HK4C will be active as 5K0C from Fuerte Island, IOTA SA - 078, late July 2025.
He will operate on HF Bands, including activity in RSGB IOTA Contest, 26 - 27 July 2025.
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Pablo, LU7MT will be active as 5K0C from San Andres Island, IOTA NA - 033, 16 - 25 September 2022.
He will operate on HF Bands.
QSL via LU7MT, LOTW, eQSL.
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Pablo Augusto Moretti, Casnati 750, San Rafael, Mendoza, 5602, Argentina.
San Andres Island
If you could combine the luxurious beaches of the Maldives, the kindness of the Balinese people, and the rich life of the Red Sea in one place, it would definitely be San Andres Island. Thousands of tourists come here every year from all over the world, yet the indigenous people have never learned English.
Location and nature
San Andrés is one of the largest islands in the archipelago. It is located in the Caribbean Sea, 750 km from Colombia and 230 km from Nicaragua. San Andrés is very compact. It is 12 km long and 3 km wide. The entire island can be explored in one day without using any transportation. This place was created by nature from coral reefs and sand. The island has mangrove and cedar plantations.
Exotic animals are harder to find here. Iguanas, which are everywhere, may surprise travelers. The animals are so accustomed to large numbers of people that they calmly pose for photos and generally ignore visitors.
There are geysers on San Andres. They are located on the shore of the lake. Don't expect anything spectacular. The geysers are small depressions in the ground from which water periodically spouts. They are more like small natural fountains.
San Luis, San Andres island. Author - Katherine Beltran.
Residents of San Andrés
The island is part of Colombia, but everything here is different from that country, including the people. The locals are mostly black and tall. There are several explanations for this.
First, San Andrés is much closer to Nicaragua than to Colombia. It is believed that Nicaraguans gradually settled on the island or, at least, contributed to its population growth. This is a fairly logical explanation, if we do not consider the history of this place.
Second, San Andrés was a colony of European countries for many years, from where noblemen brought their black slaves. Initially, English Puritans grew tobacco and sugar on the island. In the 17th century, they changed their focus and became some of the most famous and feared pirates. In 1641, the Spanish expelled them from the island. The problem was solved, but not for long. Already in 1641, English Puritans returned with slaves from Jamaica. They are considered to be the ancestors of the modern population of San Andrés.
Today, English Puritans make up no more than 30% of the total population. The locals hardly speak English or Spanish, although these languages are listed as official languages. People mainly communicate in Raizal Creole, which is a mixture of English and African languages.
The residents of San Andrés can safely be called the main attraction of this place. They are smiling, friendly, and always ready to help guests. It seems that there are no more carefree people on the planet.
Cars and roads
San Andrés is a compact island. If desired, it can be explored on foot. Tourists prefer to use taxi services or rent a car. There are no major taxi companies in San Andrés. Local residents provide transportation services. Their cars can be identified by the phone numbers or numbers posted on the side doors. As a rule, cars are located near tourist attractions and the airport.
There is no public transport on the island. This is again due to its size. There is no need for buses. San Andrés has only one major road, 30 km long. It circles the island and connects its different parts.
Tourists rent cars to get around. Mopeds, golf carts, and buggies are extremely popular. On average, rental costs around €40 per day. These compact vehicles make up about 50% of the island's car fleet, with the other 50% belonging to American-made “universal” vehicles. It is difficult to explain the islanders' love for large cars.
Many guidebooks mention that San Andrés is famous for its large number of vintage cars. In reality, there are practically none. Locals drive either minivans or golf carts. It is difficult to find a 1979 Ford or a 1963 Mustang.
San Andres Island. Author - Silvano Rodrigues.
Beaches
Tourists come to San Andrés for its nature and beaches. The Caribbean Sea amazes with its combination of colors, purity, and tranquility. It is difficult to find anything more perfect than this in life. It is a true paradise for surfers, divers, and other water sports enthusiasts.
The best beaches are located in the capital and in the eastern part of the island. San Luis, San Bay, and Rocky Key are among the most popular. Not far from Rocky Bay is Parque en Collado, a huge ship that ran aground. Officially, it is off-limits to visitors, but tourists tend to ignore this rule. They enjoy climbing on it to dive or take beautiful photos.
There are tons of cafes and souvenir shops near the beaches. If you get tired of sunbathing or swimming, you can take a walk through the jungle. The local authorities have developed this area into a park with benches and paths.
People don't come to San Andrés for the sand. The main attraction here is the Caribbean Sea.
It combines many shades, from dark green to azure. Since the island was a haven for pirates for a long time, there are a huge number of sunken ships, statues, chests, and other items left in the sea. All this can be seen while scuba diving. You will also be amazed by the diversity of the marine world.
Entertainment
All of the island's entertainment infrastructure is tied to its history and natural resources. It is worth noting that water sports still have a significant advantage over other activities.
The main attraction of the island is Captain Morgan's cave. He was a real person who lived in the 17th century. There is a lake in the cave that flows into the Caribbean Sea. Divers discovered a dry area between the lake and the rocks and speculated that this was where pirates might have stored their treasures. Now it is just an empty space. Whether there was any treasure there remains a mystery.
In its modern form, the cave is an entertainment venue for children. Plastic spiders and cobwebs are hung up, and mannequins of pirates and skeletons are installed. It takes about 20 minutes to explore. Many tourists say that the significance of this attraction is overrated.
If you like bars, clubs, and a lively atmosphere, it's time to head to the island's capital, San Andrés Town. Locals call it El Centro. All the main attractions for young people are located in this small area. El Centro has many cafes and restaurants where you can try the local cuisine.
The capital is completely geared towards tourists. You can see the island's architecture in the south, in the village of Lolo. You should only go there with a guide and security, as the country has a high crime rate.
Safety in San Andrés
San Andrés is Colombia. Yes, it is much quieter here than in the rest of the country, but the risk of running into trouble remains high. Tourists are advised to stay in hotels located around the perimeter of the island. The main road should be the main landmark for foreigners. It is better not to go deep into the island.
Local residents or the police will warn you of any potential dangers. If you get lost, they will most likely help you leave the area. The high level of crime against tourists is linked to the low standard of living of the indigenous population. Due to its limited size and remoteness, it is difficult to do business in San Andrés. Unemployment has remained consistently high for many years.
What else you need to know about San Andrés
This compact island holds many secrets and surprises:
- There is an entrance fee of €27, which must be paid upon arrival.
- The hotel infrastructure is roughly the same throughout the island. The only difference is the price per night. It is worth choosing a hotel with air conditioning.
- The main attractions are in the sea, and the rest of the tourist infrastructure is poorly developed.
- Prices for food in supermarkets are about the same as in Moscow, and fruit is significantly cheaper.
- Many signs in San Andrés are written in English and Spanish, but the locals hardly speak either language.
- The peak tourist season is Christmas and the period from December to May.
- Tropical showers are very common on San Andres.
To fully explore San Andrés, you will need a maximum of two days, with time to stop at the beaches.
San Andrés is a paradise. Here, you begin to feel the joy and taste of life as you immerse yourself in an atmosphere of beauty and universal merriment.
