Hostels in Buga, Colombia

Buga is a city in the Valle de Cauca department in western Colombia. It is one of the oldest cities in the entire country, having been founded by Spanish conquistadors and wealthy Spanish families in the mid-16th century. Today, Buga is most well-known for its Basilica del Señor de los Milagros (the Basilica of the Lord of the Miracles) which attracts millions of Catholic pilgrims each year. The largest festival for the Cristo Negro, or Black Christ, takes place in September, and is a very religious based festival with masses and religious ceremonies as well as a procession down the main Avenida del Milagroso.

You can easily catch a bus to Buga from either Salento (two hours north) or Cali (one hour south). Buses from Cali run several times a day.

There are only a couple of hostels in Buga. Find these hostels in the main square, right near the basilica. In general, expect hostels in Buga to be staffed with friendly people who have also travelled extensively and understand what its like to be on the road. Once you’re settled at the hostel, head to the microbrewery for a local quaff and some European-style pizza or head to the Parque Cabal (in the city centre) for a coffee surrounded by locals.

Buga’s main attractions are in the historic city centre, where many of the original 17th and 18th century buildings still stand. It is listed as a National Historic Village. There are also plenty of museums, from the Calima Archaeological Museum to several nature and animal reserves and a botanical garden. The nearby Lake Calima is popular with locals and tourists for swimming, wind surfing, boating. There are some hidden local swimming spots as well as a few secret places to cliff dive. Your hostel can arrange any tours or activities for you!