San Gil Adventure: Paragliding, Natural Pools, and a Barichara Day Trip

Paragliding in San Gil: A Bucket List Achievement

One of the many activities on offer in San Gil was paragliding, something I'd always dreamed of doing. The opportunity presented itself, and I couldn't resist. It was a small group activity, which made the experience more intimate and less daunting than I’d imagined.

Before taking off, we filled out a form detailing our blood type and insurance information – a crucial step, underscoring the importance of comprehensive travel insurance, especially for adventure activities. My SafetyWing Nomad insurance, including the adventure sports package, provided much-needed peace of mind.

The flight itself was exhilarating. The initial nervousness quickly melted away as I soared above the stunning landscape. The views were breathtaking – a panorama of canyons and valleys stretched out below me. Landing was surprisingly smooth, and a wave of pure joy washed over me. It was, without a doubt, a bucket list achievement.

Post-Flight Refreshments and Journey to Kukuri

After the exhilarating paragliding experience, a wave of contentment washed over me. The adrenaline rush was incredible, but I was also famished. We'd planned a celebratory dinner, but that idea went out the window alongside our ambitious travel schedule.

Instead, we opted for a more immediate and practical solution: a quick stop at a local fruit marketplace. There, amidst vibrant colours and exotic aromas, we sampled refreshing tropical juices. It was the perfect blend of deliciousness and refreshment, a much-needed reprieve before our next adventure.

Refueled and rehydrated, our journey continued towards a charming town named Kukuri. The entire group decided against returning directly to San Gil; instead, we embarked on a short but scenic trip. The change of plans was spontaneous but welcomed; a testament to the flexibility and adaptability we were embracing on our Colombian adventure.

Our transport to Kukuri involved a tuk-tuk ride followed by a pleasant walk. The journey itself was picturesque, revealing more of the region's natural beauty. The final destination? Some stunning natural pools, perfectly situated amidst stunning scenery. This unexpected detour turned out to be one of the most memorable moments of the entire trip.

Exploring the Natural Pools of San Gil

After the adrenaline rush of paragliding, a spontaneous detour completely altered our plans. Instead of heading straight back to San Gil, our group opted for a charming town called Kukuri. The journey was an adventure in itself; a tuk-tuk ride followed by a pleasant walk through picturesque scenery, revealing even more of the region's stunning beauty.

The natural pools themselves were a sight to behold. Nestled amidst breathtaking scenery, they offered a refreshing escape. The water was surprisingly deep in places, and teeming with tiny fish. It was a perfect spot to unwind, the cool water a welcome contrast to the warm Colombian sun. I'd highly recommend this unplanned excursion—it quickly became one of the most memorable parts of our entire trip.

A Visit to the Refreshing Waterfalls

After the paragliding high, a spontaneous detour completely changed our plans. Instead of a direct return to San Gil, our group decided to visit the charming town of Kukuri. The journey itself was delightful—a tuk-tuk ride followed by a scenic walk that revealed more of the region's breathtaking beauty.

Our final destination? Some truly stunning natural pools, nestled amidst a picturesque landscape. The water was surprisingly deep in places, teeming with tiny fish. It was the perfect spot for a relaxing dip, the cool water a welcome contrast to the warm Colombian sun.

I wholeheartedly recommend this unplanned excursion. It quickly became one of the most memorable parts of our trip, a testament to the unexpected joys of embracing spontaneity during our Colombian adventure.

Exploring the Picturesque Town of Barichara

Our day trip to Barichara began with a short walk to a less-used bus station. From there, we hopped on a bus to this supposedly stunning town, touted by some as Colombia's most beautiful. The journey itself was pleasant; nothing extraordinary, just a comfortable ride through the Colombian countryside.

Barichara exceeded expectations. The town is undeniably charming, with its whitewashed colonial buildings and stunning views. The heat was intense though – a factor worth considering, especially during peak tourist season. We made a beeline for a lunch spot recommended by our hostel, and the views from the restaurant were as spectacular as the food itself. A birthday cake appeared unexpectedly, leading to a very memorable, blue-stained tongue for at least one of our group members!

After lunch, we visited a unique paper museum. For a small fee, we received a brief tour (in Spanish) and even got to try our hand at traditional paper-making. It was a fun and unexpected highlight of our visit. We also explored a cemetery renowned for its intricate stone carvings, a testament to the artistic talent of the local community. The intricate detail in the religious carvings and the personal representations of those who had passed was truly fascinating.

Park Visit and Departure Preparations

Before hopping on our night bus to Santa Marta, we decided to squeeze in one last San Gil activity: a visit to a park near our hostel. It was a perfect way to unwind before the long journey ahead, a sort of final, relaxing hurrah before our next adventure.

The park itself was lovely, a bit like a botanical garden. A small entrance fee was required, but the lush greenery and tranquil atmosphere were worth it. We strolled through shaded paths, admiring the colorful flowers and various plants. There was even a charming coffee shop tucked away amongst the trees, a perfect spot to grab a refreshing beverage.

The park also boasted two attractive swimming pools, but the extra cost, plus the need for a swimming cap (which involved an additional fee to borrow one), swayed our decision. We decided that a quick dip in the hostel's pool later would be just as refreshing, and much simpler, before packing our bags and preparing for our departure.

What activities are available in San Gil?

San Gil offers a wide range of adventure activities, including paragliding, rafting, canyoning, exploring natural pools, and day trips to nearby towns like Barichara and Kukuri.

What is the importance of travel insurance for adventure activities in San Gil?

Comprehensive travel insurance, especially one that includes adventure sports coverage, is crucial for participating in activities like paragliding in San Gil. This ensures you're protected in case of accidents or injuries.

What are some unexpected highlights of a San Gil trip?

Spontaneous detours, such as visiting the natural pools in Kukuri, can be some of the most memorable parts of a trip. Also, exploring a local paper museum and cemetery in Barichara offer unique cultural experiences.