This article aims to conduct a theoretical review of ethnography as a qualitative strategy for descriptive-analytical studies on social practices and rural development. Methodologically, it is grounded in the qualitative paradigm, employing a bibliographic design and a descriptive documentary research approach. This involved using scientific articles indexed in various electronic repositories and institutional documents, which provided a broad overview of the topic. The review addressed the origins and foundations of ethnography, the characteristics of the method, ethnographic typologies, and research design. The results indicate that the cyclical nature of ethnographic design and the constant interaction in the data collection and analysis processes make it difficult to establish predetermined steps and phases in its design and implementation. For this reason, developing a field design for verification ensures its relevance and requires a methodological approach that aligns with our scientific understanding. Therefore, it is recommended that researchers not approach the field with pre-established hypotheses or stipulate a rigidly structured or linear model beforehand. However, this does not mean that researchers should enter the field without any methodological framework or objective. If they do, the research will be empty and meaningless.