Caribbean Chillout

Day 1

Overnight in hotel in Bogota. Meal plan: N/A

Day 2

Breakfast. Transfer to airport for morning flight to San Andrés. Transfer to comfortable beachside hotel. Afternoon to relax on the beach or bicycle hire is possible to see the island. Meal plan: B

San Andrés is the largest of the islands in the department of Colombia in the Caribbean Sea called the Archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina. It is 750km away from Colombian mainland and only 220km from Nicaraga. Although claimed by English Puritans in 1627, this Archipelago of islands was first discovered by the Dutch. There are also claims that Columbus found them on his 4th voyage in 1502. The island is surrounded on the north-west by a coral reef and boasts a diverse and colourful aquatic life. There are over 273 species of reefs, fish and corals and 76 species of migratory birds on the island. While Spanish is now the official language, English was dominant prior to the 1950s – not only in terms of language, but also in architecture, culture and religion English colonial history left its mark. The natives of San Andrés speak Creolle which is a mixture of English and French. The native islanders are descendants of Jamaican slaves from colonial times but there has been a large influx of Colombians in recent years and this group now forms the majority on the island.

Day 3

Breakfast. Morning to relax. Transfer to airport for flight to Providencia. Transfer to comfortable beachside hotel. Afternoon free to relax. Spend evening with Richard in Richard’s bar on the beach, a 5 minute walk from the hotel (optional but recommended). Meal plan: B

72km north of San Andrés lies Providencia with a population of just 5,000. It is a beautiful island of undeveloped and empty beaches - a tropical paradise with a relaxed lifestyle and friendly and welcoming locals. Its barrier reef is 32km long (3rd largest in the world) and surrounds the eastern, north and south parts of the island. Its waters are crystalline and calm and it boasts an abundance of marine life. As well as being an ideal place to snorkel, scuba diving is also available and this is a perfect place for both first time divers and seasoned professionals. El Pico offers breathtaking views over the whole island and its dramatic scenery. You will be rewarded for your hike at the top overlooking the bays, white sandy beaches, mangroves and settlements. Spanish speaking Colombians are less prevalent here than on San Andrés so most people speak English. Much of the architecture is in an English-Caribbean- style rather than Colombian.

Day 4

These days can be spent as you choose. Also extra days can be added to the itinerary if desired.

Approximate cost of optional activities: Join a group for a tour of the island and some snorkelling (£10), private boat hire for tour of the island and snorkelling (£70), hire a motorbike for the day (£20), hire a golf cart for the day (£35), guide for hike to El Pico, the highest point on the island (£15), rent a bicycle for the day (£15), horse riding (variable), scuba-diving including equipment (variable). Please contact us for a quote for any variable cost items. Meal plan: B

Day 5

See Day 4 above. Meal plan: B

Day 6

Breakfast. Transfer to airport for morning flight to San Andrés then on to Bogota. Transfer to city. Afternoon free to relax or explore more. Evening transfer to the airport for return flight. Meal plan: B