San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina constitute Colombia’s island territory, located in the northwest corner of its map, approximately 720 kilometers away from Cartagena de Indias. Described as the island of seven colors, San Andrés spans 26 square kilometers, making it easy to navigate. Picture yourself on a seahorse: at the north end, or the “”head,”” lies the downtown area with its beaches and tourism, including the iconic islet of Johnny Cay, accessible by boat. Moving towards the southwest, or the “”neck,”” you’ll come across La Loma, a hill from which the sea can be seen, home to the more traditional Raizal population, preserving much of its vernacular architecture, neighboring the Big Pond Lagoon. Amidst this lush nature, you’ll realize that San Andrés offers much more than just beaches and the sea. Along the island’s eastern side, the must-visit spot is San Luis, where beautiful beaches, hotels, and seafood await. Continuing towards the southern tip, known as the “”tail”” of the seahorse, you can’t miss the Hoyo Soplador. On the island’s western side, El Cove boasts mesmerizing underwater life that has blessed the island, along with the famous Morgan’s Cave.

In this paradise, we see a cultural universe of immense richness that allows us to expand the history of our national migrations. Starting with the fact that the islanders’ mother tongues are English and Creole—a remarkable dialectic blend, through which most of us will only catch a few English words—three languages in their formation speak volumes about a culture rich in pasts. Throughout this journey, you’ll have the opportunity to experience and understand the diverse origins that have populated the island. Each of the artisans composing the island has different stories, each more fascinating than the last: they have Chinese, Indian, Jamaican, British, Antioquian, and Santanderian ancestors. This magnificent composition, evident in the features and skins of its inhabitants, as colorful as its waters, is further enhanced by an element that also makes this territory unique: its Baptist faith and ritual celebration accompanied by gospel chants. To truly feel like you’ve experienced the essence of this island, a visit to the First Baptist Church in La Loma is a must. Built next to a centuries-old tamarind tree and transported piece by piece from Alabama in 1844, inaugurated on the island in 1847, it represents a piece of the island’s heritage. Speaking of rooted traditions, you must try their traditional delights, starting with the delicious breadfruit, the San Andrés cassava—a delightful fruit eaten fried, boiled, or as porridge. Of course, there’s also the typical rondón, a creamy and hearty fish soup cooked slowly with coconut milk, as well as turtle, pork, or crab dishes. Delights as unique as the experience of living among its people. As a way to resist forgetting their customs, the Sanandresanos are embracing community tourism in native lodges. They welcome visitors into their homes, immersing them in their cultural and gastronomic daily life. This is another aspect of the island that we invite you to discover. Visit San Andrés and explore it through its culture—you’ll find it to be an entirely new and wonderful experience.