San Gil proudly wears the crown as Colombia’s adventure capital. During my week-long stay, it became apparent that the adventure options were limitless. Activities ranged from bungee jumping and cave exploring to exhilarating white water rafting. However, beyond the adrenaline rush, San Gil offers ample opportunities for relaxed travelers seeking a tranquil and unwinding experience.

Things to Do

This city offers a multitude of both adventurous and relaxing activities. I personally leaned towards adrenaline-pumping experiences during my stay. It’s worth mentioning that the majority of these activities can be conveniently booked through your hostel either the day before or on the day itself. This flexibility enables you to team up with newfound travel companions and share these thrilling adventures together. Here are my top 5 things to do:

1. Bungee Jumping

There are two bungee jumping spots in this area: a 70-foot jump over a river and a 140-foot jump offering a breathtaking view. The river jump, at 70 feet, comes highly recommended by many due to its close proximity to the water and the exhilarating experience it offers. However, given more time and less fear, I’d opt for the 140-foot jump—the tallest bungee jump in South America.

• Where: San Gil
• Duration: 1hour
• Price: 40,000 COP (20 USD)

2. Ziplining

The ziplining experience offers the same stunning view as the 140-foot bungee jump but presents a serene and tranquil adventure. Additionally, there’s a nearby restaurant renowned for its panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains, particularly enchanting during the sunset.

• Where: San Gil
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Price: 40,000 COP (20 USD)

3. Paragliding Chicamocha Canyon

Chicamocha National Park, located near San Gil, might not be as rewarding to explore on foot, according to some recommendations. However, experiencing the area through paragliding offers a serene and breathtaking perspective of the surroundings. I had the chance to paraglide in both this area and in Medellín. While both provide incredible views, I found Medellín’s paragliding experience slightly more captivating. If you’re short on time and contemplating where to paraglide, consider Medellín as it offers a unique blend of cityscape and natural beauty from up above.

• Where: Chicamocha National Park
• Duration: 5 hours
• Price: 100,000 COP (25 USD)

4. Visit Barichara

There is a small village located just a 45-minute bus ride from San Gil that offers a peaceful respite from the excitement of San Gil. This village features cobblestone streets, picturesque white cottages, the Iglesia de Santa Bárbara, and the Parque Para Las Artes. Additionally, the hike from Barichara to Guane boasts stunning vistas and remarkable sights along the way. However, it’s important to note that the ambiance and views on this hike resemble those found in Jardin. If time is limited, you might consider exploring other unique adventures instead.

• Where: Barichara
• Duration: 4-7 hours depending on if you plan to explore the area
• Price: 16,000 COP (4 USD) for the round-trip bus fare from San Gil to Barichara

5. Caving at La Cueva de la Vaca

For an exhilarating adventure that’s not easily found everywhere, consider visiting one of the caves just outside San Gil for an exploration inside. This activity isn’t recommended for those severely claustrophobic, as it involves navigating narrow passageways, wading through neck-deep water, crouching in darkness, and even ducking underwater to pass through tight spots. However, the experience rewards you with stunning ceilings adorned with stalactites above, offering a truly unique and unforgettable experience!

• Where: Curiti
• Duration: 4 hours
• Price: 40,000 COP (20 USD)

Travel Costs

Suggested Budgets

• Low Budgeting (Approx. 100,000 COP (25 USD) per day):
  • Hostel dorm accommodation
  • Cooking some meals and opting for inexpensive street food
  • Limited alcoholic beverages
  • Engaging in free or low-cost activities
• Mid-Range Budgeting (Approx. 175,000 COP (45 USD) per day):
  • Private AirBNB or hostel room
  • Dining out for all meals
  • Enjoying more paid activities such as paragliding, rafting, or tubing.

Accommodation

In San Gil, hostel dorm rooms typically range from 25,000 to 40,000 COP (6 to 10 USD) per night. While a private room or AirBNBs averages between 35,000 and 80,000 COP (9 to 20 USD). Budget hotels are also available at around 100,000 COP (25 USD) per night.

Food

Colombian cuisine, a fusion of indigenous, Spanish, and Afro-Caribbean influences, primarily features staples like rice, beans, plantains, and a variety of meats. Almost every meal will also be accompanied by a delicious juice. Notably, it’s not only delicious but also budget-friendly, making it a delightful culinary experience for any traveler.

• Local eateries serve meals starting from 12,500 COP (3 USD).
• Western restaurants charge approximately 30,000 COP (7.5 USD) for a main dish.
• Vegetarian and even vegan options are available at similar prices of around 25,000 COP (6 USD).

Groceries

Shopping for groceries is incredibly affordable, averaging about 80,000 COP per week for essential staples. Most hostels provide kitchen facilities, allowing you to prepare your own meals and further lower your food expenses.

Beverages

At bars, a beer can range from 10,000 to 15,000 COP (2.5 to 4 USD), while cocktails or glasses of wine are typically around 30,000 COP (7.5 USD).

When to Go

San Gil maintains a relatively stable climate owing to its position amidst surrounding mountain ranges. Temperatures typically hover around 70°F, providing a comfortably mild atmosphere. Choosing the best time to visit largely depends on your preference for crowds and social opportunities. The peak tourist season spans from December to March, offering lively atmospheres but also larger crowds.

Travel Tips

1. Local Cuisine: Save money by indulging in local dishes rather than opting for western food.
2. Flights: Consider airlines like Viva Air, LATAM, and Avianca. Booking a few weeks in advance usually yields the best deals. However, if you, like me, tend to be indecisive, I found that even purchasing the flight just three days in advance still resulted in surprisingly affordable options. Additionally, airlines tend to be flexible with weight restrictions for bags.
3. Ground Transportation: Utilize the redBus app for intercity travel, and don’t hesitate to seek advice from locals or hostels. Overnight buses are safe.
4. Uber Strategy: Uber stands out as the optimal means of traveling within cities in Colombia. Despite being an affordable option for city navigation, it’s crucial to acknowledge that Uber operates in a legal gray area. When utilizing the service, consider sitting in the front seat and offering a tip to your driver, who takes on a certain level of risk by providing this service.
5. Water Bottle: Unless you’re explicitly informed that the water is safe, assume it’s not potable. Carry a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter. While tap water is generally safe in cities, but in smaller towns and beach areas, it’s advisable to avoid it. Personally, I prefer using the LifeStraw Filter bottle for its reliable filtration capabilities.
6. Basic Spanish: Even basic Spanish goes a long way. Apps like Duolingo can help bridge the language gap, as only a small percentage (3%) of the native population speaks English.
7. ATM Tips: Look for a Davivienda (red ATM), which often provides a more comfortable experience. When prompted about foreign transaction fees, select ‘no’ to potentially avoid additional charges. If a Davivienda isn’t available, try clicking ‘no’ anyway, as it may work in your favor.

How to Get to San Gil

Opt for redBus to facilitate your intercity travels. For more distant cities, consider using airlines like Viva Air, LATAM, and Avianca to fly into Bucaramanga, followed by a 3-hour bus ride to reach San Gil. Here’s the estimated travel time for each destination:

• Bucaramanga: 3 hours by bus
• Villa de Leyva: 5 hours by bus
• Bogotá: 7 hours by bus
• Cali: 13 hours by bus or 1.5 hour by plane to Bucaramanga
• Cartagena: 13 hours by bus or 1.5 hours by plane to Bucaramanga
• Medellín: 9 hours by bus or 1 hour by plane to Bucaramanga
• Neiva: 11 hours by bus or 1.5 hours by plane to Bucaramanga
• Pereira: 12 hours by bus or 1.5 hours by plane to Bucaramanga
• Popayan: 16 hours by bus or 1.5 hours by plane to Bucaramanga
• Santa Marta: 11 hours by bus or 1 hour by plane to Bucaramanga

Hostel Recommendations

Macondo Hostel (San Gil): Tejo Tuesdays and a wide array of daily activities awaited at this vibrant hostel. The hosts were exceptional in assisting with any activity you fancied, even on the same day.

Staying Safe

1. Exercise Caution: While Colombia is generally safe, exercising caution is essential. Petty crimes, especially at night, can occur.
2. Valuables: Conceal your valuables and avoid wandering in unfamiliar areas after dark. Don’t wear flashy jewelry or have your phone out on the streets.
3. ATM Safety: When using ATMs, opt for ones with closed doors and locks. Consider using Davivenda for added security. They offer air conditioning, doors with locks, and no ATM fees.
4. Backpack Security: Keep your backpack on your lap or securely fastened to your foot or chair to deter theft. Many people to choose to where the backpacks in front when traveling for added protection.
5. Trust Your Instincts: In emergencies, dial 123 for assistance.
6. Drinking Safety: Refrain from accepting drinks from strangers, regardless of gender. Purchase your own to maintain control. This practice is particularly important for women, as cultural norms may lead to unsolicited offers.
7. Transportation Caution: Stick to Uber for transportation, especially at night. It’s been advised to avoid hailing taxis off the street, as some may not be licensed and could pose a risk. Using taxis from the airport is generally considered safe.