San Andres & Providencia

Only nominally part of Colombia, San Andres and Providencia are culturally English-Caribbean, politically part of Colombia and geographically near Nicaragua. The islands are popular with Colombians in December and January, and during holiday weekends. Most people choose to visit San Andres or Providencia as a 3- or 4-day all-inclusive package. San Andres is more developed, with several top-notch hotels and resorts. Packages to San Andres and Providencia often include airline tickets, hotel, and meals. In San Andres, the Decameron (tel. 571/256-9800 in Bogotá or 575/665-9800 in Cartagena) offers all-inclusive 4-day/3-night packages starting at around $400 per person (cheaper during low season). Hotel Sol Caribe Campo and Hotel Sol Caribe Flowers are two other pleasant options that are part of the Solar Hoteles and Resorts chain (tel. 574/448-0840; reservas@solarhoteles.com) and start at about COL$150,000 per night per person. Both islands offer jungle backdrops, crystal clear waters, and excellent sunbathing and snorkeling opportunities. Contact Aviatur (tel. 571/382-1616 in Bogotá; www.aviatur.com) for more information on tour packages to Providencia. The Decameron and Hoteles Solarte also have resorts in Providencia.

San Andres is small and Providencia is even smaller; you can easily get around by renting a moped or bike, which will also allow you to enjoy the lovely beaches and jungle scenery.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.