San Gil - Paragliding & Explosives

My next stop in Colombia brought me to San Gil, a bit of an off-the-beaten-path destination in the country. The main reason for coming here was to go paragliding over the Chicamocha canyon. So, upon arrival at my hostel, I signed up for the activity the next day and just like that found myself on a bus with a few other people from the hostel.

On the top of the canyon from which we would run and fly into the abyss, I was indeed a bit scared and asked myself why the hell I was doing this. Anyway, when it was my turn, I was quickly introduced to the 'pilot', strapped into the parachute and off we went into the air.

The scary feeling quickly vanished and was replaced by the gorgeous views over the expansive canyon. Feeling the wind in my face, I took in the views and enjoyed the little chat I had with my pilot. It was indeed a bit shaky up there due to the wind, but nothing too crazy. He then asked me if we should do something for a bit of adrenalin, and I happily said yes. This meant we went up high in the air and then pirouetted down before coming to a smooth landing. I did feel a bit dizzy afterwards, but was very happy about the experience. Not sure, if I have to do it again, but let's see - hopefully life is long.

In the evening, the entire hostel went to play Tejo, which is a traditional Colombian game including heavy stones, clay and gunpowder. Basically, you throw a heavy stone from a distance of c. 15m onto clay on top of which small paper packs filled with gunpowder are placed. If you hit the paper packs at the right angle, they explode with a bang. I have to admit, it was not easy to hit the paper packs, and only four out of 19 people managed to do it - luckily, I was one of them and even got it on film. I was so happy, haha!

The following day, I explored the town centre in the morning, had lunch with a fellow traveller at the central market and then took the bus to Barichara, which is one, if not the, most beautiful town in all of Colombia.Read more