In the north of Colombia in the Caribbean Sea is a small island of San Andres (Isla de San Andrés), whose administrative center is the eponymous city. Land site is a paradise, enjoying great popularity among tourists who want to relax from the hustle and bustle of large cities.
general information
In the north of Colombia in the Caribbean Sea is a small island of San Andres (Isla de San Andrés), whose administrative center is the eponymous city. Land site is a paradise, enjoying great popularity among tourists who want to relax from the hustle and bustle of large cities.
general information
The island is located near the coast of Nicaragua and belongs to the department of San Andres-i-Providencia. The total area of this land plot is 26 square kilometers. km. Along the whole coastline is a ring road, the length of which is about 30 km.
The island is home to 69463 people, according to the latest population census in 2012. They talk here in the Jamaican-English dialect, you can rarely hear the Creole and the Spanish speech. Signboards and signposts on the street are signed in 2 languages. The ethnic composition of the population is dominated by Africans, who look pretty colorful. They wear colorful berets and constantly smoke ganja (hemp variety). The island is also home to the Risenese, descendants of British Puritans, who settled here at the beginning of the 17th century.
Local residents are very fond of dancing (salsa, regeton, merengue) and try to do it as often as possible. This is a delightful sight, because everything starts dancing - from children to the elderly. The sense of rhythm in the Hispanic in blood.
In general, the culture of San Andres is quite different from Colombia. This fact is reflected in the economy of the island. For example, there are no industrial enterprises, and there are no conditions for the development of agriculture. Local residents are engaged in tourism, are engaged in fishing and trade.
Historical background
Discovered this island Christopher Columbus in 1502 during the 4th expedition. A few years later, the colonialists arrived here, attracted by a favorable climate, large fresh water reserves and fertile land. They grew tobacco and cotton here, and black slaves worked on the plantations. The British and the Spaniards for several centuries fought for the possession of San Andres.
Came to the island and pirates of the Caribbean. There is a legend that in 1670 the head of the bandits named Henry Morgan, who was called the Cruel, hid his treasures here. Treasure still trying to find both locals and tourists.
In 2000, San Andres Island, along with coastal coral reefs, sandbanks and atolls, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Its territory was declared a biosphere reserve of our planet, which has a unique ecosystem.
San Andres Weather
The island is dominated by an oceanic tropical climate, characterized by a large amount of precipitation. Their average rate is 1928 mm per year. Most precipitation falls in July (246 mm), and the driest is January (111 mm). The average annual air temperature is +27 ° C. The mercury column reaches its maximum in April (+28 ° C), and the minimum in July (+ 26 ° C). From the end of October to the middle of January, a monsoon wind blows on the island.
Things to do?
San Andres takes the 2nd place in Colombia for its natural attractions and is considered the most popular resort area in the country. The territory of the island is covered with mangrove groves, inhabited by a variety of lizards, crabs, mollusks and numerous flocks of birds.
When you travel through the territory of San Andres, then visit such places:
- The village of La Loma - it is famous for the ancient Baptist church of Bautista-Emmanuel, which was erected at the turn of the XVI-XVII centuries. Here you can get acquainted with the traditional architecture of the island.
- Cave Morgans Cueva - it is assumed that it is it buried the treasures of the robbers. The territory of the grotto is decorated with themed scenery, and inside there are historical documents and pirate attributes: bells, anchors, hooks, cannons, chains, nets and chests.
- The city of San Andres - it is considered a tourist and commercial center of the island. There is a developed infrastructure and a small gallery is located in which the picturesque works of local artists are exhibited.
- Botanical Garden (Jardin Botanico) - there are about 450 plant species, some of them are endemic. On the territory of the park there is an observation deck with a picturesque panorama to the island and the coast.
- The village of San Luis - it attracts travelers with small houses built of local wood and beautiful beaches.
- The Laguna Big Pond is a small pond in which caimans (crocodiles) are found.
Where to stay?
Settled on the island can be both in a luxury hotel, and in a budget hostel. Almost all establishments are on the coast. The most famous of them are:
- Hotel Casablanca is a four-star hotel where guests can use the services of a solarium, laundry and dry cleaning. There is car rental and currency exchange.
- Casa Las Palmas Hotel Boutique - all rooms feature cable TV, a seating area and a bathroom with a jacuzzi. Guests can make use of the barbecue, a terrace, a luggage room and a massage room.
- Hostal Posada San Martín is a hostel with a shared kitchen, private parking, a tour desk and a garden. The staff speaks Spanish and English.
Where to eat?
On the island, every tourist has the opportunity to try freshly caught seafood and dishes from them. Also you will be offered local cocktails - Coco-Loco and Pina Colada. There are several restaurants at San Andres, the most popular of which are:
- Restaurante Capitan Mandy - the establishment serves Caribbean cuisine;
- Restaurante La Regatta - international dishes are prepared here;
- The Grog Rocky Cay - in the cafe specialize in seafood.
Beaches
The island is surrounded by extensive coral reefs with geysers, and near the coast lie wrecks (Nikaraguense and Blue Diamond), which attract divers from around the world. There are sharks, dolphins, barracudas and other tropical fish. When diving, you should wear rubber shoes on your feet, so as not to get hurt about the thorns of sea urchins.
On the island of San Andres, you can also do kite surfing and snorkeling. Here there are special schools, where they teach water sports and give out the necessary equipment.
Most of the beaches are concentrated near the capital city. They are characterized by crystal clear water, snow-white coast and surrounded by bright green palm trees. The most popular places to relax are Bahía Sardina, Bahía Spret and Sound Bay.
Shopping
The island is a zone of duty-free trade, so tourists who come here will be able to buy branded goods at minimal prices. On the territory of San Andres, there are several shopping centers (New Point, West Point and La Riviera), which sell elite perfumes, cosmetics, alcohol, tobacco, clothing and household appliances.
Transport
Moving through the territory of San Andres is most convenient for mopeds and motorcycles. They can be rented in any locality. You can get to the island by ferry and plane. Here is the international airport . The distance to Bogota is 1203 km.