Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Routes
MTB trails
Colombia
Santander

San Gil

The best MTB trails in San Gil

4.3

(27)

259

riders

16

rides

Mountain biking in San Gil is characterized by its rugged and diverse natural landscape, situated within the Santander department of the Andean mountains. The region features significant elevation changes, with routes often descending into the depths of the Chicamocha Canyon, one of the world's largest. Powerful rivers like the Fonce and Suárez cut through the terrain, defining valleys and creating varied landscapes. This environment provides a natural playground for mountain bikers, offering routes with substantial climbs and descents.

Best mountain…

Last updated: July 1, 2026

12

riders

#1.

Centro histórico de Guane – Barichara Cathedral loop from San Gil

87.3km

08:19

2,400m

2,400m

Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

Navigate with device

Send to Phone

Save

Hard

Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
guide_signup
Let us show you the way with the komoot mobile app
With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

Sign up for free

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
Sign up for free to see 12 more rides in San Gil.

Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Popular around San Gil

Hiking in San Gil

Cycling in San Gil

Road Cycling Routes in San Gil

Tips from the Community

Rainer
May 11, 2026, Villanueva

Villanueva is a charming village in the Santander department, primarily known for its stonemasonry and its location on the edge of the Chicamocha Canyon. Compared to the touristy Barichara, it is significantly more authentic and quieter.

Translated by Google

0

0

The Historic Center of Guane is a small, protected neighborhood of Barichara, known for its colonial architecture and indigenous history. Parque Principal: The central village square forms the heart of the place. Calle 8 & Carrera 6: These streets frame the main square. The most important cultural institutions are located on Carrera 6. Iglesia de Santa Lucía: This historic church from the year 1600 is located directly on the main square. Museo Arqueológico y Paleontológico: Located diagonally opposite the church (also on Carrera 6), it displays fossils and artifacts of the Guane indigenous people.

Translated by Google

0

0

Sylwia
November 4, 2025, Catedral de Barichara

The Church of the Immaculate Conception in Barichara is one of the most recognizable symbols of this picturesque town in Santander. Built in 1838 with locally sourced stone, its façade changes color with the daylight, from golden yellow to reddish ochre. Inside, the main altar, covered in gold leaf, and its elegant arched columns are particularly noteworthy. Located across from the main square, it's an ideal starting point for exploring the colonial atmosphere that characterizes Barichara.

Translated by Google

1

0

Victor
April 21, 2024, Aeropuerto San Gil

spectacular view

Translated by Google

0

0

There are cafes and food stalls

Translated by Google

0

1

Beautiful church, at the edge of the plaza. Great place to hang out with lots of options to eat & drink nearby.

1

1

Jonathan KB
March 27, 2023, Villanueva

Not the most exciting small town - a little more functional than Barichara and Guane. You can easily get a tuktuk back to Barichara from here after a long day's walk.

2

0

Gorgeous little village, laid back and charming. Great place to visit at the end of a long walk.

3

0

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of terrain can I expect on mountain bike trails in San Gil?

San Gil's mountain biking terrain is rugged and diverse, characterized by the Andean mountains and deep river valleys. You'll encounter significant elevation changes, with routes often descending into the vast Chicamocha Canyon. Expect a mix of climbs and descents, offering a natural playground for mountain bikers.

Are there mountain bike trails suitable for beginners in San Gil?

While many trails in San Gil are rated difficult, there are also moderate options available. For instance, the San Gil Airport loop from San Gil is a moderate 24.1 km (15.0 miles) trail that can be completed in under two hours, offering varied terrain without extreme difficulty.

Can I find trails with panoramic viewpoints in San Gil?

Absolutely. The region is known for its dramatic landscapes, including the Chicamocha Canyon. The Salto del Mico Viewpoint loop from San Gil is a popular difficult route that leads to stunning panoramic views over the surrounding area after a significant elevation gain.

Are there any long-distance mountain bike routes in San Gil?

Yes, San Gil offers several longer routes for experienced riders. The Centro histórico de Guane – Barichara Cathedral loop from San Gil is a challenging 86.5 km (53.7 miles) trail that takes over eight hours to complete, connecting historic towns and providing extensive views.

What are the typical durations and distances for mountain bike trails in San Gil?

Trail durations and distances vary widely. You can find shorter routes like the moderate San Gil Airport loop from San Gil at 24.1 km (15.0 miles) taking about 1 hour 57 minutes. Longer, more challenging routes, such as the Panoramic View of San Gil – Loma La Porquera loop from Bus stop for Pacha Hostel and Camping, can be up to 93.4 km (58.0 miles) and take over six hours.

Are there mountain bike trails that pass through or near charming towns?

Many routes in San Gil connect to or pass by picturesque towns. For example, the Centro histórico de Guane – Barichara Cathedral loop from San Gil links the historic towns of Guane and Barichara, offering cultural insights alongside the natural beauty.

What natural features can I expect to see along the trails?

San Gil's trails often feature dramatic natural elements. You'll encounter the vast Chicamocha Canyon, verdant Andean mountains, and river valleys carved by powerful rivers like the Fonce and Suárez. The region also boasts natural attractions such as the Juan Curí Waterfall and natural pools like Pozo Azul and Pescaderito, though specific trails may not pass directly by all of these.

Are there any circular mountain bike routes in San Gil?

Yes, many of the mountain bike trails in San Gil are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the Salto del Mico Viewpoint loop from San Gil and the San Gil Airport loop from San Gil.

What do other mountain bikers say about the trails in San Gil?

The mountain bike routes in San Gil are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 20 reviews. Reviewers often praise the challenging terrain, the stunning views of the Chicamocha Canyon, and the diverse landscapes that make for an unforgettable biking experience.

Is it possible to combine mountain biking with other adventure activities in San Gil?

San Gil is known as the 'Adventure Capital of Colombia,' so combining activities is very common. After your ride, you could consider paragliding over the Chicamocha Canyon, white-water rafting on the Fonce or Suárez rivers, or exploring caves like Cueva del Indio and Cueva de la Vaca. The region's infrastructure supports a wide range of adventure sports.

Are there any urban mountain bike routes in the San Gil area?

Yes, some routes incorporate urban sections, allowing you to explore the local towns. The Urban Route Through El Socorro – Bicisport Bike Repair Shop loop from San Gil is a difficult 58.1 km (36.1 miles) trail that offers a blend of urban exploration and natural terrain.

Most popular routes in San Gil

Hiking in San Gil

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating

Explore more

Browse the best MTB trails in other regions.

BucaramangaFloridablancaGuavatáPuente NacionalGüepsaVélezBarbosaLebríjaParque Natural Regional Pan De Azúcar El ConsueloLa Mesa De Los SantosPiedecuestaTonaGirónCuritíCabreraBaricharaVillanuevaPáramoZapatocaSanta BárbaraPinchoteGalánJesús MaríaAlbaniaAratocaLos SantosSocorroPalmarEncinoMogotesValle De San JoséHatoPalmas Del SocorroSimacotaConfinesChipatáOcamonteGámbita

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do in Pinchote

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy