San Gil Santander Colombia: BEST Things to Do

Posted 26/07/2024 | 26th July, 2024
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San Gil is widely considered the adventure capital of Colombia. It’s a small, quiet town with a population of less than 50,000. However, the surrounding areas are beautiful and offer activities for every level of adventure seeker.
San Gil is an excellent stop for those wanting to experience everything Colombia has to offer. So, here are all the best things to do in San Gil Santander, Colombia.

How to Get to San Gil, Colombia
It’s fair to say that San Gil is not the easiest place to get to. If you’re familiar with Colombian buses, you will know that although relatively comfortable and safe, they rarely run on time.
Our bus from Bogota to San Gil took around 10 hours (it was advertised as seven). The bus station in San Gil is just on the city’s outskirts, but there are ample taxis. Expect to pay around 5,000 COP for a ride into the town centre.
Alternatively, you can fly to San Gil. But there is a big catch: San Gil doesn’t actually have an airport. Therefore, you must fly to Buccaramanga before taking a bus to San Gil. The bus is relatively painless and takes just under two hours.
However, factoring in the waiting time at the airport, the flight itself, and the journey from the airport, flying is only marginally faster and arguably much more stressful than taking the direct bus.
Fun Things to Do in San Gil, Colombia
For such a small town, San Gil certainly has plenty to do.
El Gallineral Natural Park


I have to be honest, I was a little reluctant to visit this park, feeling somewhat like a slice of ‘fake jungle’, but this couldn’t be further from the truth!
I visited on a weekday around lunchtime, and it was so quiet and peaceful that, at times, it felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. The entrance fee is 10,000 COP per person, and we spent around two hours exploring the area.
I recommend wearing long trousers and plenty of insect repellant. You don’t need hiking boots; trainers will be just fine.
The only negative thing I have to say about El Gallineral Natural Park is that right by the entrance; there was a large parrot with its wings clipped. It was a shame to see this with so much other beautiful wildlife around. However, I don’t know the story behind this bird; maybe it was rescued from elsewhere?
Visit Barichara


A day trip to Barichara is one of my favourite things to do in San Gil.
Barichara is often described as one of the most beautiful towns in Colombia (after just five minutes there, I could see why!). It attracts visitors with its tranquil atmosphere and historic charm. It’s renowned for its well-preserved architecture, cobblestone streets, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
The town’s architecture reflects Spanish colonial heritage, with white-washed buildings, red-tiled roofs, and ornate wooden balconies.
It’s extremely easy to get to. The bus departs every 30 minutes from the main station (not the one the large coaches arrive into). Tickets cost 7000 COP each way, and the journey takes around 40 minutes. You don’t need to pre-book anything; just turn up and purchase a ticket from the desk.
When you’re ready to return to San Gil, you can purchase your tickets from the small shop next to the main park. Again, the buses depart every thirty minutes.
Cerro de la Cruz


Like most cities in Colombia, San Gil has a beautiful vantage point overlooking the town. It’s just a quick 15-minute walk up to the top, and it offers stunning views of the city. It’s also a very nice place to relax and enjoy a moment of quiet.
This short hike is just outside the main tourist area of the city so I would be sure to do it in the middle of the day rather than first thing in a morning or at night when the area may be slightly more unsafe.
Play Tejo
Tejo is a traditional Colombian sport that involves throwing heavy metal discs at targets, typically small packets filled with gunpowder, placed on a clay surface.
What could go wrong?!
The objective is to hit the target and ignite the gunpowder, causing an explosion. Tejo is often played in outdoor venues called “tejo courts,” popular gathering spots for friends and family to enjoy the game, socialise, and enjoy food and drinks.
The origins of Tejo trace back to indigenous peoples in Colombia, who used similar throwing games in their rituals and competitions. Over time, Tejo evolved into a popular recreational activity, particularly in rural areas and among Colombia’s working-class communities.
Today, Tejo has gained recognition as a national sport in Colombia, and there are organised leagues and tournaments across the country. It’s also a cultural experience for visitors to Colombia who want to immerse themselves in the local traditions and enjoy a unique sporting activity.
There are a couple of venues in San Gil, and I thoroughly recommend trying this game during your trip to Colombia!
Visit Chicamocha Park
Chicamocha Park is an extremely popular park around an hour outside of San Gil. It has hiking and nature trails, plenty of adventure activities and even a water park.
If you want to enjoy this magical space but aren’t feeling particularly adventurous, you can enjoy the amazing views from the comfort of a cable car – allowing you to take in the sights without breaking a sweat!
Juan Curi Waterfall
Juan Curi Waterfall is a popular day trip from San Gil offering a relaxing place to cool off in the Colombian heat.
This beautiful natural sight is 180m tall and is very popular with locals and tourists alike. The waterfall is located inside the Juan Curi Parque Ecologico, so you can enjoy a full day exploring the various hiking trails.
Adventure Activities in San Gil
As mentioned, there is no shortage of adventure activities to be enjoyed in and around San Gil. Here are some of the most popular:
Paragliding


San Gil is famous for its inexpensive yet breathtaking Paragliding over the Chicamocha Canyon. Paragliding in San Gil was my adventure sport of choice, and I could not recommend it more!
This thrilling activity lets you soar like a bird, gliding over stunning landscapes. With experienced instructors and reliable equipment, it’s a safe and exhilarating way to experience the region’s natural beauty.
Paragliding in San Gil is perfect for both beginners and seasoned adventurers. In our group of six, there were two Paragliding professionals, one person who had paraglided once before, and three of us complete newbies.
You get a complete safety briefing (in either English or Spanish) before being introduced to your partner, who will take you on the ride. If you’re part of a large group, people tend to set off by weight (the lightest people leaving first due to the winds getting stronger as the day goes on).
However, I was lucky enough to be in a small group of six, so we all got to take off at the same time! You spend around thirty minutes in the air, admiring the canyon from this incredibly unique angle.
Top Tip: Take some motion-sickness tablets! I did not and seriously paid the price.
Bungee Jumping
San Gil is home to Colombia’s highest bungee jump at the iconic Viaducto el Gallineral.
The 70-meter drop offers an adrenaline-pumping experience as you leap off the platform towards the Fonce River. The professional operators ensure safety and provide a heart-stopping thrill for adventure seekers.
This activity is ideal for those looking to push their limits and experience the ultimate rush. San Gil is also known for being one of the most affordable places in the world to complete a bungee jump.
So, if you want to tick something off your bucket list without breaking the bank, San Gil might just be the place for you.
White Water Rafting
The Suarez River near San Gil is renowned for some of South America’s best white water rafting. With rapids ranging from Class III to V, it promises a thrilling ride through dramatic landscapes.
Guided by skilled professionals, participants navigate turbulent waters, making it an exhilarating adventure suitable for both novices and experienced rafters.
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking in San Gil provides an exciting way to explore its rugged terrain and scenic trails. Various routes cater to all skill levels, from easy rides through picturesque countryside to challenging downhill tracks.
The trails offer spectacular views, making the ride physically demanding and visually rewarding. Don’t worry about having all the gear, every tour I saw provides everything you need for an epic and safe mountain biking adventure in San Gil.
Canyoning
Whilst a little outside of my comfort zone (to say the least!), canyoning in San Gil is an adventure-packed activity involving rappelling down waterfalls, sliding through natural rock formations, and jumping into clear pools.
This thrilling experience takes place in the nearby Juan Curí Waterfalls and other scenic spots, offering a blend of excitement and natural beauty. So its a great action-packed way to see the gorgeous scenery.


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