Santa Ana

About

Santa Ana was founded by the Mayans, but like the rest of the region, was conquered by the Spanish in the 16th century. A relatively small settlement that didn’t gain the status of ‘town’ until 1812, the early 20th century saw Santa Ana become the most prosperous city in the country thanks to its coffee industry. Today, the city is considered one of the most beautiful in Latin America thanks to the opulent monuments erected with this wealth. The main attractions are the intricate Neo-Gothic cathedral and the National Theatre - a Neo-Baroque beauty filled with murals, stucco, and gilt. Santa Ana’s historic center is home to nearly 400 buildings, making the area worth exploring outside of these main monuments. If you need a break from sightseeing, duck into one of the city’s many cafes, comedores, or pupuserias for some local fare, and just watch the world go by.