Parque Natural El Gallineral - City Park San Gil - Colombia

Long tendrils of moss hang from ancient trees and sway in the slight breeze. Sunlight sparkles on the torrent of the Río Fonce. This is Parque Natural El Gallineral, four hectares (10-ac) of botanical gardens where the Quebrada (creek) Curití meets the robust river Río Fonce. Within this park, nine plazoletas (squares) 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, bathe in the refreshing spring waters of the piscina (pool).

Location:
San Gil, Colombia

City Park Types:
Natural park, garden

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; and, swim gear (for the swimming pool).

Extreme sports, like rafting, torrentismo (rappelling in waterfalls), hydrospeeding, paragliding and caving are also available. Visits to the colonial towns of Barichara, Guane and Curití are an option as well. Parque Nacional Chicamocha is another park in the area that has a lot to offer.

Currencies accepted
Colombian Peso

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By Lorraine Caputo

Upon re-declaring her independence at age 29, Lorraine Caputo packed her trusty Rocinante (so her knapsack's called) and began...

Updated: 30 Mar 2011