San Gil, capital of the Santander region, is a sensational stop in the Colombian countryside. This sparsely populated pueblo is home to just 50,000 welcoming residents, and while charming enough, it's not the real attraction here. Instead, those visiting fixate on attractions just outside of town.

The surrounding area is a treasure-trove for exploration, resulting in San Gil's affectionate title: 'La Tierra de Adventure' – The Land of Adventure.

Whatever activity springs to mind, a stop at San Gil guarantees the chance to try it. From paragliding over vast canyons to rappelling down cascading waterfalls and traversing hair-raising white water rapids, there is something here for everyone.

The area surrounding San Gil isn't just for adventures; it's also steeped in history and beauty. You have national parks and the world's second-largest canyon on your doorstep. Barichara – the prettiest town in Colombia – is just a short bus away. As are the quaint pueblos of Guane and Jordan.

San Gil offers endless adventure, stunning landscapes, and much more to make it an essential stop for anyone wandering through Colombia.

Your stay in San Gil will likely follow a stint in Minca or Palomino.

The journey is complicated if you're heading to San Gil from Minca. First, you must double back to Santa Marta, which should cost 10,000 COP. From Santa Marta, catch a bus making the long journey to Bucaramanga. This 10-hour trip will cost 92,000 COP. With trips of this length, we advise catching an overnight bus, saving money on accommodation. Once in Bucaramanga, the final leg of your journey to San Gil consists of a two-and-a-half-hour bus, costing 25,000 COP.

From Palomino, your journey will be even longer. But only just. From Palomino, you must once again double back to reach Santa Marta. The one-and-a-half-hour bus will cost 12,000 COP. From Santa Marta, your journey to San Gil is just the same as it would be from Minca, costing 117,000 COP via two buses and a change at Bucaramanga.

Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links, and we may earn a small commission should you use them, for which we are incredibly grateful. However, the recommendations are still our own and intended to advise on the very best experiences San Gil has to offer.

Explore San Gil

San Gil earns its title of 'La Tierra de Adventure.' However, town life is more laid back, making it the perfect antidote to a pulse-pounding adventure.

Parque Gallineral

Parque Gallineral is a four-hectare nature reserve found ten minutes from the town center. Adorning the park, you'll find swathes of Barbas de Viejo – old man's beard – which lends an ethereal quality to your surroundings. There are also several creeks flowing through the reserve and plenty of paths to follow if you're up for a walk. There's even a swimming pool, open from 9 AM to 5 PM.

The park is a great place to relax, and as the park is open from 8 AM to 6 PM, there is plenty of time to do just that. If you forget some snacks, there is a small restaurant and cafe to grab some grub.

Be aware of the modest 6,000 COP entrance fee. It's a small price to pay for access to the stunning reserve. Bring your camera to capture the park and a good book to zone out with.

Parque La Libertad

Parque La Libertad is another spot deserving your attention. Also known as Parque Principal, Parque La Libertad is the main square in San Gil. As with most towns in Colombia, daily life centers around the square. It's a great spot to hang out with other travelers and friendly locals.

Several bars and restaurants form a perimeter around the plaza, not to mention a small army of street food sellers. Evenings see the square bustling with activity as locals congregate to share food, drinks, and laughs with friends and loved ones.

As with most plazas in Colombia, a church dominates the square. In San Gil's case, that church is Iglesia de la Santa Cruz.

Constructed during the 18th century, Iglesia de la Santa Cruz is one of San Gil's most lavish landmarks. It's even more beautiful on the inside, and access to the church is free.

CaSa de mercado San Gil

You'll find Casa de Mercado San Gil a couple blocks from the main square. This market offers an intoxicating assortment of sights and smells. If you're looking to save cash by making your own meals and are smart enough to curb pricier supermarkets, this should be your go-to.

Aside from selling raw ingredients, you can also grab some great street food at the market. The arepas, tamales, and smoothies are delicious.

Cerro de la Cruz

Away from the town, there is a viewpoint found 30-minutes from Parque La Libertad. Cerro de La Cruz is located at the top of a hill offering panoramic views of San Gil. Bar an uphill incline, the journey is easy going. While the ascent may leave you slightly out of breath, the view is worth it.

At the summit, you'll find a cross that has stood at the top of Cerro de La Cruz since 1888. While there isn't anything to do per se, Cerro de la Cruz is a great place to go with some new friends and catch the sunset.

White Water Rafting on the River Suarez

White water rafting is one of the most in-demand activities in San Gil. Though there are several places to go rafting, the most popular is the River Suarez, located 20 kilometers from town. The River Suarez is one of just a few places that boast class five rapids, making for an unforgettable, if slightly hair-raising, experience.

Colombia Rafting Expeditions is the most popular rafting operator in San Gil. They offer a six-hour tour to the River Suarez, costing 140,000 COP. the tour includes English-speaking guides and food and drink for the outing. The tour involves a 15-kilometer paddle tackling class four and five rapids. You'll spend up to three hours in the water.

You'll need to bring a copy of your passport before departing. As you're likely to get soaked, avoid taking electronics that don't take kindly to getting wet.

A t-shirt and shorts will suffice for clothing. Avoid flip-flops; you'll only lose them. Insect repellent and sunscreen are also essentials. Don't forget a towel and spare clothing to change into at the end of the tour. Once back in San Gil, the company will e-mail you a selection of photos from your time on the water.

Paragliding and The Chicamocha Canyon

Two hours from San Gil, you'll find Parque Nacional del Chicamocha, home to the world's second-largest canyon. The Chicamocha Canyon is approximately 46 million years old, spanning 230 kilometers in length and two kilometers in depth.

The canyon is a sight to behold, and how does Colombia commemorate the beauty of Mother Nature? By plonking a theme park on a hill overlooking the canyon. Though the placement is bizarre, it is here that you must pay the national park entrance fee, a sum of 25,000 COP. 

The best adventures in Parque Nacional del Chicamocha include paragliding, taking a cable car across the canyon, and hiking. 

Paragliding is easily the most popular activity. Expect to pay around 200,000 COP for 30-45 minutes in the air. It's a lot, but spending over half an hour soaring above one of the world's largest canyons is a magical experience that will stay with you forever. Bring a camera.

Several tour agencies offer paragliding at the Chicamocha Canyon; Parapente Chicamocha is the most popular and boasts a private fly zone higher than anywhere else in the canyon. Guides are also bilingual, a big bonus.

The other popular activity in the national park is a ride across the canyon in one of the world's longest cable cars, stretching 6.3 kilometers across the canyon's breadth. The cable car ride costs 25,000 COP. You can purchase tickets while paying the park entrance fee.

Barichara

Taking a breather from 'The Land of Adventure' sees many make a trip to nearby Barichara, dubbed the prettiest town in Colombia. Barichara is accessible from San Gil via a 1-hour bus costing 4,000 COP.

Barichara literally means 'place to rest,' and it's easy to see why. The pueblo is lined with serene cobblestoned streets and whitewashed walls on typically colonial buildings. All overlooking the stunning Colombian countryside.

The town is a photographer's dream, and one of the best ways to spend your time is by wandering around and snapping pictures. A stop at the local plaza, Parque Para Los Artes, is a particular highlight, as is the adjacent Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepcion.

Barichara is home to its fair share of cafes, craft stores, and some great spots to grab a bite to eat. Shanti and El Compa are popular among locals if you fancy some grub.

Speaking of food, if you're feeling brave, Barichara is a great place to try one of Colombia's culinary delicacies, Hormigus Culunas, translating to 'big-ass ants.' The ants are roasted with salt and taste a little bit like popcorn. In the same vein, the town is a great place to try some of Colombia's most popular tipples, Sabajon and Chica, both produced locally.

If you're not content to wander around and relax, you may want something active to occupy yourself. Luckily, Barichara is the best spot to commence the popular Camino Real hike.

The Camino Real Hike

Barichara ➤ Guane

For most, the Camino Real hike is a straightforward path from Barichara to the nearby village of Guane. However, this is just a small portion of the full trail. The full trail covers 34 kilometers with stopovers in Guane, Villanueva, Jordan, and Los Santos.

If you opt for the full hike, you'll need overnight accommodation in Villanueva. You'll cover just under 15 kilometers on the first day, following the well-trodden trail from Barichara to Guane and then onwards to Villanueva. This should take around five hours, though it will be longer if you stop to explore the quaint village of Guane.

Walking from Barichara to Guane will take two hours, covering 6.5 kilometers. Departing from Barichara, the trek begins a few minutes from Capilla de Santa Barbara and Mirador de Barichara, down Calle 1a. The route is straightforward, running along a well-established path steeped in history. The road was built by the indigenous Guane peoples. It was then used by the Conquistadors to transport goods throughout the region. Stunning views of the Chicamocha canyon and rolling hills lie parallel to the path.

On the way, you'll cross the Mirador de la Piedra, a clearly marked viewpoint where you can purchase refreshments for the remainder of the journey to Guane.

Whether Guane marks the end of your time following Camino Real or you're continuing onwards, take some time to explore this beautiful little village. Upon entering Guane, head to Parque Principal Guane – the town's charming central plaza. Crowned by Iglesia de Santa Lucia, the plaza is the perfect pitstop for a breather. You'll also find a local market and a museum dedicated to the region's indigenous peoples. If peckish, make a beeline for Ojala. This little restaurant comes highly recommended offering well-priced meals and a variety of veggie and vegan dishes.

If heading back to San Gil from Guane, you can catch a direct bus for 6,600 COP. If not, it's onwards to Villanueva.

Guane ➤ Villaneuva

The walk from Guane to Villanueva covers 8.5 kilometers and should take three and a half hours. This leg sees you following dirt roads and passing farms. The path is mostly uphill, though the incline isn't steep.

The path can sometimes be difficult to follow with several forks on the road. At one point, the trail disappears completely in a place called Filo Tierranegra. Here the road splits into two; bear left, and you'll pick up the path 20 yards down the road.

Along this part of the trail, you'll come across two viewpoints – Mirador De La Virgen and Mirador Del Valle. Both are great places to take a breather.

You'd arrive at Villanueva by dusk if you left Barichara at a reasonable time. Hopefully, you'll have booked accommodation at Villaneuva before your arrival. Doing so frees up time to explore the village without scurrying to find a bed for the night.

Regarding accommodation, your options are few and far between. The best of the bunch is Hotel San Miguel and Posada Villa Chepy. Neither is much to write home about. Rooms are basic, and prices are low. You should be able to bag a private room with an ensuite for 30,000 COP.

Accommodation sorted, you'll have time to explore Villanueva. Amongst the village's highlights is the ice cream shop El Nevado. You can choose from various weird and wonderful flavors at El Nevado, including cheese, fig, avocado, and guanabana.

Villaneuva's main square, Parque Principal, is one block away from El Nevado. The square is surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and of course the local church – Parroquia San Luis Gonzaga de Villanueva.

If you're looking for food in the evening, head to the popular Restaurante Villa Chala. Here you'll be able to secure a hearty supper for somewhere between 10,000 and 24,000 COP. The restaurant becomes a bit livelier in the evenings. Grab a beer for 2,500 COP if you wish to join in. However, we don't recommend staying out for the party. You have an early start the next day. 

Villanueva ➤ Jordan

The next morning, aim to be up by 6 AM for the longest leg of the hike. This part of the Camino Real trail takes you to Jordan, located at the Chicamocha Canyon base. Reaching Jordan sees you cover a further 15 kilometers over five hours.

Before departing Villaneuva, we recommend nipping into Panaderia de Milanese to stock up on some snacks for the trail ahead.

Before starting your descent into the canyon, take a breather at the Mirador Del Canyon De Chicamocha.

Jordan is the tiniest pueblo on the Camino Real trail by some distance. The village has a plaza, a small church, a small store, and a bakery. That really is about it. Though the pueblo is quaint, being located at the canyon's base makes it a worthwhile checkpoint.

Jordan ➤ Los Santos

After passing through Jordan, you'll be on the hike's final leg, heading up out of the canyon and towards Los Santos. Though this 5.1-kilometer stretch is the shortest on the trail, an 850-meter ascent from the canyon's belly makes it challenging.

Departing Jordan, head towards the small bridge that takes you back onto the Camino Real trail. The journey should take around three hours following a straightforward route.

Once in Los Santos, it's worth stopping at the village's central plaza, Parque Central Los Santos. Grab a bite to eat and a well-deserved drink or two to celebrate completing the hike. Afterwards, if you still have some time to spare, stroll around Templo Parroquial Nuestra Senora De Las Nieves and Iglesia Los Santos. Then, it's time to head back to San Gil.

Getting to San Gil from Los Santos can be tricky with no direct bus. To get back, catch a taxi to nearby Piedecuesta for 5,000 COP. Then, grab a connecting bus to San Gil for 10,000 COP.

Bungee Jumping

For the bravest among you, bungee jumping is one of the best adventure activities available in the area surrounding San Gil.

San Gil's leading bungee site, run by Colombia Bungee Jumping, is located on Rio Fonce, a two-kilometer 10,000 COP taxi from town.

The activity costs 70,000 COP, though you can bag a second jump for half that price. The prices make San Gil one of the cheapest places in the world to try bungee jumping. That might actually worry some, thinking there's a risk attached to the low cost. But Colombia Bungee Jumping has an impeccable track record for safety. They also boast English-speaking staff, which goes a long way in settling nerves before your leap of faith.

The jump is 70 meters from atop a crane overlooking the river. Don't be surprised if your head takes a dunk in the river as you finish falling.

Cascada Juan Cauri - Rappelling & Canyoning

45 minutes from San Gil is the Cascadas Juan Curi Ecological Park, home to the 200 meters tall Cascada Juan Curi waterfall. Here you'll find several activities centered around the waterfall. For a laidback experience, you can swim in the pool at the waterfall's base. If you're feeling a tad braver, canyoning and rappelling are options.

Getting there requires a 45-minute bus from San Gil, costing 5,000 COP. After reaching the ecological park, you'll need to pay an entrance fee of 9,000 COP. From the park entrance, follow the well-marked path for 25 minutes to reach the waterfall.

If rappelling takes your fancy, expect to pay 45,000 COP for the activity. It's a fun experience, though it requires a good deal of courage and upper body strength.

Canyoning is even more demanding. You will haul yourself through caves, rappel down parts of the waterfall and take a leap of faith from the cliff face into the pool below. However, at 90,000 COP, it's a pricier alternative to rappelling.

La Cueva De La Vaca & Balneario Pescaderito

La Cueva de la Vaca and Balneario Pescaderito are accessible via a 30-minute bus from San Gil to the town of Curitiba, costing 5,200 COP. Curiti is a charming pueblo just north of San Gil. Like most of Colombia's small villages, it's worth wandering around Curiti's central square, Parque Principal Curiti. Especially if you're looking for somewhere to grab lunch.

The main activity in Curiti is the popular Cueva de la Vaca (Cow Cave) tour. This adventure is best booked with Guaiti Adventura, who charges 30,000 COP for the experience. Cow Cave is the best caving experience available in and around San Gil. However, it won't be for everyone.

If claustrophobic, you'll struggle here, being subjected to tight spaces throughout the tour. You'll be fully submerged in an underwater tunnel at some points within the cave system.

Stalactites and stalagmites are a common sight in Cow Cave. In fact, the final room is adorned with stalactites hanging from the ceiling as if some decadent chandelier. There is also a small waterfall in the final chamber. A tour of Cueva de la Vaca will last 90 minutes or so.

Just outside of Curiti is another hotspot for travelers, Balneario Pescaderito. Balneario Pescaderito is a series of pools 3.5 kilometers from town. The deeper pools of La Zamba Grande and Pequena el Tambor offer crystal clear waters, perfect for a swim. If you're not inclined to walk to the pools, you can get there via a short 8,000 COP taxi ride.

Balneario Pescaderito is a great place to relax, especially if you've come fresh from Cow Cave. You won't have to pay an entrance fee to enjoy the natural pools, and there is also a small on-site restaurant to grab drinks and snacks. To get back to San Gil from the pools, grab a taxi back to Curiti and then a bus back to San Gil.

Mountain Bike Tour

Mountain bike tours are popular, if expensive, activities in San Gil. You can book an excursion through Colombian Bike Junkies for 350,000 COP.

You can choose one of two full-day tours in return for your pesos. The first is a 61-kilometer journey along the Chicamocha Canyon towards Jordán. The second is a 55-kilometer tour of the Suarez Canyon. If you have already done the full Camino Real hike beforehand, we'd recommend picking the latter.

The outing involves a grueling 5-hour cycle and a further 2 hours in transit. Expect to be accompanied by bilingual guides and kitted out with protective equipment. The provided bikes are always in excellent condition. The tour's cost includes a generous supply of snacks and drinks, not to mention lunch and a celebratory beer upon completing the route.

Sam’s VIP Hostel

Situated at the heart of San Gil's main square, Parque La Libertad, Sam's VIP Hostel is a firm favorite in San Gil. Owned by a former backpacker, the hostel has a vested interest in ensuring travelers have the best possible experience of San Gil.

The hostel knows activities out of town are the real draw of San Gil. So, Sam's steps in to remove the stress of arranging activities. Some tours you can book through Sam's include rafting, paragliding, caving, and rappelling. Booking with Sam's will also ensure you get the fairest prices in town.

There are many amenities available to guests staying at the hostel. Indoors, you'll find a pristine self-catering kitchen, a poker table, table football, an on-site bar-come restaurant, and a sauna. Outside, there's a rooftop pool and terrace, not to mention a barbeque.

There are both dormitory and private rooms available at Sam's. Guests benefit from free WiFi, security lockers, and luggage storage, regardless of what room they book.

If set on booking a dorm, you have two options. The first option is a four-bed dorm costing 30,000 COP. The second option is slightly cheaper at 25,000 COP for an eight-bed dorm.

There are a few options for private rooms. Many private rooms at Sam's have their own balcony overlooking the square below. Prices vary from 85,000 to 160,000 COP per night, depending on which private room you go for.

La Mansion Hostel

Under the same ownership as Sam's VIP, La Mansion Hostel is another popular option for travelers.

Situated within a historical building within Parque La Libertad, La Mansion is ideally placed with the pueblo's popular pastimes easily accessible.

La Mansion is handsomely kitted out. Inside, you'll find a well-equipped kitchen, perfect for prepping your own meals. There is also an on-site restaurant and bar, The Steakhouse, boasting courtyard seating for socializing.

Travelers benefit from free WiFi, luggage storage, and entertainment facilities. As is the case at Sam's, La Mansion's staff are happy to help book some of San Gil's best activities for the best possible price.

The property houses 11 rooms, blending dormitory rooms and private accommodation.

If you opt for a dorm room, both 6-bed and 8-bed rooms are available. The 8-bed dorm is cheaper at 22,000 COP, while the 6-bed dorm is priced at 26,000 COP. All dorm rooms feature a private locker, privacy curtains, and a security locker. Some even feature a balcony overlooking the square.

Private rooms are priced between 75,000 and 85,000 COP. However, cheaper options feature a shared bathroom rather than a private one. A 4-bed 'family' room is available for 160,000 COP per night, perfect if you're traveling as part of a group.

La Pacha Hostel

While not strictly in San Gil, La Pacha is a gem. With a unique glamping theme, it is wildly different from other accommodation options available. 

La Pacha is found in the neighborhood of Guayana, just off the road to Barichara from San Gil. To get there, catch the bus from San Gil to Barichara and get off at Parada Le Pacha. Alternatively, the hostel can organize a taxi for you, which costs 20,000 COP from San Gil.

The hostel puts a lot of effort into making your stay as memorable as possible. There is a games room/cinema in the form of an old bus from the '80s. Then there is the relaxing sky-hammock overlooking the countryside, not to mention the natural swimming pool. 

In addition to on-site amenities, La Pacha helps you organize excursions to explore the surrounding area. These activities include paragliding over the Chicamocha Canyon, exploring Cow Cave, and rappelling at Juan Curi. You can also book the highest bungee jump in South America through La Pacha for 120,000 COP. The jump is 140 meters high, and the jump site is mere minutes from the hostel.

While there are self-catering facilities on-site, you may choose to rely on the delicious, entirely vegetarian range of foods La Pacha offers.

Breakfast comprises fruit salad, toast, arepa, croissant, scrambled egg or porridge, fresh juice, and coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, all for 11,000 COP.

Lunch consists of spaghetti, a veggie burger, or Thai stir fry for 15,000 COP. You can indulge in a selection of veggie curries at 20,000 COP per head for dinner. Regarding drinks, a bottle of wine will set you back 25,000 COP, while a beer costs between 3,500-4,000 COP.

The hostel offers a mix of dorm-style rooms and private quarters as accommodation options.

The dorm rooms cost 25,000 COP per night and are in a dome tent, located amid citrus orchards and close to the pool, showers, and cine-bus. They feature two bunk beds, a table and chairs, and WiFi. 

There are also several private room options available. A mountain yurt – perfect for couples – costs 60,000 COP and features a small veranda. The forest yurt costs 60,000 COP and is located in the citrus orchard, near the pool, showers, and cine-bus.

La Pacha offers a 4-bed private gypsy wagon for groups traveling together, costing 120,000 COP per night. The Gypsy wagon offers two double bunk beds. There is also a fireplace, grill, and spectacular mountain views. 

For a budget option, you can pitch your tent for 15,000 COP per night.

Most hostels in San Gil offer their own food. However, that doesn't mean you can't treat yourself to the odd meal. If looking for somewhere to go for breakfast, Casa de Mercado San Gil is king, offering fresh fruit, street food, and set menus to start your day.

Gringo Mike’s

Gringo Mike's is the place to eat in San Gil. The restaurant is owned by American expat Mike (who'd have thought it?). Mike set out to create a restaurant providing culinary home comforts to travelers weary of Colombian cuisine.

In this capacity, Gringo Mikes is a roaring success. It's a great place to hunker down and enjoy cheap drinks, good food, and better company. 

The restaurant, located just north of the central plaza, opens at 8 AM and closes at midnight. Breakfast is available, with breakfast burritos and French press coffee being firm favorites. Later, diners are presented with more choices, and a meal will set you back around 30,000 COP.

Starters are available from 9,000 COP. Mains can cost anything from 16,000 to 25,000 COP. Guests compliment the ginormous burritos and delicious burgers that Mike's serves up. Gringo Mike's also has a reputation for producing some tasty meat-free alternatives for the veggies amongst you.

If your budget and waistline allow it, indulge in one of the restaurant's desserts, priced between 5,000 and 9,000 COP. The cinnamon buns topped with cream cheese and orange zest frosting are divine.

For more info on the food options available at Gringo Mike's, you can view the full menu here. 

Gringo Mike's also proves a reasonably cheap place to enjoy a tipple. Local beers are priced at 4,500 COP, while international beers are pricier at 9,500 COP. There is also a sizeable selection of cocktails available at 14,000 COP. You can even bag an entire liter of sangria for 43,500 COP. View Gringo Mike's drinks menu here.

Meson Del Arriero

Meson del Arriero is a gem serving traditional Colombian dishes. The restaurant is unassuming from the outside, making it easy to walk straight past and head into Gringo Mike's next door. On the inside, the restaurant is cozy, with just five tables for guests.

If your Spanish is lacking, interpreting the menu is a challenge. Luckily, the friendly owners, Carlos and Camilla, speak English fluently and will happily help you out.

The restaurant serves up a mix of filling snacks and humongous main meals.

Snacks, including arepas, chorizo hot dogs, empanadas, and more, cost between 5,500 and 14,000 COP. As for the mains, most dishes center around meat – such as roast pork rib, chicken breast, and steak – served with french fries and salad. However, these aren't the culinary highlight of Meson del Arriero.

The Calento Paisa, Cazuela Arriera, and Badejo Paisa are the restaurant's most loved dishes and personal favorites of the owners.

At 15,000 COP, the Calento Paisa is the cheapest of the three. It consists of beans, rice, shredded meat, fried eggs, avocados, and plantain.

The Cazuela Arriera is slightly pricier at 19,000 COP. It's a lot like the Calento Paise, except beans are replaced with bean casserole, shredded meat makes way for pork rinds, and fried egg is ditched in favor of arepas.

At 22,000 COP, the Badejo Paisa is the most expensive and mouth-watering of these signature dishes. You get an outrageous arrangement of beans, rice, minced beef, pork rinds, chorizo, black pudding, a fried egg, plantains, arepas, and avocados for your pesos.

The calorie-conscious may faint at the sight of these artery-clogging dishes. However, with the meals being so cheap and of absolutely superb quality, the calories are worth it.

Meson del Arriero is a cash-only affair, so make sure you have some pesos handy.

Bella Italia Ristorante Trattoria Familiare

Bella Italia Ristorante Trattoria Familiare is an authentic Italian restaurant near Cerro de la Cruz. Though modestly furnished, the pride and love of Italian owner Ugo and his Colombian wife are crystal clear.

This husband-wife team runs the restaurant to great acclaim. Ugo is a generous and engaging man who is eager to converse and share stories with guests and speaks many languages fluently.

The food relies on locally produced ingredients, and Ugo is keen to share where your meal has come from.

When ordering, you'll have the choice of two set menus, one priced at 25,000 COP, the other at 30,000 COP. There are also vegetarian options available within both set meals.

For 25,000 COP, you'll receive some locally produced cheese and artisan bread as a starter before moving on to a pasta dish as your main course. After finishing the main course, you'll also receive a dessert.

For 30,000 COP, you'll still receive the same starter and dessert. However, you will have a different choice of main dishes, including a spin on Hungarian goulash, chicken or duck ragu, baked trout, or creole ragu pasta.

Bella Italia is an excellent value-for-money dining option in San Gil. You can also enjoy a drink from a selection of locally brewed beers, though these aren't included in the set menu price.

San Gil's climate is akin to a tropical savannah, meaning temperatures don't fluctuate much during the year. Regardless of when you visit San Gil, expect temperatures of around 25ºC. It's also a little muggy throughout the year.

With temperatures pleasant year-round, your next consideration should be avoiding the rain. Like the rest of Colombia, San Gil experiences wet and dry seasons. The dry season stretches from December to February. However, you will likely experience some rainfall regardless, as San Gil averages just 15 dry days per year. Though the extent of precipitation still varies depending on the seasons.

Domestic tourism in San Gil surges during the December and January holidays and Easter. However, there is no real surge of gringo tourism, with visits being staggered throughout the year. To avoid the holidays and keep the best weather, we recommend visiting in March or during the second dry season stretching from June to August.

Our Map Of San Gil, Colombia