Minca is a tiny town close to Santa Marta. Not before too long, Minca was not really discovered by tourists yet, now it’s popularity is increasing every day. Therefore, almost all the hostels you find in and around Minca are pretty new and pretty awesome! 

The mountains are full of coffee plantations, some of the biggest plantations in Colombia. It is the perfect place to get a coffee tour, do some hiking and go for a swim at the many natural pools and waterfalls in these mountains. 

When in Santa Marta, you can take the bus (collectivo) or moto bike taxi to get to Minca and will take less than 45 minutes. 

You can find the Minca collectivo in Santa Marta at the corner of Carrera 9 and Calle 12, right next to the Mercado Publico in Centro.

Santa Marta is hot, Minca is not! Because of the elevation and all the surrounding forests, the temperature drops a lot at night. Make sure to bring warm clothes and mosquito spray.

Where to stay

One of the most popular hostels in Minca is Casa Vieja. This hostel is located between the walls of a private coffee farm, Finca La Victoria. The farm was founded in 1892, 500-hectares and 30 minutes above Minca. Make sure to book this place in advance, it does sell out.

The gates of the farm are open from 6 am until 7 pm, so make sure to arrive there in time.

The hostel has a lot to offer. There is a hike to a sunrise and a sunset spot, a lot of different outdoor seating / chilling options and of course the infinity pool with a view on the mountains. 

For breakfast, lunch and dinner, you just sign up and they will serve your food at the table. There are also a lot of activities at night, like quizzes, salsa classes and boardgames. 

This place is perfect to relax and escape the busy and hot Cartagena or Santa Marta for a couple of days.

By the way: the showers and toilets have the best view in the world!