Minca: Waterfalls, Coffee & Cocoa Day Trip from Santa Marta

Summary

Santa Marta to Minca for riverside trails, coffee stories and bamboo lunch

You’ll hike forest trails near Minca with a local guide, cool off at mountain waterfalls, taste fresh coffee and cocoa right where they’re made, and share lunch in a bamboo house before heading back to Santa Marta—expect muddy shoes and maybe even new friends along the way.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect the road up to Minca from Santa Marta to feel so much like leaving one world for another. The car windows fogged a little as we climbed—suddenly everything was green and damp and smelled like earth after rain. When we finally stopped in the village, our guide Juan waved us over with this easy smile. He started talking about how his family’s been here for generations. I liked that he didn’t rush the intro—just let us stand there listening to birds and the sound of water somewhere close by.

The walk itself was longer than I thought (maybe two hours?), but not hard if you take it slow. We passed a group of kids splashing in a river pool—one of them offered me a mango with hands still dripping wet. The waterfalls were loud enough that we had to shout a bit to hear each other, but it felt good just standing under the spray for a minute. My shoes got muddy, but honestly, it didn’t matter. Juan pointed out some wild cacao trees along the trail—he broke open a pod so we could taste the pulp inside. Kind of tart and sweet at once; I’m still not sure if I liked it or just liked trying it.

The coffee farm was up on a hill with chickens running around everywhere. We met Señora Luz who showed us how she roasts beans over an old stove—it smelled sharp and almost chocolatey. She let us try grinding some by hand (harder than it looks). Lunch came next in this bamboo house that creaked whenever someone shifted their chair—felt almost like eating inside a treehouse. The food was simple but honestly perfect after all that walking: rice, plantains, something with chicken, and fresh juice that tasted faintly of lime.

Afterwards, Juan did this whole thing about cocoa—from bean to bar—and handed out pieces to taste while we sat in the shade. I probably butchered my Spanish when I tried to thank him; he laughed and said everyone does at first. On the drive back down toward Santa Marta, my legs were tired but my head felt kind of clear in that way you get after being outside all day. If you’re thinking about a day trip Minca from Santa Marta for waterfalls or coffee or just something different—I’d say go for it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Minca tour: waterfalls, coffee, and cocoa

• Travel from Santa Marta to Minca
• Meet local guide and introduction
• Walk ecological trail to waterfalls
• Visit coffee farm and learn process
• Lunch at bamboo house
• Talk about cocoa and derivatives
• Return to Minca and travel back

Top questions

How long does the Minca tour from Santa Marta take?

The tour lasts about 8-9 hours including transport from Santa Marta.

Is lunch included during the Minca waterfalls & coffee day trip?

Yes, lunch is included at a bamboo house during the tour.

Do I need to be very fit for this Minca hiking tour?

You should have at least moderate fitness as there’s 2-2.5 hours of walking on ecological trails.

Are coffee and cocoa tastings part of the experience?

Yes, both coffee and cocoa tastings are included at local farms along the route.

Is hotel pickup provided from Santa Marta?

Private transportation is included from Santa Marta to Minca and back.

Who leads the tour in Minca?

A local guide from Minca leads the group throughout the day.

What should I bring for swimming or waterfalls?

You might want swimwear or quick-dry clothes since there are pools and waterfalls on the walk.

Are infants allowed on this tour?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport; not recommended for pregnant travelers.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation from Santa Marta, guidance from a local expert fluent in English or Spanish, tastings of both fresh coffee and cocoa at authentic farms, plus lunch served in a unique bamboo house before heading back in the evening—with medical insurance covered too.