Ah, San Gil. A town so delightfully unassuming that if you weren’t paying attention, you might accidentally bypass it on your way to somewhere more “reputable.” But for those in the know, this charming spot in Colombia’s Santander department is the undisputed adventure capital of the country. Pack your courage (and perhaps a spare pair of pants), because San Gil is where you’ll face your fears, one adrenaline-pumping activity at a time.
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Getting There: The Journey Begins
First things first, you’ll need to make your way to San Gil. Whether you’re flying in or coming by bus, this is the starting point of your escapade.
Flights to Bucaramanga: Land at Palonegro Airport, just a breezy two-hour drive from San Gil. Click here to find flights to Bucaramanga.
Buses to San Gil: For the backpacking purists, hop on a bus from Bogotá, Medellín, or Bucaramanga. They’re cheap, cheerful, and come with the added thrill of Colombian mountain roads.
Where to Stay: Hostels
San Gil is bursting with budget-friendly options that cater to adventurers. Hostels where you can sip a cold beer while swapping your horror stories of near-death rafting experiences. Our top options for you are:
Macondo Hostel (Budget):
Known for its friendly vibe and the best tips on local activities, this is a backpacker’s haven with dirt cheap prices! Reserve your spot here.
Traveller Hostel (Comfort):
A central location and comfy beds make it a top pick for adventurers on a budget. With a higher price tag you get the full feel of safety after a hectic day out pushing your limits! Book your stay here.
ACTIVITES
1. Whitewater Rafting
If the thought of hurtling down a river at breakneck speed excites you more than it terrifies you, the Rio Suarez is calling your name. With Class IV and V rapids, it’s not for the faint-hearted. Feeling slightly less brave? The Rio Fonce offers a gentler ride (think “getting splashed” rather than “drenched and questioning life choices”).
This is a really testing experience with these being the second hardest rapids to raft in South America but it is just as rewarding. We can safely say the beer after finishing can’t taste any better.
Make sure to take your waterproof camera and waterproof bag.
2. Paragliding
Ever wanted to soar like a condor? San Gil makes it easy to fulfill that dream, assuming you’re not too busy screaming. The Chicamocha Canyon offers breathtaking views and an experience you’ll never forget (even if you wish you could).
3. Caving in Cueva de la Vaca
What’s better than crawling through dark, damp spaces full of bats and insects? Nothing, apparently. Cueva de la Vaca is a must-try for those who fancy themselves as the next Indiana Jones. Pro tip: Leave your claustrophobia at home.
4.Bungee Jumping
140m. The highest Bungee jump in South America. It’s absolutely terrifying. Yes a sleepless night is normal beforehand. It is done through Bungee Extremo and the number to call them can be found through your hostel. Or you can message them on their instagram page here.
This is a ONCE in a lifetime experience that we did but the feeling after is truly insane! Cannot recommend it enough. And you won’t find much cheaper places in the world to do a jump this big.
5. Barichara Day Trip
Need a breather? Take a day trip to Barichara, a ridiculously picturesque colonial town just 45 minutes away. Wander its cobblestone streets and marvel at the fact that people lived here without Wi-Fi. If you’re feeling particularly energetic, hike the Camino Real to the tiny village of Guane.
where to eat in san Gil
After a day of heart-pounding adventures, you’ll need to refuel in style, and there’s no better place than Gringo Mike’s Burger Restaurant. We literally didn’t eat anywhere else.
Renowned as the home of the best burgers in South America, this San Gil institution is a paradise for foodies. Think juicy, perfectly cooked patties piled high with gourmet toppings and served with crispy, golden fries. The menu is as adventurous as the town itself, offering bold flavours and hearty portions that will satisfy even the most ravenous adventurer. Don’t leave San Gil without indulging in a Gringo Mike’s masterpiece—your taste buds will thank you.
FINAL THOUGHTS
San Gil isn’t just a destination; it’s a rite of passage. Whether you’re conquering rapids, soaring through canyons, or simply surviving the local bus ride, this Colombian gem will leave you with stories to tell (and maybe a few new fears).
So pack your bags, muster your courage, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime. And don’t forget—when in doubt, just scream louder. It’s all part of the fun.
If planning to travel Colombia for a decent amount of time, take a peak at Our Colombia 6 Week Itinerary.
Also make sure to keep up to date with all our Colombia blog posts here.
Hope you found this helpful and don’t be afraid to leave a comment or email us with any questions!
This sounds like an absolute adrenaline-packed dream! I’ve always wanted to try rafting on Class IV and V rapids, but I’m slightly terrified yet intrigued by the Rio Suarez. The idea of soaring over Chicamocha Canyon like a condor is both thrilling and terrifying—do you scream out of fear or joy? Cueva de la Vaca seems like a wild adventure, but I’m not sure I could handle the bats and tight spaces. On the other hand, Barichara sounds like the perfect place to unwind after all that excitement. Is it really as peaceful as it sounds? And, seriously, how bad is the Wi-Fi situation there? I’d love to hear more about your personal experience—did you conquer all these activities in one go? Let me know because I’m already packing my bags!
Hey! We love your energy—and honestly, your comment sums up the trip perfectly: a beautiful mix of adrenaline, awe, and those “what-am-I-doing?!” moments!
Rafting the Rio Suarez was next-level. The Class IV and V rapids are no joke—it’s intense, but the guides are absolute pros and make it feel like a wild, controlled chaos. We were screaming… mostly from joy (with a dash of fear, if we’re being honest 😅).
Soaring over Chicamocha Canyon is pure magic. That feeling of flying like a condor over such an epic landscape? Unreal. And yes, it’s a full-on scream moment—but in the best, most freeing way possible.
As for Cueva de la Vaca—we feel you. It’s not for the claustrophobic, but it’s such a unique experience. Once you’re in, it’s like stepping into another world. Bats? Yep. Tight spaces? For sure. But coming out the other side feels like you just unlocked a secret level in real life.
Now Barichara… that place is a dream. Cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings, golden sunsets—it’s the perfect place to reset. Super chill, super charming, and yes, actually peaceful. You feel the energy shift the moment you arrive. The Wi-Fi? It’s not blazing fast, but good enough for messages, photos, and the occasional “still alive!” update. Think “digital detox with benefits.”
And yep—we did all those activities in one go! (just about a week) It was a full-on adventure sandwich: thrill, wander, relax, repeat. Doable if you pace yourself and stay fueled (with lots of coffee and empanadas, of course).
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