | Coffee farms, waterfalls & jungle retreats
Most popular routes in Colombia
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Hey thanks for the info! Where in Santa Marta does the colectivo drop you?
Hi Jess! The colectivo drops you off at the same place it departs from — that’s at the Cootransminca Office near Santa Marta Public Market in the city centre. Safe travels!
Hi! Very helpful. It’s 9000 now. It’s hard to find the station. I had to ask around for the “colectivo a Minca” until I found it just south of the south east corner of the intersection.
Many thanks for leaving a comment Rosa. I just updated the post with the new price. How about the location? Was the Colectivo still leaving from Carrera 9 and Calle 11? Safe travels!