Cartagena To Minca: Best Routes + Ways To Travel (2023)

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Looking for the best ways to get from Cartagena to Minca? You’re in the right place! Cartagena is one of the main tourist hubs in Colombia, and taking a trip to Minca, a small, beautiful village in the middle of the Sierra Nevada mountains, is a popular option for nature fans!

This post outlines everything you need to know about getting from Cartagena to Minca, from safety concerns, journey times, prices, drop-off points and more.

So, let’s start and discuss all the possible ways to travel from Cartagena to Minca!

Still got a question about the journey from Cartagena to Minca? Let me know over on Instagram or shoot me an email at jennie(@)jenniewanders.com!

🇨🇴 Other Colombia posts:

• Getsemani Cartagena: FULL Travel Guide
• Palenque Tour Cartagena: The BEST Day Trip!
• Yellow Fever Vaccine Cartagena: Tourist Guide
• Medellin To Cartagena: FULL Transport Guide

Cartagena To Minca: A Summary

The journey between Cartagena and Minca is roughly 154 miles (247km). It will take around 4-8 hours to drive directly between the two locations, depending on traffic, road conditions and mode of transport. 

The most popular way to travel between Cartagena and Minca is by a small 15-person shuttle bus (but it’s a little more complex than just a straightforward journey).

In summary, there are three ways to get from Cartagena to Minca. These options are:

• Public bus
• Shuttle bus and taxi/private transfer
• Private transfer

Personally, I think the best way to get to Minca from Cartagena is:

Bus from Cartagena to Santa Marta > private transfer from Santa Marta to Minca.

⚠️ Before we begin, it’s important to note that to travel from Cartagena to Minca, you must first travel to Santa Marta, another city along the coast. From Santa Marta, you can then board the second bus or shuttle to the countryside of Minca. ⚠️

So, let’s get down to the ins and outs of travelling between two amazing locations in Colombia; Cartagena and Minca!

⚠️ Need the yellow fever vaccine whilst in South America? You’re in luck! The yellow fever vaccination is FREE in Colombia for tourists, and we were able to get it in Cartagena. You can check out my full yellow fever vaccine in Cartagena guide here!

Step 1: Getting from Cartagena to Santa Marta

It’s important to note that to travel from Cartagena to Minca, you must first travel to Santa Marta, another city along the coast. From Santa Marta, you can then board the second bus or shuttle to the countryside of Minca.

When you are travelling from Cartagena to Santa Marta, you will need to:

• Get a taxi to the public bus terminal in Cartagena (this can take up to an hour due to traffic, so leave in plenty of time). If you’d prefer a smaller, 15-person bus, travel to the Berlinastur bus terminal.

• Buy tickets for a bus from Cartagena to Santa Marta. There are constant buses running between the two locations throughout the day. ➡ Pre-book bus tickets here!

• Board the bus from Cartagena to Santa Marta. This journey will take roughly 5-6 hours depending on traffic and the road conditions. Buses (especially if pre-booked here) are modern, clean, safe and even have USB ports, so sit back and relax!

• The Santa Marta bus terminal is in the centre of town. From here, you can either travel to your accommodation (by foot or taxi) or board your next mode of transport for Minca! (See instructions below)

Step 2: Getting from Santa Marta to Minca

From Santa Marta to Minca, it’s a short 45-minute – 1-hour journey to Minca. It can either be done on the same day or after a short stay in Santa Marta.

There are colectivos and buses running to Minca throughout the day, and most hostels (such as Masaya) can actually arrange the shuttles for you.

For more information about the public bus and shuttles from Santa Marta to Minca, keep reading!

Related post: Cartagena To Santa Marta: FULL Route | 10 BEST Day Trips From Cartagena Colombia!

1. Santa Marta to Minca by public bus

The public bus (which is more of a colectivo, smaller than a big public bus) runs throughout the day from Santa Marta to Minca. You will need to catch the public bus from Mercado Publico in Santa Marta.

From here, you can board the small minibus that will take your from Santa Marta to Minca in under an hour, for around £2 (8000 COP) per person.

2. Santa Marta to Minca by taxi or private transfer

This is definitely a more preferable option when you’re in Santa Marta and want to travel to Minca. As it’s only a 45 minute journey, a taxi shouldn’t cost more than $40 USD.

You can check out private transfer prices from Santa Marta to Minca here. It’s way more comfortable than a public bus!

Related post: Cartagena To Santa Marta: FULL Route For Independent Travel

Cartagena to Minca by private transfer

Another option is to travel via private transfer. This is perfect if there are more than four of you, you want your own space or you are short on time. It also means you don’t need to stop at Santa Marta on the way.

Similar to a taxi, private transfers will pick you up from your hotel or hostel in Cartagena and take you directly to your accommodation in Minca. But of course, it’s expensive! I’d only suggest this mode of transport if you’re not travelling on a backpacker’s budget.

Private transfers from Cartagena to Minca can take from 4-5 hours (depending on traffic, road conditions and other factors). Most hostels and hotels can organise this, or you can book a private transfer online here.

Hiring a private driver to travel around Colombia is one of the most popular and safest ways to see the country.

➡ BOOK A PRIVATE TRANSFER NOW!

Why should I not fly between Cartagena and Santa Marta (Minca)?

Simply because there are no direct flights between Cartagena and Santa Marta (as of 2023). If you fly between the two locations, you will need to take an indirect flight via either Medellin or Bogota. This is a pretty long-winded way to get there, and I don’t recommend it!

Still want to check flight prices? I highly recommend this flight comparison site!

Where to stay in Cartagena

Cartagena is another big city in Colombia, and there are many different areas to stay in. I’ll be doing a post in the near future about all of the accommodation areas in Cartagena, but if you’re visiting for a short stay, I recommend booking accommodation in Getsemani.

Getsemani is the main ‘hub’ of Cartagena and is home to the biggest backpacker hostels. It’s also known for its colourful streets, range of restaurants, bars and nightlife.

For backpackers and short-term tourists in Getsemani (Cartagena), I recommend one of the following:

• Life Is Good Hostel: perfect for any short-term tourist. It’s a boutique hostel in an ideal location, and it was one of our favourite hostels in Colombia for a number of reasons. Stay here if you can! ➡ CHECK PRICES NOW!

• Viajero Hostel: another good location a few minutes from Getsemani; perfect for solo travellers or couples. We’ve stayed in a few Viajero Hostels and have loved them! ➡ CHECK PRICES NOW!

• Hotel Dorado Plaza Calle del Arsenal: a hotel with a rooftop in Getsemani. ➡ CHECK PRICES NOW!

• Hyatt Regency: for a more luxurious stay in Cartagena! ➡ CHECK PRICES NOW!

• GHL Hotel Armeria Real: a beautiful hotel in the middle of Getsemani! ➡ CHECK PRICES NOW!

Where to stay in Minca

Minca is an off-the-beaten-path mountain town surrounded by jungle and nature. It’s a place to relax, reset and take some time away from the hustle and bustle of Colombia!

If you’re a backpacker in Minca, I recommend one of the following unique hostels. Known as ‘destination’ hostels, most provide meals and everything you will need for your stay in Minca. You’ll make friends, share family dinners and go on group tours during the daytime.

• Mano Verde Minca: one of the most popular backpacker hostels in Minca, known for its sunset views and close proximity to some of the best hikes and waterfalls. ➡ CHECK PRICES NOW!

• Mundo Nuevo Eco Lodge: this hostel has some of the BEST Sierra Nevada mountain views, where you can sit in the swimming pool and overlook the jungle. It’s also one of the best sustainable hostels in Minca. ➡ CHECK PRICES NOW!

• Hostel Vista: another incredible hostel nestled in the heart of Minca, surrounded by natural beauty and scenery. You’re really spoiled for choice here! ➡ CHECK PRICES NOW!

How long should I stay in Cartagena?

If you are visiting Cartagena for the first time, I recommend staying for around 3-4 nights. This gives you enough time to spend a day at the beach, take some day tours out of the city (snorkelling or to Palenque), roam the colourful Cartagena streets and have an epic Colombian night out!

➡ Book an epic stay in Cartagena now!

Related post: Cartagena Nightlife: Colombia Party Guide! | Cartagena To Santa Marta: FULL Route

How long should I stay in Minca?

If you are visiting Minca for the first time, I recommend staying for around 1-2 nights. This gives you enough time to do some hiking, explore the area, visit some waterfalls and spend some time in nature!

➡ Book incredible accommodation in Minca now!

Cartagena to Minca: FAQs

1) How much is a taxi from Minca to Cartagena?

Depending on where and when you book, a taxi or Uber from Minca to Cartagena is around $100 USD.

2) Is Minca Colombia worth it?

Yes! Especially if you are a big nature fan. Minca is beautiful. Known as a sleepy backpacker town, you can surround yourself with the sounds of the rainforest, sleep on hammocks, hike to some waterfalls and immerse yourself in the Colombian countryside.

➡ Book your accommodation in Minca now!

3) Is Minca a day trip?

If you are visiting Minca for the first time, I recommend spending at least one night to make the journey from Santa Marta worth it. Ideally, you will spend 1-2 nights in Minca to make the most of your trip.

➡ Book your accommodation in Minca now!

Don’t forget travel insurance for South America!

If you’re visiting South America as a backpacker, or even for a short vacation, it is so important to have travel insurance. And if you ended up on a post that’s called ‘epic party tips’, you know (just as well as I do) that you definitely need travel insurance.

Personally, I recommend SafetyWing. As a digital nomad and world traveller myself, I can confirm it is the best travel insurance out there. And one of the cheapest – they have deals that start at just $42 USD per month.

I know, I know, you’re thinking ‘but I can’t afford that!’. I was the same! It’s tough to fork out $42 a month on something ‘you might not need’. But what if something DOES happen? That extra Mezcal shot results in you falling down the stairs, or you eat something dodgy from a street food van.

If you need medical help at any point whilst in South America, you need travel insurance.

With SafetyWing, you’re covered on travel emergencies, basic medical costs and medical expenses throughout your trip, so you can travel without worry (at a backpacker’s price!)

Don’t even think twice about getting travel insurance for South America. Trust me, I have heard enough horror stories about backpackers who haven’t had insurance and have ended up in a lot of debt. Don’t be that person!

If you’ve been putting the job off because it takes a lot of time and effort to research the best travel insurance companies, I understand. That’s why I’ve done the hard work for you. Sign up for SafetyWing, and the job is done!

Cartagena to Minca: In a Nutshell

So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about getting from Cartagena to Minca. When you’re planning a trip to Colombia, make sure you let me know over on Instagram or in the comments below!

If you haven’t seen my blog before, I write posts aimed at real-life travellers wanting authentic and down-to-earth information. I’m currently travelling around the world with my boyfriend (read more here!), creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!

Keep an eye out for more Colombia content, all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates here!

As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!

Happy travelling 🙂

Jennie x

🇨🇴 Other Colombia posts:

• Getsemani Cartagena: FULL Travel Guide
• Palenque Tour Cartagena: The BEST Day Trip!
• Yellow Fever Vaccine Cartagena: Tourist Guide
• Medellin To Cartagena: FULL Transport Guide