Share the article
Last updated
Doesn’t it feel like the world is getting smaller? As if finding destinations off the beaten track is a difficult task?
Discovering hidden gems is becoming increasingly difficult for travelers as we live in an age of information overload.
However, there are those who slip through the cracks.
Whether you’re looking for some last-minute winter sun in a paradise location or planning your adventures all year round, Latin America’s best-kept secret ticks all the boxes.
The downside is that there are no direct flights from the US, but easy connections make the trip worthwhile.
It’s time to give credit where credit is due and put the beautiful island on the map San Andres, Colombia on the menu this year.
One of the safest destinations in Colombia
San Andres is a bit confusing to the eye at first glance.
Closer to mainland Nicaragua than Colombia, this South American island could easily be called Central America, but it is indeed a Colombian paradise in the Caribbean Sea.
Considering Colombia’s dubious reputation across the country right now, between US travel safety warnings and our own reporting on the ground, San Andres is one of the safest escapes in the country.
Petty crime can happen anywhere, and there are reports of sketchy streets in San Andres after a night of bar crawling, but nowhere near the frequent occurrences often reported in the likes of Medellin, Bogota and Cali.
The phrase ‘No Dar Papaya’ often used by locals is good to know all over the country, which essentially means you don’t have to give a reason to be tracked down by criminals.
In this idyllic holiday spot you don’t have to wonder who is behind you; you can have a blissful vacation at one of the most underrated beach destinations in Latin America.
World-class all-inclusive resorts
Mexico and other popular Caribbean getaways aren’t the only options for luxury all-inclusive stays. Doesn’t a holiday on an island make the trip all the more attractive?
Here in San Andres, vacationers can choose from at least 10 resorts for all-inclusive waterfront accommodations.
Many luxury hotels are packed into the scenic northeastern tip of this small island near the coast cruise port.
Although travelers can opt for more secluded stays around the beautiful coastline from north to south.
TripAdvisor lists the top 5 all-inclusive resorts in San Andres as follows:
- 1) Hotel Arena Blanco by Dorado (#1 for ‘Best Value’)
- 2) Decameron aquarium
- 3) Decameron Marizul
- 4) Decameron Isleno
- 5) Decameron Maryland
Prices vary, but are not outlandish compared to mega-popular holiday hotspots.
Beautiful beaches
Visiting an island paradise wouldn’t feel right without planning some much-needed beach days. Although some resorts overlook dazzling blue waters, looking for beaches outside the resorts may be the best way to go.
Playa San Luis is located away from the busy bars and luxury resorts with stretches of white sand, coral reefs and colorful traditional houses along the scenic coastline.
Further south is Playa Charquitos, perfect for a relaxing day with fewer crowds and coconut stalls to immerse yourself in island life.
But perhaps best of all is Johnny Cay – a tiny spot on the map just north of San Andres. Easily reached by boat, this small island of calm blue waters, white sand, palm trees, fresh made-to-order seafood and live reggae performances is the highlight of an island escape.
Multiple resorts and tour operators offer a plethora of water activities, including the unique ‘Walking Under The Sea Experience’ that takes you 25 minutes to the seabed to view aquatic animals.
If that’s too crazy, snorkeling, kayaking, and private boat or jet ski rentals might be more your thing.
The best ways to reach San Andres
Americans will have to plan for at least one air connection unless arriving by cruise, which is itself limited.
The good news is that travelers can connect from popular Latin American hubs without adding much time to your trip.
But be sure to grab a window seat to witness the Sea of Seven Colors before you land – a variety of colorful ocean hues attributed to the region’s coral reefs.
The easiest flight connections are via Panama City, Bogota or Medellin, while budget airline Wingo also connects via Cartagena and Barranquilla.
Major airlines serving San Andres:
- Copa Airlines
- LATAM Colombia
- Bird
As an added bonus, San Andres Airport is so conveniently located that you can walk to your resort or grab a bite to eat and avoid the transportation costs.
Read more:
Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans from $10 per week
How to easily earn points for free travel
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to the latest Travel Off Path breaking travel news, delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
