Colombia travel blog by Mark Berman -
October 2012
December 2020
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Twice while living in Taganga fishing village, my friends and I have traveled up into the mountains to Minca. It's 1hr southeast of Santa Marta and 600m
above sea, the temperature is several degrees cooler than down on the coast. Minca is a welcome break from the heat! Jeeps and small buses will bring you here
from Santa Marta Market. Secluded Lodge in the Rainforest
We stayed for a couple of nights at 'Oscars Place', a secluded lodge with fantastic views and gardens. You can sleep inside
or outside in hammocks - (see review below). Minca has the feel of a cool tropical rainforest full with birds, bamboo, flora and plantlife. The clouds often
close in for a while during the day and add a dash of rain to the green forest and landscape.
How To Get to Minca
The best way to get to Minca is from Estacion Minca in Santa Marta,
it's near the markets. Once you arrive in Minca you can find accommodation, relax and explore. There's no stress (from the heat or crowds) in Minca.
The River Flows Through Town
The river flows through the center of town and there are trees all around. The small local church with a big name 'Parroquial Nuestra Senora del
Perpetuo Socorro' is nearby. It has a park area and a white bust of Simon Bolivar outside. I visited the hummingbird gardens in one of the hotels - ask for
directions.
Birds, Flora and Fauna
I spent a lot of time while in Minca enjoying and photographing the colorful flowers, bamboo and fauna. There is
an abundance of unique birdlife around the area also. It's so different from the dry coast of cactus - so moist and lush. The views down to the sea and
Santa Marta are
quite amazing, like being in a secret paradise far and above the busy city. Take some friends, some good food to cook, some wine and head up to Minca!
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Small flower beginning to grow in the nice climate of Minca, tropical and cool.
A black beetle bug on a yellow flower in Minca.
A sunset of fire, a view from Minca.
A blend of purple and pink, a nice leaf, exotic flora in Minca.
