In the north of Colombia lies the mountain town of Minca in the jungle. It is as if entering another world! Minca is not far away from the warm beaches and tropical heat of towns such as Santa Martha and Palomino, but both the climate and nature in Minca are completely different! As if that is not enough reason to cool off in this beautiful area, we’ll tell you all about the best things to do in Minca, Colombia.
10 best things to do in Minca, Colombia
#1 Beautiful sunsets at Casa Loma
We already mentioned Casa Loma in our list of favourite stays in Colombia. In fact, our visit to Minca was largely a success because of this great eco hostel. The eco hostel has great huts and hammocks in wooden lodges. The vegetarian meals are delicious and the breakfast is fantastic. But the highlights are the beautiful sunsets. Every evening we saw the sky turning yellow, orange, red and pink colors with the setting sun. Breathtaking.
#2 Showering under a waterfall
Minca is a place where you can go waterfall hopping. In the area you will find many beautiful rivers and waterfalls for swimming. The most beautiful waterfall is the Cascadas de Marinka, where you can take a shower under a huge waterfall. Love it!
#3 Bird-watching
The jungle of Minca is popular for its bird watching. You can get around by yourself with your own binoculars to spot one of the hundreds of bird species in the area. It is even more fun to join a bird-watching tour with one of the better bird spotters in town! We hear the Jungle Joe tour is highly recommended.
#4 Coffee lessons at one of the fincas
Minca is located between the coffee and chocolate farms and you can get a tour at many of them. We visited Finca Victoria, where everything about the coffee process was explained to us. From the growing process of the plant to the various stages to dry the bean. Have you always wanted to know what determines the quality of a coffee bean? And how you taste the difference between the different ways of roasting? This is your chance to find out!
#5 Diving from a waterfall
Not far from Minca is the Pozo Azúl: separated by waterfalls there are three pools in the middle of the jungle. Jump from one of the cascades into the water! Not just because it’s fun, but also to get right into the water. Dipping into the ice-cold water centimeter by centimeter is like torturing yourself. Sebastiaan dared to go for a swim and went completely under right away, but I didn’t get much further than my waist.
#6 Mountain tour on a motorcycle taxi
The best way to get from Minca to one of the sights in the area is by motor taxi. It is an amazing experience! My driver asked if I was scared to drive arond on his motorcycle. When I answered that I wasn’t, he responded right away by racing over the mountain paths. One of the coolest drives ever!
#7 Chilling in the largest hammock in the world
Casa Loma is not the only famous place to sleep in Minca: the shared first place is for backpacker favourite Casa Elemento. It is a mecca for backpackers with a bar, music and the largest hammock in the world. The hammock hangs above the jungle and offers a view over the treetops to the sea. Even if you don’t sleep here, you can visit the hostel for a small price to chill in this hammock.
#8 The most amazing jungle hikes near Minca
The jungle around Minca is best explored on foot. You can make beautiful hikes to the waterfalls and other highlights, but the two most famous big hikes are those to Los Pinos at the top of the mountain and the two-day, heavy hike to the Cierro Kennedy. The view and the beautiful surroundings are just perfect!
#9 Cool off in the river
Along Minca runs a river with great swimming spots! Less than a fifteen minutes walk from the center, you dive into the river among the rocks. Watch out for the huge water spiders. I was not aware of them and I almost scared myself to death when I turned out to be sitting on a rock right next to one.
#10 The stunning accommodations in Minca with mountain view
If the popular sleeping places Casa Loma and Casa Elemento are fully booked or you prefer something else, it is not difficult to find a great hotel or hostel in Minca. The most beautiful accommodations in Colombia are located both in the city and in the surrounding area. There are countless idyllic huts with mountain view!
