How to Get to Minca from Santa Marta

Option 1: Shared Colectivo Van (Cootrasminca) —
Fast & Budget-Friendly

• Departure Point: The Cootrasminca office behind the Santa Marta Central Market (Mercado Público), at the corner of Carrera 9 and Calle 11/12. From Santa Marta’s Historic Center (Centro Histórico), a local yellow taxi to the market takes 5–7 minutes (~10,000 COP).

• Fare: ~10,000 – 12,000 COP per person.

• Travel Time: Around 45 minutes along the paved mountain road.

• Drop-off Point: Central Minca right at the Cootrasminca station, just a peaceful 7-minute walk to our shala.
  (Early morning tip: If your goal is to make it to our 8:00 AM class, catch the very first morning departure at 7:00 AM).
  Another departure point is located near the roundabout (Glorieta) by Buenavista Shopping Mall (Santa Marta’s largest mall).

Option 2: Direct Taxi

• Fare: 60,000 – 80,000 COP from central Santa Marta (~90,000 – 100,000 COP directly from SMR Airport).

• Travel Time: 35–45 minutes to the entrance of the village.

Got turned around on the trail before the morning class? Just send us a quick WhatsApp message at and we’ll guide you right to the deck!