Intro

Today was a planned pause, a necessary un-pedaling from the grinding rhythm of the road through the Amazonica. My legs welcomed the rest, but it was my mind that truly benefited from the immersion. I started the day with a deep sense of curiosity, eager to see what this vibrant community of Santa Ana had in store beyond its main square.

Ride Overview

No cycling today. Distance (km): 0 Elevation gain (m): 0 Elevation loss (m): 0 Weather: Partly cloudy, with a humid, earthy smell in the air. Surface: N/A, though the community square was a mix of packed dirt and rough pavement. The air thrummed with activity from dawn until long after dusk, a stark contrast to the quiet solitude of the jungle trails. The energy of the place was palpable.

Highlights

The timing of my arrival in Santa Ana was nothing short of perfect. Today was the election of a multi-community leader, transforming the main square opposite Anita’s house into a bustling carnival. Vendors hawked their wares, music blared from makeshift speakers, and people danced with an infectious joy. It was a true celebration of community and democracy.

A significant part of the day involved free food, generously provided by a multi-community fund. Anita, my host, was right in the thick of it, helping to prepare mountains of food for an estimated 3000 people. I found myself alternating between the vibrant square and the relative quiet of Anita’s house when the intensity became too much, recharging before diving back into the festivities.

My culinary adventures were a definite highlight. I bravely sampled Chontacuro, giant larvae from chonta palm trees. I’d expected it to be challenging, but it was surprisingly easy to eat. The head was crisp, the skin chewy, and the inside had a texture not unlike a boiled egg. Then came grilled armadillo with steamed yuka, a rich, gamey flavour I won’t soon forget. For a sweet treat, I tried Chilean Huevo, a delightful deep-fried wheat flour ball. And of course, I helped myself to the abundant free food.

In the late afternoon, after her shift in the communal kitchen, Anita and I finally had a moment to ourselves. We sat together over warm tea, exchanging stories, her tales of community life weaving effortlessly with my own snippets from the road. It was a quiet, grounding counterpoint to the day’s earlier exuberance. Though the after-party would undoubtedly rage into the night, I called it a day around 9 p.m., taking one last round of the main square before settling in.

Lowlights

There were no real lowlights today. The constant buzz of the crowd could be a little overwhelming at times, but retreating to Anita’s house for a brief respite always reset my senses. The day flowed with an easy, unexpected rhythm.

Overnight

I stayed at Anita’s house, located directly on the main square. Its position was ideal, offering a front-row seat to the day’s festivities while also providing a private sanctuary when needed. It felt less like a guesthouse and more like a temporary home, a comfortable shelter amidst the joyous chaos.

Reflection

Today confirmed something I’ve long suspected: sometimes, the most profound experiences on a long journey happen when you step off the bike. To be fully present in a moment, to witness a community event, to share food and stories – these are the threads that truly weave the fabric of travel. It changed my perspective on what constitutes a “day on the road.” It wasn’t about miles today, but about moments.

Route summary

• Date: 29.01.2026