DAY HIKES – MINCA
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Minca is a return to nature, far away from the hustle and bustle of Cartagena and Barranquilla. Set deep in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains is Minca, where lush, green jungle tumbles down to the Caribbean beyond. This small pueblo is a stepping stone into the Sierra Nevada mountains, with plenty of great trails, scenic viewpoints, and wildlife spotting opportunities.
If you are looking for a place on the northern Caribbean coast of Colombia to do some hiking, then look no further than Minca for scenic trails in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Explore the tropical forests around Minca with a wide variety of hiking trails for all skill levels. Two particularly popular trails are the hikes to Cerro Kennedy and Los Pinos.
Not all trails are signposted, but local guides are available. The views from the summit include cloud forest and, from Cerro Kennedy, a vista of the two tallest mountains in the country. Time moves slowly here, but there is plenty to do, from tubing down the Rio Palomino to hiking with the local indigenous tribes and learning about native flora and fauna.
Continuing east is a long stretch of coastline from Tayrona National Park to Palomino, where the sea is wild with crashing waves.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE BEST HIKES IN AND AROUND MINCA:
POZO AZUL
The most favoured place in all of Minca, Pozo Azul, is a small set of waterfalls right outside of the pueblo. It is popular amongst many travellers thanks to its ease of access and the beautiful atmosphere around the falls.
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This hike starts on the main road, passing through the pueblo. Continue on this road and follow the path for about 40 minutes, when you will encounter a sign pointing towards the Hotel Pozo Azul. Turn left here and follow the path until you get to a hanging bridge. You can see the waterfall when you look to your right.
This is a fabulous swimming hole in the Rio Gaira that is fed by a waterfall and surrounded by small cliffs. It is a tranquil place with less of the hype and vanity of Marinka Falls. It does, however, attract many foreign and national tourists at times.
Pozo Azul
Since Pozo Azul is so high on everyone’s list of places to see, it is advised to go either really early or right after lunch. This will assist with having a less crowded experience, so you can really enjoy the waterfalls. If you climb up and around the side, there is another set of waterfalls. Minca has many great hikes, and this is one you must not miss.
HIKE TO CERRO KENNEDY
Distance 13 miles/21 km
Elevation Gain 5,814 feet/1,772 m
Route Type Out and Back
The hike begins at approximately 632 m/2,073 feet and climbs up to 2,400 m/7,874 feet in the Sierra Nevadas de Santa Marta. As with most hikes in Colombia, the trail is a rough and rocky road. It is a steady uphill through many different types of environments. Along the way are dense rainforests, waterfalls, and large palm trees before eventually arriving in pine forests.
It is the longest hike in the area at 24 miles/39 km out and back, so it is a good idea to stay the night there unless you are particularly active. The selling point for this hike compared to others in Minca is that you get to see the famous Sierra Nevada mountain range.
The sunrise will take your breath away.
Sunrise view of Colombia’s tallest peaks from Cerro Kennedy
MARINKA WATERFALLS
The trail
One of the absolute best things to do in the pueblo of Minca is to visit the Marinka Waterfalls. These are two large cascades set in a dense, green forest, with the opportunity to swim in a deep freshwater pool. Although often overshadowed by the very popular Pozo Azul swimming hole, the Marinka Waterfalls are much more beautiful and far less busy.
These jungle cascades are located approximately 3.6 km/2 miles from the pueblo of Minca. The Marinka Waterfalls are well-marked on Google Maps, and finding the location is very easy. The hike along the road is a pleasant, roughly 1-hour walk, following a shaded and unsealed road called Cerro Kennedy Oriente.
LOS PINOS
Mountain view from Los Pinos, Minca
This is the longest day hike in Minca, and it is possible to go straight from the Marinka waterfalls to the Los Pinos Viewpoint. There are two separate routes that can take you up to this area.
The longer one is around 14 miles/23 km round trip. The loop route is a strenuous hike, and much of it is alongside the road. You can turn this into an out-and-back hike, which will cut off a few miles. Start by taking a right at the entrance to the Marinka Waterfalls.
It is wonderful to make it up to the Los Pinos viewpoint, looking down on Minca and the fabulous surroundings.
CASCADA OIDO DEL MUNDO
Cascada Oido del Mundo, or in English, the Ear of the World waterfall, is a super pleasant day trip. It is one of the shortest hikes in Minca, and still, not many people seem to know about this.
Cascada Oído del Mundo
It is located halfway between the pueblo of Minca and the Marinka Waterfalls. This makes it an easy stop when headed there, as it only takes an extra few minutes off the normal road.
Depending on the time of day that you decide to visit this waterfall, it never seems to have too many visitors. Be sure to add Cascada Oido del Mundo to your list of Hikes in Minca.
BIRDWATCHING HIKE
Minca is world-famous for its wildlife, especially its birds. Let a local show you the best places to photograph and spot beautiful tropical birds like toucans and hummingbirds.
CIUDAD PERDIDA/LOST CITY
The Lost City Trek is by far the most unique out of all the hikes in Minca and maybe even Colombia too. Some compare it to the Machu Picchu one in Peru.
While this is not a day trek, it is worthy of a mention here.
The trek must be undertaken through a tour company as it is not possible to do it on your own. Some travellers come to Colombia solely for this hike. The Lost City Trek lasts four days, and all of the accommodation and food will be provided. During this trek, you will walk through dense forests, pass indigenous communities and witness plenty of wildlife.
360 MIRADOR
Probably the best hiking option you get in Minca with an insane view of Santa Marta, the Caribbean, Tayrona and the Sierra Nevada – truly 360 degrees. This hike offers some of, if not the best, views in all of Minca. It is not as popular as Los Pinos and others, so you will have a greater chance of having the whole mountain to yourself.
From the centre of Minca, make your way to Cabaña San Luis, where the trailhead is just up the road a little bit. Once on this trail, follow the signs that say 360 Mirador. The distance of this hike is around 5 miles/8 kms and can take anywhere from 3 to 5 hours round-trip.
View from 360 Mirador
LAS PIEDRAS
While this is not as much of a hike as it is just a nice stroll down to the river, it is comparable in length to the Ear of the World waterfall in Minca. It will take around 15 minutes from the downtown area to make it to this part of the river. The rocks make it for a great swimming area and a place to relax and enjoy the tranquility. Follow Carrera 1a from Minca until you reach the river itself.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON HIKING IN MINCA
Minca is a small but very special destination in Colombia. If you love the outdoors, then this has to be at the top of your list. There is so much to do here, and likely you will need to make a return visit to complete all of the treks. This destination is growing in popularity because of the magical touch it has. Enjoy these hikes in Minca and do not be afraid to get out of your comfort zone on the treks.
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