Discovering Minca: Your Ultimate Travel Guide for Skipping Touristy Spots, and Uncovering Hidden Accommodation Gems

Rio Elemento is located in the town of Minca, just a short distance from the center where you'll find shops and restaurants. I consider it a great place to spend your first night. Even though it's in town, it gives you a sense of being in nature thanks to its large green space and, as the name suggests, the river. There are various types of accommodations, from cabins and camping areas to hammocks, dorms, and single-person cabins near the river. Due to its large space, there are several shared bathrooms, making it comfortable and clean. The creativity of this place is incredible, and it has a long-standing reputation. This results in a mix of both locals and foreigners. There are plenty of hammocks, fabric areas, and spots to hang out. However, there can be live music at night in the common area, which makes it a good place to socialize and meet other travelers. Personally, I prefer quieter places. My favorite thing about Rio Elemento is its secret spot. It's so special that visiting here is a must, and you might miss it if you don't know about it. Following the river path and the signs will lead you to the secret spot, which requires a sense of adventure as parts of the path are unstable, and you need to get wet and immerse yourself in nature to reach one of the most special places I've ever seen. It's a freshwater swimming area with crystal clear green water, simply magical. Staying at Rio Elemento allows you to walk to waterfalls like El Oido del Mundo, visit coffee farms, and sample the local cuisine Minca has to offer, with Arabesca, the Arabic restaurant, being my favorite. For this reason, I find it practical and a great place to start your journey (and it's worth it), but I wouldn't recommend making it your entire Minca experience. For many travelers, it's convenient not to have to pay for moto taxis to get away from the central area, but you shouldn't miss out on the full Minca experience, which includes watching a sunset deep in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. If you stay here, I recommend not forgetting insect repellent or long pants to protect yourself from mosquitoes, especially near the river.

Casa Loma is a place conveniently close to town yet still manages to evoke a sense of seclusion and mountain retreat. It's perfect for those interested in wellness and spirituality. Offering yoga classes, breathwork sessions, and providing a serene environment for self-reflection, it's an ideal spot to reconnect with yourself. Additionally, there's a delightful restaurant serving vegetarian cuisine, a perfect sunset spot, and tranquility abound. If you´re not staying here (i never have) the restaurant spot it´s absolutely gorgeous and worth visiting To reach Casa Loma, be prepared to ascend several flights of stairs, so I recommend traveling light. It has such a peaceful vibe, you won't want to leave. If you're planning to visit just the restaurant, please call ahead to check if it's open, as they have irregular hours. You won't want to waste the effort of going up only to find it closed. The food is totally worth it, and I highly recommend going around sunset.

This is one of the places I've visited the most, and something keeps drawing me back every time.I knew it as Siembra Hotel Boutique, so I'm not sure how much it has changed since the new name. It's far enough to feel immersed in nature, yet close enough to walk (not for everyone) to the town if you feel like it or as the distance is not that crazy more affordable mototaxis. They offer dorms that are typically priced higher than a hostel since it's a boutique hotel, as well as private rooms. I would recommend this one for digital nomads since there's a beautiful silent area dedicated to work with a good internet connection and amazing view. The charm of this place lies in its limited number of rooms, ensuring a constant sense of peace. A pool with a stunning mountain view and the lost waterfall is within walking distance. The sunsets are incredible and beautiful hummingbirds often visit. The restaurant offers delicious food, and I would still recommend visiting even if you're not staying overnight. (They have vegetarian options) However, access is limited to the restaurant area, as the pool and lounge chairs are reserved for guests. Upon arrival, you'll be provided with a wristband to cover your expenses, including food and drinks, which can be settled upon checkout. They have parking spots!

Like most places in Minca, you need to take a moto taxi to reach Casas Viejas. It is undoubtedly one of those places that leave a mark on your heart. It may feel remote from the town, but that's its charm. The journey there is completely magical, passing through streams, little waterfalls and The Victoria coffee farm, immersing you in the beauty of the Sierra Nevada. Casas Viejas offers both dorms and private rooms, a heated pool with an amazing view where you can enjoy the sounds of nature, and food prepared with love with a daily changing menu. You have the opportunity to walk to nearby waterfalls where you won't find crowds, and they offer activities such as massages and night walks to see jungle life after dark. Here, I feel it's a fantastic spot to meet other travelers and like-minded individuals without being a party hostel. Whether you prefer quiet solitude or mingling with others, it offers a great option for solo travelers or couples. Being higher up in the mountain, it can get a bit chilly at night, so I recommend bringing a sweater.