San Gil is an adrenaline-fuelled city set on the River Fonce and surrounded by jungle-covered mountains. The city is an adventure hub and offers an onslaught of activities to get your pulse racing. Sign up for white water rafting, caving, waterfall rappelling, bungy jumping and more.
Things to do in San Gil
Like most South American cities, San Gil is centred around a lively square. It’s called Parque Principal and framed by handsome historic buildings, including Catedral de Santa Cruz built in the 18th century. Vendors set up under the trees and serve piping hot “arepa” cornmeal cakes and “carimañolas” yuca fritters stuffed with meat and cheese.
Strap on a helmet and descend into Cueva de la Vaca. Guided tours take you deep into the cave, which is decorated with sparkling stalagmites and stalactites. This experience isn’t for the faint-hearted. Prepare to crawl through muddy caverns and swim through a flooded tunnel.
Get lost in Parque El Gallineral, an enchanting park set on the River Fonce. Paths wind through the park and take you past trees dripping with “barbas de viejo” moss. Sunlight filters through the canopy and gives the park a magical feel.
Cool off in Balneario Pozo Azul, a natural swimming pool surrounded by lush greenery. Small waterfalls cascade into the pool and keep the water cool and crystalline. Cascadas de Juan Curi is another great place to swim. The falls plunge into an emerald-green pool bordered by flat rocks that are perfect for sunbathing.
From white water rafting adventures along the River Fonce to rappelling down a 180-metre-high waterfall, there’s plenty to get your pulse racing in San Gil. Join a guided mountain biking tour, throw yourself off a bungee jumping platform and take to the skies on a tandem paragliding flight.
Getting around San Gil
San Gil is compact and easy to get around on foot. Long-distance buses run between Medellin and Bucaramanga in about eight hours. From here, you can take a bus to San Gil in around 2.5 hours.