Things To Do
in San Jacinto
San Jacinto is a small, vibrant town in the Montes de María region of Bolívar, Colombia, famed for its traditional pottery, handwoven textiles and lively cumbia music. The town blends Afro-Caribbean cultural roots with rural Andean-influenced agriculture, producing a rich craft and musical heritage. Visitors come for artisan workshops, colorful festivals, and relaxed plaza life surrounded by low, green hills.
Despite its modest size, San Jacinto offers an authentic glimpse of coastal Colombian traditions away from major tourist hubs.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in San Jacinto and immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture. Take a leisurely stroll around the town to admire the stunning architecture and colorful murals. Stop by a local café for a taste of traditional Colombian breakfast, including arepas and fresh coffee.
Visit the nearby artisan workshops to observe skilled craftsmen at work and purchase unique handmade souvenirs. Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant, savoring dishes like sancocho and bandeja paisa. After lunch, head to the town square, where you can interact with friendly locals and learn about their customs.
Experience the lively atmosphere of a local music event, where you can enjoy cumbia and vallenato performances. Share stories with fellow travelers and locals while sampling street food delicacies. End your day with a leisurely walk under the stars, soaking in the warm evening air.
Start the day by visiting the local museum to learn about San Jacinto's history and cultural significance. Engage with exhibits that highlight the region's indigenous heritage and art. Capture the beautiful surroundings as you take a guided tour through the museum.
Take a short hike to nearby hills for panoramic views of the town and lush landscapes. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy amidst nature, surrounded by the sounds of chirping birds. Spend some time exploring the flora and fauna unique to the region.
Return to town for a cooking class where you can learn to prepare traditional dishes. Share your culinary creations with fellow participants over a communal dinner. Celebrate the day by visiting a local bar to enjoy regional cocktails and live music.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Cafe / Coffee | $0.70-1.50 |
| 🚕Short taxi or moto-taxi ride | $1-3 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $20-45 |
| 🧶Handmade craft / small souvenir | $5-30 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich, authentic cultural and artisan traditions (pottery, weaving, music).
- Laid-back, walkable town with friendly local hospitality.
- Excellent opportunities for hands-on craft experiences and live music.
- Affordable prices and genuine community-driven tourism.
- Limited tourist infrastructure and few high-end accommodations.
- Public transportation can be infrequent; some roads are rural and rough.
- Fewer dining options for specialized dietary needs.
- Less nightlife variety compared with larger cities—more seasonal events than nightly entertainment.
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Gracias, muy amable" - Thank you, very kind
- "¿Dónde está la plaza?" - Where is the main square?
- "Soy vegetariano/a" - I am vegetarian
Places to Visit in San Jacinto
Visit one of these nice places.
Vibrant daily life, colorful façades and the town church provide classic photos of community and architecture.
Action shots of artisans at the wheel, hands working clay and displays of traditional pottery—ideal for cultural portraiture and detail work.
Low hill viewpoints give panoramic shots of patchwork farmland, distant hills and dramatic Caribbean light at sunrise or sunset.
Candid food scenes, vendors, colorful produce and textures—great for close-ups and environmental portraits.
Food in San Jacinto
San Jacinto Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh river or coastal-style fried fish served with smashed fried plantains (patacones) and rice; common at local eateries and small restaurants.
Must-Try!
Slow-cooked beef or pork stew accompanied by coconut rice—reflects Afro-Caribbean flavors and is found in family-run comedores.
Crispy corn arepa filled with egg, a popular snack from street vendors and small food stands.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Morning market stalls sell fresh fruit, fried snacks, arepas, and local cheeses—great for sampling seasonal produce and quick bites.
Simple family-run stands near main roads serve homestyle lunches (platos del día) and typical snacks—look for busy spots to find the best food.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly handshake or a light hug and a kiss on the cheek (informal) are common; always greet shopkeepers and locals with a polite ‘buenos días/tardes’.
Show deference to older residents and community leaders; asking permission before photographing people in private settings is courteous.
Dress modestly when visiting churches or community events and keep noise levels moderate in residential areas; participate respectfully in musical or cultural gatherings.
Safety
Tipping in San Jacinto
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; for good service in restaurants leave 5–10% or round up, and offer small tips to guides or drivers for exceptional service.
Cash (Colombian peso) is widely used—many small shops and food stalls are cash-only; some restaurants may accept cards but connectivity can be unreliable, so carry enough cash for daily expenses.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect hot, sunny days with lower rainfall—ideal for outdoor exploration, walking town streets and visiting nearby trails; bring sun protection and light clothing.
Short but intense rains become more frequent; some rural roads may become muddy—carry a lightweight rain jacket and flexible schedule for outdoor plans.
Temperatures remain warm; occasional showers but generally good for travel—this period can be lively with local events and is comfortable for daytime activities.
Another period of increased rainfall and higher humidity; river and wetland excursions may be affected—check local conditions before heading out.
San Jacinto at Night
Hiking in San Jacinto
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A network of low-hill paths winding through farmland and patches of native vegetation—good for half-day hikes, scenic views and birdwatching.
Short guided walks on local farms where visitors can learn about crops, traditional agriculture and enjoy shaded trails and farm-to-table snacks.
Seasonal trails near rivers or wetlands suitable for birdwatching and calm nature walks—best visited with a local guide during dry periods.
Airports
How to reach San Jacinto by plane.
The closest major international airport offering numerous domestic and international connections; expect about 2–3 hours by road to San Jacinto depending on traffic.
Another regional international airport with domestic services; travel time to San Jacinto is roughly 2–3 hours by car, depending on route and traffic.
Smaller regional airports near Sincelejo offer limited domestic flights and can reduce road travel time; services are less frequent and may require connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the population descends from Afro-Caribbean roots, influencing music, cuisine and artisan traditions.
Local livelihoods center on small-scale agriculture, craft production and local commerce, with strong family-run enterprises.
Craftspeople, potters and musicians form an important social group, preserving traditional techniques and cultural expression.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport, played informally in town fields and followed passionately during major matches like national team fixtures.
While not a sport, community events focus on cumbia and folkloric dance competitions, which are culturally central and energetic group activities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting San Jacinto.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited—look for rice-and-plantain dishes, bean stews and vegetable sides at comedores; communicate ‘soy vegetariano/a’ or ask for ‘sin carne’ and expect simpler meals.
Vegan and gluten-free choices are uncommon; fresh fruit and some arepas (made from corn) are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contamination is possible—plan ahead or bring snacks.
If you have severe allergies, carry translations and medication; small kitchens may not distinguish ingredients and fish, coconut or peanuts are used in the region.