Set within the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains is Minca, Colombia – the place lush, inexperienced jungle tumbles right down to the Caribbean past. Persevering with east is a protracted stretch of shoreline from Tayrona Nationwide Park to Palomino the place the ocean is wild with crashing waves. It’s a return to nature, far-off from the hustle and bustle of Cartagena and Barranquilla.
Time strikes slowly right here, however there’s a lot to do, from tubing down the Rio Palomino with a beer in hand to climbing with the native indigenous tribes and studying about native wildlife.
Whether or not it’s an prolonged backpacking journey within the area or a weeklong vacation, this chic area of Colombia is greater than a day journey vacation spot – it’s the proper various to different, extra closely visited, elements of the nation.
Minca
Awe-inspiring views prime of the listing of the numerous causes to go to Minca. Wherever you select to remain on this lush, hilltop city, you’ll be greeted by a panorama of the greenest inexperienced.
Only a 45-minute drive from Simon Bolivar Airport in Santa Marta, Minca appears like one other world. The Sierra Nevada is the best coastal mountain vary on this planet, and the city’s elevation retains it cooler than the tropical shoreline under, creating a super atmosphere for wildlife.
Colombia is without doubt one of the most biodiverse international locations on this planet and tops the chart for a wide range of birds. Minca is an ideal spot to discover this biodiversity close-up. Nature reserves listed here are dwelling to roaming jaguars, howler monkeys and lots of of chicken species. It’s nicely price hiring an area information to benefit from this exceptional atmosphere – Jungle Joe is a one-stop store for all issues nature and Minca.
The local weather can also be ideally suited for rising espresso and cacao. Colombia is a world-renowned espresso lover’s paradise, and also you don’t solely have to go to Zona Cafetera for a standard espresso farm expertise. Minca has its personal choice of genuine espresso fincas. Hacienda La Victoria is the oldest within the space, whereas Finca La Candelaria takes an natural method to its espresso and cacao manufacturing and gives B&B lodging.
If you’re able to discover the tropical forests, Minca has all kinds of climbing trails for all talent ranges. Not all trails are signposted, however native guides can be found. Two notably well-trodden trails are the hikes to Cerro Kennedy (which can be achieved as an in a single day journey) and Los Pinos. The views from the summit embrace cloud forest and, from Cerro Kennedy, a vista of the 2 tallest mountains within the nation.
Wild tenting and jungle evening excursions take the sense of journey to the subsequent degree. There isn’t any higher technique to reconnect with nature than underneath a cover of forest and stars, listening to a soundtrack of night-time creatures.
When you want biking to climbing, Minca gives thrilling mountain biking trails that deal with tough terrain and traverse a number of ecosystems. Or maybe you like a calmer jungle expertise – yoga lovers will discover loads of lessons to select from underneath the cover.
One exercise everybody can agree on is a dip in a refreshing pure pool. Locals and guests alike flock to the bigger pool at Pozo Azul. However Oido del Mundo, although smaller, is often quieter. Alternatively, take a swim within the pristine swimming pools on the base of the waterfalls at Las Cascadas de Marinka and Cascadas de Escondida.
Lastly, the proper finish to an energetic day is a well-earned chilly beer from Minca’s very personal brewery, Nevada.
Tayrona, Buritaca and Guachaca
There’s a rising variety of boutique resorts on the sting of Parque Nacional Tayrona, however lodging choices within the park are nonetheless sparse, fostering a way of journey within the harder-to-reach, deeper areas of the park. What you can find are ecohabs (small bungalows product of pure supplies and impressed by the traditional Tayrona tribes), campsites and hammock leases.
When Tayrona is busier throughout its peak months, head for close by Buritaca and Guachaca, a protracted stretch of Caribbean coast to the east of the park. Right here the ocean currents are too sturdy for swimming, however this palm-fringed virgin seashore is price visiting. Dotted with thoughtfully designed resorts nestled within the jungle, this can be a place to relaxation and recharge after the five-day misplaced metropolis trek (Ciudad Perdida) or just change off and revel in a slower tempo.
There’s no city heart right here, and provides, eating places and outlets are few and much between. Fortunately, resorts comparable to Gitana del Mar and Cayana Seaside Villa present the whole lot visitors want to allow them to really calm down. Get pleasure from yoga lessons and massages in wood cabanas by day and settle right into a hammock, cocktail in hand, to observe nightly lightning exhibits throughout the wet season.
Palomino
Slightly below a two-hour drive from Santa Marta is laid-back Palomino. This small city is the antithesis of bigger cities like Cartagena. Initially a backpacker cease, Palomino now boasts a rising number of lodging, from boutique hostels comparable to Casa del Pava Real (which additionally runs an area canine rescue) to religious hilltop retreats like One Santurio.
Palomino has retained a leisurely air and a way of kindred spirit to the magical mountain ranges close by. This small neighborhood welcomes vacationers with open arms and gives the very best massages and reiki within the nation – excellent after surf classes or horseback using on the seashore. Resorts can advocate therapeutic massage and reiki therapists with seemingly magical, calming skills.
With its tender currents and delightful surroundings, the Rio Palomino is a well-liked spot for tubing. Enterprising locals have arrange store on the riverbanks promoting empanadas and beer, and the crisp river waters are refreshing within the sweltering Caribbean warmth. Tubing tour organizers will be present in Palomino city.
Remember there’s often a good quantity of uphill climbing concerned in attending to the start line, so put on sneakers, carry a water-resistant bag for tubing and pack a cap and solar lotion.
Accountable journey
Native indigenous tribes reside within the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. For the Kogi, Arhuaco and Wiwa tribes, these mountains are the center of the universe, and they’re its protectors. In 1979, Unesco declared the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta area a Biosphere Reserve of Man and Humanity. The ecosystem is taken into account one of the vital irreplaceable on this planet.
The Minca Museum gives perception into the area by the lens of the native individuals, and it’s doable to find out about native customs and sustainability by excursions and homestays with the indigenous neighborhood, which your lodge can assist manage.
