San Gil, Colombia

Have you heard of San Gil in Santander, Colombia? It’s a well-kept secret from the masses of tourists and offers a plethora of adventure activities. Even if you’re not an adrenaline junkie, there are plenty of other things to do in San Gil that will allow you to experience Colombia in an authentic way.

Also, if you’re traversing Colombia by land, San Gil is an ideal stop that will allow you to break up the long trip between Bogotá and the Caribbean Coast.

In this San Gil travel guide I’ll share some of the best things to do in San Gil and also provide a recap of my time there. San Gil, Colombia was my first stop on a year-long trip through South America, so you’ll see how I got my start as a novice backpacker!

For more Colombia travel tips and destination guides, head to my Colombia page.

San Gil Information and History

The town of San Gil, Colombia was officially founded in 1689. The closest major cities are Bogotá and Bucaramanga. San Gil’s economy is mostly based on agriculture, with key crops being coffee, tobacco, and sugar cane. The town has also recently emerged as a hotspot for adventure travel. Visitors flock to San Gil for rafting, mountain biking, paragliding, and canyoning, to name a few.

Useful Tip: San Gil is pronounced “San Heel” in Spanish!

My San Gil Trip Report

Getting to San Gil

I started my backpacking trip through South America by flying into Bogotá, Colombia. Although I ended up traveling for a total of 1 year, my original plan upon arriving in Colombia was much more modest—I had initially intended to travel for just 2 – 3 months! 

Upon arrival in Colombia, the first things I did were to get my yellow fever vaccination (free at Bogotá Airport) and buy a SIM card. As a solo female and novice backpacker I was a little nervous about staying safe in Bogotá, so I started my Colombia travels in San Gil instead.

To get to San Gil, I caught a Cabify to the Bogotá bus station and bought my ticket just a few minutes before the bus took off. Surprisingly, I was the only foreigner on the bus. The trip took 9 hours total, winding through breathtaking mountain scenery including cliffs and roadside waterfalls. 

I disembarked in San Gil at 9:30 PM, surprised that the rest of the bus passengers remained seated and were continuing to further destinations. I caught a cab to my hostel and intended to shower and go straight to sleep. However the hostel was quite social and I couldn’t help but check out their movie night. Before I knew it, I was on a nocturnal city tour with a new Colombian friend.

Day 1: City Center

My first day in San Gil was full of new experiences:  visiting a market, taking a local bus, and trying a menu del dia lunch. First up was experiencing a typical South American market. I took in the sights, smells, and tastes of the lively Mercado when I got breakfast there with a friend from the hostel. After a hearty Colombian breakfast of soup, eggs, and arepas, we walked up to La Gruta viewpoint to see the city from above. 

Afterward, we went to the local bus station and boarded the next bus from San Gil to Barichara, a nearby colonial town renowned for its beautiful architecture. As passengers streamed in, the bus filled with a comical cacophony of sounds. There were no headphones in sight and each passenger was blasting a playlist of reggaeton songs from their phone speakers.

Day 1: Barichara

In Barichara we traced the edge of the town, following the path that overlooks the canyon below. Next we wandered through the town’s cobblestone streets, admiring the colonial architecture. We stopped to chat with the many vendors selling artisanal products. One was selling Hormigas Culonas (literal translation: “big ass ants”), which I wasn’t brave enough to try. For lunch we asked a local gardener for a recommendation, and he sent us to a fantastic local spot. I had the menu del dia, which in South America is a fixed menu lunch (soup, drink, and main dish) that is served quickly and at an unbeatable price. 

By mid-afternoon we’d already explored all of the main sights in Barichara and took the bus back to San Gil. I realized that neither my Colombian friend nor I had used our smartphones all day! Instead, my friend had been stopping every few minutes to chat with locals, asking for directions or recommendations. I was surprised by how happy strangers were to talk to us. We also received excellent advice that simply isn’t available in guidebooks or on the internet. From then on, I made an effort to seek advice from locals for the rest of my trip.

Day 2: Casacadas de Juan Curi

My second day in San Gil began with a breakfast arepa from the Mercado, followed by a local bus trip to the Juan Curi waterfalls. From the park entrance it was a short walk to reach the falls, and on the way I saw so many butterflies! I sunbathed for a while and watched a Colombian couple bravely rappel down the waterfall. 

When it was time to leave, I waited on the side of the road until I was able to flag down a bus back to town. I spent the rest of the afternoon working out in the local gym, where I was able to easily purchase a day pass. Back home I am a dedicated gym-goer, and I was a little worried about how I would keep in shape while traveling long term!

Day 3: San Gil to Santa Marta

On my third and last day in San Gil I lounged around in my hostel’s hammock, pool, and garden area and tried to calm my nerves before taking my first ever night bus. Next stop: Santa Marta, on Colombia’s Caribbean coast!

San Gil Trip Planning Information

Things to Do in San Gil

I recommend prioritizing a visit to Barichara and Cascadas de Juan Curi. There are plenty of other things to do near San Gil, but if you’re traveling to other places in Colombia, chances are that you’ve already done or will do something similar. Adventure activities in San Gil are affordable, but if you’re on a very tight budget you can do as I did and skip them.

Day Trip From San Gil to Barichara

Barichara is a charming colonial town renowned for its unique stone architecture. It was the inspiration for the 2021 Disney film Encanto!

To get to Barichara, it’s a 30 min bus ride from San Gil. Buses leave every 45-60 min from Terminalito and tickets can be purchased from Consangil company for 6,000 COP (~1.50 USD)

Barichara is small and can be explored in less than a day by walking. Check out the churches, cemetery, main square, and viewpoints of the canyon below (Mirador de Barichara and Mirador Salto del Mico). 

From Barichara you can also walk El Camino Real to the neighboring village of Guane. This walk takes ~2 h (4.7 mi / 7.5 km) and passes by scenic farms. The trail starts where Calle 1 intersects Carrera 10 in Barichara. From Guane, the bus back to Barichara leaves from the main square at approximately 10 AM, 11.30 AM, 1 PM, 2:30 PM, 4 PM, and 5:30 PM.

Cascadas de Juan Curi

The Cascadas de Juan Curi waterfall is an impressive 656 ft (200 m) high, and you’ll walk 20-30 min from the park entrance to reach the falls. The trail is not difficult but can be slippery and muddy when wet. At the park, you can also buy a tour to rappel down the waterfall.

To get there, take a local bus to Charala for 6,000 COP (1.50 USD) and ask the driver to drop you off at Las Cascadas. Buses leave very frequently and it’s a 40 min ride. The entrance to the waterfall is 12,000 COP (3 USD), and the waterfall is open daily from 8 AM – 4 PM.

Viewpoints

For a panoramic view of San Gil, walk up to Cerro de la Cruz or La Gruta. It should take less than 15 min to get to the top and there are no entrance fees.

City Center

San Gil’s city center is small, and you can quickly explore the main square, the cathedral, and the mercado.

Pescaderito Swimming Hole

To get to the Pescaderito local swimming hole, take a local bus to Curiti and then walk 50 min along the road or take a mototaxi. Pescaderito is free to visit.

Pozo Azul Swimming Hole

For another place to swim or cool off, check out Pozo Azul. You can get there by walking 45 min from San Gil or by taking a taxi. There’s no entrance fee.

Parque Gallineral Nature Park

Parque Gallineral is a nature park that is 10 min walking from the city center. The entrance fee is 6,000 COP (1.50 USD).

San Gil Adventure Activities

In San Gil you can go rafting, ziplining, bungee jumping, canyoning, kayaking, paragliding, and caving. Check out what tours are available online, or buy from various tour offices in town. Your accommodation may also offer tours!

Nightlife in San Gil

San Gil is a small town and there is not a huge party scene. However there are some lively bars around the main square and along the main streets of the historic center.

How Long to Stay in San Gil

2 days in San Gil is enough to see the main attractions. However if you’re planning on doing some guided adventure activities in San Gil, plan on extra days for these.

San Gil Weather and When to Go

In San Gil, the weather is warm year-round with cool nights. December to March and July to September are the dry seasons. You can still visit in the rainy season, but just be prepared for afternoon rain showers.

San Gil Hotels and Where to Stay

Thankfully, San Gil is a small town and you shouldn’t have a problem finding an affordable place to stay near the center. Here are my recommendations:

Budget: Traveler Hostel. I stayed in the dorm here and loved it. They also have private rooms. The hostel is near the city center, comfortable, and clean. They have a huge garden area with hammocks and a pool that overlooks the city. The hostel also hosts great social activities including movie nights and dance classes.

Mid-range: Cafe Hotel Boutique Kjtagua. Get your own private room in the heart of the city, with a rooftop bar.

Splurge: Glamping Trinidad el Cielo San Gil. San Gil is great for experiencing luxury on a budget, and this glamping experience is a steal for the price. You’ll get your own private chalet with a giant hammock and hot tub overlooking the mountains.

Where to Eat and Drink in San Gil

The Mercado next to the main square is a great place to get an authentic and affordable breakfast or lunch. There are also vendors in the main square selling street food.

For fast and affordable options, check out the food court of Centro Comercial El Puente. In the historic center, you’ll also find a variety of western and traditional restaurants. 

The quality of tap water in San Gil may vary. Ask your accommodation before drinking any, and when in doubt drink filtered/bottled water or travel with a LifeStraw.

Is San Gil Safe?

The historic center of San Gil is very safe. To be cautious, at night avoid walking alone in places such as quiet streets, the viewpoints above the city, and the area around the bus station. Check out my Colombia safety guide for more tips, and make sure you have travel insurance.

San Gil Budget and Money

Some vendors in San Gil accept cash only, and there are several ATMs in the city center. 

San Gil is not yet overrun by tourism, meaning prices are significantly lower than other destinations in Colombia. Use this opportunity to let your budget recover, or to indulge in affordable experiences!

Expect to pay 1 – 3 USD for street food or breakfast and ~3 USD for a fixed menu lunch (“menu del dia”). A la carte meals, dinners, and Western food may cost around twice as much as local food.

For basic accommodation near the city center, anticipate paying 5 – 20 USD for a hostel bed and 10 – 40 USD for a private room with a private bathroom. There’s a huge range of accommodation options, with higher prices offering more luxurious stays.

Buses in and out of San Gil will cost ~1 – 3 USD per hour of travel.

What to Bring to San Gil

For a full list of what to bring, check out my Colombia packing list. I would stress the following:

• Downloaded maps of San Gil and nearby areas you want to visit (use Google Maps or MapsME)
• SIM or eSIM card
• Rain jacket (Women’s, Men’s)
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Natural mosquito spray

How to Get to San Gil

Check out my guide to transportation in Colombia for more information.

How to Get to San Gil by Bus

I recommend using BusBud to look up prices and bus routes to San Gil.

Bogotá to San Gil: 7+ h, buses leave every 15-60 min. Buses headed to Bucaramanga or Cucuta will likely stop in San Gil. 

Medellín to San Gil: 8+ h, connect in Bucaramanga. 

Santa Marta to San Gil: 9+ h, connect in Bucaramanga.

Bucaramanga to San Gil: 3h, buses or collectivos leave frequently.

Flying to San Gil

The closest airport is Bucaramanga (BGA), which has direct flights from Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena. From the airport take a taxi or Rideshare to the Bucaramanga bus station, then take a bus to San Gil.

How to Get Around San Gil

The San Gil bus station is a 25 min walk from the city center, and it’s best to take a taxi or shared shuttle (collectivo), especially at night.

Most attractions within the town can be visited on foot. Buses from the local bus station (Terminalito Provincial), located on the corner of Calle 17 and Carrera 10, will take you to local attractions that are too far to walk to.

Taxis are widely available and cost a minimum of 4,500 COP (~1 USD). Rideshare apps such as Uber don’t work in San Gil. Mototaxis may be available and will be cheaper than taxis.

Where to Go Next

• Santa Marta 
• Bogotá
• Nearby off the beaten path destinations: Guadalupe, Bucaramanga, Villa de leyva, Mongui, Raquia, Cocuy National Park

Thanks for reading, and I hope this San Gil travel guide helps you prepare for your Colombia trip! Would you make a trip to San Gil, Colombia or have you already visited? Let me know in the comments. 

For more Colombia travel tips and destination guides, head to my Colombia page.

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