"Old Providence & Santa Catalina" Isla de Providencia by mircaskirca

Isla de Providencia Travel Guide: 27 reviews and 194 photos

view of Providencia from Cajo Cangrejo - Isla de Providencia

Last Natural Refuge in the Caribbean

Part of San Andres and Providencia Archipelago, Providencia and Santa Catalina are two small islands of volcanic origin, located in the Western Caribbean Sea, around 90 km north of San Andrés. Traditionally known as The Old Providence, the island covers an area of 17 km2 and is a second-largest island of the archipelago. It is inhabited by approximately 5.000 Afro-Caribbean natives. The official language is Spanish but Creole English is the traditional native language, and is the predominant spoken language. Providencia is attached by footbridge to a smaller island, Santa Catalina.

Considered to be one of the best kept secrets in the Caribbean, Providencia and Santa Catalina offer breathtaking vistas, both on the islands themselves and in the underwater paradise that surrounds them, along with the opportunity to experience the simple, friendly lifestyle of the native people. Providencia is a very scenic island where peaceful white sand beaches meet crystal clear waters, surrounded by a magnificent backdrop of mountains and tropical forest, with typical Caribbean climate, laid back atmosphere and friendly people. But the main attraction is the submarine world. It's home to second-largest barrier reef of the Americas.

Providencia is the ideal setting for those who love the nature and enjoy simple lifestyle. It's the place you want to return again and again. A paradise on earth :)

Manzanillo beach

Lover's Bridge to Santa Catalina

Last visit to Isla de Providencia: Jan 2010
Intro Updated Aug 23, 2010
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Reviews (26)

The New Song of Old Providence - Isla de Providencia

Music Local Customs (7)

Traditional music and dance of Providencia is the result of an eclectic mixture of influences, including European,... more travel advice

fishermen with daily catch, Lover's Bridge - Isla de Providencia

Fishing Local Customs (7)

One of the most noticeable traditional activities of the natives is fishing. They are practised masters and never come... more travel advice

sweet children of Santa Catalina - Isla de Providencia

People and Culture Local Customs (7)

The Providencian culture is the result of a mixture of inhabitants who came to the region over the period of past... more travel advice

the dish is ready to be served - Isla de Providencia

Rondón - Most Famous Traditional Dish Local Customs (7)

Rondón (meaning 'run down') is a rich fish and conch casserole with yucca, yam, green plantains and dumplings, slowly... more travel advice

Transportation (3)
See All Getting Around in the Island
Restaurants (2)
See All Cold Drink Right on the Beach
Hotels (2)
See All Surrounded by Banana Trees

Travelogues (10)

1 - 4 of 10

Comments (12)

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balhannah Jun 7, 2012 at 12:28 PM

Excellent page! You have painted a wonderful picture of this very pretty
Island. Your photos are lovely!
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Jim_Eliason Mar 19, 2012 at 7:14 PM

great tips!
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tratoria Dec 30, 2011 at 9:28 AM

Paradise on the earth, you are correct, It is Providencia in my country. Thanks for visiting Colombia.
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LoriPori Jul 24, 2011 at 4:28 AM

Wonderful page on this beautiful island. Nice that you were able to stay with locals, makes the experience even better.
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rsleisk Nov 30, 2010 at 12:52 PM

Great pages with interesting cultural tips and I love the photo of the exotic food with the Old Milwaukee beer, hahaha!
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MalenaN Aug 29, 2010 at 12:11 AM

Providencia is high on my wish list! What a lovely place it seems to be, and I can understand that you went there on both your visits to Colombia!
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Nemorino Aug 22, 2010 at 10:43 AM

Another fantastically beautiful island where they serve Rondón! Great that you were able to stay with the local people in Bahía Manzanillo. Thanks for including the link to the Rainbow Fest video.
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Bwana_Brown Aug 15, 2010 at 2:05 PM

Wow Mira, Manzanillo beach looks spectacular and, in fact, the whole archipeligo looks amazing! This page is simply packed with interesting information and fantastic photos!
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toonsarah Aug 8, 2010 at 11:51 AM

What a beautiful spot! I love your gorgeous photos of the sea and the beaches (Manzanillo & especially Roland's sounds a great place to chill!) And those colourful houses on Sta Catalina are so picturesque too :-) Also love your people travelogue!
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Trekki Aug 1, 2010 at 12:04 AM

Oh wow, what a place to spend New Year :-)) Haha, yes, I also wouldn't leave from Manzanillo Beach and stay there forever in a hammock. This colourful architecture is most marvellous, especially the malecón and the houses :-)