The Basilica of the Lord of Miracles today
Since the earthquake of August 10, 2026, the interior of the basilica has been closed due to damage to the dome. Masses are held in the plaza at their usual times, and the shrine (camarín) of the Lord of Miracles can be visited from the back of the church (information from the rector, September 7, 2026). Before you travel, check the status on the official website, milagrosodebuga.com, or on our page about the Basilica of Buga.
According to tradition, the image of the Lord of Miracles was found by an Indigenous washerwoman in the Guadalajara River. Its main feast day is September 14, which draws thousands of pilgrims: if you travel around that date, book your lodging well in advance.
Buga’s historic center
One day is enough to walk around the center, visit the shrine, and have lunch. The main sights are:
- Cathedral of San Pedro Apóstol and Church of Santo Domingo: two of the churches in the center. Several churches in Valle del Cauca were damaged in the earthquake, so confirm access before you go.
- Ernesto Salcedo Ospina Municipal Theater.
- José María Cabal Park: the main square, a good starting point for walking the streets of the center.
Nature near Buga
- Laguna de Sonso: a Ramsar wetland on the outskirts of Buga, the best place in the valley to see waterbirds and migratory species. Read our guide to bird watching at Laguna de Sonso.
- El Vínculo Regional Natural Park: a tropical dry forest reserve 3 km south of Buga, managed by INCIVA. The Valle del Cauca government announced its reopening after the earthquake on September 9, 2026.
- Sugarcane Museum (Hacienda Piedechinche): nearby, in El Cerrito. It pairs well with Buga on the same day if you leave Cali early.
The taste of Buga’s traditions
The sweet most associated with the city is Buga’s manjar blanco, a thick milk, sugar, and rice dessert traditionally served in small gourds called mates. Other traditional Buga sweets include desamargado (candied citrus peel), cortado (curdled-milk sweet), alfeñiques, melcochas, colaciones, and bizcochuelos. Among the main dishes are chicken sancocho, tamal valluno, and arroz atollado. To follow the trail of manjar blanco, see our Sweet Route guide (in Spanish).
Buga is a good central base for touring the rest of the department. If you want to stay in the countryside, compare options in our glamping section.
Frequently asked questions about religious tourism in Buga
Is the Basilica of Buga open?
The interior has been closed since the earthquake of August 10, 2026, due to damage to the dome. Masses are held in the plaza, and the shrine of the Lord of Miracles can be visited from the back of the church (information from the rector, September 7, 2026). Check the status at milagrosodebuga.com before you travel.
When is the feast of the Lord of Miracles of Buga?
September 14. It is the busiest pilgrimage date of the year.
What else is there to see in Buga besides the basilica?
The historic center, with the Cathedral of San Pedro Apóstol, the Church of Santo Domingo, the Ernesto Salcedo Ospina Municipal Theater, and José María Cabal Park; and, outside the town, Laguna de Sonso and El Vínculo Regional Natural Park.
How much time do you need to see Buga?
One day is enough for the historic center and the shrine. If you want to add Laguna de Sonso or the Sugarcane Museum, leave Cali early or plan a second day.
