How to plan a trip to San Andres Colombia

San Andres is an enchanting destination distinguished by crystalline waters and colourful coral reefs. This island in the Caribbean Sea is part of an archipelago noted for its rich Creole culture and spectacular underwater sights that attract divers from all over the world. It’s definitely a destination you won’t want to miss on your trip to Colombia, so we invite you to take a look at this post on how to plan your trip to San Andres in Colombia.

Organising a trip is much more than just getting tickets and booking accommodation. It also includes arranging the necessary documentation, preparing the travel itinerary with everything to see and consulting other basics such as the best time to travel, how to get there, the currency used, the language. We know it can be overwhelming, but don’t worry because in this post we have proposed to accompany you during the planning of your trip so that you don’t leave anything out 😉

1. Prepare your travel documents for your trip to San Andres in Colombia

Before you start your travel arrangements, you’ll need to check what travel documents are required for your country of origin. Although many citizens of Latin American countries, the European Union and some others do not require a visa for short tourist stays (up to 90 days), we recommend you check the specific policy for each country. If you wish, the stay can also be extended up to 180 days while in Colombia.

The documents you’ll need to present when travelling include a current passport and a return ticket. In some cases, you may also be asked for proof of financial solvency or a letter of invitation.

If you need a visa to enter Colombia, you must apply for it through the Colombian embassy or consulate in your country, or through their online form. Processing time can vary, but is usually a few weeks. Some visas allow multiple entries and can be valid for up to one year, although the maximum permitted stay is generally 180 days per year, divided into periods of up to 90 days per entry. The visa fee is €40 for Europe and Cuba and €82 for the rest of the world.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

2. Choose the date to plan your trip to San Andres in Colombia

The best time to visit San Andres is between December and May. During these months is the dry season and the weather invites you to relax on the island’s beaches. The downside is that it also coincides with the high season. Therefore, our recommendation is to travel between October and November. During this period there is less rainfall and the island is quieter and prices for accommodation and activities tend to be lower compared to the high season.

Also, if you travel in September you can attend the Green Moon Festival, a festival that celebrates the island’s rich cultural heritage with music, dance and food, and attracts visitors from all over the world who are interested in the Caribbean’s ethnic and musical diversity. The disadvantage of travelling off peak season may include less frequent service at some tourist attractions.

3. Find out how to get to San Andres

San Andres is a Caribbean island popular among tourists, and despite its remote location in the Caribbean Sea, here’s how you can get there from anywhere and enjoy its natural and cultural wonders:

• Plane: Gustavo Rojas Pinilla International Airport is the main air access to San Andres. Several airlines such as Avianca, Latam Airlines, Satena or Viva Air operate direct flights quite frequently and offer connections from major cities in Colombia and some international destinations. The frequency of flights makes it easy to plan a trip to the island, making the journey quick and convenient.
• Boat: Although reaching San Andres by boat is not as common as by plane, it is possible to reach the island on cruise ships that ply the Caribbean. These cruise ships make stops on the island, allowing passengers to enjoy a day exploring the local attractions on a guided tour.

Once you land, downtown San Andres and the main hotel zone are just minutes away. The most direct and common option for getting to your accommodation is by taxi, which costs an average of COP25,000. It is advisable to confirm the fare before setting off to avoid surprises, as the prices are fixed and do not use a taximeter.

Around San Andres the most popular way to explore the area is by hiring a golf cart or mule, which will allow you to tour the island at your own pace. These vehicles can be easily rented at various locations and cost around $100,000 COP per day. For shorter or more specific routes, taxis are a practical and economical option, although it’s advisable to agree on prices before boarding to avoid inflated fares.

4. Find the accommodation that matches your expectations to enjoy San Andres

At Passporter we know that accommodation can make all the difference during your holiday, so we encourage you to look in advance and compare options early. With the Passporter App you can get started today through Booking, and you’ll be able to keep your bookings and accommodation information organised.

And if you don’t know where to start looking, here are the best places to stay in San Andres:

• Centre: the most practical area for tourists as it is close to most shops and restaurants. Accommodation varies from budget to luxurious options.
• San Luis: a quieter area with moderately affordable prices. Perfect for those who prefer a relaxing stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
• La Loma: Known for its raizal community and inexpensive inns, it’s ideal for travellers seeking an authentic cultural experience. Excellent for budget travelers.

5. Where and what to eat in San Andres?

The cuisine of San Andres is an exquisite blend of British, African and local influences marked by an abundance of seafood and fresh Caribbean produce. The most common ingredients are coconut, snails, lobsters, shrimp, snapper, crabs and breadfruit, which are combined with spices such as ginger, cloves and cinnamon, resulting in a myriad of unique and flavourful dishes.

These are just some of the dishes we recommend you try during your trip:

1. Rondon: a stew of fish, snail, pork, cassava, yam and plantain in coconut milk
2. Fish dumplings: seasoned and deep-fried fish balls.
3. Crab soup: made with black crab, coconut milk and spices.
4. Crab’s backs: crab meat served in the shell, mixed with stew.
5. Snail salad: softened snail, cooked and mixed with lemon, onion and paprika.

A signature drink of the area is the piña colada, a delicious blend of pineapple, coconut and rum. Can you imagine sunbathing on the beach with a piña colada in each hand? 😉

6. Choose the activities you want to do in San Andres

To take full advantage of a visit to the beautiful island of San Andres, it is recommended to dedicate at least 2 to 3 days. However, this destination offers an enchanting mix of dreamy beaches, crystal clear waters and a rich cultural history that invites you to stay and live there.

You can read much more about the destination in this post: Things to do in San Andres Colombia, and here’s a sneak peek:

1. Rocky Cay: a lovely beach with a cay accessible by foot at low tide. Ideal for snorkelling.
2. La Piscinita: natural pools with clear waters perfect for swimming and tropical fish watching.
3. Morgan’s Cave: according to legend, this was the hiding place of pirate Morgan’s treasure.
4. Johnny Cay: a small, popular cay with beautiful beaches and palm trees, ideal for a relaxing day.
5. Natural Aquarium: a shallow area perfect for snorkelling where you can swim amongst colourful fish.
6. West View: another excellent area for snorkelling, with diving boards and ladders to access the water.
7. Blowing Hole: a natural phenomenon where the sea pushes water through a hole in the coral, creating a geyser.
8. Island House Museum: explore local culture and history at this house museum and learn about life on the island.
9. Sardina Bay: San Andres’ main beach, with turquoise waters and white sand, surrounded by shops and restaurants.
10. San Luis Beach: a less touristy area with quiet beaches and stunning views of the seven-coloured sea.

7. Organise a trip with friends to San Andres

Exploring San Andres with friends is an exciting adventure that will surely leave unforgettable memories. However, coordinating plans in large groups can be complex, especially when it comes to agreeing on a plan. That’s why it’s essential to get to know the people you’re travelling with well and discuss everyone’s expectations before you set off on your trip.

Every trip is unique, but in this post we offer practical tips to help you organise a getaway with friends: Group travel: The best way to travel with your group of friends.

The Passporter App provides the tools you need to effectively plan your travel itinerary, allowing you to be inspired by the adventures of other travellers and making it easy for everyone in the group to contribute to the itinerary. Invite your friends to design the perfect plan for your next holiday together. During the trip, they can also share their photos and experiences, further enriching the shared experience.

8. Tips for planning a trip to San Andres Colombia

• The currency of Colombia is the Colombian peso (COP).
• Although many establishments accept credit cards, it’s a good idea to carry some cash, especially for small purchases or in rural areas.
• In Colombia, the A and B plug type is used, with a voltage of 110V and a frequency of 60Hz. Be sure to bring an adaptor if your devices have different specifications.
• The official language is Spanish. Learning some basic Spanish phrases can improve your travel experience, especially outside of the big cities.
• It’s advisable to book flights and accommodation in advance, especially if you plan to visit during the peak tourist season (December-January and Easter).
• During peak season, activities and excursions can fill up quickly, so consider booking in advance
• Find out about local festivals or special events that may coincide with your visit, such as Carnival in Barranquilla or the Flower Fair in Medellín.
• If you decide to rent a car, remember to always check local traffic regulations and road conditions, especially in rural areas.
• As in any tourist destination, it’s wise to keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places and on public transport. Avoid carrying visible valuables.
• The climate in Colombia can vary significantly depending on region and altitude. Wear clothing suitable for warmer climates on the coast and cooler climates in the mountainous areas.
• Colombia is rich in biodiversity. If you visit natural parks follow the regulations to minimise your environmental impact and contribute to conservation. When snorkelling or swimming, avoid stepping on coral. San Andres is famous for its beautiful reefs, which we should help to preserve.
• If you wish to have mobile internet during your stay we recommend getting a Holafly eSIM with unlimited data.
• Protect yourself against medical emergencies: travel insured. Choose a good travel insurance, such as Mondo.

9. How to prepare what to see on your trip to San Andres

Download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travellers’ experiences, photos and itineraries
• Organise your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and information about the trip.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you feel like visiting each day.
• Add the stops that interest you the most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
• Book your flights, accommodation, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app so that you always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documentation…
• Make any modifications you need and you’re all set for your trip.
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travellers with your experience. You can also share your experience on how to plan your trip to San Andres Colombia.

If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter. 

10. Frequently asked questions about a trip to San Andres