Minca: Private ATV Tour with Waterfalls & Sierra Views

Summary

ATV trails waterfalls and mountain air on a private day from Minca

You’ll ride ATVs through lush Sierra Nevada trails from Minca with a local guide, splash under Marinka Waterfalls, relax at Sierra Minca hostel for lunch and mountain views, and return with memories of Colombia’s wild side still fresh in your mind.

What’s the experience like?

Helmet straps clicking under my chin, I could hear birds somewhere above us as our guide—Miguel, I think—handed out goggles and grinned like he knew what we were in for. The ATVs looked way tougher than I felt that morning, but after a quick rundown (mostly in Spanish, with Miguel’s hands doing half the talking), we were off. The first bump nearly bounced my phone out of my pocket. Red dirt everywhere. You can smell the leaves—sort of wet and sharp—and every now and then someone’s laughter would float back through the dust.

We wound up through the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, passing tiny houses where kids waved or just stared at us like we were aliens. The air got cooler as we climbed, which was good because my hands were sweaty from gripping the handlebars so tight. When we finally stopped at Marinka Waterfalls, it was louder than I expected—water crashing down over rocks you could barely see for all the spray. I just stood there for a second, shoes already muddy, thinking about how far from home this all felt. We swam for a while (the water is freezing, by the way) and lay on warm stones until lunch started calling.

Sierra Minca hostel sits right on this ridge with hammocks strung between trees and views that honestly don’t look real—green rolling out forever with clouds snagged on mountaintops. Lunch was simple but good; rice, chicken, some kind of sweet juice I still can’t name. Miguel told stories about growing up nearby and pointed out birds I’d never heard of (I nodded along like I understood). On the ride back down to Minca town, everything looked softer in the late light—less wild somehow—and even though my arms were tired from steering, I didn’t really want it to end.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — ATV adventure and waterfall visit

• Pickup from accommodation in Minca
• Transfer to ATV starting point and briefing
• ATV ride to Marinka Waterfalls
• Relax and swim at Marinka Waterfalls
• ATV ride to Sierra Minca hostel
• Enjoy lunch at Sierra Minca
• ATV ride back to Minca accommodation

Top questions

How long is the private ATV tour from Minca?

The tour lasts around 10 hours including pickup and drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included in this Minca ATV adventure?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Minca are included.

Do you get time to swim at Marinka Waterfalls?

Yes, you have about 2 hours to swim or relax at Marinka Waterfalls.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

Lunch is included at Sierra Minca hostel during your day trip.

Are guides local on this ATV tour?

Yes, you’ll be accompanied by a professional local guide throughout the tour.

What should I bring for the ATV ride?

Bring comfortable clothes that can get dirty, swimwear for waterfalls, sunscreen, and a camera if you want photos.

Is this day trip suitable for beginners or kids?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Minca by private transport, an experienced local guide leading your ATV adventure through mountain trails to Marinka Waterfalls and Sierra Minca hostel, plus lunch along with plenty of time to swim or just soak up those wild Colombian views before heading back down late afternoon.