San Andrés
It is presumed that the first inhabitants of the archipelago of San Andrés and Providencia were Dutch settlers in the late 16th century; however, in 1631, the English took the islands and brought enslaved Africans to grow tobacco and cotton. In addition, due to their strategic location, the islands were a regular refuge for pirates who sailed through the area. Finally, in 1810, after Colombia gained its independence, it claimed possession of the islands, and despite Nicaragua’s refusal, in 1928, Colombia gained sovereignty over the archipelago.
Enjoy the warm waters of the Caribbean, full of reefs that are home to different marine species such as sharks, rays, turtles, etc. This island is the right destination for scuba diving or snorkeling and watching the reefs and marine life. San Andrés is also an important shopping center. Visit the Johnny Cay Regional Natural Park, located 1.5 km north of Ciudad de San Andrés; the town of San Luis, with beautiful wooden houses; the Cayo El Acuario and Cayo Córdoba; and the Hoyo Soplador, a small geyser that throws seawater into the sky.
