Top 15 Things To Do In San Gil, Colombia

1. Take the Bridge of Love at the enchanting El Gallineral Natural Park

Step into an enchanting world at El Gallineral Natural Park with moss-draped trees practically everywhere. This island park features different walkways throughout the area and bridges overlooking scenic landscapes, perfect for family strolls. Two large swimming pools also await excited kids and adults like you. While you are already in this bewitching nature park, don’t miss the chance to walk through the renowned Bridge of Love, a covered bridge cutting over the roaring Quebrada Curití.

El Gallineral Natural Park

Address: Cra. 11 #21-1, San Gil, Santander, Colombia

Opening hours: 8am - 5:30pm (daily)

2. Ride a horse enroute to Museo Guane

Museo Guane, or Guane Archaeological and Paleontological Museum, houses over 800 archaeological pieces, including fossils that are millions of years of age and other artifacts that you will find equally intriguing. These ornaments and tools are proof that the early Guane settlers led a resourceful and colorful life back in their time. It is even more fascinating to discover that you can ride a horse on your way to this 1970 museum in Casa Paragüitas. You not only learn history but also acquire a new skill—horse riding!

Museo Guane

Address: Carrera #7 4-35, Floridablanca, Santander, Colombia

Website: Museo Guane

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 6pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

3. Have a nice stroll through Malecón Del Río Fonce

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Fonce River is known for its rip-roaring white waters, which will appeal to your adventurous spirit. If you haven’t tried white-water rafting all your life, now would be the perfect time to learn how. Many private tours offer group lessons that take off from Malecón Del Río Fonce. Find one that is most favorable to your itinerary. If for some reason, you find paddling too extreme or the weather is not favorable, you can trek through the nearby trails or jog through the concrete boardwalk instead. Malecón Del Río Fonce is surrounded by much greenery and coffee shops even. For sure, you will enjoy your early morning jog here.

Malecón Del Río Fonce

Address: San Gil-Piedecuesta #7a-91 #7a-1 a, San Gil, Santander, Colombia

4. Experience the thrill of paragliding with Parapente Chicamocha

Experience the thrill of soaring high and seeing from above the stunning beauty of San Gil, Colombia. If you are new to this adventure sport, you can seek the help of Parapente Chicamocha to learn about paragliding. Down below you’ll get a good view of the verdant rolling mountains, Chicamocha National Park, and Chicamocha Canyon before you deploy your parachute and let the wind carry you until you are gliding safely back to earth.

Parapente Chicamocha

Address: Carrera 10 #8-33, San Gil, Santander, Colombia

Website: Parapente Chicamocha

Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)

5. Explore the beautiful interiors of Catedral de la Santa Cruz

This imposing old cathedral in Santander is located near the main plaza, making it difficult to miss. Many visitors cannot help but view the cathedral inside as well as outside. With its stained windows and unique architecture, this church is truly something to behold. The ceiling is striking, and so is the altar. It was built in the 18th century and is considered one of the best attractions in San Gil.

Catedral de la Santa Cruz

Address: San Gil, Santander, Colombia

Opening hours: 6am - 8pm (daily)

6. Go whitewater rafting with Colombia Rafting Expediciones

The Suarez River is famous for whitewater rafting. If you are visiting San Gil, Colombia, why not try this once-in-a-lifetime experience? You can get professional help from Colombia Rafting Expediciones, a company that specializes in whitewater rafting tours in the area. You will be provided with the best equipment and an expert will be there to guide you and to keep you safe during the trip. They will also help you establish teamwork, as this kind of activity needs everyone’s cooperation to ensure that the trip is a success.

Colombia Rafting Expediciones

Address: San Gil, Santander, Columbia

Website: Colombia Rafting Expediciones

Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)

7. Enjoy panoramic views from the top of Cerro de la Cruz

Climb the Cerro de la Cruz, or Hill of the Cross, and see the wonderful views from above. Aside from providing a main view of the town, this place is part of the history of San Gil. Jesuit priests installed the cross on this hill in 1888 to mark their passage here. In 1995, a new cross replaced the old one, and this is the one that you can see today. The short hike to the top will reward you with a magnificent sight of the town below, offering you a chance to have an unrivaled view of San Gil and the neighboring areas in a single glance.

Cerro de la Cruz

Address: Cra. 17 #132, San Gil, Santander, Colombia

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

8. Unwind at Pozo Azul Spa

Take a dip at Pozo Azul Spa in San Gil and feel fresh and invigorated once again. With several cascading waterfalls, the cool water forms into pools that are deep enough for a nice swim. If you are looking for peace and quiet, come here on a weekday and you can have one of the pools for yourself. The beautiful surroundings, the cool and pristine water, and the peace and quiet will help you gather enough strength to tackle the challenges of life again. There are even stores nearby where you can buy some snacks and cold drinks.

Pozo Azul Spa

Address: Bucaramanga Highway, San Gil, Santander, Colombia

9. Commune with nature at Gallineral Park

Walk under moss-covered trees in Gallineral Park and follow the paths that will lead you to nature’s magnificent creations. Located on a small island that people refer to as Love Island and Beautiful Island, this park is full of trees covered with moss so thick and long that they are often called bearded trees. You can take a stroll along the paths that look like tunnels under these trees. The stone and brick paths are great for walking, but be careful during rainy days as they can be muddy and slippery. From the park, you can cross over to Quebrada Curiti using the Bridge of Love or the Bridge That I Don’t Forget. After your long walk, have a meal at the restaurant or some snacks at the cafeteria. You can even enjoy a cool dip in a pool located on the premises.

Gallineral Park

Address: Cra. 11 #21-1, San Gil, Santander, Colombia

Website: Gallineral Park

Opening hours: 8am - 5:30pm (daily)

10. Try bungee jumping with Colombia Bungee Jumping

Discover another extreme adventure in San Gil, Colombia. Try bungee jumping over water in the middle of Fonce River with the help of Colombia Bungee Jumping and experience the thrill of being suspended in the air. This company uses a mobile crane from where you will jump while being held by an elastic cord. You can fall from a height of 70 feet (21.34 meters) or higher and experience the thrilling sensation of free-falling. Nothing can match this once-in-a-lifetime thrill.

Colombia Bungee Jumping

Address: San Gil, Santander, Colombia

Website: Colombia Bungee Jumping

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

11. Pamper your palate at Gringo Mikes

Pamper your taste buds at the famous Gringo Mikes, where you can enjoy great American food in San Gil. Expect big helpings of burgers, sandwiches, salads, and burritos for lunch and dinner. They will even serve you extra coffee and other refreshing beverages for breakfast. Try the delectable salad with mango, cheese, peanut, and prawn prepared to perfection. If you have a sweet tooth, go for the gigantic, freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. After engaging in extreme adventures, enjoy a big meal at Gringo Mikes and you will feel energized and ready for the next thrill.

Gringo Mikes

Address: Barichara, Santander, Colombia

Website: Gringo Mikes

Opening hours: 8am - 11pm (daily)

12. Enjoy a vibrant nightlife at Bar el Solar

Have an unforgettable night in San Gil, Colombia. Enjoy a glass of vodka, whiskey, or wine or a bottle of ice-cold beer at Bar el Solar. Have a drink and make the most of the nightlife scene. Have a seat in the recreation area or the smoking area and get a chance to meet interesting people and make new friends. Sweat it out on the dance floor and put your modern dance moves to good use. Whether you come alone or with some friends, the night will surely be memorable and exceed your expectations.

Bar el Solar

Address: Cra. 9 #997, San Gil, Santander, Colombia

Website: Bar el Solar

Opening hours: 7am - 1am (daily)

13. Rappel down a waterfall at Cascadas de Juan Curi

Water rappelling is a thrilling and empowering extreme sport and you can experience this at Parque Ecologico Cascadas de Juan Curi. This waterfall is 180 meters (590.55 feet) high with a natural pool at the base of the rocks. Extreme sports enthusiasts come to rappel down the sheer and watery rock surface. After facing this challenging ordeal, you can take a refreshing dip in the pool. There are even some hiking trails, and if you go downstream, you will find other smaller cascades with rock faces to tackle. Feel your adrenaline surge while rappelling down from great, watery heights.

Cascadas de Juan Curi

Address: Km 22, Vía San Gil - Charalá, Charalá, Páramo, Santander, Colombia

Website: Casadas de Juan Curi

Opening hours: 8am - 4pm (daily)

14. Go mountain biking with Colombian Bike Junkies

Experience mountain biking with the help of Colombian Bike Junkies, a company that offers bike tours and bikes for mountain biking, downhill biking, and cross country. As long as you can peddle a bike, you can join the tour, which means you can enjoy biking along with your whole family. San Gil has an amazing landscape with many downhill paths and it is also blessed with diverse flora and fauna. You can pick a bike to rent at the shop so you can better explore the area.

Colombian Bike Junkies

Address: Calle 28a, San Gil, Santander, Colombia

Website: Colombian Bike Junkies

Opening hours: 7am - 9:30pm (daily)

15. Buy local delicacies at Casa de Mercado San Gil

Take a break from devouring burgers, fries, and other comfort foods during your visit to San Gil, Colombia. Instead, visit Casa de Mercado San Gil and taste some tamales, sausages, soups, fruit juices, and smoothies or sample the fresh fruits and vegetables sourced locally in Colombia. Check the various food stands for quick, affordable, and delicious meals. The market is teeming with the best produce in town, and the displays make great subjects for souvenir photographs.

Casa de Mercado San Gil

Address: San Gil, Santander, Colombia

Opening hours: 5am - 4pm (daily)

Feel empowered in San Gil, Colombia

Do you love extreme adventures? Discover sports that will keep your adrenaline pumping and make you feel great. Go bungee jumping, paragliding, water rappelling, and whitewater rafting. Ride a bike up hills and mountains, down the canyon floor, or across the country where you can feast your eyes on the grandeur of nature. There are many restaurants here that serve gourmet food, and plenty of bars to quench your thirst. For a taste of local delicacies, visit the market and buy from its food stands. With all these things to do in San Gil, Colombia, you will surely have an unforgettable visit.