Minka, Colombia: A Backpacker's Paradise - Waterfalls, Charm, and Bug Bites!

Breakfast and Jewelry Shopping: A Charming Start

Our first morning in Minka began with a delightful discovery. Right next to our hotel, practically nestled within the jungle, was the cutest little café. It was the kind of place that instantly charmed you with its relaxed atmosphere and the promise of delicious things to come.

But the café held another surprise – a stunning collection of handcrafted jewelry. The pieces were beautifully made and, even better, reasonably priced. I couldn't resist; I ended up buying a delicate necklace and some vibrant earrings. They were the perfect souvenirs, a cheerful reminder of our Minka adventure.

After purchasing my treasures, we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast at the café. It was the perfect fuel for the day's waterfall exploration. The overall experience - breakfast, shopping, the ambiance – set a wonderfully relaxed tone for the day ahead.

First Waterfall Encounter: Beauty and a Bit of a Climb

Following a delicious breakfast and my jewellery splurge, we set off for our first waterfall adventure. The path started innocently enough, a pleasant riverside stroll. The audio track mentioned a 100-meter walk, or about three minutes, to the falls – we weren’t expecting a serious hike! But as we continued, the terrain shifted; a gentle amble turned into a slightly more strenuous climb.

Finally, after a bit of a breathless ascent, we arrived! The entrance fee was 8,000 pesos, a small price to pay for the breathtaking scene that awaited us. The waterfall itself wasn't enormous, but its beauty was undeniable. The water cascaded into a pool, where several people were happily swimming and splashing about. The water's colour was incredibly vibrant, a stunning shade that made the whole experience feel even more magical.

Initially, the atmosphere was wonderfully peaceful. But as we lingered, more people arrived, transforming the tranquil scene into something a bit more bustling. It was still beautiful, and the refreshing dip in the cool water was definitely worth it; though perhaps a little colder than I expected! Even with the growing crowd, this first waterfall encounter set a high bar for the rest of our adventures in the Minka region.

Second Waterfall and Swimming: A Refreshing Experience

Our next waterfall adventure required a shared taxi ride and a surprisingly challenging uphill trek. But the effort was absolutely worth it. This location boasted not one, but two waterfalls, a restaurant, and those ubiquitous Minka nets – perfect for Instagram-worthy photos. The sheer beauty of the first of these two waterfalls almost stole the show; it might have even surpassed the first one we visited!

The water was incredibly inviting, but oh boy, was it cold! A truly invigorating experience, to say the least. However, the second waterfall's shallower depth made swimming a bit less appealing than the first. We decided to return to our initial waterfall find for a more comfortable dip, the water there proving more swimmable despite its initial chill.

The Walk Back to Minka: A Downhill Delight

Our return journey from the second waterfall promised to be a bit of a trek – an hour or an hour and a half, we’d estimated. We set off, anticipating a lengthy walk, our legs already a little weary from the uphill climb. But Minka had a delightful surprise in store.

The path, mostly downhill, proved much more forgiving than expected. Instead of the anticipated hour or more, we were back in the charming town center in a mere forty minutes! It was a welcome change after our previous uphill exertion. The delightful downward slope allowed us to relax and enjoy the scenery, making for a much more pleasant experience than we had imagined.

Last Morning in Minka: Bug Bites and Farewell

Our final morning in Minka dawned, and with it, a rather itchy reality. I woke covered in mosquito and sandfly bites – apparently, a common Minka souvenir! Let this be a warning to future travelers: pack the bug spray, and pack it liberally. Even then, prepare for a few unwelcome nibbles. It was a slightly irritating end to an otherwise perfect trip, but honestly, the bites were a small price to pay for the overall experience.

Before heading out, we enjoyed one last breakfast. I indulged in a bizarre, yet surprisingly tasty, Colombian concoction: hot chocolate with cheese. It sounds odd, I know, but trust me, it worked. The cheese provided an unusual, almost bitter counterpoint to the sweetness of the chocolate. The experience felt fittingly strange and memorable for our last meal in this charming town.

Sadly, it was time to say goodbye to Minka, and to Julian, our newfound travel companion. We picked up a final treat – a chocolate bread from a local bakery – before embarking on our journey to Tayrona. It was a bittersweet farewell, leaving behind a place that had unexpectedly captured our hearts with its unique blend of natural beauty and laid-back charm. I'll definitely be back.

Colombian Breakfast and Departure: A Sweet Ending

Our final morning in Minka arrived with a slightly itchy surprise – a bounty of mosquito and sandfly bites! Apparently, these unwelcome souvenirs are a common occurrence. Let this serve as a warning to future visitors: pack the bug spray – and use it liberally. Even with precautions, a few nibbles seem unavoidable. It was a mildly irritating end to a wonderful stay, but honestly, a minor inconvenience compared to the overall charm of the place.

Before our departure, we savored one last breakfast. I indulged in a rather unusual, yet surprisingly delicious, Colombian concoction: hot chocolate with cheese. It sounds odd, I know, but the salty, almost bitter cheese provided a unique counterpoint to the rich sweetness of the chocolate. A fittingly memorable and slightly bizarre final meal in Minka.

Saying goodbye to Minka, and to our new friend Julian, was bittersweet. We grabbed a final chocolate bread from a local bakery before setting off for Tayrona. It was a perfect, if slightly melancholic, end to our Minka adventure. This little town, with its unexpected blend of natural beauty and easygoing charm, had stolen a piece of my heart. I'll definitely be back.

What is the best way to avoid bug bites in Minka?

Pack plenty of bug spray and apply it liberally, even then, expect some bites as they are common in Minka.

What are some affordable and enjoyable activities in Minka?

Exploring waterfalls is a popular and affordable activity. There are multiple waterfalls accessible via short hikes or shared taxis, with entrance fees around 8,000 pesos. Additionally, enjoying the local cuisine, such as pizza, and browsing the charming local cafes for jewelry or breakfast offers further budget-friendly entertainment.

What's a unique culinary experience to try in Minka?

Try the local hot chocolate with cheese – it's a surprisingly tasty, albeit unusual, Colombian combination.