5 Best Things to Do in San Gil, Colombia (Adventure Guide)
San Gil is known as the adventure capital of Colombia and is one of the most affordable places in the country for activities like rafting, paragliding, caving and canyoning. We spent three days here but actually skipped the adventure activities because we knew we would have more opportunities later in our South America trip.
Instead our highlights were taking a Barichara day trip from San Gil, visiting the viewpoints over Suarez River Canyon and leaving on a tinyyy £50 flight to Medellin.
This guide covers the best things to do in San Gil, including what we personally did and everything I would recommend for your first visit.
San Gil
5 Best Things to Do in San Gil the Adventure Capital
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1. Take a Day Trip to Barichara from San Gil
A Barichara day trip from San Gil was one of my favourite things we did in the area. The town is known for its white buildings, cobbled streets and viewpoints over the mountains and it had very European vibes. It is small so it only takes a few hours to walk around and explore and feels completely different from San Gil.
Buses leave from the Terminalito on the corner of Carrera 10 and Calle 17, around a 5 minute walk from the main square. Do not make the mistake of going to the main bus terminal outside town like I did (thanks ChatGPT lol) because the Barichara buses do not leave from there. They depart approximately every 30 minutes and the journey takes around 45 minutes. Tickets currently cost around 8,000 COP each way and we just turned up and bought ours on the day.
We started our visit with breakfast at Nona’s Bread Panaderia Artesanal before walking around the streets and shops and taking way too many photos. We then got ice cream near the main plaza and walked to Mirador Salto del Mico which overlooks the Suarez River Canyon. I would allow most of the day so you can explore without rushing.
2. Experience the Best San Gil Adventure Activities
San Gil is known as the adventure capital of Colombia with white water rafting, paragliding, caving, canyoning and bungee jumping. The activities were sooo reasonably priced compared with other places we visited in South America which is one of the main reasons people come to visit here.
We actually skipped the adventure activities because San Gil was still fairly early in our South America trip and we knew we would have more opportunities later. If I was only visiting Colombia though I would definitely make time for at least one.
3. How to get from San Gil to Medellin: The Tiny Plane Flight
If you are looking to go from San Gil to Medellin then check whether the direct Satena flight is operating on your travel date before committing to the bus. The flight only cost us around £50 and saved us from spending 10+ hours on another bus (which was not direct). I genuinely cannot believe more people do not know about it!
The flight leaves from Los Pozos Airport in San Gil and lands at Olaya Herrera Airport in Medellin. Los Pozos was the smallest airport I have ever been to (the check in desk and waiting area were basically all in one room). Our propeller plane only seated around 19 people and was so small that we could see directly into the cockpit. I was buzzing and terrified at the same time lol.
As we flew towards Medellin we passed directly over the canyon surrounding San Gil. Girl maths: it was basically a free scenic tour as well as our transport to Medellin! We had explored the Suarez River Canyon the previous day so it was soooo cool seeing it again from above. Even the landing was an experience because I could see the runway from the pilot’s point of view. It was insane!!
4. Visit Mirador Salto del Mico
Mirador Salto del Mico was one of my favourite stops during our day trip to Barichara. It overlooks the Suarez River Canyon which we then flew over on our way to Medellin the following day.
The viewpoint is within walking distance of the centre of Barichara and it was incredibly quiet when we visited. We were the only people there so we spent some time taking photos and enjoying the views before walking back into town. It is easy to add to a Barichara day trip and you do not need a tour to visit.
5. Hike the Camino Real from Barichara to Guane
The Camino Real is a 6 km stone trail connecting Barichara with the small village of Guane. Most people walk from Barichara to Guane because much of the route is downhill and it takes under two hours at a relaxed pace. You can then catch a bus or jeep back to Barichara or San Gil.
We did not have enough time to do the hike but if you want to add it to your Barichara day trip then bring comfortable shoes, suncream and plenty of water because there is not much shade along the route.
Where to Stay in San Gil
I would recommend staying close to the centre of San Gil so you can easily walk to the main square, restaurants, bus stops and tour offices. We stayed at Macondo Hostel, which was only around five minutes from the main square and worked well for us because its private rooms were soooo cheap.
What is Next?
Ultimate 3 Week Travel Itinerary
We actually spent 5 weeks in Colombia as we attended a local Spanish school in Medellin for 2 weeks. If you are planning to just travel then I recommend 3 weeks. 3 weeks gives you enough time to see the main highlights without using up all your annual leave days. This guide breaks down our exact daily route and transport tips so you can copy our itinerary easily before you arrive.
Where to next?
I am always planning my next trip and sharing everything I learn along the way. If you would like to follow my travels through 44 countries and beyond, join me on social media. From places I loved to the things I would probably do differently next time, I share honest travel advice to help you plan your own adventures. I would love to have you along for the journey.
