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The Caribbean island of San Andrés lies off the coast of Nicaragua and is part of the national territory of Colombia. It is particularly well-known for its white, palm-fringed beaches and laid-back reggae atmosphere.
San Andres, Colombia
The Caribbean island of San Andrés lies off the coast of Nicaragua and is part of the national territory of Colombia. It is particularly well-known for its white, palm-fringed beaches and laid-back reggae atmosphere. Active tourists also get their money’s worth here, because the San Andrés area includes a popular diving area: the crab bay. The third largest coral reef in the world is home to a true underwater wonderland. And after a long day at the sea, a delicious cocktail in one of the beach bars is just what you need.
Tip: The neighboring islands of Santa Catalina and Providencia are also popular destinations. Not only wealthy Colombians have discovered the beauty of the archipelago for themselves.
Santa Marta, Colombia
What started out as the first Spanish settlement in Colombia is now a popular tourist destination. In Santa Marta, the Caribbean coast meets the Sierra Nevada mountains. What is special about the landscape: It is only around 40 kilometers from the beach to the almost 6000 meter high peaks. Those who prefer to be in the city than on the mountain will find a historic center, museum and nice cafes in Santa Marta. The sunrises are particularly impressive here.
Tip: If you want to do a day trip, you should definitely visit the Tayrona National Park. With its natural dream beaches and the ruins of the Tairona culture, it is still a sacred place for indigenous tribes today.
Punta del Este, Uruguay
In the southeast of Uruguay, near the town of Maldonado, a narrow peninsula juts out into the sea. Here is one of the most popular beaches in Uruguay: Playa Brava on the Atlantic with its strong surf. The trademark of the beach is the sculpture “La Mano” with five fingers sticking out of the ground. The opposite Playa Mansa attracts many tourists with its calm water. The peninsula’s beaches are popular with South America’s rich and famous. The marina and the luxury resorts are not the only highlights. Especially the landscape of Punta del Este is beautiful.
Tip: Those interested in music will love the International Jazz Festival, held every January.
Costa Verde, Brazil
Not far from Rio de Janeiro is the so-called green coast, Costa Verde. It lives up to its name with the various shades of green. Small islands lie off the coast and the mountains are covered with dense rainforest. There is something for everyone here: from swimming on the dream beaches to hiking in the Serra do Mar mountains to visiting the megacity of Rio de Janeiro, this stretch of coast has many highlights in store. If you want to immerse yourself in nature, take the ferry to Ilha Grande.
Tip: On the Ilha Grande you can spend the night in front of the Costa Verde in the national park. More than a quarter of the island is a national park with Atlantic rainforest. A pure natural paradise with over 80 beaches.
Ilha de Tinhare, Brazil
The island Ilha de Tinharé belongs to the Brazilian state of Bahia and is located south of the city of Salvador. Cars are not allowed in the town of Morro de Sao Paolo, so the atmosphere is wonderfully relaxed. Arrival is by ship, either by ferry or catamaran. Those who have arrived in the seaside resort of Morro can stroll through the shops in the pedestrian zone. At the associated bathing beach there is then the deserved refreshment. Those who like to swim alone can walk to one of the back sections. There are five in total, so plenty of room for everyone.
Tip: The quieter neighboring island Ilha de Boipeba is also car-free and worth a visit. The Praia Moreré beach with its almond trees and palm trees is particularly beautiful.
Margarita Island, Venezuela
Margarita Island is located in the Caribbean, northeast of the Venezuelan capital of Caracas. It is ideal for travelers who want a secluded beach for quiet hours in the sun. The island consists of two peninsulas between which the mangrove forest of the Laguna de la Restinga National Park extends. While the mainland has the rainy season from May to October, Isla Margarita hardly notices it. The average temperature is 27 degrees and is ideal for swimming all year round.
Paria Peninsula, Venezuela
The Paria Peninsula in the north-east of Venezuela is not only known for its dream beaches but also for the particularly good cocoa beans. But not only cocoa beans grow on Paria, but also coconut palms. For example, on what is said to be the most beautiful beach in Venezuela, Playa Medina with its turquoise sea.
Tip: There are beautiful hiking trails in the cloud forest of the national park. A local guide is an advantage for the trek over the rocky mountain range or to the picturesque beach of Los Cocos.
French Guiana
French Guiana lies between the Amazon and the Atlantic, near the western border of Brazil. The French overseas region is known for its tropical landscape, biodiversity and cultural mix of French and South American heritage. The capital of Cayenne is a multicultural center, vacation spot and starting point for many tours. The standard of living is high and the flair is Caribbean and relaxed.
Tip: The town of Korou with its spaceport is also worth a visit. Boat tours to the beautiful Devil’s Islands (Iles du Salut) also start from here.