Class IV–V whitewater
Rafting the Río Suárez
The big-water day: an hour on the road, then rapids that need every paddle in the boat.
- Bring it on
- Book through SamS
Class II–III · first-timer friendly
Rafting the Río Fonce
Commercial rafting in Colombia started on the Fonce, and it is still the best place to learn. Class II–III rapids, swim stops along the way, and you finish right by El Gallineral in town. Families welcome.
- Level: Easy start
- Book through SamS
- Water
Rafting the Río Fonce
Colombia's official tourism site calls the Fonce's rapids moderate, open to any level, and operators rate them class II–III. The usual run starts at La Arenera upstream and ends at the Malecón landing beside Parque El Gallineral. Expect a quick ride to the put-in, a safety talk and some paddle practice on dry land before you get wet.
On the water you have roughly an hour to an hour and a half: rapids with names, flat stretches where the guide lets you hop out and float, and enough splashing to keep everyone laughing. It's the trip to do on your first afternoon in San Gil, or the warm-up before the Suárez.
Want more river? Colombia Rafting Expediciones also lists a longer Fonce section starting near Juan Curí: class II–III+, about 15 km and three to four hours on the water, for ages 12 and up. Think of it as a middle step between the classic town run and the much bigger water of the Suárez — more time paddling, still friendly rapids.
What to expect
- 01 A safety talk and paddle practice before launching
- 02 Class II–III rapids with calm swim spots between them
- 03 About 1–1.5 hours on the water
- 04 A finish at the Malecón beside El Gallineral
- 05 Getting properly wet
Wear & bring
Wear & bring
- Strapped sandals or trainers (no flip-flops)
- Shorts and a T-shirt you can soak
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- A dry change of clothes
Before you sign up
- Operators commonly state a minimum age of 7 (12 for the longer Juan Curí section).
- Operators recommend knowing how to swim and being in reasonable health.
- Operators list exclusions such as pregnancy, heart conditions and epilepsy.
Weather, river & operator
- Time on the water depends on the river's level that day.
- Some operators need a minimum group; departures are coordinated on the day.
Ask before you book
- Which operator and which section
- Departure times that suit your day
- Whether transport to the put-in is included
- Photo or video options
No prices here on purpose: they depend on the operator, the date and the group. Ask us and we’ll confirm current terms.
FAQ
Is it OK for kids?
Operators commonly accept children from 7 on the standard Fonce run, and describe it as their family trip.
Do I need to swim?
Operators recommend it, and you'll be wearing the operator's safety gear. If you're nervous in water, tell the guide before you launch.
Can I do it the day I arrive?
Often, yes — it is a few hours close to town. Ask at reception for departure times that day.
Ask about this adventure
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Pairs well with
Your own ring, real rapids
Tubing on the Río Fonce
Same river as the Fonce raft trip, but this time you are the boat.
- Easy start
- Book through SamS
Moss-draped river island in town
Parque El Gallineral
Trees hung with grey moss, stone paths and the Fonce rushing past — six blocks from SamS.
- Easy start
- Explore on your own