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If you are looking for a hidden gem in Colombia that is well off the backpacker’s trail, look no further than Buga. Buga is a cute town nestled in the heart of Colombia’s Valle del Cauca region. While unknown to foreign tourists, it is however an important place for many Colombians because of its religious significance. Read on to find out everything you need to know about Buga!
Basílica Menor Señor de Los Milagros, Buga, Colombia
Buga, officially known as Guadalajara de Buga, is a cute Colombian town with an authentic vibe and laid-back atmosphere. Located in the Cauca department, it’s a place that stands out mostly for its colonial charm and religious significance.
Buga is particularly famous for the Basilica of Our Lord of Miracles which attracts thousands of pilgrims annually. Constructed in a neo-Gothic style, it’s a true work of art and worth visiting, even if you are not interested in the religious aspects behind it.
Beyond all things religious, Buga is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Cauca Valley. The town’s proximity to the Andes Mountains provides stunning vistas and an array of outdoor activities like the Sonso lake and waterfalls.
Furthermore, while a traditional Colombian town, there’s also a bit of a hipster vibe going on in Buga, with cool local coffee shops and a microbrewery.
The primary draw of Buga is the Basilica of Our Lord of Miracles, an important Roman Catholic church. This basilica is a major pilgrimage site, famous for housing an image of Christ, known as the “Señor de los Milagros”, believed to possess miraculous properties.
Thousands of pilgrims and tourists visit this basilica annually, especially for religious events and festivals. The streets around the Basilica are full of small shops selling catholic images, bracelets, necklaces and so much more.
It’s a very curious place to be, especially if you are non-religious. The devotion of some of the visitors feels a bit odd, yet how deep their faith is, is somehow something beautiful to witness.
Buga, like many places in Colombia, has experienced improvements in safety and security over the years. I’ve never felt unsafe walking around in Buga, certainly not around the Basilica and neither in the streets further away from the main sights.
However, it’s important to note that safety conditions can vary over time and depend on various factors. Always check recent news concerning safety before traveling to a certain place.
→ Also read: Is Medellin Safe to Visit? What You Need to Know!
While most of the major sights in Buga evolve around its religious importance, there is much more to this town. Here are the best things to do in Buga!
The Basilica of Our Lord of the Miracles of Buga houses a miraculous statue of Jesus Christ known as “Nuestro Señor de Los Milagros de Buga. This statue is an example of acheiropoieta, a catholic icon that is believed to be created without human hands.
The story goes that it was discovered in the 16th century by an indigenous laundress in the Guadalajara River. After the find, the small crucifix miraculously grew to life-size, drawing pilgrims and leading to the establishment of a hermitage, which eventually evolved into the current basilica.
Basílica Menor Señor de Los Milagros, Buga, Colombia
Residing in the basilica since the 18th century, this image has undergone trials, including attempts to destroy it, yet it endured, further augmenting its sacred status. What is curious is the statue’s unique composition of mud and grass, resembling fine ceramic which ofcourse adds even more to its mystique.
furthermore, The basilica’s architecture is an absolute marvel. The pink color makes it truly eye-catching and it has been a symbol of peace and reconciliation in Colombia, especially during times of national strife and natural disasters.
The streets of Buga are lovely to walk around in, not too busy, and offer a great mix of culture, history, and daily life.
Many of Buga’s streets are lined with well-preserved colonial architecture. These buildings, with their colorful facades, balconies, and traditional tile roofs, reflect the town’s long history dating back to the Spanish colonial era.
The streets of Buga Colombia
The streets of Buga are often bustling with activity. While the main plaza of Buga is not that impressive, street vendors, local shops, and artisanal stalls provide a lively atmosphere, very typical and authentic to Colombia.
Furthermore, all the shops lining the streets around the Basilica selling catholic souvenirs provide a unique experience.
Buga, like many villages in Colombia, for example, Villavieja, has embraced the growing trends of craft beer and coffee. In town, you can find the Holy Water Ale brew pub, a craft beer scene led by Stefan Schnur, a German/American expat.
At Holy Water Ale, you can find nine different types of craft beer each with its unique flavors and made according to the rules of artisanal brewing. Attached to the brewery is also a hostel and a restaurant offering sandwiches, pizza, and pasta, and yes, also Kombucha!
Coffee and craft beer is what makes the streets of Buga stand out
Another thing that will surely catch your eye in Buga is the amount of cute coffee shops. Because of its proximity to the famous Eje Cafetera, Colombia’s Coffee region, Buga seems to have developed an interest in brewing high-quality coffee.
This is great if you consider that most of the coffee that Colombians drink is “Tinto”, powdered coffee that comes from non-quality beans. Piantato is a great place in Buga to have a coffee.
The Church of Our Lady of Mercy (Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes) in Buga is another important religious and architectural site in this historic Colombian town.
While the Basilica of the Lord of Miracles is the most prominent church in Buga, the Church of Our Lady of Mercy adds to the town’s charm with its white and orange colors.
It used to be the first home of the image of the miraculous Christ but all its oil paintings, doors, ornaments, and the miraculous Christ were transferred to the Basilica in later years.
José María Cabal Park
Not as scenic as some other local plazas in bigger cities in Colombia, the José María Cabal Park is the place in town to sit down on one of the many benches and watch local life go by.
One other blog about Buga mentioned that iguanas are roaming the plaza in search of food but I haven’t been able to spot one.
The Monumento Faro Alejandro Cabal Pombo is another significant landmark in Buga, named in honor of Alejandro Cabal Pombo, a notable figure in the region.
Alejandro Cabal Pombo was an influential person in the Valle del Cauca region, known for his contributions to the community of Buga. The monument stands as a tribute to his legacy, honoring his impact on local development and society.
The Museo Señor de los Milagros (Lord of Miracles Museum) in Buga, Colombia, is a significant cultural and religious institution, closely associated with the Basilica of the Lord of Miracles, the town’s most prominent religious site.
It houses a collection of religious artifacts related to the Basilica and the veneration of the Lord of Miracles. Unfortunately, it was closed at the time of my visit. Opening hours are every day of the week from 9 AM to 5 PM.
The San Francisco Church (Iglesia de San Francisco) in Buga, Colombia, is another notable religious and historical site in this culturally rich town. In previous years it was occupied by various religious orders but is now managed by the diocese of Buga.
This chapel holds important religious significance in Buga as it was built in the 16th century at the exact place of the modest hut in which the woman lived who found the cross of Christ in the water of the river.
You can find it in the center of Buga next to the Basílica Menor Señor de Los Milagros.
Here are the websites I use when I travel to Colombia:
Booking.com: For the best guesthouses, homestays, or small hotels
Hostelworld: To find the best hostels located in the cities
Homestay: For a unique immersive homestay experience in the big cities or the countryside
Busbud and Redbus: The best transport websites for long-distance buses in Colombia. Note that 12Go also works in Colombia but the tickets they will buy for you are open-seat tickets and don’t guarantee a seat on the bus you book online.
Uber: Uber is a convenient and cheap ride-hailing app that can be used in the bigger cities of Colombia. Other apps are Cabify or Didi.
Skyscanner: For affordable flights to Bogota and intercity flights in the country.
Viator and Get Your Guide: book all kinds of activities from the Ciudad Perdida trek to a guided private tour of Comuna 13 in Medellin.
Citizens of many countries, including the United States, Canada, the European Union, Australia, and New Zealand, do not require a visa for short tourist stays (typically up to 90 days). However, this can vary, so it’s always best to check iVisa for the specific requirements for your nationality.
If you’re looking for travel insurance, the one with the best benefits online is undoubtedly Heymondo! It’s very easy to ask for a quote on the website and, if you book with this link you’ll get 5% off!
Access mobile data immediately when entering the country with a Colombian E-sim or a Latamlink E-sim when traveling through multiple countries. If you are already in Colombia, the best local prepaid sim card is Claro.
Aside from all the sights in the center of Buga, there are a few natural attractions in the area that are definitely worth a trip!
The Laguna de Sonso is a natural reserve located near the town of Buga. The lagoon is a vital ecosystem known for its rich biodiversity. It’s a haven for various species of birds, making it a popular spot for birdwatching.
The reserve is also home to many native plants and animals, some of which are rare or endangered. The lagoon is located about 20 kilometers from the center of Buga. The entrance is free and you can rent kayaks to go on the water.
This waterfall is located about 17 kilometers from Buga and can be reached by taking a bus or taxi to the village of Alaska.
Not only is this a lovely waterfall to visit, but the story goes that this is also the place where the local woman who was washing her clothes found the small crucifix that later grew and became the Nuestro Señor de Los Milagros de Buga!
→ Also read: Cocora Valley, Colombia: All You Need to Know
You won’t be short on places to eat in Buga whether you are looking for cheap Colombian fare or a Western-style pizza!
While Buga is not short on great places to eat, it is a however a bit short on good places to stay, especially if you are looking for budget accommodation.
I stayed at Hotel Casa Blanca for 50.000 COP/night. The room was fine but the whole place was a bit worn down. I suggest to spend a little bit more money on accommodation in Buga. Here are some suggestions!
The best way to reach Buga as a conscious traveler is by public bus. You can catch a bus to Buga from major cities like Bogota, Medellín, or Cali. The journey from Bogota takes about 10 hours, while from Medellin, it’s about 8 hours, and from Cali, it’s only about an hour.
The transport terminal of Buga is also well connected to the larger cities in the Zona Cafetera like Armenia and Manizales.
There you go! I hope you enjoyed this post about Buga in Colombia. Buga is not a place to spend days on end but it is a lovely stopover on the way from the north to the south of Colombia.
It’s a great destination to take a break from bus travel and a more quiet alternative if you don’t want to spend the night in a major city like Cali.
Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions or drop me a message through my contact page.
Also, don’t forget to check out my resources page with my favorite booking platforms and tips to start planning your trip. Additionally, have a look at my favorite travel gear if you want to pack more consciously!
ENJOY!
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Hi! I am Annelies and this is Travelers & Dreamers, a blog about conscious travel which means traveling in a more mindful way, with a positive impact on the world and yourself!
On this website, I cover different topics like slow travel, plant-based food guides, responsible travel, sustainable packing, eco-travel, and more!
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