Things To Do
in Santa María

A corn-based flatbread served plain, with cheese, or stuffed; available at street carts and breakfast fondas throughout town.

Must-Try!

A comforting, brothy stew made with meat (chicken, beef or fish depending on the area), plantain and tubers—often served on weekends or for special family meals.

Fried corn turnovers filled with meat, potato or cheese; widely sold by street vendors and a perfect snack with aji (spicy sauce).

Corn dough filled with meat, vegetables and seasonings, wrapped in banana or plantain leaf and steamed—commonly available in the morning or at market stalls.

Early-morning market where local farmers sell fruit, vegetables, plantains and fresh juices; try seasonal fruit juices (jugos) and freshly made corn snacks.

Evening stalls near the central plaza offering empanadas, arepas, grilled chicken or fish and sweet pastries—great for casual, inexpensive meals.

Greet people with a polite 'hola' and handshake; acquaintances may use a single cheek kiss (or close cheek touch) depending on the region—mirror locals to avoid awkwardness.

Use polite forms (usted) with elders and people you don’t know well; learn a few Spanish phrases—effort is appreciated and opens doors with locals.

Dress modestly in public spaces, ask permission before photographing people—especially elders and workers—and be mindful of noise late at night.

Prices at markets are often fixed or informally set; bargaining is possible but should be polite and friendly—focus on small items or bulk purchases.

Tipping is appreciated but modest; restaurants sometimes add a 10% service charge—if not included, leaving 5–10% is a nice gesture. Tip local guides and drivers directly (small amounts) for good service.

Cash (Colombian peso) is king in small towns—many businesses won’t accept cards. ATMs can be scarce outside regional centers, so withdraw enough cash in the nearest city. Credit cards work in larger restaurants or hotels; mobile payments are still limited.

Short to moderate hike to a nearby hilltop offering panoramic views of the town and surrounding farmland—ideal at sunrise or sunset.

Trail following a river or small stream with opportunities for birdwatching, swimming in calm pools and observing riparian vegetation.

Network of paths across coffee fincas where visitors can walk between plots, see processing areas and enjoy shaded, cultivated landscapes.

Longer trek along ridgelines connecting neighboring hamlets—offers varied terrain and is best done with a local guide or farmer who knows the way.

Regional airport serving the Huila department; often the nearest commercial airport for towns in southern Tolima/Huila regions. From the airport take a bus or taxi to the regional bus terminal and continue by road to Santa María.

Major airport in southwestern Colombia with many national and international connections; useful if traveling to Santa María from the Pacific/Valle regions—expect a several-hour drive or a regional bus transfer to reach smaller towns.

Colombia’s primary international gateway—best option for international arrivals. From Bogotá you can take a domestic flight to a regional airport nearby or travel overland by long-distance bus to reach Santa María.

Serves Medellín and the greater Antioquia region; convenient if your Santa María is in northern/central Andean areas—additional ground travel will be required to reach small towns.

Majority of the population—people of mixed Indigenous and European ancestry who make up the core of community life.

Depending on the exact region, there may be nearby Indigenous groups with distinct languages and traditions—respect local customs and lands.

In some areas of Colombia there are Afro-Colombian populations with rich cultural contributions; presence varies by region.

A significant portion of residents work in agriculture—coffee, plantain, sugarcane, cattle or mixed subsistence farming are common livelihoods.