Minca
About
Minca is a small village 650m above Santa Marta reached in a 6000 peso colectivo via a 45 min bumpy mountain road from "Estacion de Minca" en Calle 11 con 12 en el mercado publico de Santa Marta. The village centre itself is a quaint friendly little mountain town with not much to offer other than a few nice new restaurants and pool halls in the centre. It is only when you explore to it's very hilly edges you will discover the real magic of Minca in some truly spectacular hostels, fincas and places to chill by the river or with a beer and a panoramic vistas to the sea far below. Oscar's Place, an Eco Farm down the valley sits on a prominent ridge with jawdropping vistas, a pool on the ridge and open air but rustically luxurious sleeping quarters surrounded by flowers and fruit trees. 15,000peso Hammocks, 25,000 dorm to 40,000 pp privates are available, call Oscar on 3135344500 to organise a stay at his place. There is no publicity, no signs and it's not easy to find, a real hidden gem! Casa Loma Hostal perched on a steep hill above Minca similarly has spectacular views from even higher and offers more economic accommodation with a backpacker vibe, great food, cold beers and good music await to reward you for the steep climb up. They also have a really interesting Tayrona ceremonial stone circle above the hostal which serves as a campsite. Hamocks 12,000, Dorms 20,000, privates from 65,000 to 80,000 per room. Call Jay or Steph on 3138086134 to organise a stay. Luz's Restaurant in Minca, has no sign but is run by such a charming Colombian couple. It is the orange painted place across the road from the Iglesia with just a menu on the wall. You can get a BIG plate of chicken, beef or pork with fries and super tasty salad with jugo for 11,000 peso. Unbelievable value.
