Find Out the Best Time to Go to San Andres

Nothing like enjoying the heat on one of the best beaches in the Caribbean Sea, in San Andrés, Colombia. Even better is knowing that the island in the Caribbean is tax-free and a great destination for vacationing or shopping.

Here in this post you will find out how to get to San Andrés, what to do on the island, and when is the best time to visit. In addition to tips and curiosities about paradise in the Colombian country.

 

 

How to get to San Andres in Colombia

In Brazil, there are no direct flights to reach the island. Therefore, Latam airlines travel from Brazil to San Andres with a stop in Bogotá and Copa Airlines connects in Panama.

At the time we went, we left Peru, precisely from Cusco to San Andrés and made two stops, one in Lima and the other in Medellín.

An extra tip: is to travel only with handbag or backpack if possible, as it is very hot there and you won't need to take much stuff.

 

When is the best time to go to San Andrés in Colombia

The island is generally hot all year round, but the best times to enjoy the landscapes and heat in the Caribbean are from January to May. On the other hand, September to November are more likely to have rain showers.

We went in July 2022, where we had a few days of rain. However, it didn't hinder us at all on our trip there, as we took the day to explore the surrounding area by bike.

 

 

Where to stay in San Andrés

In San Andres there are not as many large resort structures as in Maldives for example. In other words, accommodation on the island is a little simpler, but just as cool.

We worked in exchange for accommodation, we stayed in an eco hotel, with a very large space full of greenery and private rooms with bathroom and wonderful views. Where the place is located closest to West View of the island.

Furthermore, we were staying a little far from the center, but as we had a bike available, it was very easy to get around.

However, those who prefer even more ease can stay in the center. In addition to being busier, it is also the trendiest place and close to most of the area's attractions.

Hot shower

In addition to hotels, San Andrés also has several Airbnbs available. However, most accommodations do not have hot water. With the exception of slightly more luxurious hotels, so when renting a stay, check this issue.

 

 

What is transport like in the Caribbean?

It's very easy to get around the island by bike like we did, it took us 3 hours to go around the island completely, remembering that we walked and stopped to take photos.

Also for the more economical, there is the option of a bus that goes around the entire island and takes you to the center or to the beach, if you prefer.

Another very interesting option is the possibility of renting a golf cart or mule as it is called, to explore around the place, the whole day rental varies from USD$37 / 170 Brazilian real per day.

Likewise, the island has the option of taking a taxi, where it is usually people even in cars who take the trip, and motorcycle taxis like in Brazil.

Oh and guys, a tip so you don't get surprised when you arrive: it's very common for people who use motorbikes not to wear helmets, they use motorbikes a lot and without any protection.

 

 

What do you need to bring to enter San Andrés

In San Andres as it belongs to Colombia, Brazilians can only enter with ID, not necessarily carrying a passport. However, if you are stopping in Panama, for example, you must take and present your Brazilian passport in Panama.

It is important to bring the International Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate that you request on the government website at this link here at least 10 days in advance.

 

 

Tourism Card

You don't pay taxes on the island, so as soon as you check in at the counter at the stopover or boarding airport, they ask you to pay the tourist card. In other words, it is a card that you fill in with your details and flight information.

To enter San Andrés, payment of this document is mandatory and the cost is approximately USD$40 (R$210.00).

Super important tip: Keep this document well after you present it at the entrance, as you will need to present it when you leave as well, and if you lose it you will have to pay again.

 

Shopping in San Andres

In addition to the wonderful views of the blue sea, the island is also famous for its variety of shops, open-air shops and duty frees. With several products: such as perfumes, electronics, chocolate, in short, various things. So, for those who enjoy a little shopping, you will really like San Andres.

As I said at the beginning, San Andres is tax-free, so it makes things much easier for consumers. However, it is important to pay attention to the places you buy from to be careful of scams or counterfeiting.

In addition to paying attention to opening hours, as they have siesta hours, that is, closing after lunch, they reopen in the afternoon and close before Brazilian business hours.

 

 

How to carry money in San Andres

In Colombia, the currency is the Colombian peso, where 1 real is equal to COP941.93. Even though the real is worth more, it's not worth converting at an exchange office in Brazil and taking pesos there. In the same way that it is not interesting to exchange money at an exchange office in San Andrés, because the real in Colombia is not valued.

I always recommend using a credit card that can be used in other countries, not the traditional bank credit card. But those that we put money into and can use anywhere, here in Brazil we have the options of the c6, the Nomad or the Wise.

However, if you prefer to carry some notes in cash, I recommend converting reais into dollars in Brazil and/or using an ATM withdrawal with a card (with the debit function). Therefore, the best ATMs to withdraw funds from are Bancolombia or the Bogotá bank (limit of COP600,000).

 

 

Conclusion

With these super important tips about paradise in the Caribbean, I'm sure you'll fall even more enchanted by the place and make the most of the island.

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