San Andres

Where to stay

Budget beds concentrate in El Centro, the town at the north end, which puts you near the ferry dock, Spratt Bight beach, and the cheap eats away from the seafront. La Loma up the hill and San Luis down the east coast are quieter and more local, but you will be relying on the circular bus or a rented golf cart.

Getting around

• You must buy a tourist card before boarding your flight and there is an additional entry fee on arrival. Budget for both, in cash, on top of the airfare.
• The public bus that loops the island costs a couple of thousand pesos and reaches almost everything a tour sells, including the east-coast beaches. Rent a golf cart only if you want the freedom, not because you need it.
• Prices on the island run well above the mainland for everything, food especially. Eating away from Spratt Bight, in the comedores in El Centro's back streets, is the single biggest saving available.

When to go

Cheapest in May, June, September, and October, which is also the wetter, windier stretch. December through mid-January, Semana Santa, and the June-July school holidays are the expensive weeks, and flights are what drive the total cost more than the dorm rate.