El Gallineral Park

Location
San Gil, Colombia

The Gallineral Park in Santander is the perfect destination for the contemplation of nature and the practice of extreme sports in Santander, all in an atmosphere of adventure and lush vegetation that awakens intense thrills in the company of frondy trees and the rushing Fonce River.

The historical center of this town with steep hills located on the banks of the Fonce River has been declared a National Monument. One of its greatest attractions is the Gallineral Park that is located on an island in the river.
Wild flowers, beautiful scenery, and the Fonce River are some of the attractions that will delight you when visiting this destination.

Long tendrils of moss hang from ancient trees and sway in the slight breeze. Sunlight dapples on the torrent of the Fonce River. This is El Gallineral National Park, four hectares of botanical gardens where the Curití Creek meets that robust river. Within this park, nine squares are connected by a network of paths through foliage so dense you will not meet another soul. We recommend after an enchanting afternoon of wandering through these thickets, bath in the refreshing spring waters of the swimming pool.

What to visit

- The tour starts in Plazoleta de la Fama where different stone craved monuments could be observe among them: Sun Key where you will find the Gold Guane award winner’s signs sculpted, Guane festival is an important contest of RCN de San Gil radio to award the best carrangera music. It has the signs since 1985 to 1999.
 
- El Pergamino Abierto a honor place for the musicians remembered for ever, among them: Don Antonio Pereira which besides musician was also a sculptor, Don Carlos Monroy father of Monroy Brothers.

 - Del Conde Del Cuchicute Square, name after a very popular characters in the region its name José María de la Pasión.

- Jorge Villamil Monument, he was borne in Huila, author and writer of the folkloric anthem of those lands "Si pasa por San Gil".

- There’s other tourist interest areas like: Pozo Azul and many caves like: La Antigua and El Alumbre, situated out of the town.

Useful Information

- Do not swim in the Fonce River, as it has dangerous currents.
- The swimming pool is closed for cleaning every two weeks, usually on a Tuesday.
- There are lockers and showers in an adjoining bathhouse.
- The restaurant and cafeteria are expensive. (If you want we advice you to take a snack with you)
- Open Hours from: 8:00 a.m. to 18:00 p.m.

You Need to Bring

- Water and snack
- Camera
- Swim gear

Extreme sports

The practice of extreme sports like rafting by Fonce River, become this parka into a place to visit not only due the adventure but also due the beauty of the area.

- Rafting,
- Rappelling in waterfalls
- Hydro speeding
- Paragliding and caving;
- Visits to the colonial towns of Barichara, Guane and Curití; Chicamocha National Park