Minca, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, is Santa Marta's mountain refuge: forest, waterfalls, high-altitude coffee and cool nights. Everything is close to town and covered on foot or by mototaxi. This is the route.

Pozo Azul Waterfall

Minca’s most visited waterfall: two tiers and a crystal-clear pool a short walk from town. The Pozo Azul Waterfall is the ideal refreshing plan for the first afternoon.

Key fact: Wear grippy shoes: stone trails get slippery after rain.

Marinka trail and waterfalls

El Marinka ecological trail connects Minca with its waterfalls amid coffee fields and humid forest. Hike with viewpoints, pool swims and birdwatching along the way.

La Victoria Coffee Estate

Historic coffee estate where the tour shows coffee processing, from seed to cup. The La Victoria Coffee Estate is a must to understand why Sierra coffee is famous.

Cerro Kennedy

For the fittest: climbing Cerro Kennedy, high in the Sierra, demands a pre-dawn start, good fitness and a local guide. The reward is seeing the Sierra Nevada and the Caribbean from the same spot on clear days.

Where to end the day

Burukuka combines restaurant and viewpoint terrace over El Rodadero: a good spot for watching the sunset coming down from the mountain.

Final tip: Spend at least two days in Minca: one for waterfalls and coffee, another for a long hike or simply to live the town rhythm unhurried. Book lodging ahead on weekends.