Adventure Date In Minca

We’re big on adventure dating. 

In a place like Colombia where there’s a ton of memorizing land, parks, waterfalls, beaches, and the jungle — you can arrive at film-worthy scenes and let nature do the work for you.

Well, maybe it’s not that easy.

If you can setup your date and know enough Spanish to figure out your way around, you can surely keep it cool while hiking through a jungle town like Minca…

At least until you get to the motrocycle rental shop.

This articles includes the process for how to have a great date in Minca, a jungle town in Santa Marta.

Plus, we made an adventure dating video in Minca so you can determine if Minca is right for you:

1. Pack some key items like bug spray, a water ball, swim suit, change of clothes, beach towel, snacks, your passport, your phone, and waterproof backpack, pouch, or vest. You’ll want to have all of this together in a backpack that can folded/stored into a 1.5 foot by 1.5 foot space.
2. Get cash. You’ll want to have at least 300,000 when going to Minca [about $80]— but you likely won’t spend it all.
3. Use the In-Drive App to bid on a taxi. Usually you’ll be paying around 50,000 pesos, both ways, but you can get it for cheaper. Paying more isn’t a bad thing. Remember: In Santa Marta, you pay taxis in cash. There’s no Uber.
4. When you arrive in Minca, have them drop you off in the center, where the two roads cross. On either side of you, you’ll find a motorcycle rental. [Unless you want to eat, go directly to one of the motorcycle rental places, not through a random person, and rent an automatic motorcycle. It’s about 30,000 pesos per hour, depending on the demand and day of the week. You want to rent it for 2-3 hours. Make sure it is automatic and full of gas before you rent it!
5. You’ll want to put your backpack and items into the compartment inside of the motorcycle [under the seat or on the side.] Make sure you use your bug spray before you take off!
6. Start by navigating to Pozo Azules, which is going to be the path straight ahead of you [North] while the motorcycle rental shops are to your left and right. You want to take this path first because the paths are paved and well kept. [As you get the feel for the motorcycle, it’s a lot easier to ride here than to the double waterfalls at Marinka.]
7. Should take you about 10-12 minutes to get to Pozo Azules. It’s a sign on the left that has restrooms outside of it. [You could potentially ride past it if you’re not watching.]
8. If you don’t have a lot of experience with the motorcycle, park it, get out and walk the path down to the Pozo Azules. You’ll pass by a natural cacao vendor on your left and eventually a small snack bar on your right before you get to the waterfall. [There is also a new sort of restaurant cabin they are building above Pozo Azul and it may be worth trying.]
9. When you return from Pozo Azul, you could go get some lunch or dinner at the Lazy Cat near the center. It’s a great restaurant with a patio where you can hear the waterfalls. There are so many little side restaurants in Minca worth checking out, depending on your tastes, but you won’t risk any failure with your date by taking her to the Lazy Cat!
10. If you’re up for the next waterfall [be mindful of weather, as it may be raining once a day on average, depending on the season, and the roads can become muddy] you’ll want to take the road that the Lazy Cat is on [which is the road to the road when you’re in the center, standing between the motorcycle rental shops] to Marinka falls. This is the double waterfall.
11. It’ll take you about 15-20 minutes to get to Marinka, depending on rain and your experience with the motorcycle that will determine your pace. The roads are more advanced because they are broken pavement and dirt roads. I find it extremely enjoyable to navigate, but I know the route like the back of my hand now… when you pass over a larger creek, you’ll go up a hill and Marinka will be on your right.
12. You’ll park your motorcycle for 3,000 peso, then start to walk up the hill to Marinka. The walk will take you about 15 minutes, depending on your physical condition and pace. Hint: Use the stairs on the side of the path for support.
13. Entrance fee to Marinka is about $15,000 peso per person. $3. Absolutely worth it. [Note: Don’t pick the flowers or show up with flowers in hand.]
14. After entering, you’ll find areas for great photos and relaxation. The first waterfall is down the path and to the left and the second is up the path to the right and wraps around. Both are within like 2-3 minutes of walking. There’s a little bar/restaurant. I could stay here for hours and swim around and chill, but most people hang out for about an hour. [Note: Bathrooms are down the path and to the left, opposite side of the restaurant/bar.]
15. When you head back to the town, it may be approaching night. The later at night it gets, passed 5pm, the more difficult it is to find a taxi back to Santa Marta. Many people stay the night in a hostel and return home, especially if it’s raining. I tend to pay 80,000 peso for the return taxi, especially if it’s raining. Locals can also find a ride for you, but you’ll pay more if there isn’t a taxi available.

Precautions: I’ve had a friend fall of his motorcycle a few times on the way to Marinka. It’s not always an easy path, depending on rain!

Want a personal guide or emergency line during your travel in Minca? Ask us about our Members Services at hello@DatingInColombia.com