Chasing Waterfalls in Minca, Colombia

Six Months in South America, Part 21

Minca is a nature lover’s haven in the jungle of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Local families and foreign backpackers alike visit Minca to escape the heat of Santa Marta and enjoy an undisturbed, natural paradise in the mountains.

You can take a colectivo or taxi from Santa Marta and arrive in 45 minutes, then hike or ride a moto-taxi to explore the area. Bring enough cash to pay for food and transportation as the ATM doesn’t always work.

The area is known for its waterfalls including Cascada Marinka, Cascada Oído del Mundo, and Pozo Azul. I visited all three in one day, hiking from one to another, and caught a ride back to town with a kind Dutch family who I met on a coffee tour. If you’re visiting Pozo Azul, go early in the morning to avoid the inevitable crowds. 

Minca is perfect for bird-watching, relaxing in the river, or touring a coffee plantation—I had a great time at La Victoria, which provided a tour of its facilities and unlimited home-brewed coffee. You can also hike to the top of Los Pinos for views of the Sierra Nevada, or visit one of the many rooftop hostels to enjoy the sunset. 

Although Minca is close to Santa Marta, you feel completely removed from the city. I also appreciated how many locals and Colombian tourists seemed to enjoy the area. I saw plenty of families playing in the river or eating tamales at the riverside cafe, which reminded me of my own family’s summer trips back home. 

Whether you plan a day hike to one of Minca’s waterfalls, or spend a few days relaxing by the river, Minca is a refreshing mountain town in Northern Colombia that should not be skipped.