This Underrated South American Village Is A Must-Visit For Nature Lovers

Colombia is home to expansive jungles teeming with wildlife. For those who feel at home in the great outdoors, it's an immaculate place to visit. Thousands of plant species fill the area, as do the animals that feed upon them. In Columbia, you can learn about biodiversity while being immersed in it. If you want a quiet and cozy place to stay, Minca is an incredible vacation spot that satisfies those desires. You'll have the jungle at your fingertips and a small town where you can witness the rich culture of Colombia.

Minca is located in Northern Colombia in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains. The nearest airport is located in the nearby city of Santa Marta. You can take a taxi, shuttle, or mototaxi, which is a small three-wheeled vehicle, to get there. Once settled, you can immediately step outside and hike one of the many trails through the jungle to officially begin your outdoor adventure.

Sights, hikes, and tours

The hiking trails surrounding Minca are filled with sights that'll take your breath away. You'll come across multiple waterfalls that vary in size. The two waterfalls at Marinka Waterfalls are particularly famous. When you reach the site, you'll find a place to swim beneath the waterfalls and hammocks to relax in. It's the perfect place for rest and enjoyment.

Popular hiking trails include Pozo Azul, which features waterfalls and swimming, and Los Pinos. If you want to hike Los Pinos, plan to take an entire day, since the route is 14 miles round trip. It's a beautiful hike filled with grand views.

In between your hike, you can visit a coffee farm and take a tour. One popular coffee farm that's relatively close to Mink is La Victoria. Another great spot to visit is Finca La Candelaria, which you'll need a vehicle to access. In addition to coffee, Finca La Candelaria also grows and sells cocoa and fruit. They offer tours that walk you through the process of growing coffee and turning it into what you find on grocery store shelves. It's a fun and educational venture.

Lodging and best time to visit

You've got your transportation planned out, and your itinerary is filled with fun activities. Now you just have to figure out lodging. Luckily, there are quite a few selections. Casa Loma is a great place to stay if you want to immerse yourself in local culture and history or partake in activities like a chocolate massage. Next, there's Finca Carpe Diem, a popular hostel and ecolodge in Minca. It has swimming pools, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioned rooms. Masaya Casas Viejas is a particularly distinct place that coffee lovers should visit. It's located on the grounds of La Victoria, the coffee farm we mentioned earlier.

Next time you're looking for adventure and hoping to explore some beautiful landscapes, book a trip to Minca, Colombia. The small-town charm, astounding views, and surrounding hiking trails make it a slice of paradise worth indulging in. Go any time of year, but if you want to avoid high temperatures, visit in the winter months.