Things To Do
in Santa Ana

Greet with a handshake or single cheek kiss among acquaintances; use formal titles (señor, señora) until invited to be more informal.

Show deference to older community members and respect local religious and cultural practices. Ask before photographing people, ceremonies or indigenous communities.

Dress modestly in public spaces and avoid loud or confrontational behavior; small towns value courteous, friendly interactions.

Expect sunnier days, lower rainfall and easier travel on unpaved roads — this is the most comfortable time for outdoor activities and day trips.

Frequent heavy rains and high humidity can make trails muddy and some rural roads difficult or temporarily impassable; plan flexible travel and allow time for delays.

January often brings regional festivals and increased local travel; town life is livelier, but accommodation may be busier — book ahead if visiting during local holidays.

Short hikes in the foothills offer views of the mountain silhouette, coffee and cacao farms, and opportunities to see regional flora and fauna; hire a guide for longer or more remote routes.

Gentle walks along mangrove edges and lagoon trails are ideal for birdwatching and photography; access is often by local boat or short trail from the road.

If you travel to the nearby coast, there are established hiking routes in coastal parks and reserves that combine beach scenery with tropical forest walks — combine with a boat tour or guided visit for best results.

The main regional airport serving the Sierra Nevada and Caribbean coast; typically the most convenient gateway for reaching Santa Ana by road (allow a couple of hours depending on exact location and road conditions).

Another regional international airport serving northern Colombia; good alternative for onward ground travel into the Magdalena region via buses or private transfers.

Further inland and used mainly if traveling from central/northern interior Colombia; overland travel times to Santa Ana are longer, so this is a less convenient but possible option depending on your itinerary.

The majority population is mestizo, a mix of indigenous, European and African ancestry, forming the cultural core of the town.

Afro-Colombian residents contribute strongly to local culture, music and cuisine, reflecting the broader Caribbean coast heritage.

Indigenous peoples from the Sierra Nevada (such as Arhuaco, Kogi or Wiwa communities) live in the highlands; their cultural influence is felt in craft traditions and regional knowledge, though they are more commonly encountered in mountain communities than in the town center.

The most popular sport across Colombia; informal pickup games are common in town and local enthusiasm for national and regional teams is strong.

Both subsistence and recreational fishing are important locally; sport and artisanal fishing traditions are part of daily life near rivers and coastal areas.

While not a sport, traditional music events and dance are culturally prominent and often bundled with community competitions and festivals in the region.

Vegetarian options are available but limited; order rice, beans, salads, patacones and vegetable stews, and ask vendors to omit meat. Carry snacks and plan ahead since many dishes center on seafood or pork.

Vegan choices exist (fruit, rice, beans, plantains) but cross-contamination and use of fish broth are common; gluten-free options are not always labeled — communicate restrictions clearly and carry staple snacks.

Stick to cooked foods and bottled water if you’re sensitive to local water; choose busy food stalls with high turnover to reduce risk of stomach upset.