... in response to Has anyone ever been to the San Andreas ..., posted by Larry in Dallas on May 10, 2001Larry,
San Andreas was one of the places we went on our honeymoon.We liked it alot.If you search it by name you get a web site that has alot of imformation,hotels,ect.Be carefull choosing your hotel.We booked a hotel through a travel agent in Bogota and got this place far from any beach or town.We didn't stay there and went to the Hotel Sunrise,right on the beach near town.we just walked in and paid about $100 a night.If you book enough in advance you can get a package that includes 2 or 3 meals a day for not much more.The Aquarium is the other top hotel in San Andreas,maybe a little more money,they were all booked.
There are lots of other hotels that cost alot less,maybe someone can advise you here.
The island is populated by black don't worry be happy types.They speak perfect english and also spanish.They were an english colony and somehow got taken over by Colombia 50 or 60 years ago or so.They are not too happy about this.We had a driver that hung out in front of the Sunrise who took us everywhere and also aranged to have a relative pick us up went we went to Providencia.He was a great guy,very friendly and relaxed about everything.I can't remember his name,started with a A I think.He is about 45,5'10" or so maybe 200 lbs.Unlike mainland Colombia,they all drive Chevy's here.Big Impala's.San Andreas is by far the safest place anywhere in Colombia.It is a small island and the locals seem to know who everyone is.I think crime is very low.
Mostly its a place to lay on the beach or go scuba diving or ride jet skiis.It is also a duty free place and had the best prices I have ever seen on alot of things.I bought New Balance running shoes for $22.
Don't bother with Providencia(a second nearby island) unless you like to rough it and want to scuba dive or something.No good hotels.We got eaten by mosquitos.Not much at all to do.
Not counting our days in Cali and Bogota(for the Embassy)we spent 4 days in San Andreas,2 days in Providencia and 3 days in Cartegena.I would like to have added those Providencia days to Cartegena.Thats another story,very nice,lots of history,very interesting.More to do than San Andreas,which is mostly a beach resort place.
Also the travel agents will tell you you cannot fly direct fro San Andreas to Cartegena.Not so.There are 2 local airlines that do.Much cheaper than going back through Bogota.Problem was we waited all day for a flight that was supposed to leave at 9AM and left at 8 PM.At least they warned us that it wouldn't leave till at least 6 PM so we went back to the beach.
I would recommend both Cartegena and San Andreas if you have the time and money.Nicer beaches in San Andreas,more interesting City in Cartegena.
Pete