Religious tourism and cultural tour of the Cauca Valley

Valle del Cauca is a destination that combines spirituality, history and culture. With emblematic shrines, churches full of sacred art and religious festivities that attract thousands of pilgrims, this region is ideal for those seeking a religious tourism experience. Explore the places that inspire faith and devotion while discovering the cultural richness that surrounds these traditions.

Much of the material and historical heritage of the region is composed of religious buildings that predominate and remain in force over time.

The strong influence of the Spanish colonizers with respect to the spread of the Christian-Catholic faith is evident in a predominant religious tradition in Valle del Cauca, making the department the main pilgrimage point in the country.

Iconic places of religious tourism in Valle del Cauca:

Basilica of the Lord of the Miracles of Buga

For more than two centuries, the figure of the Lord of Miracles has been a source of pilgrimage and devotion even for the first Christianized indigenous communities. The Basilica that houses his image is commonly known as “The Temple of Peace”, and celebrates about 12 Eucharistic celebrations daily.

La Ermita Church in Cali

This building embellishes the city with its impressive and imposing Gothic style and its images of San José, San Roque, the Cristo de la Caña and the Virgen de los Dolores. Located on the traditional Colombia Avenue, on the banks of the Cali River, this is one of the most important tourist attractions in the capital of the department.

Our Lady of Las Lajas Chapel

Located in the municipality of La Unión, this hermitage is located on top of a central hill and is one of the oldest in Valle del Cauca. It was built between 1640 and 1641 and was declared a National Monument.

Our Lady of Palmar Cathedral

With more than 300 years of history, this is the most important religious temple in the municipality of Palmira and was erected in 1773 in homage to the Virgin of Palmar. Its construction is today considered a National Monument and is the epicenter of various religious and ecclesiastical manifestations, especially during Holy Week.

Holy Week in Valle del Cauca

Every year, in different municipalities of this department, different religious festivities are organized to celebrate the most important week of Catholicism. One of these is the municipality of El Cerrito, located just 40 minutes from Cali, which has stood out for the solemnity of its religious processions that expose the figure of Jesus Christ on his way to Calvary. Through the cobblestone streets of this area, hundreds of faithful from all over the region gather to profess their faith.

On the other hand, Guadalajara de Buga has become the municipality that receives the largest number of religious tourism fans. Visitors come to the iconic temples to celebrate Holy Week. During the holy days, about 120 priests officiate Eucharist every hour and the Holy Way of the Cross is celebrated, which is dramatized by both lay people and acolytes. In the surroundings of the churches it is possible to buy religious handicrafts and taste traditional sweets.