Car rental Santander Department

Experience the Road Like A Local

Driving in Santander Department

Colombia drives on the right-hand side, unlike the UK, so it's good to get a hang of it. Also, while manual transmission is the standard in the UK, Colombia has an even mix of automatic and manual cars.

Navigation is mainly in Spanish, but fear not! English GPS instructions are available. Remember to adhere to the speed limit of 60-90km/hr for highways and 30km/hr in urban areas.

Car Rental Recommendations

For driving around cities like Bucaramanga, mini or economy cars are perfect. For more rugged terrain like Chicamocha National Park, consider rugged all-terrain vehicles.

Major Cities and Attractions

The garden city of Bucaramanga, the picturesque town of Barichara, and the white city of Giron offer delightful insights into Colombian life. The Parque Nacional del Chicamocha is a nature lover's dream. Explore the vast landscape, cable cars, and hiking trails at 6,500 feet above sea level.

The Santander Beaches

If you long for some British seaside-like experience but with warmer waters, head to Playa de Belen, with its golden sands and palm trees.

Respect Towards the Country and its People

Colombians are warm, friendly, and proud of their cultural heritage. While Spanish is the common language here, some English is spoken, especially in urban areas.

On Your Money and Your Resources

The currency here is the Colombian Pesos (COP). Cash is king here, but card payments are accepted in many places. Remember, your pounds will stretch further here than back home.

Year-round Festivals

Santander is known for its cultural events. Visit the region in January for the Guane Fair or in August for the National Folklore Festival in Bucaramanga and the ‘Yariguíes’ National Arts and Culture Festival in Barrancabermeja.

Oh, The Colombian Cuisine!

Try some delicious street food like arepas and empanadas, a world away from your typical fish and chips. Santander's cuisine leans heavily on meat, with the ‘Hormiga Culona’ or large-bottomed ants being a local delicacy - it might no be Shepard's pie, but who knows? You might like it!