The region of Santander and around offers many opportunities for adventurers looking for their shots of adrenaline. Fly above the deep Chicamocha canyon, brave the danger on the Magdalena River, or hike in the beautiful national park of El Cocuy.

Don’t hesitate to stop in San Gil if you decide to reach the Caribbean Coast by bus from Bogotà. Besides the sports activities, you will have the opportunity to discover the lovely colonial towns of Barichara and Giron.

If you don’t want to deal with extended bus trips, you can fly to Bucaramanga.

Table of Contents – Santander’s Region

Click on the orange links below ⬇️ and scroll down ⬇️ to read the chosen section.

Places in the Santander’s region

Santander & Around

Mompox

Mompox is a colorful town full of history surrounded by the Magdalena River. Wander among the quiet streets and beautiful churches. Book ahead if you plan to arrive for the Jazz Festival (October). Mompox is not on the tourist trail. Allow 6 – 8 hours of travel
Santander & Around

Bucaramanga

Bucaramanga is the principal city in the area. There is no tourist attractions but an exciting nightlife on weekends. People usually travel to Bucaramanga to take a flight. Sleeping in Giron could be a could alternative if you have an early flight. The city is 2 hours away from San Gil.
Santander & Around

San Gil

San Gil is the city offering many sports activities like paragliding (55$), bungee jumping (25$), rappelling, or rafting (40$). And it’s a perfect stop if you’re on your way to Santa Marta.
Santander & Around

Barichara

Barichara is one of the most beautiful colonial towns in Colombia. The village is situated 25 min away from San Gil, in front of the Chicamocha Canyon. Venture on the Camino Real (hike) to discover the area. It’s a great alternative to San Gil if you look for a more romantic atmosphere.
Santander & Around

Cocuy

The National Park of Cocuy is a paradise for mountain lovers with peaks higher than 5 000 m. For environmental reasons, it’s not allowed to multi-day hikes in the park anymore. However, there are three excellent 1-day treks. A local guide is mandatory. Departure from Cocuy or Guican.
Santander & Around

Guadalupe

Guadalupe is a little town between San Gil and Villa de Leyva. The place is famous for its river, called Quebrada Las Gachas. It’s a slippery river with natural jacuzzi pools. Weird and Cool. Avoid the dry season. Pick Up from Oiba or Socorro to Guadalupe.

Top things in the Santander’s region

Here is a compilation of the best things to do in the Region of Santander and Around in Colombia:

Hike in the National Park El Cocuy
Visit the Colonial town of Barichara
Eat Hormigas culonas
Hike the Camino Real from Bariachara to Los Santos
Paragliding above the Chicamocha Canyon
Rafting on the Rio Suarez
Rappelling the Juan Curi Waterfall
Visit the Colonial town of Mompox – UNESCO site
Party in Bucaramanga
Jump into the natural “jacuzzis” in Las Ganchas – Guadalupe

Events in the Santander’s region

List of the main Events in the Region Of Santander and Around in Colombia:

January: Festival de la Miel – Honey – in Oiba
July: Festival de Verano in San Gil
September: Festival de Cine Verde in Barichara
October: Jazz Festival in Mompox
November: Las Ferias de San Gil

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