Overview: car trip from Cartagena to Minca

After visiting Cartagena, one of the most popular cities in Colombia, you might be eager to escape the city buzz and retreat to a peaceful oasis in nature. Minca is the ideal destination, and the journey from Cartagena to Minca will set the tone for that escape.

As you leave Cartagena and drive along the Caribbean coast, you will travel through roads surrounded by nature, passing by wetlands, small Colombian villages, and, in contrast, the busy city of Barranquilla—your last bit of city life before you reach the peaceful Minca.

About Minca

Although often referred to as Minca Santa Marta, Minca is located in the Magdalena department of northern Colombia. Hugged by nature, Minca is the ideal nature tourism destination for those seeking a relaxing, tranquil experience and an escape to the heart of nature.

Minca is located at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the world's highest coastal mountain range. Due to its location, Minca is often used as a gateway to explore the surrounding Sierra Nevada, including its stunning natural landscapes and diverse wildlife. For that reason, Minca’s popularity grew over the years, despite its small population—only around 800 people. As Minca is a relatively small village, it is usually the outskirts that attract visitors with its natural beauty and diverse eco-tourism possibilities.

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Colombia is the second-largest coffee producer in Latin America and the third-largest globally. Interestingly, the country’s very first coffee plantation was established in Minca in the 19th century. Back then, it was renowned for producing some of the best coffee, and to this day, the coffee from Minca has a unique flavor that you won’t find elsewhere. So, if you’re a nature enthusiast and a coffee lover, a coffee tour in Minca should definitely be on your travel list!

Minca is also an ideal destination for those looking to escape the heat. Located at about 2,130 ft (650 m) above sea level, the village offers a cooler climate compared to other cities on the Caribbean coast.

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From Cartagena to Minca: travel tips

A trip from Cartagena to Minca promises a relaxing getaway. To ensure you are well-prepared for the journey, keep these essential tips in mind:

Protect yourself from the bugs

Getting closer to nature often means encountering bugs. Since Minca has a subtropical climate, packing effective bug repellent will help you avoid not only annoying mosquitoes but also other insects that are better off staying in nature rather than landing on your skin.

Bring some cash

Although Minca has become a popular destination, it is still a relatively small village, so some places may not accept credit cards. To avoid any inconvenience, bring some Colombian pesos with you.

Book accommodation in advance

Being a popular destination can lead to higher accommodation prices, especially during the peak season (typically the dry season). Booking your stay in advance can help you secure better rates and avoid the higher costs of last-minute reservations.

How to get from Cartagena to Minca

Minca is well-connected to other cities in Colombia by bus, including Cartagena. However, there are several additional Cartagena to Minca transfer options you can choose from:

From Cartagena to Minca by bus

If you are seeking a budget-friendly way to reach Minca, then taking a bus is the best option. To get from Cartagena to Minca by bus, first you have to take a bus to Santa Marta. This route is operated by the bus company Berlinastur, although the bus terminal is outside of the city, so you will have to take a taxi to get there. The tickets have to be purchased at the terminal, however, that should not be an issue, as the buses depart frequently.

The ticket from Cartagena to Santa Marta costs approximately $11 (COP 44,000 or €9.80). The bus from Cartagena to Santa Marta stops near a shopping center. From there, you will need to take a taxi to Mercado Publico, where minibusses to Minca depart. If you are unsure, you can tell the taxi driver you want to go to Minca.

The minibus ride from Mercado Publico to Minca costs around $2 (COP 8,000 or €1.80). Keep in mind that these minibusses only depart when they are full, so you may have to wait. Including the taxi rides, the total cost to get to Minca by bus is approximately $26 (€23).

Things to do when you get to Minca

After your journey from Cartagena to Minca, it is time to immerse yourself in Colombia's natural beauty. While the village itself may be small, it is Minca's stunning surroundings that draw travelers from far and near. Here are some of our recommendations that we believe will make your trip truly memorable:

Relax at the waterfalls

Minca is known for its stunning waterfalls, making it a perfect destination for outdoorsy travelers. One of the most visited waterfalls in Minca is the Marinka Waterfalls, ideal for a refreshing and crisp swim after the hike—it takes around 1.5 hours to reach the waterfalls.

There is an entrance fee of around $4 (COP 16,000 or €3.50) which is really not much, considering a whole tourist complex awaits you. You will find paved paths to access the waterfalls more easily, large hammocks, and even a restaurant to fuel up before exploring the rest of the area.

When is the best time to visit Minca

The best time to visit Minca is during the dry season, which spans from December to March. These months offer the most pleasant weather, making them ideal for exploring Minca’s natural attractions, such as the waterfalls and surrounding mountains. The dry season also provides excellent hiking conditions, as the trails are easier to navigate.

However, as Minca grows in popularity, those seeking a quieter experience might consider visiting between April and November. While you may encounter occasional rain showers during these months, the lush, green landscapes and fewer crowds can make your visit even more rewarding.