San Gil, is a Colombian intermediate city, located in the Department of Santander. It is located along the road from Bucaramanga and Bogotá, is the largest city in the South of Santander. In 2004 it was designated as the tourist Capital of the Department.
Currently San Gil has a good tourist development, because it is the more positioned destination of Colombia for the development of adventure around the elements water, Earth and air, related to tourism of nature by its geographical, climatic characteristics and the vocation of its inhabitants.
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| Road Bogotá to San Gil |
Geographic Location.
San Gil is located 96 kilometers from Bucaramanga,
capital of Santander Department, and 327 kilometers from the capital of the
Republic, Bogotá.
Gallineral Park.
It is a beautiful island riverside Fonce, with an area of
4 hectares. This planted with trees covered with moss called “Gallineros”. The
most representative monument of the park is a tribute to Jorge Villamil, a
native of Huila, author and composer of folk anthem of the San Gil.
Its principal attractions are the landscapes with great diversity of wildlife, The Viewpoint called "The Gallineral", extreme sports like rafting and the river where you can swim.
Barichara.
From Bogota there are two options, via Chiquinquirá, or via Tunja. Both routes take approximately 5 to 6 hours. In both cases you will arrive to Barbosa, and from there by road to Bucaramanga to San Gil. Arriving at San Gil, we invite you to cross through town, the main square and the Cathedral, this activecommercial center of the region. Continues to Barichara.
From Bucaramanga, 2 and a half hours, driving through Bogota, to San Gil, cross the city and take the road to Barichara.
Barichara was declared a national heritage in 1978 and the most beautiful village in Colombia. Its principal feature is the old architecture, dating back more than one hundred fifty years ago.
Barichara's most touristic places are:
- Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception: it is in front of principal park, is an excellent symbol of Barichara. It is built almost entirely in stone.
- House of Culture "Emilio Pradilla González". Is next to the Municipal Mayoral. There is a tour information office, exposition room, library, and a museum.
- Park for the Arts "Jorge Delgado Sierra". It is in tribute to stone carvers. There is a small square for shows.
- Workshops of the "Stonecutters" Artisans of Stone. Is located at the entrance of Barichara. Here you find the best things about his beautiful art at great prices.
- The Viewpoint. An excellent point of view all the village and the Suarez River Canyon.
- Guane. Is a small town where you can visit a small paleontological, archaeological and anthropological museum, with primitive fossil and natives of the region.
Chicamocha's Park.
To reach the Chicamocha National Park, you can travel by the road that leads from Bucaramanga to San Gil (Santander), in the 54 km. Also can be reached by the road that leads from Bucaramanga to the Mesa de Los Santos.
It is the most important tourist destination of department of Santander. Administered by the National Park Chicamocha Corporation, non profit entity. It is one of the few natural parks of Colombia dedicated to ecotourism, making it one of the most important tourist sites in the country. It was opened to the public on Saturday December 2, 2006.
Chicamocha's most important attractions are:
- Starting the tour of the National Park Chicamocha, there is the Parque de las Cabras (TABRITA).
- The Acuaparque: It is a combination of ponds, slides and sun. With capacity for 4,000 people.
- The visitors can enjoy a spectacular panorama across the cableway of Chicamocha National Park..
- There are three wires flights in total. The first is 450 meters long and is located in the back of the park; the second is the flight viewpoint cable is shorter but with more emotion and the last flight is the cable child, destined for children.
- Playground for children
- Ice Rink
- Carts rounder for one or two people.
- Cinema CINEAVENTURA
FESTIVITIES
FESTIVER FESTIVAL
It is a festival that educates people about the enviroment and natural resources. To do this they use the cinema and audiovisual aids to educate, and share knowledge. It is held in September (16 to 20)
THE SUMMER FESTIVAL IN SAN GIL SANTANDER
It is a festival with activities for old age. There is included a beauty contest for elder people, extreme sports, gastronomy, and music groups. It is held in October (10-14)
STONE CARVING IN BARICHARA
It is a festival to Stone carving in BARICHARA. It is a festivity to stimulate the hand work in the children. There is a process to conserve a tradition. The kids make a hand work and participate for that. It is held in September (05-14)
FAIR
AND EXPOSITION EQUINE IN SAN GIL
It is a Fair and exposition. The most important and
pretty horse walks through the old town. It is held in November (02-05)
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