Los Pinos is where Minca shows off. From up here the mountains fold away in every shade of green until they hit the coast, and on a clear day you can make out Santa Marta and the sea beyond. At sunset the whole view turns gold and then pink, and nobody talks much.
It is about two and a half hours uphill from town, and there are two ways up: the road, or paths through coffee plantations. Either way you can pass Oído del Mundo and Cascadas de Marinka, so it is easy to build a full day of swims and views with one long climb.
If you stay for sunset, think carefully about the way down: it gets dark quickly in the mountains. Bring a torch, start back promptly, or arrange a mototaxi down and agree the fare first. Clouds come and go, so a misty top is always a possibility — the walk is worth it anyway.
Pack
- A torch or headlamp if staying for sunset
- At least 2 litres of water
- Snacks
- A warm layer and rain jacket
- Offline map
- Cash for drinks, entry charges or a moto down
Stay safe
- Plan your descent before dark — it falls fast
- Start early to avoid the midday heat
- Paths are slippery after rain
- Tell someone your route and expected return