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San Andres skyline from above in Santa Catalina, Colombia

Things to do in  San Andrés

A tapestry of traditions

Despite its proximity to Nicaragua, the Caribbean island of San Andrés is actually a part of Colombia, offering visitors a blend of Colombian, English, and African influences that show up in its language, cuisine, and music. It’s known for its clear waters and coral reefs, so things to do in San Andrés include scuba diving, snorkeling, and lounging on some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. On land, its duty-free shopping attracts visitors looking for great deals on local crafts and international goods.

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All about San Andrés

Local Currency
Colombian Peso (COP)
When to visit

San Andrés enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, with one dry season (February–April) and two wet seasons (the first is in May and June; the second is from September–December). March is one of the more popular times to travel thanks to sunny skies and an average high of 80°F (27°C). Avoid traveling during October—this is the wettest month of the year.

Getting around

Thanks to its small size, it’s easy to get around San Andrés. Options include the public buses, which run frequently, and the tourist train, which travels between visitor hotspots, including popular beaches. If you’d like a little more freedom, rent a golf cart, beach buggy, or scooter, and set off on your own. It’s a great way to explore the island and tends to be an economical choice.

Traveler tips

Make time for a visit to La Loma; the second-largest town on the island, it gives visitors a sense of the region’s traditional architecture. It’s primarily a residential town, but the 19th-century Baptist church can be visited, and the town’s location offers panoramic views of the surrounding ocean and forested areas. It’s a sweet spot and a way to get a feel for life on San Andrés.

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People Also Ask
Q:How many days should I spend in San Andrés?
A:

Plan to stay at least five days on San Andrés. It’s the perfect place for a vacation focused on relaxation, and you’ll want to give yourself enough time to settle in. If you’re planning to scuba dive, you’ll also want to build flight restrictions into your itinerary.

Q:Why is San Andrés famous?
A:

The island is famous for its vibrant culture and its rich history, having served as a stopover for the Indigenous Miskito people as well as a haunt for pirates in the 16th century. Now, it’s primarily known for its rich biodiversity—both above and below the water.

Q:Is San Andrés a party island?
A:

No, but San Andrés is a popular spot for visitors looking to let loose. While it’s not solely a party island, it’s never hard to find somewhere to dance; Coco Loco is a popular club six days a week, and Discotk Éxtasis is a great place to check out the local music scene.

Q:How much does it cost to enter San Andrés?
A:

To enter San Andrés, non-Colombian visitors will need to have a tourist card; these can be purchased at the airport before your flight for around US$30. Make sure to hold onto it during your stay, as it will be checked when exiting the island.

Q:How far is San Andrés from Cartegena?
A:

The island is about 450 miles (720 kilometers) from Cartegena; the flight between the island and the mainland takes about 3.75 hours. Direct flights don’t run every day, so make sure to factor that into your trip planning. Flights often include a layover in Bogotá.

Q:What are some interesting facts about San Andrés?
A:

The island was once used as headquarters by Henry Morgan, a 17th-century privateer who stole gold and other treasures from the Spanish treasure fleet that sailed through the region. An old island story says that the stolen treasures are still hidden somewhere on the island, possibly in a secret underwater cave.

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