Things to do in San Gil: plans for every kind of traveler

San Gil is known as Santander's adventure capital, and for good reason: within an hour you'll find rivers for rafting, canyons for paragliding, waterfalls, caves and some of Colombia's most beautiful colonial towns. The challenge isn't finding something to do, it's choosing. At La Casona Don Juan's reception we help travelers plan their days every day, and this is what we usually recommend.

If you want adrenaline

Rafting – Suárez River (class IV-V) is the crown jewel of extreme rafting in the region: class IV and V rapids for people in good shape. If you'd rather be in the air, Paragliding – Chicamocha Canyon takes you over one of the most impressive canyons in the country, and Bungee jump 140 m is one of the highest jumps in Colombia. For a full day of ropes, rock and water, Extreme canyoning includes 120 and 45 meter rappels and 8 to 10 meter jumps.

If you're traveling as a couple

Barichara is the classic plan. By day you can do the Barichara – Guane tour, with the Lengerke royal road; at night, the Barichara by night tour shows the town lit up, without the heat or crowds, and ends with a typical dinner. For something calmer, the Coffee tour takes you from bean to cup with a guided tasting.

If you're coming with family

Rafting – Fonce River (beginners) is the ideal first rafting trip: gentle rapids, and children from age 5 with parental permission. Family canyoning (age 5+) is designed for beginners and kids from age 5, and the Xplorer ropes park has circuits for different levels, including one for kids.

If you want nature without much effort

The Las Gachas tour is one of Colombia's most photographed landscapes: natural pools carved into red rock. The Juan Curí waterfalls tour combines a waterfall, pools to swim in and two charming towns, and Tubing is the most relaxed way to enjoy the river.

How to book

You can book all of these activities with us on WhatsApp, whether or not you're staying at the Casona. We'll confirm availability, departure time and what to bring. If you're still not sure, ask our San Gil Virtual Guide: it answers in your language, any time.