We prove that given a Hitchin representation in a real split rank 2 group G 0 , there exists a unique equivariant minimal surface in the corresponding symmetric space. As a corollary, we obtain a parametrization of the Hitchin components by a Hermitian bundle over Teichmüller space. The proof goes through introducing holomorphic curves in a suitable bundle over the symmetric space of G 0. Some partial extensions of the construction hold for cyclic bundles in higher rank.