San Gil
Colombia · Santander · 1114 m
Description
San Gil is Colombia’s adventure and extreme sports capital and a popular base for exploring the spectacular landscapes of the Santander Department. Surrounded by rivers, mountains, and canyons, the town is known for rafting on the Río Fonce, canyoning, paragliding, cave exploration, and other outdoor activities. The lush Parque Natural El Gallineral, with its dense vegetation and characteristic hanging tillandsias, offers a peaceful contrast to the adventure scene. San Gil combines adrenaline and nature with a relaxed atmosphere, regional culture, and proximity to the colonial town of Barichara, which is connected to the small village of Guane by the historic Camino Real. Santander’s traditional hormigas culonas, roasted leafcutter ants, rank among the region’s most unusual culinary specialties.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 2 to 6 days (optimal 4 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: July – August or December – February
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Whitewater Rafting on the Suárez River(Day trip)
- Paragliding over Chicamocha Canyon(Day trip)
- Whitewater Rafting on the Fonce River
- Juan Curí Waterfall & Canyoning(Day trip)
- Barichara & Camino Real to Guane(Day trip)
- Panachi National Park & Cable Car(Day trip)
- Chicamocha National Park (PANACHI)(Day trip)
- Caving around San Gil(Day trip)
- Parque Natural El Gallineral
- Bungee Jumping over the Fonce River
- San Gil Historic Centre & Parque La Libertad
- Curití & Pescaderito Natural Pools(Day trip)
- Cueva de la Vaca(Day trip)
- Cueva del Indio(Day trip)
- Hoyo del Aire(Day trip)
- Rafting through Chicamocha Canyon(Day trip)
- Tubing on the Fonce River
- Rock Climbing
- Mountain Biking
- Horseback Riding in the Santander Countryside
- Santander Cuisine
Getting there
- Airports:
- BGA