Situated in the mountains of Sierra Nevada, some 600 m (1968.5 ft) above Santa Monica, is the quiet village of Minca. Though somewhat modest in size, Minca is abundant in natural beauty. In fact, it has been recognized by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve since the 1980s! Surrounded by verdant jungles, Minca is home to a good number of varying bird species, making this village a favorite among travelers who love the outdoors. The village is also known for its coffee and cacao industries, which you can learn more about in its numerous family-run farms! Traveling to Minca soon? There are lots of things for you to enjoy here! Be sure to check out our picks for the best things to do in the area so that you don’t miss out!
1. Casa Yoga
Posted by Casa Yoga Minca on Monday, 10 April 2017
Whether you’re an experienced yogi or completely new to the art of Yoga, you’re sure to enjoy a visit to Casa Yoga in Minca. Surrounded by beautiful trees, Casa Yoga boasts a refreshing view as well as a relaxing vibe that will leave you feeling completely rejuvenated. You can join one of their five-day retreats, where you will learn more about the theories of yoga and even start your own personalized routine, or simply catch one of their fun workshops led by the center’s highly skilled and very accommodating instructors. You will not need to worry about equipment, either, as yoga mats will be provided. Simply relax and get in touch with nature and with yourself.
Casa Yoga
Address: Cerro Kenedy Ote., Minca, Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia
Website: Casa Yoga
2. The Lazy Cat
With its casual vibe, delectable food, generous servings, and excellent service, the Lazy Cat is easily one of the best places to eat in Minca. Here, you can enjoy their juicy burgers, made with rich meat and the freshest greens, as well as their authentic Mexican fare. Some of its most popular dishes include their quesadillas and wok dishes, which are definite must-tries! If you are a vegan or vegetarian, there are plenty of options available on the menu, as well. You can also wash down your meals with a cup of organic coffee, an ice-cold glass of locally brewed beer, or a nice, refreshing cocktail!
The Lazy Cat
Address: Minca, Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia
Website: The Lazy Cat
3. Pozo Azul
If you love being in the great outdoors, you should definitely check out Poza Azul, one of Minca’s most popular local attractions. To get to Pozo Azul, you can take a 20-minute moto taxi ride. Of course, the more exciting way to get there would be to take an hour-long hike to the falls. The walking paths can be quite dusty, but they are not too bumpy or winding. Once you get to the first pool, you can take a refreshing dip or you can continue on to the second pool of water, which you can jump into from a small rock formation that sits about three to four meters above the water’s surface. Pozo Azul is truly a must-see, especially if you’re visiting Minca during the more temperate months.
Pozo Azul
Address: Sendero a Pozo Azul 600m , Finca Pozo Azul, Minca, Magdalena, Colombia
Website: Pozo Azul
4. Jungle Joe Minca Adventures
Those who love a little thrill and adventure are sure to have a great time at Jungle Joe! The Jungle Joe I-Center is a sustainable, eco-friendly getaway that showcases the natural beauty of Minca. Here, you can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, tubing, and bird watching. Joe Ortiz, founder and owner of Jungle Joe Minca Adventures, is a highly knowledgeable and experienced tour guide. You can also go on one of his exciting full-day tours, in which he will take you hiking through the lush jungles of Minca. Here, you will learn more about the local coffee and cocoa industries, as well as the thriving wildlife in Minca.
Jungle Joe Minca Adventures
Address: Sta. Marta - Minca, Minca, Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia
Website: Jungle Joe Minca Adventures
5. La Ciudad Perdida
Roughly translating to “the lost city”, La Ciudad Perdida is indeed a fascinating archaeological treasure, just waiting for you to discover it. It is estimated that this mysterious city was built around 800 CE, more than half a millennia prior to the construction of the famed Machu Picchu. This beautiful city is said to have been a center of commerce and politics during its peak, but it was abandoned during the Spanish conquest. consists of 169 terraces, meticulously carved into the mountainside. To get to the entrance to this lost city, you will need to climb up some 1,200 steps. The climb, however, is definitely worth it - the panoramic view of the ruins and its surrounding jungles will surely take your breath away!
La Ciudad Perdida
Address: Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia
Website: La Ciudad Perdida
6. La Victoria Coffee Plantation
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Coffee is one of Minca’s major industries, and what better way to learn more about this than to take a trip to one of the city’s most sprawling coffee plantations? At La Victoria Coffee Plantation, you can take a tour of the farm and witness the meticulous, step-by-step process of producing coffee products. You’ll also see a little bit of history, as some of the machines are over a century old! Of course, a visit to the plantation would not be complete without stopping by the El Bistro, a charming cafe in the middle of the plantation. Here, you can indulge yourself in a warm cup of coffee, as well as some of the city’s most delicious meals and pastries!
La Victoria Coffee Plantation
Address: La Victoria Coffee Farm, Minca, Magdalena, Colombia
Website: La Victoria Coffee Plantation
7. Finca La Candelaria
Finca La Candelaria is another great place to visit, if you wish to learn more about Minca’s coffee and cacao industries - or if you simply love a good cup of coffee! You can also take a tour around this family-owned farm, learning more about the processes involved in making organic coffee and cacao, as well as the farm’s rich and fascinating history, having been run by the same family for generations. Located atop a mountain, you will also enjoy the cool breeze and a wonderful view of Santa Maria. You should definitely try their fresh, organic coffee, as well as their decadent, all-natural chocolate!
Finca La Candelaria
Address: Fuente de Oro, Meta, Colombia
Website: Finca La Candelaria
8. Cascada de Marinka
About an hour’s walk away from the center of Minca is the beautiful Cascada de Marinka. These two waterfalls each boast large pools of water, which are incredibly refreshing to bathe in after the long walk. The waterfalls are also surrounded by flourishing gardens, adding to the beauty of the area. After spending a day under the sun, you can also check out the small, on-site cafe, where you can enjoy some snacks and refreshments.
Cascada de Marinka
Address: Cerro Kenedy Oriente, Minca, Colombia
9. El Dorado Bird Reserve
With an abundance of trees and a wide variety of flora, it is not at all surprising that Minca is also home to a good number of bird species. The El Dorado Bird Reserve is a sanctuary, with over 1600 acres (647.49 hectares) of subtropical forest, where endangered birds and amphibians can thrive. It was established in 2006, with the intention of protecting what was then a dwindling number of birds endemic to Colombia. Since then, the nature reserve has grown to become one of the most popular attractions in the area. It boasts excellent facilities, such as the tree house and observation deck, where guests can enjoy bird watching and just take in the gorgeous view of the reserve.
El Dorado Bird Reserve
Address: Cuchilla de San Lorenzo, Minca, Colombia
Website: El Dorado Bird Reserve
Enjoy nature and indulge your senses
Minca is a not just a great place to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, but also a place where you can indulge all your senses. Here, you can see some of the most beautiful birds, enjoy a fun hike in along its trails or a refreshing swim in its numerous waterfalls, and taste the finest organic coffees and cocoa. There are plenty of great accommodations in the area, as well. You’re sure to keep coming back to this beautiful getaway in the mountains!
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