Exploring the lush landscapes of Colombia’s Sierra Nevada region, the 2-Day Minca Tour with Bird Watching invites travelers on an immersive journey. From coffee and cocoa farms to the mesmerizing Lost Waterfall, this tour offers a unique blend of nature and culture. The highlight, however, is the guided bird-watching adventure, where visitors can observe an array of avian species in their natural habitat. With accommodations at an ecolodge and meals included, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. But what secrets might the Sierra Nevada hold, waiting to be uncovered by the curious explorer?

This experience made our list of the 5 Best 2 Day Tours In Santa Marta.

Good To Know

2 Day Minca Tour With Bird Watching - Good To Know

  • A 2-day nature and culture-focused tour from Santa Marta, Colombia, featuring coffee and cocoa cultivation learning, waterfall visit, jungle exploration, and 3-hour guided birdwatching.
  • Accommodations at an ecolodge hostel with meals included, and a maximum group size of 20 travelers for an intimate experience.
  • Opportunities to appreciate the diverse avian species and natural wonders of the Sierra Nevada region, with binoculars provided for closer observation.
  • Comprehensive itinerary covering various aspects of Minca’s culture, biodiversity, and sustainable practices, such as bamboo construction.
  • Convenient transportation, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and largely positive customer reviews with an average rating of 4.5 stars.

Tour Overview

2 Day Minca Tour With Bird Watching - Tour Overview

The Minca Tour with Bird Watching is a 2-day excursion from Santa Marta, Colombia that focuses on nature, culture, and biodiversity.

Participants can expect to learn about coffee and cocoa cultivation, visit a waterfall, explore the jungle, and go birdwatching. The tour includes activities such as a coffee farm visit, jungle walk, cocoa workshop, and a guided 3-hour birdwatching adventure.

Accommodations are at an ecolodge hostel with meals provided. The tour is limited to a maximum of 20 travelers per group and features complimentary transportation from Santa Marta to Minca.

With an average rating of 4.5 stars, the Minca Tour offers an immersive experience in the region’s natural and cultural wonders.

Itinerary: Day 1

Departing at 8:45 am, the tour kicks off with a pickup from Santa Marta.

The first stop is a coffee farm, where participants learn about coffee cultivation for 45 minutes.

Next, they visit the Lost Waterfall, spending 45 minutes relaxing and bathing in its waters.

At the Jungle Joe Bamboo House, they receive a 30-minute talk on bamboo construction.

The group then discusses the Sierra Nevada’s wildlife during a 30-minute biodiversity talk.

Afterward, they make their own cacao bar and learn cocoa processing techniques in a 30-minute workshop, followed by a 30-minute visit to the Cocoa Museum to explore the history of cocoa.

Itinerary: Day 2

2 Day Minca Tour With Bird Watching - Itinerary: Day 2

Kicking off the second day, the group embarks on a guided bird watching adventure through Minca’s nature trails.

For 3 hours, travelers explore the lush foliage, keeping an eye out for the diverse avian species that call this region home. Binoculars are provided, allowing participants to get a closer look at the vibrant plumages and unique behaviors of the birds.

The guide shares insights into the area’s biodiversity, pointing out the various species and their ecological roles.

This immersive experience offers a chance to appreciate the natural wonders of the Sierra Nevada while developing a deeper understanding of the local wildlife.

Transportation and Meeting Point

Participants are typically picked up from their accommodations in Santa Marta and transported to the meeting point in Minca via private transport.

The meeting point is located at Cra. 5ª #261, Minca, Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia. At the end of the tour, participants are returned to this same meeting point.

The key details regarding transportation and the meeting point are:

  1. Private transport from Santa Marta to Minca.
  2. Meeting point at Cra. 5ª #261, Minca, Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia.
  3. Return to the same meeting point at the end of the tour.
  4. Maximum of 20 travelers per group.

Inclusions

The Minca tour includes meals, with breakfast and lunch provided.

Admission to all sites visited during the tour is also included. The group size is limited to a maximum of 20 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.

Plus, the tour provides participants with binoculars for the bird watching activity on the second day. This allows everyone to fully enjoy the natural wonders of the Sierra Nevada region.

The inclusions aim to make the tour a seamless and enjoyable experience, allowing visitors to focus on exploring the rich culture, biodiversity, and landscapes of Minca.

Cancellation Policy

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience. This policy provides flexibility for travelers who may need to change their plans.

Some key points about the cancellation policy:

  1. No fees are charged for cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance.
  2. Cancellations within 24 hours of the tour aren’t eligible for a refund.
  3. The tour operator recommends booking as early as possible to secure availability.
  4. Travelers should review the cancellation details carefully when making their reservation.

Accessibility and Health Considerations

This tour may not be suitable for all travelers.

It’s important to note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. Participants should also be in good physical condition, as the activities involve moderate hiking and climbing. Those with serious medical conditions should consult with their healthcare provider before booking the tour.

The humid jungle environment may pose challenges for some individuals. It’s recommended that participants pack appropriate clothing and be prepared for the weather conditions.

The tour operator emphasizes the need for participants to be able to navigate uneven terrain and handle the physical demands of the activities.

Customer Reviews

2 Day Minca Tour With Bird Watching - Customer Reviews

While the tour has received largely positive reviews, with an average rating of 4.5 stars out of 5, a few participants have expressed some concerns.

The tour’s guides received praise for their knowledge and passion. However, some travelers noted the high humidity and limited food options at the Jungle Joe accommodation.

The tour offers several highlights, including:

  1. Immersive experiences, like making a cacao bar and learning about bamboo construction.
  2. Opportunities to observe the region’s diverse wildlife, especially during the guided bird watching excursion.
  3. Convenient transportation and meal inclusions.
  4. A small group size, allowing for a more personalized experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Group Size for the Tour?

The tour group size is limited to a maximum of 20 travelers. This ensures a more personalized experience and allows for easy management of the various activities throughout the 2-day tour.

Is Transportation Provided to the Meeting Point?

The tour includes private transport from Santa Marta to the meeting point in Minca. Participants don’t need to arrange their own transportation to the starting location of the experience.

What Type of Footwear Is Recommended for the Tour?

The tour operator recommends comfortable, closed-toe hiking shoes or boots. This footwear will provide support and traction during the activities, which include walking on uneven terrain and hiking through the jungle.

Can Dietary Requirements Be Accommodated?

The tour can accommodate dietary requirements, including vegetarian and gluten-free options, when requested in advance. Travelers should inform the tour operator of any special dietary needs prior to the tour.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any specific age restrictions. It’s suitable for all ages, but participants should be able to handle walking through the jungle and swimming in the waterfall. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

The Sum Up

The 2-Day Minca Tour with Bird Watching offers an immersive nature experience in Colombia’s Sierra Nevada region. Visitors can explore coffee and cocoa farms, marvel at the Lost Waterfall, and spot diverse bird species on a guided adventure. With accommodations and meals included, this tour provides an unforgettable journey into the country’s rich culture and biodiversity.