San Gil, which is a city in the region of Santander in the northeast of Colombia, is located approximately 95 kilometers of Bucaramanga, the capital of Santander, and 300 kilometers of Bogota. San Gil, which has a population over 40 thousand, is the third biggest city of Santander after Bucaramanga and Barrancabermeja. San Gil, whose foundation dates back to 1689, attracts much attention with its historical places and gorgeous structures as well as the various activities it offers. San Gil is one of the popular destinations for rafting, canoeing, trekking and caving.
San Gil, which has increased its popularity in the field of tourism since its foundation, was chosen as the tourism capital of Santander region in 2004. It is possible to enjoy different activities in San Gil that is especially famous for river rafting. During your stay in San Gil, you can have a more enjoyable holiday by spending your one day in Barichara which is a small colony town 20 minutes away from the center.
The name of the Parque el Gallineral park, which is one of the most popular places of San Gil, comes from the “gallinero” tree. The city's main square, which is called as the Parque la Libertad (Liberty Park), is the most beautiful place to experience the culture and nightlife of Colombia. In addition to the eating and entertainment places surrounding the square, you can also evaluate various alternatives in terms of shopping. We also advise you to see the main cathedral on the city square.
Another popular park of San Gil, which has won a name for itself in the world in ecotourism, is the Parque Nacional del Chicamocha (Chicamocha National Park or PANACHI). Parque Nacional del Chicamocha, which is about 1 hour drive away from the center of San Gil, is located within the borders of Chicamocha Canyon. You can also enjoy rafting and paragliding in the park hosting long walking tracks, a museum and cable car having a length of 6.3 kilometers. In addition, you can join the tours organized on Mesa de los Santos plateau in the park. There are areas where you can swim and climb with ropes in Cascadas de Juan Curi which also hosts waterfalls of about 180 meters long.