Providencia

Introducing Providencia

Providencia will fulfil your every expecta-tion of paradise. Quiet, laid-back hamlets nestle against white-sand beaches shaded by palm trees. The sea is warm, the locals are friendly and the topography is gorgeous. If you're looking to get away from it all, Providencia is about as far as you can get.

Traditionally known as Old Providence, the island lies 90km north of San Andrés and covers an area of 17 sq km. It is the second-largest island of the archipelago. A mountainous island of volcanic origin, it is much older than San Andrés.

Santa Isabel, a village at the island's northern tip, is the local administrative headquarters. Santa Catalina, a small island facing Santa Isabel, is separated from Providencia by the shallow Canal Aury, spanned by a pedestrian bridge.

Despite its beauty, the ravages of tourism have not yet tainted Providencia, and strict zoning laws will probably keep out large-scale development. Unlike San Andrés, English is still widely spoken and there's much English-Caribbean-style architecture.

What tourist industry does exist can be found in the tiny hamlet of Aguadulce on the west coast, a 15-minute ride by colectivo (shared minibus or taxi) from the airport. Here you'll find a dozen small cottages and hotels strung along the road, and a handful of restaurants. While you can see virtually the whole island in a day, travelers end up staying longer than they expected, scuba diving, hiking or just combing the beach.

Last updated: Oct 20, 2009