Daytrip is a platform that connects you with local drivers who will transport you door-to-door, from one city to the next. We also give you the opportunity to explore sights/attractions along the way. We drive, you discover.
All Daytrip bookings are one way. If you need a return trip on a different date, simply book this as a separate one-way trip. For a same-day excursion, please request a custom trip. If you plan to stay more than a couple hours, we still recommend booking two one way trips so you're not paying a driver for waiting.
For Daytrip’s private service, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. For the Daytrip Pool shared shuttle, we offer 3 ticket options when booking: Non-refundable, Flexible with cancellations 24-hours before departure, and Super-flexible with cancellations up to 15-minutes before departure. While you can cancel your booking for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance, changes requested under 36 hours are subject to driver availability, especially in the high season.
Simply choose your origin and destination via our homepage and enter your departure date and time. Browse and add sightseeing stops along the way by following the booking instructions provided on screen. It's a simple, easy, and fun way to book your next adventure! And if you don’t see your desired route on our website, you can request a custom trip. You can even book without knowing your exact pick-up or drop-off address - we let you add these later!
Each passenger is allowed one large bag (29" x 21" x 11" / 74 x 53 x 28 cm) and one small bag (22" x 14" x 9" / 56 x 36 x 23 cm). Luxury sedans can only accommodate 2 large bags. We always send the vehicle that is the best fit for you and your luggage, so make sure to select the actual amount of luggage you are traveling with when booking. If you have oversized luggage, or are unsure if your luggage will fit, contact us.
Everywhere except the USA, drivers will supply appropriate child seats (just let us know during booking). In the USA, certain states require you to supply your own child seats.
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.
With Daytrip, you can tailor the trip to your preferences by choosing sightseeing stops along the way, such as the active El Totumo Mud Volcano for a relaxing experience, the town of Cienaga, which some say was Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s inspiration for Macondo in “One Hundred Years of Solitude”, or the oldest city of Colombia—Santa Marta.
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.
<show-more>
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.
</showmore>
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).
From Cartagena to Minca by rental car
If taking a bus is too much of a hassle, you can also opt for a rental car. You will find numerous car rental companies in the area, so compare them, measure all the pros and cons, and check the reviews. However, you have to be a skilled driver, as the roads in Colombia are quite challenging. If you don’t feel prepared for the Colombian roads, then the next option might be for you.
From Cartagena to Minca by private car service
The most convenient way to get from Cartagena to Minca is with Daytrip’s private car service. With Daytrip, you can leave all the worries behind—no need to juggle multiple transfers from bus to taxi, wait for a bus to fill up, or navigate challenging roads yourself. Instead, you will enjoy a direct, comfortable ride with minimal hassle.
Another advantage Daytrip offers is the optional sightseeing. Would you like to pamper yourself and take a mud bath at the Totumo Volcano? Or would you like to tick off another bigger city in Colombia, such as Barranquilla before you reach the tranquil Minca?
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the city of Cienaga, which, despite its historical events (such as the Banana Massacre), served as inspiration for the famous magical realism author Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Before reaching Minca, make sure to visit the coastal city of Santa Marta, which is famous for being one of the oldest cities in Latin America.
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.
Go on a hike with a view
Minca offers a variety of hiking trails, catering to all levels—from easy walks to more advanced treks. One of the most popular beginner hikes is Pozo Azul, which leads to natural pools and waterfalls, perfect for cooling off after a walk through the lush forest. For those seeking a bit more of a challenge, the hike to Los Pinos viewpoint is ideal, offering panoramic views of the stunning Sierra Nevada mountains and the Caribbean coast.
For the most adventurous hikers, the Cerro Kennedy trek, which reaches 10,170 feet (3,100 meters) above sea level, provides breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada range.
Take a birdwatching tour
Another activity you can't miss when visiting Minca is going on a birdwatching tour, especially if you are traveling with children. Minca is one of the best places in Colombia for spotting birds, with over 300 different species to discover. From toucans and woodpeckers to hummingbirds, parrots, motmots, and more, Minca is a birdwatcher's paradise!
P.S. If you book a ride with us and plan to travel with children, don’t forget to request a child seat!
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.
关于从 Cartagena 到 Minca 旅行的问答
Minca is definitely worth a visit! It’s one of the most popular destinations in Colombia for good reason. Minca showcases some of the best that Colombian nature has to offer—from stunning waterfalls and breathtaking views to delicious locally-produced coffee and hundreds of bird species to admire.
There are three ways to get from Cartagena to Minca: by bus, rental car, or private car service. Each one comes with its pros and cons, so make sure you check the ‘How to get from Cartagena to Minca’ section above to choose what suits your preferences.
A budget-friendly way to get from Cartagena to Minca is by bus. Including the taxi costs to get from one stop to another, the whole trip (one-way) will cost around $26 (€23).
While there is no fixed rate for a taxi from Minca to Cartagena, you can expect to pay starting from $100 (COP 400,000 or €90). However, taking a taxi for this journey may not be the most convenient option, as taxi drivers often overcharge tourists, and you don't have any quality guarantee. For a more comfortable experience use Daytrip’s private car service.
A private transfer from Cartagena to Minca with Daytrip costs as little as $61 (€55) per person. Prices are for the vehicle, so the more people traveling, the cheaper it is!
The best and most convenient way to get from Cartagena to Minca is by a private car service like Daytrip. We take care of everything from start to finish, so you don’t have to worry about navigating the multiple bus transfers or driving the roads yourself. Getting to your destination has never been easier than that!
沿途参观这些景点
El Totumo Mud Volcano
The naturally-heated and mineral-rich mud in this volcano makes for a unique spa day. Hot, Dirty Sweats
Barranquilla
Every year the streets of Gabriel Garcia Marquez' former hangout are filled with hundreds of thousands of revellers for a UNESCO-listed carnival. The Party Port
Cienaga
This port city’s banana industry inspired Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and bestowed it with some beautiful belle poque bananera buildings. The Banana Belle
Santa Marta
The colonial buildings of Colombia’s oldest city are colorfully lived in, with the white-washed customs house now housing a gold-filled museum. Old Gold
“Gonzalo from daytrip was our driver and he was absolutely amazing. He went over and beyond trying to locate us as our service wasn't so good on our phones. He patiently awaited our arrival to the lobby so he could take us from Tulum Dreams Resort to our other hotel in cancun an hour and a half away near the airport prior to our departure flight home. He was polite, respectful and kind. Made sure we were comfortable during our long ride. Fast and to the point. I recommend this company as finding a one way ride from Tulum to Cancun isn't easy or cheap and this company provides a great service for a great price. I will definitely be using them again whenever I'm in the Cancun/Tulum area. Thank you DayTrip and Gonzola.”
“We were picked up by Marianna to drive us from Heraklion to Chania. The weather was terrible & due to this Marianna arrived a few minutes late. She contacted me to advise of this. Marianna lives in Chana and she made our trip very interesting by informing us of local things to do and see in Chania. Marianna is a safe driver and we all felt comfortable with the speed she drove at and how good her driving was in heavy rain. She is a lovely person with fluent English. We highly recommend Daytrips and if you are in Heraklion or Chania please make sure you ask for Marianna.”
“Used the service to go from Luxor to Hurghada, Egypt. Ahmed H was our driver and he was perfect. The car was new, clean, he had water and snacks for us, and accommodated our stops. Great service from him and would recommend it.”
“Used Daytrip for two rides in Mexico, which were both great. So comfortable, and we arrived at each of our destinations at a great time. Both were incredible drivers, and we felt so safe. One of our drivers, Miguel, also played the best music! Will definitely use Daytrip on our next trip to Mexico.”
