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 kilometre (13 miles) distance from Santa Marta to Minca. You can choose between the private transport, colectivo and day trip. The journey takes 45 minutes - 9 hours 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).

Taking a colectivo is the cheapest way to get to Minca from Santa Marta, but it’s not exactly the most comfortable. They’re often cramped, and many colectivos 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.

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. Keep that in mind when they say that the colectivo is departing “soon” — because this may take up to 30 or 40 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, consider taking a private transfer instead.

Departure station

These colectivos don’t leave from the main bus terminal in Santa Marta. 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 from the historic centre in about 20 minutes, but the route isn’t very safe. It’s better to take a taxi. The ride costs around 10,000 COP ($2.70).

If you’re coming from Santa Marta Airport, expect to pay between 30,000 COP ($8.10) – 40,000 COP ($10.80) for a taxi. From the bus terminal, the fare is usually around 15,000 COP ($4.10).

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 ($2.70).

Arrival station

The bus will drop you off at Cootrasminca Terminal 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.

You have 3 options: Uber, regular taxi, and pre-booked private 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. It’s worth noting that not a lot of drivers accept bookings for this long-distance journey.

If you prefer booking in advance, BookAway is a great choice, especially if you’re coming from Santa Marta Airport. 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 Santa Marta to Minca 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.

If you’re short on time but still want to experience the magic of Minca, it’s possible to do it in one day. You can book a day trip from Santa Marta to Minca on GetYourGuide for around 209,000 COP ($56) per person.

This 7 to 9-hour tour includes round-trip transport from Santa Marta and a chance to relax amidst the beautiful nature and culture in Minca. You’ll visit local farms to learn how coffee and cocoa are made, taste them fresh, and even make your own chocolate surrounded by lush greenery.

You can also enjoy some light hiking, sample local flavours, and unwind in a peaceful rural town.

Pickup and drop-off points in Santa Marta

• • Zazue Shopping Centre: 07:40 or 08:00
  • Bomba Puma Rodadero: between 08:00 and 08:20
  • Casa del Castillo Centro: between 08:30 and 09:00
  • Los Trupillos (in front of Buena Vista Shopping Centre): between 09:10 and 09:20

You’ll be dropped off at the same spot where you were picked up.