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Beautiful Cascada de Juan Curi hidden in the woods near San Gil, Colombia.

Things to do in  San Gil

Choose your own adventure

Thanks to its forested hills and fast-flowing river, San Gil boasts the title of Colombia’s adventure capital. For such a small city, there are a ton of things to do here; top activities include rappelling down the cascades of the Juan Curi Waterfall, paragliding over the emerald landscapes of the Andes Mountains, and white-water rafting on gentle Class II and white-knuckle Class V rapids. But even if you don’t want to satisfy an appetite for adrenaline, San Gil’s 300-year-old town square and quaint architecture are equally worthy of exploration.

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Colombian Peso (COP)
When to visit

San Gil maintains a consistently warm and humid temperature year-round, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to do. If you prefer sunny skies for hiking and paragliding, visit during the dry summer season from December through March. For the lushest greenery and powerful water flows that make for good rafting, visit from April through October when rainfall is much higher.

Getting around

The closest airport to San Gil is in Bucaramanga, an approximately 3-hour drive via the steep-sided Chicamocha Canyon. Buses typically depart every hour from the Colombian capital of Bogotá, and the journey takes around six hours. San Gil’s small city center is easy to navigate on foot, but you’ll need to book organized transport or have your own set of wheels to access the natural attractions on the outskirts. Nearly all adventure tours include pickup and drop-off.

Traveler tips

San Gil is one of the best places in South America to enjoy white-water rafting, with rivers suited to every level. The Fonce River's gentle Class II and III rapids are great for beginners, but if you’re an experienced rafter or want to feel extreme exhilaration, opt for a rafting trip on the Suárez River. Here, you will find intense Class IV and V rapids that are almost guaranteed to topple you.

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People Also Ask
Q:What are the must-see attractions in San Gil?
A:

The must-see attractions in San Gil include the 590-foot (180-meter) Juan Curi Waterfall, where you can swim in natural pools, and El Gallineral Natural Park, home to more than 100 types of flora. There’s also the 18th-century Santa Cruz Cathedral, set on San Gil’s leafy main square.

Q:What are the best hiking trails in San Gil?
A:

The most famous hiking trail near San Gil is the Camino Real, an Indigenous route that connects Barichara with the remote village of Guane. It’s mostly downhill unless you choose to hike back the way you came. Another top trail is to the Juan Curi Waterfall, a short yet stunning walk.

Q:What are the best outdoor activities in San Gil?
A:

White-water rafting is one of the best outdoor activities in San Gil, but you can also abseil down the sides of Las Llajas Canyon, paraglide over the lush landscapes of the Chicamocha Canyon, and explore the caverns of Cow Cave. (Not that the latter isn't recommended for claustrophobic travelers.)

Q:What kind of wildlife can you see in San Gil?
A:

While you can see plenty of hummingbirds and chipmunks in and around San Gil, the town’s main attraction is its plant life, which is best seen in the 9-acre (4-hectare) El Gallineral Natural Park. It’s home to huge trees adorned with silver-colored moss known as barbas de viejo (old man’s beard).

Q:Can you do any day trips from San Gil?
A:

Yes, you can take several day trips from San Gil. One of the most popular excursions is to Barichara, a gorgeous town famous for its whitewashed and terracotta-roofed houses, cobbled streets, and stunning views. You can also spend the day exploring the spectacular trails of Chicamocha National Park.

Q:How long should you spend in San Gil?
A:

If you want to experience all of San Gil’s adventure sports, put aside at least five days; that gives you time to do all the activities on offer and wander around the quaint city center. If you just want to enjoy a hike and soak up the atmosphere, plan on two days.

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