Parque Natural El Gallineral

Location:
San Gil, Colombia

City Park Types:
Natural park, garden

By Lorraine Caputo

Long tendrils of moss hang from ancient trees and sway in the slight breeze. Sunlight dapples on the torrent of the Río Fonce. This is Parque Natural El Gallineral, four hectares of botanical gardens where the Quebrada (creek) Curití meets that robust river. Within this park, nine plazoletas are connected by a network of paths through foliage so dense you will not meet another soul. After an enchanting afternoon of wandering through these thickets, bath in the refreshing spring waters of the piscina (pool).

Travel Tips: Do not swim in the Río Fonce, 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.

Price Description: $2.10 adults, $1.05 children, $1.60 third-agers (over 60 years old)

Relative price: Budget

Open Hours from:8 a.m.

Open Hours to:6 p.m.

Travel Skills: None

You Need to Bring: Bring water and snack; camera; swim gear (for swimming pool).

Extreme sports, like rafting, torrentismo (rappelling in waterfalls), hydrospeeding, paragliding and caving; visits to the colonial towns of Barichara, Guane and Curití; Parque Nacional Chicamocha.

Currencies accepted
Colombian Peso