San Andres Island: Colombia's Caribbean Gem

• HelloHola
  [oh-la]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/de nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-syahs]
• Excuse me/SorryDisculpe/Perdón
  [dee-skool-peh/pehr-dohn]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byen. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tyen-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah vehr ehl meh-noo, por fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-loohd]
• I would like to pay, pleaseQuisiera pagar, por favor
  [kee-syeh-rah pah-gahr, por fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un doctor!
  [yah-mah ah oon dohk-tohr]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido/a
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh/ah]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo/a
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh/ah]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr...]
• I'm just lookingSólo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-to kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [eh-soh ehs deh-mah-syah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs bah-hahr ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)La diez y media
  [lah dyehs ee meh-dee-ah]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syon]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ...)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah ...)]

San Andres Island was originally inhabited by indigenous people, likely from the Carib or Arawak tribes. These early inhabitants lived off the land and sea, engaging in fishing, farming, and trading with neighboring islands.

San Andres Island was first sighted by Europeans in the early 16th century. Spanish explorers charted the island, but it wasn't until later that it became a point of interest for European powers.

During the 17th century, San Andres became a notorious haven for pirates. Figures such as Captain Morgan and other buccaneers used the island as a base for launching raids on Spanish galleons and settlements.

In the mid-17th century, English Puritans and other settlers established a permanent presence on the island. They introduced sugarcane plantations and African slaves to work the fields, shaping the island’s early economy and society.

By the late 18th century, Spain had exerted control over San Andres, integrating it into the Viceroyalty of New Granada. The Spanish aimed to curb piracy and secure the island as a strategic military outpost.

Following the independence movements in Latin America, San Andres became part of the Republic of Gran Colombia in 1822. When Gran Colombia dissolved, the island continued to be under Colombian jurisdiction.

The Raizal community, descendants of African slaves and British settlers, have played a crucial role in the island's cultural identity. They maintain a unique Creole language and cultural practices that distinguish them from mainland Colombians.

In the 20th century, San Andres evolved into a popular tourist destination. Infrastructure developments, such as the construction of Gustavo Rojas Pinilla International Airport, have made the island more accessible to international visitors.

Efforts to preserve the island’s natural beauty and biodiversity have become a priority in recent years. Marine reserves and sustainable tourism practices are being promoted to protect the fragile ecosystems of San Andres.

San Andres Island can be reached by air or sea. The primary gateway is Gustavo Rojas Pinilla International Airport (ADZ), which receives direct flights from major Colombian cities such as Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena, as well as some international destinations. Alternatively, you can reach the island by ferry from the coastal city of Cartagena, though this is a longer and less frequently used option.

Once on the island, transportation options include taxis, buses, and golf carts. Taxis are plentiful and can be hailed on the street or arranged through your hotel. Public buses run regularly between key points on the island and are an economical option. For more flexibility, consider renting a golf cart or scooter, which are popular choices for tourists and available from various rental shops.

The official currency on San Andres Island is the Colombian Peso (COP). Most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops accept credit and debit cards, but it's advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and street vendors. ATMs are available in the main town of San Andres, but it's wise to withdraw sufficient cash to avoid multiple transactions fees.

San Andres Island is generally safe for tourists, but standard travel precautions should be observed. Avoid isolated areas, especially at night, and be cautious with your belongings in crowded places. Areas like the downtown or 'El Centro' are generally safe but remain vigilant. Instances of petty theft can occur, so use hotel safes for valuables and avoid displaying expensive items.

In case of an emergency, dial 123 for immediate assistance. The island has a hospital, 'Hospital Departamental Amor de Patria,' located in the main town, which can handle most medical situations. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues. Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, including evacuation if necessary.

Fashion: Do dress in light, casual clothing suitable for a tropical climate. Swimwear is fine at the beach but not appropriate in town. Religion: Do respect local religious practices. If visiting a church, dress modestly and remove hats. Public Transport: Do be courteous and respectful. Avoid loud conversations and keep personal space. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile or a simple 'Hola.' A handshake is generally reserved for more formal encounters. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes such as 'Rondón' and coconut-based cuisines. Don't refuse an offer of food or drink, as it may be considered impolite.

To experience San Andres like a local, visit the traditional market 'Mercado Público' for fresh fruits, seafood, and local crafts. Engage with locals to learn about the island's unique Raizal culture, which blends Afro-Caribbean and Colombian traditions. Don't miss a visit to the 'Hoyo Soplador,' a natural blowhole that is a favorite among locals. For a more relaxed experience, head to the quieter beaches on the east side of the island, such as Rocky Cay, where you can enjoy the serene beauty away from the more crowded tourist spots.