Alright, listen up! If you’re looking for a Colombian town that’s got it all – adventure, charm, and views that’ll make your jaw drop – then you’ve gotta check out San Gil. This little slice of heaven is tucked away in the Andean foothills of Santander, and it’s not just a pretty face. San Gil is like the cool kid of outdoor adventures in Colombia.
Picture this: rugged mountains, forests so green you’ll think you’re in a fairytale, and rivers so clear you can see your reflection (and maybe even your future). Whether you’re a newbie backpacker or a hardcore adrenaline junkie, San Gil is the place to be. So, if you’re ready to have your mind blown and your heart stolen (in a good way), keep reading. We’ve got everything you need to know to plan a trip to this Colombian hidden gem that you’ll be bragging about for years to come.
Getting There
San Gil is located about 170 miles northeast of Colombia’s capital Bogotá. The journey takes around 6-7 hours by bus from Bogotá’s main bus terminal. Various coach companies like Berlinas and Copetran run regular buses between Bogotá and San Gil. Tickets cost around COP $50,000 one-way.
Many travelers also get to San Gil by first flying into Bucaramanga, the nearest major city located just 45 mins away. From Bucaramanga’s main bus terminal, buses leave for San Gil every 15 mins and take about 1 hour.
When to Visit
Alright, here’s the deal with San Gil’s weather: it’s pretty much perfect all year round. We’re talking daytime temperatures that range from “I might need a light sweater” to “I’m gonna rock my favorite shorts and flip-flops.” The town has two dry seasons, from December to February and June to September, which is when all the tourists flock here like a bunch of sun-seeking seagulls. That means higher hotel rates and crowds that might make you feel like you’re in a can of sardines.
But if you’re a savvy traveler (or just hate crowds), the wet seasons from March to May and October to November are where it’s at. Fewer tourists mean lower prices, and the countryside becomes so green and lush, you’ll think you’ve stepped into a tropical paradise. Just don’t forget to pack your trusty umbrella for the occasional afternoon shower – Mother Nature likes to keep things interesting around here!
Top Things to Do
Adventure Sports
The calling card of San Gil is the range of heart-pumping adventure activities on offer. Backpackers and adrenaline junkies flock here to get their fix of excitement. Some popular activities include:
| Whitewater rafting | Embark on a thrilling ride down Class III to V rapids on the Fonce or Suarez Rivers. |
| Paragliding | Get a bird’s eye view of the stunning countryside by soaring off San Gil’s Paragliding Hill. Tandem flights with an instructor are available. |
| Canyoning | Abseil, jump, slide and zipline your way through canyons and waterfalls. |
| Mountain biking | Ride through rugged trails and scenic countryside. Bike rentals are easily available. |
| Trekking | Hike through mountain forests and across boulder fields. The 6-day Lost City Trek is a highlight. |
| Horseback riding | Saddle up and ride through farmlands and rural villages. |
Historic and Cultural Attractions
- Colonial architecture – The whitewashed Spanish colonial buildings around Parque Central are superbly preserved.
- Pinchote Bridge – This stone bridge built in 1616 over the Fonce River is one of the oldest in Colombia.
- Barichara – Take a day trip to the beautifully preserved colonial village just 10 miles from San Gil.
- El Socorro – Visit this sleepy farming village with 17th century architecture and an ornate church.
- Museums – Check out museums like the anthropology museum and gallery dedicated to local painter and sculptor Rodrigo Arenas Betancourt.
Outdoor Adventures
- Hiking – Trek through the spectacular Yariguies National Park located just outside San Gil.
- Swimming – Take a dip in natural pools and waterfalls around San Gil like Juan Curi and Los Estoraques.
- Fishing – Go fishing for trout at a local fish farm or head out to the Suarez River.
- Bird watching – Spot some of Colombia’s dazzlingly colorful bird species in the forests around San Gil.
Shopping
San Gil offers plenty of opportunities to pick up locally crafted souvenirs. Shop for:
- Leather goods and mochila bags
- Woven bags and hats
- Pottery and ceramics
- Wood carvings
- T-shirts and clothing with San Gil prints
The central Plazoleta de Mercedes square hosts a lively artisan market. You can watch workshops where craftsmen create unique pieces and then buy directly.
Where to Stay
San Gil has a great range of hostel and hotel options to fit every budget.
| Hostels | Well-located hostels like Casa de Papel, The Plantation House and Sam’s VIP are clean, sociable and offer dorms from COP $25,000 per night. |
| B&Bs | Charming family-run B&Bs and haciendas in natural settings just outside town, like Finca Viena and Entre Montañas. Rates from COP $70,000 per night. |
| Mid-range hotels | These comfortable hotels like Hotel La Floresta and El Dorado offer stylish rooms starting at COP $120,000 per night. |
| Luxury hotels | Top-end hotels like Casa Real San Gil provide upscale amenities and excellent service from COP $200,000 per night. |
Booking ahead in the high seasons of December-February and June-September is highly recommended.
Where to Eat and Drink
Refuel after adventures with San Gil’s tasty cuisine. Local specialties include grilled meats, trout and tamales.
| Restaurants | Head to chilled-out restaurants around the central square like Gringo Mike’s, La Finca and Antojitos Mexicanos for international flavors. |
| Cafes | Cafes like Cafe San Gil and Bugambilias serve excellent local coffee, snacks, pastries and people-watching. |
| Street food | Try tasty Colombian street food like chorizo sandwiches, empanadas and fresh fruit from ubiquitous vendors. |
| Nightlife | Salsa Dance Hall and La Habana Vieja are popular bars with live music and dancing. |
Day Trips from San Gil
San Gil makes an ideal base to explore the surrounding small towns which offer their own charm. Here are some recommended day trips:
| Barichara | Walk the atmospheric cobblestone streets of this perfectly preserved Spanish colonial village. Don’t miss the stunning mountain viewpoint from atop the Piedra del Sol rock. |
| Guane | This sleepy agricultural town features a 17th century church, pretty whitewashed plaza and interesting archaeological museum. |
| Curití | See the fascinating stone sculptures at the Pescadero Workshop and Sanctuary of Flora and Fauna in this artsy town. |
| Pinchote | Cross the iconic 400-year-old stone bridge over the Fonce River and see the waterfalls. |
| El Socorro | Soak in the pastoral life of this rural village with amazing 17th and 18th century architecture. |
Travel Tips
- The local currency is the Colombian Peso (COP). Get some pesos before arriving or withdraw at ATMs around the main plaza.
- Spanish is the local language. Learn a few basic phrases. The locals appreciate you trying!
- Use bug spray and light jackets in the evenings. The climate is cool and mosquitoes can be an annoyance.
- Confirm details about adventure tours beforehand. Only go with recommended operators.
- Try local specialty foods like hormigas culonas (giant ants), carne oreada (sun-dried meat) and fresh trout.
- Respect the culture, customs and people. Ask permission before photographing locals.
Why Visit San Gil?
If you’re looking for a vacation that’s got more thrills than a roller coaster and more charm than a Hallmark movie, San Gil is your dream destination. This place is like the perfect combo of outdoor adventure, history, and small-town vibes that’ll make you want to stay forever.
The natural beauty here is so stunning, it’s practically begging you to explore it. And when you’re not busy rafting, canyoning, or paragliding (because who needs relaxation, right?), San Gil is ready to welcome you with open arms and show you what Colombian culture is all about.
It doesn’t matter if you’re flying solo, coupled up, or wrangling a bunch of energetic teens – San Gil has something for everyone. And trust us, the memories you’ll make here will be so full of laughter, joy, and new BFFs, you’ll be telling stories about this trip for years to come.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, grab your sense of adventure, and get ready to fall head over heels for San Gil!
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