Golf in Santander
The Chicamocha Canyon and Mountain Golf
✈ How to Get to Santander (BGA)
Fly internationally to Bogotá (BOG) — with direct flights from Miami, Houston, Atlanta, New York, London, Madrid, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and 30+ cities — then connect domestically to Bucaramanga (BGA) in just 1h 10m. Palonegro Airport also receives flights from Medellín (50 min) and Cali (1h). All our packages include airport transfers and ground transportation.
Domestic connection: Avianca, LATAM (frequent daily flights from Bogotá)
About Santander — The Chicamocha Canyon
The Santander region, centered on Bucaramanga, is Colombia’s golfing pinnacle. The city, known as ‘La Ciudad Bonita’ (The Beautiful City), offers a privileged climate between 22°C and 30°C year-round thanks to its altitude of 950 meters. The spectacular Chicamocha Canyon — one of the deepest canyons in the world — and mountainous landscapes make Santander a unique destination.
Ruitoque Golf & Country Club, designed by Nicklaus Design on a 500-hectare plateau above the Bucaramanga canyon landscape, is considered Colombia’s best golf course. Its slope of 151 makes it the most difficult in the country. Club Campestre de Bucaramanga, founded in 1930, offers a Mahannah & Saenz design on a historic 52-hectare property that was originally a hacienda colonial.
Santander Climate and Best Time to Play Golf
Bucaramanga maintains a warm and pleasant climate year-round, with temperatures between 22°C and 30°C. The city receives moderate rainfall, with drier seasons in December-March and July-August. The best time to play is during these dry seasons. The variable elevation (950–1,265m) between the two courses means slightly different conditions at each.
Golf Courses in Santander
Santander offers 2 golf courses between 950 and 1,265 meters of altitude, with the spectacular Chicamocha Canyon as a backdrop.
| Course | Architect / Year | Holes / Par | Yards | Rating / Slope | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruitoque Golf & Country Club | Jack Nicklaus / 1997 | 18h / Par 72 | 6.592 | 73.1 / 151 | Private, Mesa de los Santos |
| Club Campestre de Bucaramanga | Mahannah & Sáenz / 1930 | 18h / Par 72 | 7.246 | 72.4 / 138 | Private |
| Casa de Course (C.C. Bucaramanga) | — | 9h | — | — | Private, Mesa de los Santos |
| International Golf Club (Ecopetrol) | — / 1932 | 18h / Par 72 | 6.670 | — | Semi-private |
| Club Miramar | — / 1928 | 9h | — | — | Private, Barrancabermeja |
All courses are private clubs. Ruitoque has the highest slope in Colombia (151). Data subject to change.
History of Golf in Santander
Santander has a unique golf heritage in Colombia. Club Miramar, founded in 1928 in Barrancabermeja, is possibly the oldest in the country, born in the oil era. It was followed by International Golf Club de Ecopetrol in 1932, reflecting the importance of golf in Colombia’s oil industry.
Club Campestre de Bucaramanga was established in 1930, consolidating the region as a golf destination. However, the most significant milestone came with the design of Ruitoque Golf & Country Club by Jack Nicklaus in 1997. This course, considered among the top 5 in South America, transformed Santander into a world-class destination, attracting professional and amateur players from across the continente.
Practical Information for Golfers in Santander
🚗 Transportation
Bucaramanga’s Palonegro Airport (BGA) is 30 km from downtown (30–40 min). Ruitoque is 7 km from Bucaramanga. Uber and official taxis available. Private transportation recommended to reach the golf courses.
💰 Currency and Payments
Colombian peso (COP). International credit cards accepted at hotels, restaurants, and golf clubs. ATMs available. Tip: 10% included in restaurants.
⏰ Time Zone
GMT-5 (same as New York in winter). Colombia does not observe daylight saving time. Sunrise is at 6:00 AM and sunset at 6:00 PM year-round — perfect for morning golf.
📋 Visa
Citizens of the US, EU, UK, Canada, Australia, and most of Latin America do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. Valid passport only.
Ready to Play Golf in Santander?
We design your custom golf experience in Santander — from Ruitoque, Colombia’s most challenging course, to a full tour of the Chicamocha Canyon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many golf courses are there in Santander?
Santander has 4 courses: Ruitoque Golf Country Club (Jack Nicklaus, 1997), Club Campestre de Bucaramanga (since 1930), Casa de Course in Mesa de los Santos, and International Golf Club in Barrancabermeja.
What makes Ruitoque Golf Country Club special?
Designed by Jack Nicklaus in 1997, with 6,592 yards, Par 72 at 1,000 meters altitude. It offers dramatic views of the Chicamocha Canyon and fairways sculpted in terraces above the canyon.
Can you combine golf with adventure in Santander?
Santander is the extreme sports capital. A trip includes paragliding over the Chicamocha Canyon, rafting on the Fonce River, and visiting Barichara, considered the country’s most beautiful town.
What is the history of golf in Santander?
Club Miramar dates from 1928, Club Campestre de Bucaramanga from 1930, and International Golf Club (Ecopetrol) from 1932, linked to the oil industry.
What is the weather like for golf in Bucaramanga?
Temperatures of 23-30°C. The Ruitoque and Campestre courses are at 1,000 meters with a pleasant temperate climate. Playable year-round.