Minca, Colombia

Day trip to Minca from Santa Marta.

Up until relatively recently, despite its natural beauty, Minca was unable to open its doors to tourism - the presence of paramilitary forces in the surrounding areas meant this was a place cut off to all but locals. Now, with the security situation in Colombia improving, there are hostels and restaurants popping up along its streets, but Minca still feels refreshingly like somewhere that is ripe for discovery.

Our guide stopped at a wide spot on the road for lunch. The meat was cooked over an open fire and was delicious!

The climate - 660 metres above sea level - is a few degrees cooler than elsewhere in this part of the country, but still perfect for sitting outside to enjoy your morning coffee and breathe in the view.

Colombia is the #1 country in the world for bird biodiversity, Minca in particular, with 162 of the 300 species found in the Sierra Nevada is a year-round mecca for those brandishing binoculars.

Found at the end of a winding road, across a rickety old bridge are some of the iciest waters we have ever swum in - the waters of Pozo Azul. These swimming holes are a peaceful way to spend an afternoon.

Minca is in the prime coffee-making territory and was, in fact, one of the first regions in Colombia to really make the most of coffee cultivation. La Victoria finca is special as it still uses the same equipment as when it started up in 1892.