Town in Santander, Colombia
San Gil
Colombia's adventure sports base: rafting, paragliding, caving and canyoning, with Barichara and Chicamocha Canyon nearby. A small hot town with basic nightlife; best for active trips rather than long stays.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,060–1,660Comfortable, one person · $3.5M–5.5MDetails
- Value for money77/100Better value than 76% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goJul–Aug, Dec–FebWarmest: Feb, 30°CDetails
- Internet231 MbpsFixed broadband, Colombia medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilTap water is treated but many prefer bottled; hostels often provide filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$24–45Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundBus to BaricharaVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work in some hotels and restaurants, but cash is needed for adventure tours, markets and small shops.Details
Where to stay in San Gil
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Centro (Parque Principal) | Hostels, restaurants and tour operators within a few blocks |
| Barichara and Guane (nearby) | Quiet colonial stays 30 minutes away |
Apps that work in San Gil
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- redBus: Compare and buy intercity bus tickets
- Picap: Motorbike taxis in big cities
- Taxis: No ride apps; use local taxis and buses. Agree prices for trips outside town, and book transfers to the bus terminal early.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Colombia.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work in some hotels and restaurants, but cash is needed for adventure tours, markets and small shops. ATMs are in the centre.
- Currency: Peso (COP). US$1 ≈ $3,311.93 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Use ATMs inside banks or malls; most charge foreign cards a flat fee and limit each withdrawal.
- Tipping: Restaurants suggest a voluntary 10% service charge and ask before adding it. Taxis and ride apps aren't tipped.
- Paying by phone: Contactless cards and Apple/Google Pay work in cities; Nequi and Daviplata need a Colombian account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Complete the free Check-MIG form online between 72 hours and 1 hour before arriving, and again before leaving.
- Airlines and immigration may ask for proof of onward or return travel.
- San Andrés and Providencia charge a tourist card fee, usually paid at your departure airport in mainland Colombia.
Emergency numbers
Police 123 · Ambulance 123 · Fire 119 · All emergencies 123
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid chips from Claro, Movistar or Tigo sell in carrier stores and supermarkets; register with your passport. Claro has the widest coverage. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Colombia
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.