Sachica has earned a unique place in Colombian popular culture for an unusual reason: It is considered the town where the most beer is consumed in the country. Although it is a small municipality in the department of Boyaca, with approximately 3,800 inhabitants, its annual per capita beer consumption reaches nearly 190 liters per person, a figure that even surpasses countries with a long-standing beer tradition, such as Germany.
Located just a few kilometers from Villa de Leyva, Sachica has become a curious destination for travelers interested in discovering some of Colombia’s most distinctive customs. Beyond the statistics, the town has built a cultural identity around beer that is deeply connected to agricultural labor, social gatherings, and rural traditions.
Why does Sachica consume so much beer?
Unlike other municipalities in Boyaca known for their cold weather, Sachica has a temperate climate. During the day, temperatures can feel warm due to the strong sun, while nights are usually cool and pleasant. However, the high beer consumption is not mainly related to the weather itself but rather to the demanding agricultural work carried out in the region.
The local economy revolves largely around onion farming, an activity that requires long hours of physically intense labor under the sun. In this environment, beer became the preferred drink among workers as a way to quench their thirst throughout the workday. According to local tradition, many laborers consume several beers while working in the fields, and in some cases, workers may drink up to 10 beers a day during long agricultural shifts.
Beer consumption is also tied to a long-standing rural custom in which farm owners provide beer to their workers during the workday. Sharing cold beers in the fields became part of the labor culture and a symbol of camaraderie between employers and workers. After the workday ends, many laborers continue gathering in local stores and community spaces to drink beer socially.
Over time, this practice evolved from a work-related habit into one of the defining characteristics of daily life in Sachica. Beer accompanies family celebrations, social gatherings, and traditional games such as tejo (some sort of horseshoe throwing), one of the most popular sports in the region.
The town’s beer culture can also be seen in local shops, where groups of residents commonly gather to socialize around bottles of beer from early in the day. For many locals, beer represents more than just a beverage; it is part of the municipality’s identity and social life.
The rise of tourism and craft beer
Sachica’s reputation as Colombia’s most beer-consuming town has also sparked tourism interest. Thanks to its proximity to Villa de Leyva, one of Colombia’s most visited tourist destinations, the town has started attracting visitors seeking authentic gastronomic and cultural experiences in Boyaca.
In recent years, local entrepreneurs have also developed craft beer production, expanding beyond the industrial brands traditionally consumed in the municipality. These artisanal beers often include local ingredients such as quinoa, honey, and Andean fruits, creating flavors that reflect the agricultural identity of the region.
Craft breweries have strengthened the local economy and helped position Sachica as a unique beer tourism destination in Colombia, where visitors can experience not only the country’s highest beer consumption but also the traditions and rural culture that surround it.