Famous throughout the country for being the capital of extreme sports, the small municipality of San Gil is the place you're looking for if you want an adrenaline rush amidst the splendid nature of the eastern Colombian Andes.
While its fame is justified by the activities that can be practiced there (including rafting, cave exploration, canyoning, rappelling, and paragliding), the thrills in San Gil are not limited to extreme sports.
From there, you can access mountain villages, spectacular waterfalls, serene ponds, and tranquil parks. To top off your stay, you can savor the traditional delights of Santanderan gastronomy.
Attractions
El Gallineral Natural Park
Located on an island formed by two arms of the Curití stream before flowing into the Fonce river, this urban park is one of the most magical in the entire Andean region.
The nearly two thousand trees in this park are covered with Spanish moss, also called old man's beard, which gives this place an air of an enchanted fairy tale forest.
Due to its size, the park hardly fills up with people, and you'll surely find a quiet corner by the river to meditate, observe nature, or enjoy some reading.
Outdoor Life
Juan Curí Waterfalls
This set of waterfalls that cascade from 200 meters high and fall into a seductive natural pool are definitely one of the main natural attractions in the area. You can descend them by rappelling for a large part of them.
Waterfalls
Experiences
Rafting in San Gil
The most classic adventure experience in San Gil is rafting on the Fonce River, whose waters flow through the city. The difficulty of its rapids is moderate, so no matter what your level of experience is, you can put your skills to the test on the raft while enjoying the beautiful riverside scenery.
If you want to experience this sport more intensely, try it on the Suárez River, farther from the city. Its turbulent rapids, categories IV and V, will take you to explore the impressive canyon of the river, while testing your endurance and technique.
Extreme Sports
Explorations to the Caves of San Gil
The surroundings of San Gil are a paradise for spelunkers, as there are a huge number of caves to explore, from small hidden holes to imposing underground caverns full of stalactites and stalagmites. If you choose to visit them, have comfortable clothing and footwear that can get dirty handy, as you'll likely come out covered in mud.
The Cueva de la Vaca, near the small town of Curití, is the largest and most thrilling of them all. To enter, you'll have to swim through a submerged tunnel and crawl through muddy passages that will take you ninety meters underground.
In Páramo, the Cueva del Indio will make you shiver with its nooks full of bats and with the final surprise: to exit, you'll have to jump from a rudimentary platform into a dark pool.
Risk Sports
San Gil Resorts
The waters descending from the mountains to join the region's mighty rivers create refreshing pools where you can take a dip. The most sought-after places to do this are the Pozo Azul resorts, just minutes from the city, and Pescaderito, in Curití.
Outdoor Life
Practical Details
Accommodation
San Gil offers a range of accommodation options from hostels popular among travelers seeking excitement and adventure to mid-range family hotels. The most elegant accommodations are found in the slightly more rustic suburban areas.
Getting There
Currently, there is no operational airport near San Gil. The nearest one is in Bucaramanga, which is a three-hour drive through the fascinating Chicamocha Canyon. Another option is to head to Bogotá, which offers a wide range of national and international flights, requiring a journey of approximately six hours by car.
