Where to Stay in San Andrés, Colombia (2026 Guide)
Where to Stay in San Andrés, Colombia (2026 Guide)
San Andrés Island is Colombia’s Caribbean paradise—but it’s small, and picking the wrong place to stay can wreck your beach vacation.
The island is only 12 kilometers long. Most hotels cluster in one busy area. The rest is quiet, local, and sometimes far from everything.
Choosing where to stay in San Andrés directly affects your beach access, restaurant options, and how much you’ll spend on taxis. This guide to San Andrés breaks down each neighborhood so you can pick the right base for your trip to San Andrés.
What to Expect in This Post
This guide to where to stay is built for quick scanning and real-world decisions. Here’s what you’ll get:
- Quick overview of San Andrés’ main areas for accommodation in San Andrés
- Detailed breakdowns of 5 key neighborhoods across the island
- Best areas for first-timers, nightlife, and families
- Hotel vs hostel vs Airbnb considerations
- Areas to avoid and best ways to get around the island
- Key takeaways and FAQs
Where to Stay in San Andrés Island, Colombia: Quick Overview
- North End (Downtown San Andrés) – Best beach, most restaurants, walking distance to everything
- San Luis – Quiet beaches on the east coast of the island, local vibe, fewer tourists
- La Loma – Inland area, cultural hub, native people of San Andrés, no beach access
- Maryland – Secluded all-inclusive resorts and hotels, limited dining options
- South End – Remote, few facilities, better for day trips around San Andrés
North End (Downtown Area) – Best Hotels in San Andrés
The North End is by far the most popular area and where most travelers stay in San Andrés.
This area includes Spratt Bight Beach—the island’s best and most developed beach. You’ll find the pedestrian promenade, duty-free shops, and nearly all the island’s restaurants and bars here.
Best for: First-time visitors, couples, anyone wanting convenience
Safety and walkability: Safe to walk day and night. Everything is compact and within 10 minutes on foot. Gustavo Rojas Pinilla International Airport is walking distance from many hotels.
Vibe: Lively and touristic. Expect beach vendors, music, and crowds during peak season.
Hotel types: Mid-range hotels, boutique properties like Nattivo Collection Hotel and Hotel Casablanca, all-inclusive resorts, and hostels. The area has the widest selection of San Andrés hotels.
Staying here means you won’t need to rent transport for most of your trip. The beach is clean, services are plentiful, and you’re in the middle of the action.
Popular options include Dreamer Beach Club for backpackers, Viajero San Andrés for social travelers, and Di House of Reggae Boutique for a more intimate hotel experience. You’re close to the airport and right on the beach.
Downsides: It gets crowded. The beach can feel packed on weekends and Colombian holidays.
San Luis – Best Area for Quiet Caribbean Beach Stays
San Luis sits on the east coast of San Andrés, about 15 minutes by golf cart or taxi from downtown.
This is where you’ll find traditional wooden houses, local families, and quieter beaches. The area has maintained its Afro-Caribbean character better than North End.
Best for: Travelers seeking authenticity, couples wanting quiet, anyone avoiding crowds
Safety and walkability: Safe but spread out. You’ll need transport to reach restaurants and stores and explore San Andrés. Limited sidewalks.
Vibe: Relaxed, local, and low-key. Think beach shacks and palm trees—not beach clubs. A great place to relax.
Hotel types: Small guesthouses, posadas (local inns), beachfront cabanas, and family home stays.
The beaches here—like Playa de San Luis and Rocky Cay—are less crowded and better for snorkeling. The water is calm and crystal clear. This Colombian island side offers some of the best spots for a peaceful place to stay in San Andrés.
Downsides: Fewer best restaurants nearby. You’ll rely on taxis or renting a golf cart to get around. Limited nightlife.
La Loma – Cultural Hub of the Island
La Loma is an inland neighborhood in the center of the island of San Andrés, known for its traditional Baptist church and local Raizal culture.
There’s no beach here. This is a residential area where Raizal families live (the island’s native Afro-Caribbean population).
Best for: Cultural travelers, budget-conscious visitors staying with locals
Safety and walkability: Safe and walkable within the neighborhood. But you’ll need transport to reach beaches around the island.
Vibe: Authentic and quiet. You’ll see traditional wooden houses and local daily life. San Andrés is home to a unique Caribbean island culture here.
Hotel types: Mostly local homestays and small inns. Few traditional hotels in San Andrés.
Staying in La Loma gives you insight into island culture, but you’re 10–15 minutes from any beach. It’s better for day visits than as a base. Consider it if you’re looking for the best hostel or guesthouse experience away from tourists.
Maryland Area (Northwest Coast of the Island)
The Maryland area refers to the northwestern tip, located on the west side of the island, home to a few all-inclusive resorts and hotels.
These properties are isolated from town. Most guests stay on-site for meals and activities.
Best for: All-inclusive travelers, families wanting a resort bubble
Safety and walkability: Safe within resorts. But there’s nothing around them—no shops, best restaurants, or beaches worth walking to.
Vibe: Quiet and secluded. Resort-focused with great views of the Caribbean.
Hotel types: Mid-range all-inclusive resorts, mostly Decameron properties.
If you book here, expect to spend most of your time at the hotel. The beach nearby isn’t great compared to Spratt Bight, and you’ll need taxis to explore the island.
Downsides: You’re paying for convenience you don’t need. North End resorts and hotels offer better beach access at similar prices. Definitely on the pricier side without the best location.
South End – Remote Side of the Island
The South End includes the island’s southern tip near Hoyo Soplador (the blowhole attraction).
This area is remote. There are a few small hotels, but very limited infrastructure. Some eco-friendly options like Rock House Eco exist for travelers who want to stay outside the tourist zones.
Best for: Travelers who want total seclusion and a place to relax
Safety and walkability: Safe but isolated. You’ll need your own transport—golf cart or scooter.
Vibe: Remote and undeveloped. Mostly mangrove forests and rocky coastline.
Hotel types: A handful of budget and mid-range hotels.
Unless you’re renting a golf cart or car, staying here makes daily logistics difficult. The South End is better visited as a stop on an island tour around San Andrés.
Best Neighborhoods for First-Time Visitors to San Andrés Colombia
North End is the clear winner if you’re looking for the best place to stay.
You get the best beach, easy access to best restaurants and shops, and you’re close to the airport. You can walk almost everywhere.
San Luis works if you’re comfortable being outside the tourist zone and have transport. But most first-time visitors prefer the convenience of downtown San Andrés.
These are the best places to base yourself when you visit San Andrés for the first time.
Best Area for Nightlife and Food in San Andrés
North End has 90% of the island’s best restaurants, bars, and nightlife.
The pedestrian walkway (Peatonal) is lined with seafood restaurants and stores, cocktail bars, and small clubs. Most spots stay open until midnight or later.
For reggae bars and beach parties along the beach, check out spots near Spratt Bight.
San Luis has a few local restaurants serving fresh Caribbean seafood at lower prices, but nightlife options are minimal.
Best Area for Families and Beach Vacation
Families do best in North End.
Spratt Bight Beach is shallow and calm—ideal for kids. You’ll find ice cream shops, playgrounds, and family-friendly restaurants along the promenade.
All-inclusive resorts and hotels in North End (like Decameron Isleño or Grand Sirenis) cater to families with pools, kids’ clubs, and organized activities. Great views and right on the beach.
Maryland resorts work too, but the beach isn’t as good and you’re isolated from town. Better to stay in the downtown area for easier access.
Hotel vs Hostel vs Airbnb: Best Place to Stay in San Andrés
Hotels dominate this little island. Most are small to mid-sized properties with pools and breakfast included.
Hostels like Dreamer Beach Club, Karibbik Haus Hostel, and Viajero San Andrés offer social atmospheres and budget-friendly stays. These are some of the best hostel options on the island.
Airbnb exists—mostly in high-rise buildings downtown—but properties are often overpriced for what you get compared to resorts and hotels.
Go with hotels if: You want breakfast, a pool, and easy booking. Most hotels in San Andrés are all-inclusive or offer meal plans, which simplifies budgeting.
Go with hostels if: You’re a backpacker, solo traveler, or want to meet other people. The best hostels in San Andrés have great social scenes.
Go with Airbnb if: You’re staying more than a week, traveling with a group, or want a kitchen. Some Airbnb options in North End offer good value, but verify the exact location—many are several blocks from the beach.
Short-term visitors should stick with hotels in San Andrés for convenience and service.
How to Get Around San Andrés Island
Renting a golf cart is one of the best ways to explore San Andrés.
Golf carts cost around 70,000–100,000 COP per day ($18–25 USD) and let you visit beaches, restaurants, and attractions around the island at your own pace.
Scooters are cheaper but require a motorcycle license in Colombia. Taxis work for short trips but add up quickly.
If you stay in the downtown area, you can walk to most places. But exploring the coast of San Andrés and reaching San Luis or the south requires wheels.
Day Trip to Providencia
San Andrés is often paired with a visit to Providencia, a smaller, more pristine Caribbean island 90 kilometers north.
You can fly from San Andrés to Providencia (20 minutes) or take a catamaran (3 hours). Most travelers visit Providencia as a day trip or overnight stay.
Providencia is quieter, less developed, and better for snorkeling and diving. The island has become popular with travelers seeking an alternative to San Andrés’ busier vibe.
Flights from Bogotá connect to both islands, but most visitors fly into San Andrés first.
Where NOT to Stay in San Andrés Colombia
Avoid staying far from North End unless you have a specific reason.
Properties in the island’s interior or along parts of the west coast often look appealing online, but they’re inconvenient. You’ll spend your vacation waiting for taxis.
Skip the Maryland resorts unless you’re committed to staying on-site. The location doesn’t justify the cost when North End offers better beach access.
Watch out for listings that claim to be “near downtown” but are actually 2–3 kilometers away. On a small island, that’s a 10-minute drive or 30-minute walk.
Also avoid booking accommodations without checking recent reviews. San Andrés has seen rapid development, and some properties don’t maintain their facilities well.
Key Takeaways
- North End (downtown) is the best hotel area for most travelers—walkable, safe, close to the best beach
- San Luis offers quieter Caribbean beaches and local culture but requires transport
- La Loma and Maryland are too isolated for most visitors
- All-inclusive resorts cluster in North End; hostels offer the best budget option
- Spratt Bight is the best beach on San Andrés Island and located in North End
- Rent a golf cart if you’re staying outside downtown or want to explore the island
- Government travel advisories recommend normal precautions for San Andrés—it’s one of the safest parts of Colombia
FAQ
Is it safe to stay in San Andrés?
Yes. San Andrés Island is one of Colombia’s safest destinations for tourists. The Canadian government recommends taking normal security precautions in the town and island. Petty crime exists, but violent crime is rare. Stay aware in crowded areas and don’t leave valuables unattended on the beach.
How many days should I stay in San Andrés Colombia?
Three to five days is ideal for a beach vacation. That gives you time to explore the beaches around San Andrés, take a boat tour to nearby cays, and visit attractions like West View and La Loma. Two days feels rushed. More than five can feel repetitive since this Colombian island is small.
Can I walk everywhere in San Andrés?
Only if you stay in the downtown area. North End is compact and walkable. But getting to San Luis, the south end, or other beaches around the island requires a taxi, rental scooter, or golf cart. Public buses exist but are slow and infrequent. Walking distance only works in the center.
Do I need to book a hotel in San Andrés in advance?
Yes, especially during Colombian holidays (December, January, June, July). The island is popular with Colombian tourists, and San Andrés hotels fill up. Book at least 2–3 weeks ahead. Last-minute availability exists in low season (May, September, October).
What's the best month to visit San Andrés?
December to April offers the driest weather and calmest Caribbean seas. Hurricane season runs June to November, though direct hits are rare. May and September–October are the wettest months. For fewer crowds and lower prices, visit in April, May, or September.
Are there good budget accommodations in San Andrés?
Budget options are limited but exist. Hostels in North End like Dreamer Beach Club, Viajero San Andrés, and Karibbik Haus Hostel offer dorms and private rooms. Expect to pay more than other parts of Colombia—San Andrés prices rival Cartagena. Budget travelers should book early and consider the best hostel options during low season.
How do I get to San Andrés Island?
Fly from Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, or Cartagena to Gustavo Rojas Pinilla International Airport. Flights take 1.5–2 hours from most Colombian cities. The airport is close to the airport in North End, making it easy to reach your hotel. No ferries connect San Andrés to mainland Colombia.
Is North End too touristy?
It’s touristy, but that’s not necessarily bad. You get the best infrastructure, services, and beach on the island. If you want total authenticity, stay in San Luis. But most travelers appreciate the convenience and energy of the downtown area.
