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This is not ordinary beach trip, the Caribbean region of Colombia along with the archipiélago islands (San Andres y Providencia) will give a sense of ultimate relaxation while you enjoy this unique paradise. The archipelago of San Andrés and Providencia is geographically located near to Nicaragua, historically tied to England and politically part of Colombia. While these pristine islands may lack an untainted pedigree, their diverse history and pic
Founded in 1533 by Pedro de Heredia, Cartagena was formerly the Caribbean gateway port used by the Spanish. Here they would store the riches plundered form the interior before they were transported back to the old world. It is not surprising therefore that the city was a draw for buccaneers and pirates who attempted on many occasions to take the city, most notably by Sir Francis drake in 1586 who "mercifully" agreed not to level the city in return for 10 million pesos that he carted back to England. It was after the attack by Drake that plans were made to fortify the city and work on the defensive walls began. These walls still stand today and mark the boundary between the old and new parts of the city. The walls and fort took a total of 200 years to build and complete and the Spanish finished them just 25 years before Colombia gained Independence. Cartagena eventually won its Independence in 1821; a full 3 years after Bogota had been liberated. Cartagena's rich history, diverse culture and energy absorbs every visitor allowing them a glimpse into the past and a chance to relax in superb surroundings. This passionate and vibrant city with some of the best preserved colonial architecture in all of South America exudes character, mix in African rhythms and indigenous influences with the Spanish colonial splendor and Cartagena is truly an amazing destination. Read more
Carved from a colourful history rife of piracy, Sultry Caribbean heat, with fusions of African, indigenous and European culture, Cartagena is Colombia’s living, breathing and pulsating museum. Absurdly photogenic La Heroica (Heroic city) awards even the laziest of travellers. Colour splashes every corner, balconies overflow with blossom, and energy seeps beneath the ancient wooden doors of hotels, restaurants and Casa Privadas. Your tour will take through the old town under the Puerta Del Reloj (Clock tower entrance), a symbol of Cartagena, into the Plaza de los Coches. Your guide will divulge the myths and legends, histories and stories of Cartagena from ancient times right up to the present. From the Plaza San Pedro Claver with its stunning Church, on through to the Plaza Bolivar; with its shady areas, where a fresh Lemon juice can be enjoyed whilst watching the world go by. Cartagena is steeped in history and a delight to stroll the streets with your own personal encyclopaedia of knowledge guiding you from one interest to the other. Read more
You will set off first to the Castillo San Felipe. This fort is the largest Spanish fortification in the Americas and dominates the old town. The first fortification on the site was started in 1536 and further extended over the following 200 years mostly by African slave labour. Underneath this amazing structure you will find a labyrinth of tunnels. The sun soaked fortification seeps tales of old for every traveller and the tunnels (some of which are lit and accessible to visitors) and ramparts are a living breathing history book. From the fort you will continue on in your private vehicle to the Convento La Popa. The hill is the highest point in the city and commands excellent views of the bay, old town and Caribbean Sea beyond. Started initially as a humble wooden chapel but later replaced by a more solid construction that was fortified two centuries later. Enjoy the flower filled patio and the views that stretch all over the city and wander through the cool patio and interior of the convent Read more
The Archipelago of San Andres, Providencia and Santa Catalina (Colombia) is located in the south-western Caribbean, off the coast of Central America. For its size (250 thousand km2) is the country's largest department (equivalent to one fifth of the Colombian mainland) and occupies about 10% of the total area of the Caribbean. Enchanted land and sea escapes, fine white sandy beaches and crystalline waters in unison with the cordial inhabitants of the islands makes this archipelago a jewel in the Caribbean. The habitants of the islands are a mix of hundreds of immigrants from different areas: Puritans, English, Dutch, Spanish, slaves, pirates, Arabs (who arrived in 1953 claiming San Andres to be a free port!). San Andres is the Archipelago's principal island. The Island is flanked by superb white sandy beaches, with its mountain range of up to 55 meters being shrouded by coconut palms. The Island is the largest in the archipelago and is the most frequently visited by travelers. Brightly painted wooden houses are scattered among the coconut palms. There is even a contest 'The most beautiful house', which stimulates the reconstruction and beautification of these dwellings. The Native ancestral population has developed a culture of its own. Dating back from the 17th century, influences from African and European traditions are present. Read more
Johnny Cay is a small island located opposite San Andres Town. Your guide will pick you up at the hotel and take you to your private boat, just 15 minute boat ride from the main dock until you get to your first stop, Acuario cay & Haynes Cay which are famous for the amount of fish you can find in the area.Tthe guide will leave your time at leisure here so you can have a drink and this is the best spot if you wish to snorkel. After Acuario Cay and Haynes Cay your next stop will be Johnny cay, it has perhaps the best beach anywhere in San Andres and contains a few bars and restaurants catering to the day visitors. Enjoy the beautiful white sand and warm water all day. You can explore the little island in about thirty minutes. There are a number of open air bars and a couple restaurants which all use the same kitchen to cook the food over open coals. The park closes at 4:00 pm so plan accordingly. Around3:00 pm your helper will stop by for any last minute drink orders and settle up your tab for the day. He will also make sure you get on the right boat heading to the right beach where you began the day. Read more
You can spend your days relaxing on one of the great palm fringed beaches, taking a buggy ride around the island, diving or snorkelling in crystal blue waters or simply chilling out and taking in the rhythms and style of one of the Caribbean’s most traditional and completely unspoiled islands.
Providencia, also known as Old Providencia or Providence, is the smaller of the two principal islands that form the Archipelago; Old Providencia is more mountainous than its bigger neighbour, San Andres, and is preserved as a national park. The Island sits 80Km to the north-northeast of San Andres and rises higher than its neighbour to 360 meters above sea level. The vegetation is due to its volcanic origin, with waterfalls and steep drops into the crystal blue sea. Striving to retain its cultural history, its towns are ramshackle and definitively afro-Caribbean in style. Declared a national park in order to protect its obvious natural beauty, the mountainous and verdant Providencia is inhabited by fewer than 6000 people. The island has a wealth of riches in pristine beaches and diving opportunities. Far more laid back than San Andres, one does not visit here looking for thumping nightlife or bars. Read more
Old Providence McBean Lagoon National Natural Park is the only protected area in the System of National Natural Parks located in the Colombian insular Caribbean region, for which, despite its small surface area, it is very important, and also because it protects part of the third largest coral reef in the world. The Park is part of the Special Management Area of the San Andres, Providencia y Santa Catalina Archipelago since 1996, of the Seaflower Biosphere Reserves since 2000 and of the Archipelago’s Seaflower Marine Protected Area since 2004. Read more
You can spend you day relaxing on one of the great palm fringed beaches, taking a buggy ride around the island, hiking to el Pico the highest point of the island, diving or snorkeling in crystal blue waters or simply chilling out and taking in the rhythms and style of one of the Caribbean’s most traditional islands. Read more
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