Trip to San Andres

[Wanderer]

I'm curious if anyone has had any recent experience visiting San Andres from Cartagena. What sort of airfare prices should I expect from Cartagena to San Andres/return?  I was thinking of staying at the Sunrise hotel, so any recent experiences or opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again for your assistance.

[Cali vet]

... in response to Trip to San Andres, posted by Wanderer on Apr 1, 2002

Different island but nearby, I just got a package for two to Providencia for $521. It includes rd trip air from Cali, 5 nights lodging in private cabana and two meals a day.

[Wanderer]

... in response to Re: Trip to San Andres or Providencia?, posted by Cali vet on Apr 2, 2002

Hey Cali vet, thanks for the advice, have one more question, do you suggest booking the trip to San Andres from the states  or should I do it from a travel agent in Cartagena?

[Cali vet]

... in response to Re: Re: Trip to San Andres or Providenci..., posted by Wanderer on Apr 2, 2002

I have no idea how you'd even do it from the states although it's a popular destination with Canadians so their agencies must do it. Anyway you should do it from Cartagena to get a decent price. A problem is that most Colombia busineses are not set up for credit card purchases by phone so you have to be there with your card. What I have done when I'm planning something but don't have the dates fixed yet is run my card there and leave the voucher with a TRUSTED friend who takes it back to the office when I'm ready to finalize arrangements by phone from the states.

[Wanderer]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Trip to San Andres or Provid..., posted by Cali vet on Apr 2, 2002

Thanks again for the info, guess then that my best bet is to do it in Cartagena once I arrive. I looked forever on the internet to see if any of the big travel sites were able to book this trip, but no luck.

[Wayne]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: Trip to San Andres or Pr..., posted by Wanderer on Apr 2, 2002

Unless you are going to stay at the Sunrise in San Andreas, or you have been to the hotel before, I highly reccomend you do not buy a package. Get some cheap TIX and go over and check the place out before you committ. The pics and brochures are often really old, and the place may be a total dump.  The Sunrise is really nice, and I would have stayed there if #1 I didn't buy a package, and #2 I wasn't going to be in San Andreas 3 weeks.  It gets pricey at that length of time.  I stayed at the Tiuna, and my wife and I are still making jokes about that place.

Have fun,
Wayne

[Cali vet]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Trip to San Andres o..., posted by Wayne on Apr 3, 2002

Wayne did you go over to Providencia during your stay?

[Wayne]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Trip to San Andr..., posted by Cali vet on Apr 3, 2002

No, we didn't go to Providencia.  We were planning on it but to be honest, I just was sick of flying.

I wish we would have gone.  But at that time with the interview coming up, I was under some life changes and stress, and I just didn't want to deal with any more travelling.

We actually are considering moving to Costa Rica right now.  I am sick of the States...

In Two months.
LAX-Mexico City-Bogota- Cali
Bogota-Mexico City-LAX

LAX-Mexico City- Bogota- Cali-Bogota-Cartegena-San Andreas-
Bogota-Mexico City-LAX

[BenKramer]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Trip to San ..., posted by Wayne on Apr 3, 2002

I have to agree with you to some extent. Right here is the midwest its looking more and more like a police state since the 9/11 attacks. They are pulling random traffic checks without any good reason other than they just want to stick their nose in our buisness. I live in Ohio and had a big run in with a local sheriff deputy on Chirstmans Eve. Arrogant SOB acted like I was a criminal till I proved I was innocent. I guess I was wondering why you are sick of the US Dont you have a business to run ?  Ben K

[Wayne]

... in response to What makes you sick of the US Wayne , posted by BenKramer on Apr 4, 2002

I own a day yacht charter business, so I can run that style of business anywhere there is an ocean and tourists.

What makes me sick of the US.  Well...maybe that is a discussion for another board but here it goes.

This is no longer a live and let live country.  Everybody is screwing with everybody else.  

I run my business out of a deluxe marina.  For example my new wonderful sweet Colombian wife went up to buy some ice for a charter the other day.  She didn't know it but my dog was following her off the leash from one of my boats.  The manager came out and screamed at her.  That is a typical Southern Ca attitude.  All the authorities take all the little stinking laws to the nth degree and it is not a relaxing place to live.

The cost of living is rediculous.  350,000 for a little crappy house.  The people are materialistic and superficial.  I am happiest when I am travelling and the nicest people I meet are not living here.  I have travelled all over the world in the last 10 years.

We are still investigating Costa Rica, but it has some advantages for us.  1. It's Latino culture. 2. Cost of living at 1,500 per month total. 3. Laid back attitude. 4. Ecotourism friendly Govt. 5. Beautiful warm ocean and geography. etc etc etc.

Who knows, maybe I'll start an agency part time for you guys....

Take care,
Wayne

[Hoda]

... in response to Re: What makes you sick of the US Wayne ..., posted by Wayne on Apr 4, 2002


Opening up an agency that is! Bro, your lady might go bananas with women coming by to be interviewed...LOL! But seriously, I can understand your desire to re-locate. After spending so much time visiting Colombia, I've grown to understand the reasons why many Colombians love their country. We might even try to arrange to live there part time (Politics permitting of course...lol). But I'm tooooo much of a New Yorker to leave my city. With so many different cultures, it can be difficult at times, but most of the times, I wouldn't trade NYC for anywhere.

No shame in lovin my city.......

[Cali vet]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Trip to San ..., posted by Wayne on Apr 3, 2002

Yeah you earned your wings. OK well I'll tell you about Providencia then if all works out. Anyway good for you, get out of this place and go live! What about Nicaragua, Honduras or even El Salvador, cheaper than CR?

[Wayne]

... in response to Good for you!, posted by Cali vet on Apr 3, 2002

Calivet,

I haven't really considered those other countries mostly because I thrive on the tourists.  450,000 are stepping off cruise ships in Costa Rica every year.  Most of them have money and want to go snorkelling and sailing.

If your curious about what I do, my website is www.sailsandiego.com.  This is not an advertisement!

I don't know about the rest of you guys, but I'm a little "different" and don't fit into the US the way I used to.  Having two international wives has really changed my outlook on the world.

I hope my last post wasn't too negative.  I have great friends that are Americans.

Wayne

[Hoda]

... in response to Re: Good for you!, posted by Wayne on Apr 4, 2002

Yo Wayne,

If me & Stivalis make it out there before you leave. I definitely want to use your services. A little twilight sail with wine & stories (funny ones only..lol) about our experiences, would surely make for a wonderful trip. Even if you make it to CR, visiting you & your lady would make for a good reason to visit someplace we've never been before.

Hoda

[Pete E]

... in response to Trip to San Andres, posted by Wanderer on Apr 1, 2002

We stayed in San Andreas at the Sunrise in February 2000.I liked it alot.Its one of 2 5 star hotels on the island.The Aquarium is the other,maybe newer but I liked the beach and setting better at the Sunrise.We just walked in off the street and got a beach front room for $120.If you plan ahead you can get an all inclusive deal with meals for close to that I think.The Sunrise had a great view and beach and a big pool built over the water.Its on the quite water side of the island and they rent jet skiis right there.Its close,walking distance to the town where they have many duty free shops with good prices.
There are 2 airlines that fly San Anreas to Cartegena direct,contrary to what our turkey travel agent told us.He had us going back through Bogota.I think we paid $80 each one way,but got a refund on our $250 tickets through Bogota.I think the one we flew was Aero Colombia or something like that.We were supposed to leave San Andreas at 8.30 AM and would up leaving at 8.30 PM.At least we were told after waiting awhile so we could go back to the beach.
There are lots of nice cheaper hotels in San Andreas.I think the Colombians have them figured out.But I would stay at the Sunrise again.It was worth it.In Cartegena we stayed at the Las Americas,also 5 stars,cost $110 a night as I remember.Again get the all inclusive if you can.It has a nice private beach.The main beaches are not very clean and crowded with people who will try to sell you stuff.
Don't bother with Providencia unless you want very quite and remote(and 1 star hotels)We posted about it a week back.

Pete