Santa Marta to Minca: 2 Different Ways To Travel

Are you heading to Minca?

In this step-by-step guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to get from Santa Marta to Minca, by bus or taxi.

Tucked away in the lush mountains of Northern Colombia, Minca offers a peaceful retreat for natural lovers seeking tranquility and breathtaking views.

Getting from Santa Marta to Minca is very straightforward and affordable, but the different transport options, varying prices, and limited schedules may feel overwhelming.

If I land late, will public transport still be running? How much should a taxi really cost (without getting ripped off)? What’s the most affordable way to make this journey?

Worry not, I have made this journey twice myself, and in this guide, I’ll break down every option so you can travel from Santa Marta to Minca easily, affordably, and stress-free.

*This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through a link on my site, I earn a small commission. Don’t worry, this is at no extra cost to you – check my full Privacy Policy here.

How to get to Minca: Overview

Minca is located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range in northern Colombia.

Located just 40 minutes into the mountains from Santa Marta, this bustling Caribbean city acts as the gateway to Minca and the rest of the northern coast.

If you don’t have time to read the whole guide, below is a quick overview.

Santa Marta to Minca: 2 Different Ways

There are two main ways to travel from Santa Marta to Minca, depending on your budget and desired level of comfort.

As a budget backpacker, I would personally recommend taking the public bus from Santa Marta.

However, if you’re coming directly from the airport, a private transfer is much more convenient.

By bus (recommended)

Traveling from Santa Marta to Minca by public bus is the best option for budget backpackers and the way I would recommend.

The bus to Minca departs from the Mercado Publico de Santa Marta.

This is where all buses, including those to Tayrona National Park and Palomino, depart from.

These buses, also known as colectivos, are not big and look more like mini-vans. Most have aircon and your bags will be strapped to the top.

There is no specific bus stop. Instead, the buses depart from Carrer 9, located between Calle 11 and Calle 12.

Simply look for the ‘Cootrasminca’ office, or head to the exact location here.

You will purchase your ticket from this office – the bus costs 10,000 COP ($2.30).

The Santa Marta to Minca bus schedule runs every day from 7 AM – 6 PM.

Buses depart roughly every 30 minutes, or when the bus is full.

Note: you should never wait more than 15 minutes for the bus to fill. However, if you’re on a tight schedule, I would suggest another option.

The journey takes roughly 40 minutes – 1 hour, depending on the traffic getting out of Santa Marta.

When you arrive, you will be dropped off at the Minca Bus Stop in the center of town.

Coming from Tayrona or Palomino? There is no need to take the bus right into Santa Marta. Instead, get off at the ‘Mamatoco‘ stop before you reach the city, and take the bus to Minca from there.

Getting to your accommodation

Many accommodations are located high up in the mountains, and not in Minca town itself.

Unless you are staying in Minca town (everything is within walking distance), you will likely have to take a taxi to your accommodation.

There are no regular taxis in Minca and the ‘roads’ are mainly steep dirt tracks.

Therefore, choose between a 4×4 jeep (safer & more comfortable) or a moto-taxi (cheaper) to get to your accommodation.

Drivers will approach you when you get off the bus.

Recommended: Where to Eat in Minca: Top 10 Best Restaurants & Cafes

How often do the buses go from Santa Marta to Minca?

The buses from Santa Marta to Minca are super regular.

There is no set schedule (this is Colombia after all). The bus leaves roughly every 30 minutes, or sooner if the bus is full.

By taxi

Getting from Santa Marta to Minca by taxi is the easiest and most comfortable option.

If your budget allows, or you are traveling as a couple or group, I would recommend taking a taxi from Santa Marta to Minca.

The Santa Marta to Minca taxi cost ultimately depends on your haggling skills, but it should never cost more than 70,000 COP (absolute max).

I would expect to pay about 50,000 COP.

Note: drivers may try to justify high prices as they have to make the return journey back to Santa Marta. Knowing the rough price before is crucial.

The journey time is not too dissimilar to the bus and can take anywhere between 40 minutes – 1 hour.

However, the benefit of a taxi is that this is completely on your schedule. If you’re looking for convenience and comfort, a taxi is your best option.

To book your Santa Marta to Minca taxi, you have a few options –

• Book a private transfer in advance (here)
• Book your taxi using Uber or Indrive
• Ask your accommodation to book a taxi for you
• Hail a yellow taxi from the street (not recommended)

Santa Marta Airport to Minca

Getting from Santa Marta Airport to Minca is a bit of a hassle and takes a long time.

However, it is a relatively straightforward journey if you follow the steps below.

There is no direct bus from Santa Marta Airport to Minca. You will have to take two buses: first to the center of Santa Marta, then to Minca.

This is quite a long journey, so if you’re coming straight from the airport, I would recommend taking a taxi.

Do I need to stay a night in Santa Marta? If your flight lands in Santa Marta before 3:00 PM, you could head straight to Minca by public transport. However, for any later than this I would suggest staying the night.

By public bus

As there is no direct bus from Santa Marta Airport to Minca, you will have to take two buses.

Step 1: take the bus outside Santa Marta Airport to Santa Marta city center.

You will have to wait for the bus to fill before departing, and it takes roughly 40 minutes.

This bus is super affordable and costs only 2,000 COP.

Tip: the public bus from the airport is blue and waits directly outside departures.

Step 2: take the bus from Santa Marta Public Market to Minca

Get off in the city center and head to the public market. Find the ‘Cootrasminca’ office and take the mini-van to Minca from there.

By taxi (recommended)

Taking a private transfer from Santa Marta Airport to Minca will save you heaps of time.

If you’ve just arrived, this is the most convenient and comfortable option. If you’re traveling as a group, it can also be very affordable.

It saves you from faffing about with your luggage and is the easiest way to get from A to B. This is ideal if you’ve just had a long journey.

Below are your options for booking a taxi from Santa Marta Airport to Minca –

• Book a private transfer in advance (here)
• Book your taxi using Uber or Indrive
• Hail a yellow taxi from the airport

Suggested: 13 Incredible Things To Do in Minca: Ultimate Travel Guide

Santa Marta Bus Terminal to Minca

If you’re arriving to Santa Marta by bus, then it is most likely that you will dropped at the Santa Marta Bus Terminal.

This bus terminal is located on the outskirts of town.

If you don’t fancy taking a taxi and would prefer to take a public bus to Minca, you’ll be pleased to hear that you do not have to head into Santa Marta city center.

Instead, head to the ‘Mamatoco’ bus stop, roughly a 15-minute walk from the bus terminal. The buses stop here on their way up to Minca.

Where to stay in Minca

When staying in Minca, you need to decide if you want to stay in the town itself, or up in the mountains.

Typically, the most beautiful accommodations are further up into the mountains. These accommodations offer a peaceful atmosphere and extraordinary views.

However, you will have to factor in reaching your accommodation. You will most likely need to take a moto-taxi or hike a little, which isn’t always convenient.

If you choose to stay in the main town, you are within walking distance of all the main restaurants and shops. It is also a great base for activities and hikes.

For all your accommodation options: Where to Stay in Minca: Top 10 Best Hostels & Hotels

Jungle Joe’s (my top pick)

Jungle Joe’s is where I would recommend staying in Minca.

If you want breathtaking views but still want to be close enough to the center of Minca, then Jungle Joe’s offers the best of both worlds.

Jungle Joe’s is located a 15-minute walk up into the mountains from the town. It is a total oasis of tranquility with extraordinary vistas of the mountains and coast.

It is kitted out with hammocks, a delicious restaurant, and a choice of private rooms or shared dorms. They also offer amazing nature walks and birdwatching tours.

Shared dorms start from 45,000 COP ($10) per night.

Masaya Casa Viejas

Masaya is the best place to stay in Minca for those looking to truly connect with nature.

Located 30 minutes into the mountains, on the grounds of the iconic La Victoria Finca (coffee farm), Masaya is a secluded slice of paradise.

There is a stunning infinity pool and terrace with incredible views of the surrounding mountains.

If you’re looking for convenience and easy access to activities and restaurants, then perhaps this is not the hostel for you. You can only access Masaya by 4×4 or moto-taxi.

But, if you’re looking for a few days of pure relaxation in the heart of nature, you cannot miss it. It is a great jump-off point for nearby hikes and there are many amazing tours on offer.

Choose between dorms or private rooms starting from 100,000 COP ($23).

Selva Minca

Selva Minca is the best option for couples or luxury travelers.

These private treehouses offer 360 panoramic views and provide an intimate, retreat-like atmosphere.

Selva Minca offers daily yoga, spa treatments, heart vegetarian meals, as well as a wide range of activities & nearby hiking trails.

Located just 30 minutes from Minca town, this is a great option for those looking to disconnect without feeling too remote.

Treehouses start from $200 per night.

FAQs

Can you do a day trip to Minca from Santa Marta?

Yes, you can do a day trip to Minca from Santa Marta!

While I would recommend staying a couple of nights if you can, a day trip is great for travelers short on time.

Minca is only a 45-minute journey from Santa Marta, so if you leave early you can have a full day of activities!

If you’re only visiting for the day, I would suggest this organized tour to see the highlights and make the most of your time.

However, if you like to travel on your own schedule, you can easily take the bus as above.

Is Minca Colombia worth visiting?

Minca is well worth visiting and is one of my favourite destinations in Colombia.

Located further up into the mountains, Minca is a refreshing escape from the stifling heat of the Caribbean coast.

It is the perfect destination for nature lovers, eco-conscious travelers, and those seeking a peaceful escape.

As the world’s highest coastal range, the landscapes are super unique and the views are absolutely breathtaking.

There are many amazing activities and things to do in Minca. It is a haven for hikers, waterfall chasers, and sunset lovers. You can also take some pretty cool coffee or cacao tours.

Despite its small size, Minca also offers some pretty amazing cafes and restaurants.

As it is fairly straightforward to reach from Santa Marta, and can even be visited on a day trip, there is no excuse not to add Minca to your Colombia itinerary.

Recommended: 13 Incredible Things To Do in Minca: Ultimate Travel Guide

Is there a bus from Santa Marta to Minca?

Yes, there is a bus from Santa Marta to Minca!

It is more like a mini-van and runs from the Santa Marta Public Market toMinca every day.

There is no set schedule but the bus leaves roughly every 30 minutes. The journey takes about 40 minutes in total.

Need travel insurance? Small Girl Big Backpack readers get 5% off Heymondo Insurance when booking through this link. With 24/7 worldwide assistance, this is the best insurance for travelers.

How do I get to Minca from Tayrona?

Getting from Tayrona to Minca is also a very simple journey.

If you’re coming from Tayrona, there is no need to head all the way back into Santa Marta to reach Minca.

Instead, get off at the ‘Mamatoco’ stop (one stop before Santa Marta center). The buses stop here on their way up to Minca.

The price and journey time are roughly the same.

Tip: If you are arriving to Santa Marta bus station instead of the airport, this same ‘Mamatoco’ bus stop is the most convenient to reach Minca.

For full details: How To Get From Minca to Tayrona (or Vice Versa): Step-By-Step

How to get from Santa Marta to Minca: Final Thoughts

Well, there you have it! This post has detailed exactly how to get from Santa Marta to Minca, either by public bus or taxi.

Now you have all your options, you can focus on enjoying your time in this lush peaceful escape in Colombia’s Sierra Nevada mountains.

If you have made this journey yourself, I would love to hear from you – reach out to me on Instagram or Pinterest and let me know how it went!