San Gil, the adventure town located in the Santander region of Colombia, is a backpacker hub first and foremost, and the accommodation reflects that. The town centre is packed with well-run hostels, many with pools (unexpected for a mountain adventure town), and most within walking distance of tour operators. If you want something quieter and more like your traditional hotel, the best boutique options sit just outside town in the surrounding countryside, easily reachable by Uber, mototaxi, or hotel taxi pickup.
For most of my travels I book through Booking.com to use the Genius discount. All hotel and hostel links in this guide go directly to each property on that platform.
Not sure how long to stay or what to do? Read my complete San Gil adventure guide first.
Best Hostels in San Gil Town Centre
Staying in the centre puts you within walking distance of tour operators, restaurants, and the main plaza. It’s the social option — best for solo travellers and groups who want to meet people and sort activities easily. And yes, a surprising number of San Gil hostels have rooftop or courtyard pools. For a mountain adventure town, nobody’s complaining.
This Is Colombia Hostel
A well-maintained social hostel inside an old colonial building in a great central location. Dorm beds start at around £5, private rooms are also available, and the furnishings are modern despite the historic shell. Beds have privacy curtains, which any seasoned backpacker knows is a small detail that makes a real difference in a dorm. It’s friendly and welcoming without being overstimulating.
Book your stay at This Is Colombia Hostel
Traveler Hostel
Another pool (what!), another rooftop sun terrace. Traveler is a step up in design from the average San Gil hostel: clean, well-laid-out, with both dorms and private rooms. They put on a great breakfast at an extra cost and have a solid range of activities on offer. It’s a great choice if you want comfort without paying boutique prices.
Book your stay at Traveler Hostel
The Best Adventure Hostel
This is where I stayed during my time in San Gil, and I’d recommend it without hesitation. The owners are so helpful, great for sorting rafting, paragliding, and Juan Curí trips, beds are comfortable, and the location is central. In April it was very quiet (we basically had the place to ourselves), but that suited us fine. The rooftop pool was also a very welcome surprise after a day on the river.
It’s simple, clean and well-located. Everything you need, nothing you don’t.
Book your stay at The Best Adventure Hostel
Trip Monkey Origen
Lively, social, and well-equipped. Trip Monkey Origen has fast WiFi, a pool, and a team that’s very responsive to questions about activities and logistics. If you want a hostel with energy and a ready-made social scene, this is the one. However don’t get it twisted, this is not a party hostel, nor is it advertised as one. In fact, I’m not sure those exist in this town.
Book your stay at Trip Monkey Origen
Best Boutique Hotels Near San Gil
San Gil is backpacker territory, but there are some seriously beautiful places to stay just outside the town. The countryside around San Gil features rolling green hills, river valleys, traditional finca architecture, and provides a completely different setting to the noisy town centre streets. Getting back into town is easy: Uber and mototaxis are readily available, and most of these hotels offer a taxi pickup service so you’re never stranded.
Hotel Posada Campestre
Starting strong, this is one of the most beautiful properties in and around San Gil. Classic Colombian finca architecture set within stunning grounds with a large dining room, a coffee shop, and a pool. It works well for families, couples, or solo travellers who want a more relaxed, resort-style base. The setting alone makes it worth the short drive from town.
Book your stay at Hotel Posada Campestre
Trip Monkey Del Rio
Just outside of town, Trip Monkey Del Rio features private suites, an on-site restaurant, a massage room, a pool, and views over the surrounding mountains and river. It’s a good middle ground between the hostel scene and a full countryside retreat.
Book your stay at Trip Monkey Del Rio
Hotel Campestre Palmas del Zamorano
Located close to the village of Curití, this is the most secluded option on this list. Private suites with their own pools, balconies, and views across the Santander mountains can be accessed here. If you’re after peace and quiet alongside the adventure, this is the place.
Book your stay at Hotel Campestre Palmas del Zamorano
Best Airbnbs in San Gil
Airbnb is always worth considering if you’re travelling in a group, with family, or simply want the independence of your own space. San Gil has a solid selection of apartments, houses, and cabins across different budgets. Here are a few of my top picks for all traveller types:
3-bedroom apartment for groups (sleeps 9): Old-school Colombian architecture with modern interiors, a garage, and a balcony. Pure convenience for a big group as it splits costs well and keeps everyone together. View on Airbnb
Modern 4-bedroom house: A proper home base for families or groups after a long day of activities. Modern, comfortable, and designed to feel like a home rather than a holiday rental. View on Airbnb
2-bedroom apartment: clean and modern: 24/7 security, a city view, and an onsite pool. A solid choice for a couple or a small group who want private, comfortable living without the hostel noise. View on Airbnb
Simple and well-designed 3 bedroom apartment: This location has great natural light, sleek modern furnishings, and a gated community setting. Clean and quiet. View on Airbnb
2 bedroom renovated cabin, for something a little different: A beautifully renovated cabin inside the town with huge windows, wooden interiors, and, of course, a pool. This is the most characterful option on the list if you want something more memorable. View on Airbnb
What to Know Before You Book
Which Area of San Gil Should You Stay In?
I’ll give you a brief bulleted run down here:
- Town centre hostels: Social, walkable, close to bars, restaurants, and tour operators. Expect some traffic noise.
- Countryside boutique hotels: Quieter and greener, with more space and better views. Getting back into town is easy via mototaxis, Uber, or hotel taxi pickup (most properties offer this).
- Airbnbs: Best for families, groups, or anyone who wants a private kitchen and their own space.
Is San Gil Safe for Tourists?
Yes, San Gil is generally safe for travellers. It has a super established backpacker infrastructure and most visitors have no issues, including myself. However, like with all of Colombia, standard precautions apply: keep an eye on your belongings, be aware of your surroundings at night, and avoid flashing valuables on busy streets.
How Far Is Accommodation from the Adventure Operators?
If you’re staying in the town centre, most operators are within walking distance. If you’re based outside town, it’s 10 to 20 minutes away — and most tour pickups will collect directly from your hotel, so it’s rarely an issue.
For getting around independently, the “terminalito” in the town centre runs local buses to the surrounding villages. The main bus terminal is a five-minute drive away and handles larger routes from Bogotá and Bucaramanga.
Final Tips for Booking Accommodation in San Gil
- In peak season (December to February and July to August), book ahead as hostels fill up, especially on weekends.
- In shoulder season (April is a good example), availability is rarely a problem. I had no trouble booking a day or two in advance as a backpacker.
- Use Booking.com and activate Genius level for discounts that stack up across a longer trip.