San Gil, a small town in northeast Colombia, has established itself as the country's adrenaline hub, according to a travel feature. It is popular with travellers seeking extreme sports such as bungee jumping, bouldering, ziplining and canyoning.
The writer took part in paragliding over the Chicamocha Canyon, describing a 30-minute flight at least 1,500 metres above the landscape. She felt queasy afterwards, a reaction she said was common among her group.
She also went whitewater rafting on the River Suarez, considered one of the best rivers worldwide for the sport. The 90-minute trip involved rapids graded one to five, with the boat in front capsizing.
Other activities included hiking the stone-paved Camino Real trail from Barichara to Guane, and visiting the Cow Cave (Cueva de Vaca), a natural cave system with underground tunnels and streams.
For relaxation, the writer recommends Parque Natural El Gallineral, an urban forest with moss-draped trees, and the nearby town of Barichara, including Taller de Papel, a women-led cooperative making handmade paper from natural fibres.
Practical details: Avianca has direct flights from London Heathrow to Bogota from £630, taking around 11 hours. A direct bus from Bogota to San Gil takes six to eight hours and can be booked through Busbud for £14. Tour company Aventura Total offers whitewater rafting (three hours; £83), paragliding (25 minutes; £60) and caving (two hours; £15). Accommodation at Macondo Hostel starts at £7 per night for a dorm bed.