Class II–III · first-timer friendly
Rafting the Río Fonce
San Gil's home river: bouncy rapids, swim stops and a finish line by the park.
- Easy start
- Book through SamS
Colombia's national sport — it goes bang
Tejo is the game Colombia made its national sport by law in 2000. You lob a metal puck at a clay-filled box from across the court, aiming for small paper triangles of gunpowder — the mechas. Hit one and it goes bang. Miss and you buy the next round.
Ley 613 of 2000 declared tejo Colombia's national sport. The puck (the tejo) weighs around 680 grams and the target is a tilted box of clay with a metal ring, the bocín, set in the middle. Paper mechas packed with gunpowder sit on the ring's edge. Hit a mecha and it explodes; land inside the ring and you score more; do both at once — a moñona — and you're a legend for the night.
It is loud, it's social and it works whether you've never thrown anything in your life or you were the pitcher on your school team. Many hostels around Colombia run tejo nights, and SamS guests report organised outings to a local court. Ask at reception what's planned while you're in town.
No prices here on purpose: they depend on the operator, the date and the group. Ask us and we’ll confirm current terms.
The mechas are small paper packets that pop on impact. Follow the court's rules, stand back from the boxes and you'll be fine.
The best shot in the game: the tejo lands inside the bocín and blows a mecha at the same time. Worth 9 points and lifelong bragging rights.
No. Beer is part of the tradition, but soft drinks throw just as well.
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Class II–III · first-timer friendly
San Gil's home river: bouncy rapids, swim stops and a finish line by the park.
Moss-draped river island in town
Trees hung with grey moss, stone paths and the Fonce rushing past — six blocks from SamS.
Heritage town + stone-path hike
White walls, terracotta roofs, then 5.5 km of old stone path down to Guane.