Rafting Chicamocha River from San Gil: 15km descent

Eight hours, 15 kilometers, and a canyon that ranks second largest on earth

Rafting on the Chicamocha River is an eight-hour activity departing from San Gil that takes you 15km down one of the world's second-largest canyons to the municipality of Jordan. The operator provides all equipment, a live guide in English or Spanish, private transportation from San Gil, a regional lunch and a cold beer at the midpoint refuge. Pickup is included and the minimum age is 16.

Step-by-step itinerary

Rafting trip on Chicamocha River

• Depart from San Gil at 10:00 a.m.
• Travel to rafting start point at fishing bridge
• Raft 15 km down Chicamocha River
• Arrive at Changrilla refuge in Jordan
• Enjoy typical regional lunch and cold beer

The experience

The day starts with pickup in San Gil at 10:00 a.m. and a drive to the Fishing Bridge, where the Chicamocha River descent begins. You handle the paddle and navigate the current yourself across 15 kilometers of river, moving through the canyon walls that make this one of the world's largest gorges. The guide travels with you, reading the water and calling the moves.

Midway through the run, you pull into Changrilla Refuge to eat a typical regional lunch and drink a cold beer while the heat settles. The second half of the descent follows, finishing at the municipality of Jordan. Private transportation brings you back to San Gil afterward. Rafting equipment, helmet, vest and paddle are provided. GoPro photographs and videos are available if you want a record of the run.

What’s included

• Private transportation from San Gil to the put-in and back after the run.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.
• rafting equipment, helmet, vest and paddle.
• lunch and a cold beer at Changrilla Refuge.
• GoPro photographs and videos available for purchase.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (16 to 66 years) · Under 16: can't be booked

GroupUp to 40

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 28 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Exploradores Colombia

Is this one for you?You paddle and steer the raft yourself across the full 15 kilometers, so this suits anyone who wants to be active on the water rather than watch from a boat. The guide navigates the route and manages safety, but you're the one moving through the canyon.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How far down the Chicamocha River do you actually raft?

The descent covers 15 kilometers from the Fishing Bridge to Jordan, moving through the Chicamocha Canyon.

What time does the pickup happen in San Gil?

Pickup in San Gil is at 10:00 a.m., followed by a drive to the Fishing Bridge where the rafting starts.

Is lunch included in the rafting day?

Yes. A typical regional lunch and a cold beer are served at Changrilla Refuge during the midpoint stop.

What's the minimum age to raft the Chicamocha?

The minimum age is 16 years old.

Do I need to bring my own rafting gear?

No. The operator provides all equipment including the raft, helmet, vest and paddle.