How to Get from Santa Marta to Minca

Taking a colectivo is the cheapest way to get to Minca from Santa Marta, but it's not exactly the most comfortable. They're often cramped, and many colectivos still don't have have air conditioning — not ideal for a ride through winding mountain roads. Some colectivos do have A/C, though, so it’s worth asking at the ticket office before you board. That said, if you’re up for a more local experience, keep reading. Colectivos for the Santa Marta to Minca route run from 07:00 to 18:00, but they do not have set departures. Drivers wait until the van is full. Keep that in mind when they say that the colectivo is departing "soon" — because this may take up to 30 or 40 minutes. If you're in a hurry, consider taking a private transfer instead.

Departure station

These colectivos don't leave from the main bus terminal in Santa Marta. Instead, they depart from a stop behind the central market (Mercado Público de Santa Marta), quite close to the city centre. The exact location is on the intersection of Carrera 9 and Calle 12. You can walk there from the historic centre in about 20 minutes, but the route isn’t very safe. It’s better to take a taxi. The ride costs around [price 10,000 COP]. If you’re coming from Santa Marta Airport, expect to pay between [price 30,000 COP] – [price 40,000 COP] for a taxi. From the bus terminal, the fare is usually around [price 15,000 COP]. Once you arrive, look for the Cootrasminca office and white vans with “Minca” written on the windshield. You can buy your ticket at the office for around .

Arrival station

The bus will drop you off at Cootrasminca Terminal in Minca. If you are staying in town, everything is within walking distance. If you are staying outside of town, mototaxis (motorbikes) can take you to where you need to go. Just negotiate the rate with the driver and make sure to wear a helmet.

A private transfer from Santa Marta to Minca is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 50m - 1h 30m, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers. You have 3 options: Uber, regular taxi, and pre-booked private transfers. Uber is a good choice, if you can book one. Prices start from $79 for an Uber taxi and [price 94,000 COP] for an Uber car. If you're in a group of 4, it’s about each. It's worth noting that not a lot of drivers accept bookings for this long-distance journey. If you prefer booking in advance, BookAway is a great choice, especially if you're coming from Santa Marta Airport. They’re very reliable but come with a higher price tag, starting at [price 48.40 USD]. Regular taxis are also available for the Santa Marta to Minca route, but don't just hail any taxi from the street. It's best to ask your hotel to help you get a reputable driver. A regular taxi ride typically costs the same as an Uber taxi.