Minca: waterfalls, coffee & viewpoints

Don’t miss

1. 1Pozo Azul: natural pools on the Minca river, 4.8 km from the village
2. 2Marinka waterfalls: two falls with pools, 3.3 km away
3. 3The Los Pinos viewpoint, looking over the coast and Santa Marta
4. 4Coffee farms such as Hacienda La Victoria, founded in 1892
5. 5Birdwatching: around 300 species

What to expect

The colectivo climbs a winding road and drops you in the village. From there it’s all on foot or by moto-taxi along dirt tracks: Pozo Azul is about 45–55 minutes’ walk, Marinka an hour to an hour and a half, and Los Pinos about two and a half hours uphill. Pozo Azul gets crowded on holiday weekends.

The coffee and cacao farms welcome visitors and charge small private fees, as do some waterfalls. If you want the Los Pinos sunset, stay the night in Minca — the colectivos down don’t run after dark.

Cerro Kennedy, higher up, gives views of the snow peaks on clear days. There’s a military base at the top: don’t go beyond it.

Getting there from the house

1. Colectivo from behind the Mercado

   Cootrasminca vans and jeeps leave from behind the Mercado once they’re full (waits of 20–40 minutes); buy your ticket at the office. They only run in daytime, with the last departure in the late afternoon. Ask at the house for the exact spot.

   Secondary source · geckoroutes.com · en.wikivoyage.org · openstreetmap.org

2. Taxi

   There’s an official fixed-zone fare to Minca (see costs). Ask to see the price table before getting in.

   Secondary source · elespectador.com

3. Moto-taxis in Minca

   Often the only quick way to reach the sights along dirt tracks. Agree the fare first and wear a helmet — it’s mandatory for passengers.

   Official source · en.wikivoyage.org · mintransporte.gov.co