Things To Do
in Susa
Susa, Colombia is a small Andean town in the southern Cauca region, set among green valleys and rolling hills. It offers a mix of coffee-farming culture, Indigenous and Afro-Colombian heritage, and warm, welcoming communities. The town serves as a gateway to nearby natural landscapes and traditional Cauca cuisine, all within a relaxed, rural setting.
Visitors come for scenic views, cultural encounters, and the chance to experience a slower pace of life in the Colombian countryside.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Plaza de Susa, where you can admire the stunning colonial architecture and vibrant local life. Enjoy a fresh breakfast at a nearby café, sampling traditional Colombian arepas and sipping on rich coffee. Take a leisurely stroll around the streets, capturing the colorful facades and bustling atmosphere.
After lunch, immerse yourself in the history of Susa by visiting the local museum, which showcases artifacts and exhibits from the region's rich past. Spend time wandering through the artisan markets, where you can find handmade crafts and souvenirs from local artisans. Don't forget to chat with the vendors to learn more about their crafts and the culture of Susa.
As the sun sets, head to a local restaurant to savor traditional Colombian dishes like bandeja paisa or sancocho. Enjoy live music performances that often occur during dinner, providing a perfect ambiance to end your day. After dinner, take a stroll through the plaza, where the evening lights add a magical touch to the historic center.
Begin your day early with a guided nature walk in the nearby forests, where you'll have the chance to see diverse flora and fauna. Keep your eyes peeled for exotic birds as you hike along well-marked trails, guided by a knowledgeable local who can share insights about the ecosystem. Enjoy a picnic breakfast in a serene spot surrounded by natural beauty.
In the afternoon, visit a nearby nature reserve to continue your birdwatching adventure, where you can spot colorful toucans and hummingbirds. Take your time exploring the trails, snapping photos of the stunning scenery and wildlife. For lunch, enjoy a packed meal while surrounded by the tranquility of nature.
Return to Susa in the evening and unwind at a local café, reflecting on the day's discoveries over a refreshing drink. Engage with fellow travelers and locals, sharing stories about your birdwatching experiences. As night falls, consider sampling some local desserts for a sweet end to your day.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| ☕Local coffee | $1-3 |
| 🚌Local bus ride (short trip) | $0.5-2 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel night | $20-50 |
| 🍊Fresh fruit or street snack | $0.5-2 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Access to authentic Cauca culture and Indigenous heritage
- Scenic valleys, coffee farms, and cloud forest landscapes
- Relaxed pace of rural life with warm hospitality
- Limited high-end amenities in town
- Rural roads can be rough and weather-dependent
- Certain areas may have safety advisories; travel with a guide or local information
- "Hola, ¿cómo estás?" - Hi, how are you?
- "Buenos días / Buenas tardes" - Good morning / Good afternoon
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Gracias / Muchas gracias" - Thank you / Thank you very much
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Ayuda" - Help
- "Estoy perdido" - I am lost
Places to Visit in Susa
Visit one of these nice places.
A hilltop overlook offering sweeping views of Susa’s valley, perfect for sunrise or golden-hour photography.
Cobbled streets, colorful facades, and locals out for an evening stroll provide rich street photography opportunities.
Waterways and farm terraces create reflective water scenes and vibrant green backdrops for landscape shots.
Food in Susa
Susa Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Corn-based bread stuffed with melted cheese, a staple found in many Cauca towns and widely available from street stalls to family kitchens.
Must-Try!
Hearty yellow-maize soup with meat, plantains, and yucca; a comforting, shareable dish often prepared for family meals.
Masato, a traditional fermented beverage, paired with chontaduro (peach palm fruit) for a sweet, chewy treat enjoyed by locals.
River fish or trout prepared in regional styles; commonly found near rivers and farms, reflecting the town’s access to fresh aquatic foods.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Pulse of daily life with stalls selling fresh fruit, queso, arepas, tamales, and ready-to-eat snacks; great for people-watching and sampling local flavors.
Casual vendors along main streets offering arepas, empanadas, fresh fruit, fresh-squeezed juices, and masato samples.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly hello with a handshake is common; for close friends, a kiss on the cheek may occur in informal settings.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially elders or Indigenous communities; dress modestly in rural areas and avoid public displays of tension.
Politeness and warmth go a long way; modesty in compliments and interest in local traditions is appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Susa
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants a 5-10% tip is appreciated if service is good; small tips for street vendors are not required but welcomed.
Cash is widely accepted in markets and small eateries; cards are increasingly accepted in larger shops and hotels, but carry cash for rural areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dry season with sunny days and cooler nights; great for outdoor activities and photography, but carry water and sun protection.
April–May and October–November can bring heavy showers; plan flexible outdoor plans and bring a light rain jacket and waterproof footwear.
Susa at Night
Hiking in Susa
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A major nearby hiking area offering dramatic volcanic landscapes, highland forests, and panoramic valley views.
Gentle to moderate hikes around shaded coffee plantations, often including a cupping session and farm-to-table refreshments.
Walks through misty forests along riverbanks, ideal for birdwatching and quiet nature immersion.
Airports
How to reach Susa by plane.
Major gateway to southwestern Colombia; offers domestic and international connections and access to Susa via road from the city.
Regional airport serving the Nariño region; convenient for visitors coming from northern Colombia or neighboring regions.
Local airport near Popayán; another option for travelers combining Cauca region trips with other destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Nasa communities in the Cauca region with strong cultural traditions, languages, and weaving and handicraft practices.
Groups with deep ties to the river valleys and agricultural livelihoods, contributing to local music and cuisine.
Families involved in coffee growing, small-scale farming, and local trade.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in towns like Susa, with local matches and informal games common in plazas and schools.
Rural roads and scenic routes attract cyclists exploring the valleys and hills.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Susa.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many vegetable dishes and corn-based plates are available; ask for sancocho-style without meat or request stews with beans, plantains, and vegetables.