Things To Do
in Consacá

Consacá is a small Andean municipality in the Nariño department of Colombia, nestled among green hills and river valleys. It offers a laid-back rural vibe, coffee farms, and scenic trails that feel far from the busier tourist routes. Visitors can explore local markets, watch traditional farming life, and enjoy fresh river fish and coffee in simple eateries.

The area serves as a gateway to natural beauty and authentic Andean culture with welcoming locals.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Consacá
morning
:

Upon arriving in Consacá, take a moment to breathe in the crisp mountain air and appreciate the scenic surroundings. Check into your cozy accommodations and freshen up before heading out to explore. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café to indulge in Colombian coffee and fresh pastries.

afternoon
:

Spend your afternoon strolling through the charming streets of Consacá, where you'll encounter colorful traditional houses and vibrant flowers. Visit local artisans' workshops to appreciate handmade crafts and maybe pick up a unique souvenir. As the afternoon sun shines down, take a moment to relax in the town square and soak in the atmosphere.

evening
:

As night falls, delight in a traditional dinner at a local restaurant, sampling some of the region's specialties. Engage with friendly locals as you share a meal, perhaps learning about their lives and the culture of Consacá. After dinner, enjoy a peaceful walk under the stars, reflecting on your first day in this quaint town.

day 2
Exploring Nature Parks
morning
:

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before heading out to explore the nearby nature parks. Take a guided hike through the lush landscapes, where you’ll encounter diverse flora and fauna unique to the Andean region. Capture the breathtaking views from elevated points along the trail.

afternoon
:

After your hike, enjoy a packed lunch amidst the natural beauty, taking the time to relax and recharge. Visit a nearby waterfall, where you can take a refreshing dip or simply bask in the tranquil surroundings. The afternoon can also include some birdwatching; keep your eyes peeled for the colorful species that inhabit the area.

evening
:

Return to Consacá in the evening and choose a different restaurant for dinner, perhaps trying local delicacies such as arepas or tamales. Engage in lively conversations with fellow travelers or locals over dinner. Wind down with a quiet evening stroll through the town, admiring the soft glow of streetlamps illuminating the cobblestone streets.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
💧Bottled water (1.5 L)0.50-1.50
Local coffee1-3
🚎Local transport (short ride)0.50-2
🏨Budget hotel night20-40

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Peaceful, scenic setting away from crowds
  • Warm, welcoming locals
  • Good access to coffee country and nature activities
  • Limited nightlife and fewer international dining options
  • Smaller healthcare facilities requiring travel for major services
  • "¿Dónde está la oficina de turismo?" - Where is the tourism office?
  • "Gracias" - Thank you
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
  • "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?

Places to Visit in Consacá

Visit one of these nice places.

Mirador del Valle

A sweeping overlook of the valley and surrounding hills, especially photogenic at sunrise.

Río Consacá Falls

Cascading water and lush greenery along accessible trails, great for composition and long exposures.

Culinary Guide

Food in Consacá

Consacá’s cuisine blends hearty Andean produce, fresh river fish, and rich coffee flavors from nearby farms.

Consacá Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Trucha a la parrilla

Grilled trout from the rivers, often served with patacones, rice, and salad.

Must-Try!

Arepa de choclo

Sweet corn arepa typically enjoyed with cheese or hogao.

Caldo de pescado

Fish soup with yuca, plantains, and herbs.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Local de Consacá

Daily market stalls offer fresh produce, herbs, dairy, and quick bites from local cooks.

Bocadillos along the riverfront

Casual street snacks like arepas, empanadas, and fried plantains.

Climate Guide

Weather

Consacá features a mild, highland tropical climate with warm days and cooler nights; humidity can be high and rain showers occur year-round, with a slightly drier pattern in the local dry season.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with a friendly hola/buenos días and a handshake; small talk is common.

Dress and behavior

Dress modestly when visiting religious sites; ask before taking photos of people; show respect in ceremonies.

Safety Guide

Safety

Stay aware of petty theft in crowded markets; use hotel safes for valuables; travel in groups at night on unlit roads; carry a photocopy of your passport and emergency numbers.

Tipping in Consacá

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not always expected; 5-10% in nicer restaurants if service isn’t included.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely used; some shops and larger establishments accept cards or mobile wallets.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Dry season with warm days and cooler nights; showers are possible but less frequent than in the rainy months.

Nightlife Guide

Consacá at Night

The nightlife in Consacá is low-key, with small family-friendly bars and cafés; nearby towns sometimes host live music, salsa nights, or local dances on weekends.

Hiking in Consacá

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Cascadas y Senderos de Consacá

Waterfall trails and cloud-forest paths just outside town; moderate difficulty.

Miradores de la Sierra Andina

Ridge viewpoints offering sweeping valley views and photo opportunities.

Airports

How to reach Consacá by plane.

Pasto Antonio Nariño Airport (PSO)

Closest airport serving Consacá; typically a 1.5–2.5 hour drive to town.

Ipiales San Luis Airport (IPI)

Southwest option closer to the Ecuador border; longer drive but access to international connections.

Getting Around

Walkability

Within town limits, Consacá is quite walkable; rural surroundings require a vehicle or taxi for longer trips and hikes.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Residents

Primarily mestizo with smaller Indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities in surrounding areas.

Farm workers

Many households rely on coffee, fruit, and vegetable farming.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Soccer (fútbol)

The most popular sport; local matches and informal play in town squares.

Cycling

Hilly terrain offers scenic routes for road and mountain biking.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is light in town; intercity travel relies on buses and private taxis; roads to outdoor areas can be winding and narrow.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Consacá.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

In Consacá, you can navigate vegetarian options by asking for vegetable stews, salads, beans, and corn-based dishes; many eateries can adapt plates if you ask.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic health centers are available in Consacá; for more comprehensive care or emergencies, residents typically travel to Pasto (city) which has larger hospitals and clinics.

Discover Colombia

Read more in our Colombia 2025 Travel Guide.

Colombia Travel Guide