San Gil, Colombia: Best Things to Do
San Gil is the Adventure Capital of Colombia and an excellent place for paragliding, rafting, or biking. But what are the best things to do in San Gil in case you are not into adrenaline activities? Read our San Gil travel guide, including tips on best things to do, must-visit places, and practical information on how to get there, when to visit, or where to stay.
At first sight, San Gil in Colombia’s Santander Department was not the prettiest city we've ever visited.
Also, in mid-July, it was not the liveliest place, because the main season starts in December, that's why we almost did not meet any international travelers.
But in the end, this was what we enjoyed the most as we could discover the true face of San Gil.
The city of 50 000 is not known for must-see attractions within the city limits. It is famous for the wonderful landscape because the San Gil is surrounded by deep canyons, fast waters, waterfalls, and mountains, and we cannot fail to mention several cute colonial towns in the near surroundings.
After visiting San Gil ourselves, we understood that the city is still waiting to be discovered, and only a fraction of travelers to this country have it on their Colombia itinerary.
The city is popular mostly with adventure travelers and people seeking adrenaline activities, that's why it is known rather among this community and among backpackers who do not mind occasionally splurge on similar experiences.
San Gil lives at its own pace, and if there hadn't been for few touts near El Gallineral Park, we would have hardly known that there are so many things to do in San Gil.
If you are looking for an adrenaline adventure, you won't have a problem finding a travel agent's offices to book an activity you prefer, such as rafting, biking, paragliding, bungee jumping, or skydiving.
Also, every front desk agent in a hotel or hostel will gladly help you out (come with decent Spanish or your dictionary in your hand).
On the other hand, we know that South America is popular among budget backpackers, who usually cannot afford adventure activities, or they often have to carefully decide what's worth it and what's better to skip. No worries.
Even if you do not plan on doing paragliding or canyoning, San Gil still has a lot to offer, and you can enjoy here a few pleasant days.
In this travel guide, we share with you the best things to do in San Gil.
Feel free to use this post for planning your stay in San Gil as it also includes tips on when is the best time to visit, where to stay, or how to get there.
WHAT TO DO IN SAN GIL
We love trying new things, but as long-term travelers, we always had to think twice about what activities and tours are worth spending money on.
We found all adventure activities in San Gil a bit pricey, but the good news is that there are still activities you can enjoy without breaking the bank.
Sometimes, the best things you can see in an unknown city are those unplanned ones such as celebrations.
We were lucky enough to be in San Gil on Colombia's Independence Day. The city was full of cheerful people, waving flags, and early in the morning, there was even a small parade.
First in the line stood soldiers because still, even though Colombia has changed in the past few years, the demonstration of power and presence of soldiers works well and keeps the country stable.
That's why it also seems that members of the police or army still receive special treatment and honor.
Back at home in the Czech Republic, we don't see weapons that often on the streets, and to be honest, I feel more uneasy than safe with so many guns around.
Right behind soldiers went musician groups of different ages showing their performance, flag bearers, horses, and all the parade went to the main square.
It was really cool, and even though we know it was a coincidence we had such an experience, make sure to check a calendar before your trip to Colombia, and if there's a holiday or any celebration during your visit, make sure you see it. It adds authenticity to your trip.
What are the best things to do in San Gil? Let's find out.
TOP SIGHTS IN SAN GIL
Yes, San Gil does not have the classical tourist spots, still, it would be a shame not to walk around and not to explore the city center.
One of the places you cannot miss is Parque La Libertad also known as Parque Principal and its shining star, Catedral de la Santa Cruz.
The city also has several museums, but we did not visit any during our visit.
What did we enjoy, on the other hand, was shopping. You may already know that we love fruits and veggies. That's why we were over the moon when we discovered Gran Fruver Santoyo, a local market.
The shop is located on San Gil - Aratoca road that is a bit outside the center, but the walk was really worth it, even though carrying several kilos of fruits in plastic bags was not exactly comfortable.
If you are looking for a fun thing to do in San Gil in the evening, you can learn how to play a national game called tejo.
Playing tejo includes throwing lead weights at targets. These targets are filled with gunpowder, so you, and everyone around know when you hit it.
EL GALLINERAL NATURAL PARK
Right behind the gate on the main street where we paid COP 6 000 each and got a wristband permitting access to the park, we appeared, almost literally, in an entirely different world, that looked like a jungle within the city.
It was quite unexpected to find in the middle of San Gil such a park that stretches on an island between two arms of the Quebrada Curití and Río Fonce.
El Gallineral Park is rightfully the pride of San Gil, and it is one of the must-visit places in the city.
There are many trails within the park, so even though the park can get busy as it is a popular getaway for locals, you will easily get away from the crowds right behind the gate.
The 4-hectare park is worth exploring, and that's what we did right after our arrival. Do not let the entrance fee put you off.
It's a peaceful place, unlike the rest of the city, where we could've to wander around and observe colorful birds, listen to the unknown sounds, and admire incredibly high trees covered with long silvery moss that dangles from the branches, also known as old man's beard.
JUAN CURI WATERFALL
A spectacular 180 meters high waterfall with a natural pool beneath was exactly what we needed to escape the city's heat.
The waterfall is well-known among locals who like to come here on weekends to relax and cool down, and we think you should not miss it as well.
Getting to Juan Curi Waterfall independently is very straightforward. Go to the bus station, buy a ticket for a bus going to Charala (stand 4) and ask a driver to be dropped off at Las Cascadas.
There are two official bus terminals in San Gil. One is on the outskirt for long-distance buses, but to get to waterfalls, you need to find the central one from where local buses depart (San Gil Terminalito on the corner of Calle 17 and Carrera 10).
The bus ticket costs COP 5 000, and the entrance fee is COP 9 000.
The bus will stop right at the gate, and it takes about 20 minutes to walk to the waterfall base.
The dip is refreshing, and the vegetation around lush and green. You can walk around a bit, but make sure to use chains to stay safe and not to slip.
To get back, wait on the roadside for a bus coming from Charala to San Gil and hope there will be a seat available.
BARICHARA
If we should recommend only one best thing to do in San Gil, it would be the day trip to Barichara.
Barichara is a colonial town about 45 minutes' drive from San Gil, and it is rightfully considered to be one of the prettiest towns in Colombia.
Barichara has a relaxed atmosphere, cute cobblestone streets that are lined with photogenic whitewashed houses with colorful doors and window shutters.
We've visited quite many colonial towns in Colombia, but Barichara was one of our favorites.
It is completely safe - read stay safe in South America - to get to Barichara from San Gil independently, so do not hesitate and hop on a frequent bus that will take you to this picturesque town.
Our tip? Do not forget your hiking boots.
One of the best things you can do in Barichara is the short but rewarding El Camino Real hike to Guane.
If you prefer staying in more laidback destinations, consider leaving San Gil for a day and stay in Barichara. The town has a completely different atmosphere once tour buses leave.
Here are our tips on where to stay in Barichara that include accommodation for every type of traveler.
Budget: Hostal Casa Nacuma | Mid-range: Achiotte Hotel Boutique | Luxury: Hotel Hicasua y Centro de Convenciones
BEST ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES IN SAN GIL
For many travelers is San Gil mecca of adventure sports. If you are an adrenaline seeker who cannot miss a single opportunity to spice up the travels, we think you are going to love it here.
The settings of San Gil is amazing, and that's why those adventure activities are not only about the action itself, but you will also get unforgettable views, which is also one of the reasons why to try something new.
The list of adrenaline things you can do in San Gil is endless. And if you don't like bargaining, you can book them online in advance.
Canyoning | Paragliding | Bungee jumping | White water rafting | Mountain biking or Hiking are usually the top picks.
The number of hiking and biking trails is abundant, one of the most popular treks in San Gil is called Cerro de la Cruz.
The last two activities are possible to do independently, and great alternatives for budget travelers.
For the rest of them you, obviously, need to book a tour and a knowledgeable guide.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
HOW TO GET TO SAN GIL
San Gil is a tourist hub of the Santander department, so if you travel around Colombia by bus, you won't have trouble to reach this destination.
San Gil is connected with many places around the country by direct buses, you can get there, for example, from the capital, Bogota or Medellin.
The most common is to get to San Gil from the capital of the Santander department, Bucaramanga.
We were coming from Villa de Leyva and had two options. Take a bus back to Tunja and switch to a direct bus to San Gil or from Villa de Leyva go to Arabuco for COP 7 000 and from here take a bus to San Gil.
We chose the latter but should have opted for the other option. Not only the road to Arabuco was not fully paved therefore slow.
But also, when we arrived in Arabuco, we were told that all the buses passing by are already occupied (although we were promised in Villa de Leyva that the driver will book it for us).
After we tried to persuade the salesperson nicely to get us onboard (Google Translate helped a lot), he thankfully understood that we have no intentions to spend a night in Arabuco, and all of sudden found two seats for us in the direct bus to San Gil for COP 25 000 each.
We spent in San Gil three days, and then we continued to Playa de Belen and Los Estoraques, which is a destination often skipped by international travelers.
If you travel in the same direction, keep your eyes wide open. The drive along the Chicamoca Canyon is spectacular. By the way, if you love zig-zagging roads, you are in for a treat. As for the rest of you, keep a plastic bag handy, just in case.
WHERE TO EAT IN SAN GIL
We never became fans of food in Colombia, and we did not have high hopes for San Gil.
That's why we were happy to discover the restaurant El Mana. For COP 15 000 they served a 4-course menu, which was quite tasty.
During our stay in San Gil we were not able to figure out their opening hours, as one day it was closed completely, the other day they opened at 6 PM, and the last day around 7 PM, but when in the city, put it on your map.
WHERE TO STAY IN SAN GIL
San Gil is quite a large city, and that's why it offers a wide range of accommodation options.
Prices are quite low, even for mid-range hotels, and it is one of those places where you can find a great deal.
As many things to do in San Gil are either close to the center or are actually outside the city, make sure to book a room within walking distance to the main plaza and local bus terminal.
Check out our favorite picks for the best hotels in San Gil, Colombia.
Budget | Bacaregua Hostel - Situated right in the heart of the historic center of San Gil, this budget-friendly hostel offers modern rooms, both private and dormitories with lockers - it is actually not a norm in South America.
Mid-range | Hotel Campestre Casona del Camino Real - Surrounded by a picturesque landscape, this hotel has a spacious room and outdoor pool where you can chill.
Luxury | Hotel Alejandria Resort - Beautifully appointed rooms with air-con and a very good breakfast, all of that for a very reasonable price. The weather in San Gil can be too hot, so the outdoor pool is definitely an advantage.
Alternatively, search for your accommodation via Hostelworld.
WHAT TO PACK FOR SAN GIL
You can do a lot of water activities in San Gil, like river rafting, tubing, waterfall rappelling or kayaking, and many other activities take place on dry land.
Make sure you have the proper gear for all the activities you want to try.
What are the essential things we think you should pack for visiting San Gil?
Make sure you have comfortable sneakers, and hiking boots, in case you plan on hiking.
The weather in the town is often hot, but you should still pack a warm layer, and never forget sunscreen and bug repellent .
For adventure activities, have a waterproof dry bag, waterproof case for your phone, GoPro, swimsuit, and water shoes.
We've also written a practical South America packing list about what to pack when planning on traveling there.
WHEN TO GO
San Gil is an all-year-round destination, even though the best time to visit is from December to March, which is the dry season, followed by July to September.
Temperatures throughout the year are consistent, but outside these months, you can expect showers, especially in the afternoon.
On the other hand, this is nothing that should put you off visiting, because outside the high season is price lower, not only for accommodation but for adventure activities as well, so feel free to bargain a bit.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
