San Gil is one of the most important municipalities in the department of Santander. In 2004 it was given the title of the Tourist Capital of Santander since its progress in the field of tourism has been highlighted thanks to the different activities and options offered by the municipality. The extreme sports in San Gil are the most preferred by tourists.
San Gil has approximately 46,000 inhabitants, it is a municipality with paved roads that allows it to communicate with nearby towns such as Charalá, Barichara, Curití and San Joaquín, among others, this facility provides San Gil with an advance in the development of the region. This municipality has a great natural richness, beautiful landscapes and variety of plans, without a doubt, a magical place that you cannot miss.
HOW TO GET TO SAN GIL, SANTANDER
The municipality of San Gil is located in Santander, 2 hours from Bucaramanga, and approximately 8 hours from Bogotá. To get to San Gil from Bogotá you must take a bus from the transport terminal of your preference, the route is 327 kilometers. The buses will take you directly to the municipality.
GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE IN SAN GIL
San Gil has an area of 149.5 square kilometers, is located 1,117 meters above sea level and has an average temperature of 24°C to 32°C. When visiting San Gil, it is advisable to wear comfortable and light clothing, sunscreen and a bathing suit.
ATTRACTIONS IN SAN GIL, SANTANDER
San Gil is an attractive municipality on its own, it has wonderful landscapes and incredible places to visit, in addition, its gastronomy is very interesting. The region offers a variety of extreme and adventure sports. It is important to mention that San Gil has a location close to the Chicamocha Canyon, which means that it lends itself to a broader tour and to getting to know more of the beautiful department of Santander.
WHAT TO DO IN SAN GIL?
In San Gil you will surely not have enough time to travel and know everything you need to visit. The first thing you should do is take a tour of the municipality to visit the different parks. One of the most visited parks is Gallineral Park, a park of about 4 hectares full of trees, paths and an impressive natural swimming pool. Although the municipality of San Gil is mostly urban territory, this park is a nature reserve and a great lung for Santander. Some indigenous people of the Guane tribe also live there. Tourists are allowed to enter this reserve and learn about the culture and history of this community.
Gallineral Park
One of the attractions of this park is its vegetation, since its trees are painted with white moss that gives the park a beautiful image.
One of the known places in the Gallineral park is Playita de la Piedra del Pato, in this part of the park the visitor will be able to practice sports like rafting and navigation.
One of the favorite places of the tourists is the Pozo Azul, this place has caves and its waters are of a specially blue color.
This municipality has a great amount of curiosities, the famous Bridge of the Locks is one of them. This bridge is the scene of lovers who swear their love on the bridge and put a closed padlock, the key is thrown to the Fonse River. These padlocks give an account of the eternal union of the Santanderean couples and tourists in love.
Waterfalls in the Gallineral Park
On the other hand, one of the most important and recommended activities in San Gil is paragliding, we say important because it is the activity that represents the most entrance to the capital for the municipality, besides that it is an unforgettable experience, because the landscape you will enjoy is completely beautiful.
Other extreme practices such as cable flying, extreme swinging and bungee jumping can be done with the different companies that offer tourist services in the municipality.
GASTRONOMY IN SAN GIL
Santander is a department known worldwide for the consumption of an animal that generally no one eats, we are talking about the famous Ant Culona, this animal comes out once a year, the Santandereans hunt them and then toast them, the only thing that is added is a little salt. If you visit San Gil, you have to try this strange delicacy.
Other characteristic dishes of this region of the country are the Mute, a soup that contains a variety of grains, the mute is a must, and it tastes delicious. On the other hand, the Cabrito Santandereano and the arepa de maíz are also very popular.
Best of all, in the Plaza de San Gil there is a variety of restaurants where you can taste these delicacies.
WHERE TO STAY IN SAN GIL?
San Gil has been increasing its hotels and lodgings thanks to the also increase of tourists interested in this destination, that’s why you can find a variety of hotels, hostels and camping areas in this wonderful tourist destination.
Guernika hostel: It is located 0.6 kilometers from the center of San Gil, on 11 avenue, number 12-72. They offer services of extreme sports and ecotourism. Its rooms have private bathroom, comfortable beds, 32″ LED TV, 10 Mb Wi-Fi and fan. It offers 24-hour reception and a kitchen for the use of tourists.
Phone: 3016051495 – Fax: (7)7237308
Website: www.guernikahostel.com
E-mail: guernikahostel@gmail.com
Casa Colonial San Gil: located in the heart of San Gil, just one block from the main park “La Libertad” and the Cathedral. A place exclusively for relaxing and resting, ideal for single travelers, couples, families or groups. Coordination of adventure sports such as rafting, paragliding, caving among others.
Tourist orientation and information, ticket office for Chicamocha park, breakfast service, guest kitchen, free Wi-Fi, social areas with hammocks. We coordinate your terrestrial ticket to any destination in Colombia with preferential rates. It has restaurant service, rooms with private bathroom and TV.
Address: 8 street # 8-66, San Gil
Phone: +57(7)7238819 | Fax: +57(304)2472741
Website: www.hotelsangilcasacolonial.com
E-mail: casaromehostel@gmail.com
