Town in Santander, Colombia
Is San Gil safe?
A relaxed, safe-feeling town where petty theft is the main worry.
Is San Gil safe?
A relaxed, safe-feeling town where petty theft is the main worry. Choose licensed adventure operators, because accidents happen on rivers and cliffs.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 4/5, safe with normal care.
- Homicide rate in Colombia: 24.9 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Colombia: 15.4 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 123 · Ambulance 123 · Fire 119 · All emergencies 123.
Safety in San Gil at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Petty theft from hostel rooms and phones; violent crime against visitors is uncommon. |
| At night | The centre is busy early and quiet after 11 pm. Walking short distances is fine; use taxis for late return from outlying hostels. |
| Solo women | Solo women travel here frequently. Stay with registered operators and follow usual night precautions. |
| Other risks | Rafting and canyoning accidents; use certified operators; Heat above 30°C; Fast river currents after rain |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Unlicensed operators with poor safety gear
- Taxi drivers quoting inflated rides to Barichara
Take care
- Unregistered tour providers and rafting without guides
- Remote roads at night
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Carry your passport or a copy; police checks are common.
- Buying drugs is illegal, and street deals are a common setup for robbery.
How San Gil compares in Colombia
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Salento | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Guatapé | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| San Andrés | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Minca | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Palomino | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Villa de Leyva | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| San Gil | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Jardín | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Leticia | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Medellín | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Cartagena | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Bogotá | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Santa Marta | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Cali | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Barranquilla | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Pereira | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is San Gil safe for solo female travelers?
Solo women travel here frequently. Stay with registered operators and follow usual night precautions.
Is San Gil safe at night?
The centre is busy early and quiet after 11 pm. Walking short distances is fine; use taxis for late return from outlying hostels.
What is the crime rate in San Gil?
Petty theft from hostel rooms and phones; violent crime against visitors is uncommon. Nationally, Colombia records 24.9 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in San Gil?
Police 123 · Ambulance 123 · Fire 119 · All emergencies 123.
More about San Gil
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Sources
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.