A Complete Guide to Pozo Azul in Minca, Colombia

Looking for a stunning spot to cool off and appreciate Minca’s natural beauty?

This guide unveils everything you need to know about Pozo Azul, Minca’s most popular natural attraction, as well as handy tips to help you experience its charm while steering clear of the crowds.

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

When looking up the best things to do in Minca, you’ve likely stumbled across Pozo Azul, Minca’s most popular natural attraction.

This breathtaking tied cascade is a must-see for anyone visiting the area and offers both adventure and relaxation in equal measure.

However, beauty often comes with crowds. This can take away from the peaceful vibe you might hope for from a secluded jungle waterfall.

During my visit, I discovered that there is more to Pozo Azul than meets the eye and it is entirely possible to enjoy its serene beauty without hoards of tourists.

I have curated this guide to teach you everything I learned, to help you enjoy your time at this waterfall to the fullest.

Read on for all the tips and insights you’ll need for an unforgettable experience at Pozo Azul Minca, including how to get there, the best time to visit, and what to expect.

*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.

How to get to Pozo Azul Minca

Getting to Pozo Azul from Minca town is relatively straight forward.

Whether you walk or take a taxi, follow the Ciénaga-Minca road heading away from Santa Marta.

However, don’t rely on Google Maps’ directions to “Pozo Azul”, as they can be misleading. Instead, search for “Sendero a Pozo Azul“, which will guide you to the trail entrance along the main road.

You will see a wooden hut where you purchase your ticket, as well as people selling refreshments and fruit.

From the main road, it’s a 20-minute walk or 5-minute mototaxi through the lush jungle to reach Pozo Azul.

By foot

It takes roughly an hour to walk from Minca town to Pozo Azul – this is the way I would recommend.

Follow the main road ‘Cienaga-Minca’ for roughly 45 minutes. There is a steady incline but it is not particularly strenuous, and walking allows you to appreciate the stunning scenery.

Tip: Cascada Escondida is on the same road about 15 minutes before. As Pozo Azul gets busier, I would head there first and swing by Cascada Escondida on your way back.

Once you reach the location ‘Sendero a Pozo Azul’ on maps, you will see a wooden hut selling entry tickets on the road.

After purchasing your ticket, you will be directed down a pathway to reach Pozo Azul.

This is roughly another 20 minute walk through the jungle. It is a beautiful walk and a straightforward trail. Keep an eye out for wildlife on your way.

By mototaxi

Mototaxi is the preferred mode of transport in Minca, and generally in North Colombia.

In the centre of Minca town (by the yellow bridge), you will see mototaxi drivers waiting here. They all work for the same company, meaning the price is pretty standardised.

The journey from Minca town to Pozo Azul should cost roughly 10,000 COP ($2.30). It should take no longer than 10 minutes to get there.

The mototaxi driver will stop on the road so you can buy your entrance ticket, before continuing down the jungle path.

Tip: If you would prefer to hire your own motorbike, you can do so from Mincabikes for 160,000 COP ($36) per day.

Even if you hike to Pozo Azul from town, if you’re too tired by the time you’ve reached the entrance on the main road, you can also take a mototaxi here for the final 20 minutes.

What to expect

Pozo Azul is a series of cascading falls and refreshing swimming holes nestled in the heart of Minca’s lush rainforest.

It is the most popular waterfall in Minca and is surrounded by vibrant greenery and majestic Jungle Book-esque trees.

This breathtaking natural attraction is fed by the same river that runs through the entire of Minca town, and also passes through nearby Cascada Escondida.

Pozo Azul Minca is split into a lower basin and an upper basin, with two picturesque waterfalls perfect for cooling off in the tropical heat.

Note: this area is totally covered by trees and does not receive direct sunlight. This means that the water is absolutely freezing.

Entrance fee

The Pozo Azul entrance fee is 6,000 COP ($1.30).

However, I have a feeling that this entrance fee is a bit of a scam. I believe this is non-compulsory travel insurance they are selling masked as an “entrance fee”.

Lower basin

The lower basin is the most popular part of Pozo Azul.

It features a wide, shallow swimming hole fed by the first cascade. This area is ideal for relaxing, with its gentle waters and convenient facilities.

The river here is shallow enough to cross with ease, as the water barely reaches waist height. The deepest section, near the cascade, is only about 1.5 meters deep.

Due to its accessibility, the lower basin is often busy. You will find the majority of the visitors here, cooling off in the shallow water and appreciating the scenery.

It is well geared towards tourism, with small huts selling refreshments, chairs available for rent, and designated spots to store your belongings.

Upper basin

For a quieter, more serene experience, head to the upper basin.

To get there, cross the river and follow the rocky path that winds through the foliage to the right.

Tip: when I visited, there was tape across this path so I thought it was closed. I asked the lifeguard and he said the tape is to stop children, but the path was open.

The path is steep and requires some scrambling over rocks, but for those willing to venture a little further afield, you are rewarded with a peaceful cascade and very few tourists.

This area is perfect for those seeking a bit of solitude amidst nature. Not only is it more secluded, but the swimming hole is much deeper.

This makes the upper basin of Pozo Azul ideal for thrill-seekers looking to enjoy some cliff jumping. The jump here is about 4 meters in height.

Note: I have read online that if you follow the stream up a further 15 minutes, there is another hidden cascade. If you’re up for a bit of adventure, check this out!

Best time to visit Pozo Azul

As one of the most popular things to do in Minca, timing your visit right is crucial to make the most of your experience.

Many Minca day trips from Santa Marta include Pozo Azul, bringing large groups of tourists between 9 AM and 11 AM.

I narrowly avoided these crowds by chance – however this is something I would not recommend leaving to luck!

To truly savor the serene beauty of Pozo Azul, plan to visit either early in the morning, before 9 AM, or later in the afternoon, after lunchtime, when most tour groups have cleared out.

Tip: I visited at about 11:30AM and there were still lots of people. Generally, the earlier you come the better.

Other waterfalls in Minca

If you’re a fan of jungle waterfalls, then you’ll be in your element in Minca.

There are many beautiful waterfalls in Minca, some more popular and some lesser known to tourists.

The best Minca waterfalls I would recommend adding to your itinerary are –

• Cascada Escondida – hidden waterfall, no tourists. On the same road as Pozo Azul.
• Cascada Oido del Mundo – another lesser-known waterfall. On the same road as Marinka.
• Marinka – my favourite waterfall, despite being touristy. Huge (totally Instagrammable) hammocks.

Tip: if you want to enjoy Minca’s natural beauty without the tourists, I would recommend Cascada Escondida.

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.

Hostel Las Mariposas

Hostel Las Mariposas is one of the most affordable places to stay in Minca. It is a great option for budget backpackers.

Located in the town center itself, this hostel is located just a 5-minute walk from the bus stop. It is a great base to explore the town and surrounding natural attractions.

There is a choice of private rooms or shared dorms. There is a shared kitchen, as well as communal seating areas next to the river.

It’s rustic and basic but you cannot beat it for the price and location.

Shared dorms start from 25,000 COP ($6) per night.

Jungle Joe’s

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).

How to get to Minca

Getting to Minca is very straightforward and affordable.

Wherever you’re coming from, you will first have to reach Santa Marta (Simon Bolivar Airport). Santa Marta is the gateway to Minca and the entire northern coast.

From Santa Marta, it only takes about 45 minutes to reach Minca by car.

You have two options depending on your budget –

• Private transfer (book in advance to save) – roughly 50,000 COP ($10)
• Public bus – 10,000 COP ($2)

For full details: How To Get From Santa Marta to Minca: A Step-By-Step Guide

FAQs

How much is the entrance fee for Pozo Azul?

The Pozo Azul entrance fee is 6,000 COP ($1.30).

However, I have a feeling that this entrance fee is a bit of a scam. I believe this is non-compulsory travel insurance they are selling masked as an “entrance fee”.

What is there to do at Pozo Azul?

Once you have arrived at Pozo Azul Minca, there are a few fun things you can do to make the most of your time there.

The main thing to do at Pozo Azul is, of course, to take a cooling dip in the swimming hole. This is a welcome respite from the Colombian humidity.

The further you climb up the trail, you will also find a deeper swimming hole perfect for cliff jumping for the thrill-seekers among us.

There are also chairs available to rent, as well as stalls for refreshments, for those who simply prefer to relax and appreciate the stunning scenery.

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.

Where to see sunset in Minca?

You can see some of the best sunsets in the whole of Colombia in Minca.

While there are some popular viewpoints to see sunset, such as the 360 Mirador or Los Pinos hike, many hostels and hotels offer extraordinary sunset views.

Some of my favourites are –

• Casa Loma
• Jungle Joe’s
• Hostel Sierra Minca
• Casa Viejas Masaya

Is Minca Colombia worth it?

Minca is well worth visiting and is one of my favorite 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 and views are absolutely breathtaking – think hiking, beautiful sunsets, coffee/cacao tours, and waterfalls.

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.

How many days do you need in Minca?

I would recommend a minimum of two days in Minca.

There are many amazing things to do in Minca, and fortunately, the town is quite small.

Most of the main natural attractions are close to each other, so you can combine them on your trip. For example, I visited Cascada Escondida and Pozo Azul on the same morning.

As well as exploring the amazing things to do, be sure to allow yourself time to enjoy the tranquility, relax on hammocks, and appreciate beautiful sunsets.

If you’re into hiking, I would suggest staying a little longer. The long hikes, such as Cerro Kenedy, will require the whole day.

If you’re short on time, Minca’s proximity to Santa Marta means you could even visit on a day trip.

I would recommend this one for the main Minca highlights.

Pozo Azul Minca: Final Thoughts

This post has detailed everything you need to know to Pozo Azul in Minca, a true gem offering a perfect blend of adventure, natural beauty, and relaxation—if you time your visit right.

By following the tips and insights shared in this guide, you can dodge the crowds and fully immerse yourself in the serene charm of this stunning cascade.

If you have visited Pozo Azul yourself, I would love to hear about your experience – reach out to me on Instagram or Pinterest and let me know how it was!