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Cali: A Great Destination for Senior Tourism in Colombia
Despite our country being heavily advertised in pieces and media targeting a younger audience, senior tourism in Colombia has been experiencing remarkable growth in recent years.
Here, we not only explain the reasons behind this phenomenon but also why you should consider including our region if you are exploring senior tourism in Cali, or if you simply want to delve into the alternatives available for our friends in the later stages of adulthood in the Sultana del Valle.
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Just as Colombia has positioned itself as one of the most interesting biodiverse destinations in the world, our country has also gained notoriety among foreign tourists for what they consider one of the added values to their vacation decision: the low cost of their trip to our nation in contrast to other options abroad.
While it is true that Colombia showcases natural wonders everywhere, renowned for its people’s friendliness and sympathy, the economy and easy climate of several of our regions make many of our foreign visitors not only exploring our land but also contemplate the idea of organizing a retirement plan in Colombia.
Considering the popularity of medical tourism in Colombia, where international patients seek more affordable treatments than in their home countries, and taking into account the advanced state of our city's medical infrastructure, it's evident that our regional capital becomes an intriguing and comfortable option for senior tourists, whether they are planning a vacation or considering spending their later years here.
Hence, senior tourism in Cali is becoming an ever more crucial and promising component of the social and economic landscape of our Branch of Heaven. It acts as a catalyst for positive changes in services catering to this age group, offering tailored experiences that align with their interests, diverse needs, leisure preferences, and spirit. This makes it an intriguing market niche worth exploring.
What are the best
destinations for seniors in Colombia?
Above all, senior tourists can be differentiated into various categories, with physical condition and mobility being the most crucial. These factors ultimately shape the most recommended destinations for seniors in Colombia.
If our traveler is dealing with mobility constraints or general physical impairments, it's best to opt for urban destinations or, alternatively, places with well-developed infrastructure offering essential public services.
This ensures the tourist experience is as accessible and comfortable as possible.
In this context, places like Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, Barranquilla, Santa Marta, Popayán, San Andrés and our lovely Cali emerge as top cities for seniors in Colombia.
This isn't just because of their extensive hotel options and accessible transportation networks but also because these towns showcase vibrant cultural expressions reflected in their cuisine, annual festivals, cultural events, commercial amenities, and nightlife designed specifically for this demographic.
Moreover, these urban hubs provide healthcare advantages in case of emergencies.
On the flip side, if our senior traveler is still in excellent physical shape and quite active, rural options in the surroundings of these cities are perfect for immersing themselves in the nature of our regions and enjoying fantastic days.
However, these rural locales offer all the comforts of tourist destinations, complete with essential services, cultural delights, and nearby natural wonders that cater to this age group.
Towns like Villa de Leyva, Barichara, Salento, Guatavita, Mompox, Santa Fe de Antioquia, Monguí, and many others across our departments have a well-established hospitality system with accessibility features.
Regions such as the Coffee Axis, the Colombian Coast, and La Guajira are keeping pace, hosting a diverse industry of resorts or all-inclusive hotels that prove very advantageous for the safety and budget of senior travelers. Even remote places like Caño Cristales in Meta or the Sanctuary of Las Lajas in Nariño offer hotel options that have been carefully designed for this category of tourists who, in a substantial way, flock to these popular tourist destinations.
Ideal Sites for Seniors in Cali
Our Valle del Cauca and its capital are the preferred choice for various types of seniors who, in general, seek one or more of the following needs or hobbies:
– Health: Our city boasts the largest medical infrastructure in the southwest of Colombia and is the second city in the country that receives the highest number of foreigners for surgical procedures and other treatments in internationally renowned centers such as Clínica Imbanaco or Fundación Valle de Lili to name a few.
There are even travel agencies specialized in medical tourism in Cali for senior travelers.
– Ecotourism and Bird Watching: As the second most biodiverse department in the country, Cali and Valle del Cauca attract a significant number of birdwatchers, including a considerable portion from the senior population.
Characterized by high purchasing power and ample leisure time senior birdwatchers find plenty of opportunities to indulge in their passion.
While bird watching is possible within Cali, there are spectacular locations outside the city, detailed in a previous note with additional information…
Consequently, senior tourists often explore ecotourism options beyond the city, such as Santa Elena, El Cerrito, Pance, San Cipriano, La Buitrera, and Dagua on round trips, or even venture to Lago Calima and the surroundings of Buenaventura for more distant visits.
For added convenience, we recommend visiting the Cali Zoo and the Andoke Butterfly Sanctuary — two comfortable alternatives that allow this type of tourist to experience nature without leaving the city.
– Gastronomy and Nightlife: Salsa is ingrained in Cali's culture, and every night, the city pays homage to this musical genre across numerous nightlife venues that welcome music enthusiasts, dancers, and revelers. This vibrant experience isn't limited to senior tourists. Many of them frequent these establishments not just to dance and enjoy a drink but also to witness spectacular dance performances at iconic venues like Mulato Cabaret and Delirio, making these shows truly one-of-a-kind on the planet. Furthermore, our Sultana del Valle boasts an extensive and nationally acclaimed culinary scene, featuring renowned international kitchens spread across the city. The gastronomy of Valle del Cauca and the Pacific takes center stage in the regional cooking landscape, offering a spectrum of options from traditional methods, and street food, to the avant-garde, exemplified by our very own La Zarzuela restaurant… Explore more about these gastronomic delights at this link.
– Religion: The Valle del Cauca region is characterized by a profound and sincere devotion. As the largest urban center in southern Colombia, Cali attracts a considerable number of senior individuals who come to witness the Holy Week processions and admire its churches. This mirrors the thousands of devout worshippers who pay their respects in Buga, another of our most reverent population centers.
What is the best accommodation for seniors in Cali?
When it comes to hotels for seniors in Cali, it is essential to ensure that the accommodation designed for this category has all the necessary facilities to make their stay as comfortable and convenient as possible.
Whether it's hotels, inns, tourist lodges, or places for seniors in Cali, it is wise to check that any facility has accessibility features for this population.
At the very least, look for common areas and types of rooms or spaces specifically designed for these guests.
If you are looking for accommodation for the elderly in Cali one of the first things to consider is whether the options have wide hallways and elevators that allow the entry of seniors in wheelchairs, applying the same scrutiny to room doors, bathrooms, and showers.
Features incorporated into these areas, such as safety bars, non-slip floors without steps, obstacles, or stairs, and sufficient space for wheelchair turns, are fundamental considerations.
Also, assess the secure fastening of carpets, bed or furniture height, and easy access to other areas of the hotel, such as the restaurant and public bathrooms.
Moreover, it's advisable to seek hotels that provide tools to enhance the mobility and comfort of elderly guests who may not have disabilities but could experience fatigue.
Consider options that include wheelchairs for convenient transportation during their stay, incorporate ergonomic furniture in the hotel's open spaces, and even offer ramps to facilitate the guest's movement and handling of luggage to and from the street.
Last but not least, it's crucial to ensure that the hotel has well-established and consistently enforced biosecurity protocols to avoid unnecessary risks for the older guest.
In the end, the decision lies with the tourist, ensuring that these needs and other accessible or inclusive features are present in the accommodation they prefer. At Hoteles Spiwak, we have the aforementioned characteristics, positioning ourselves as one of the best hotels in Cali for seniors.
Tour operators specializing in
senior travel in Colombia
The tourism and hotel industry has much to offer and appreciate for this demographic group; therefore, there is no shortage of travel agencies dedicated to seniors, sometimes exclusively. The following is just a small sample of those that provide special travel packages for this age group:
Similarly, many countrywide compensation funds operate their own travel agencies, often with initiatives targeting the older population, such as Comfenalco Valle, Comfandi, Compensar, Cafam, and more.
We invite you to explore each of these recommendations, whether you are organizing a trip for seniors in Colombia or, if you need more options, visit the Tour Experto team's website.
Whom to contact for
senior assistance in Cali in case of an emergency?
As with any travel, there are specific recommendations to consider when embarking on vacations in Colombia with seniors.
Among the crucial travel tips for seniors in Colombia it's essential to emphasize that prevention is the best starting point.
Therefore, a pre-travel medical check-up for the senior tourist and all necessary precautions regarding Covid-19 sare indispensable.
Ensuring the senior traveler's belongings are packed properly, including their regular medications, everyday hygiene products and choosing comfortable clothing suitable for the destination's climate, are also among the most important suggestions to prevent mishaps.
Additionally, having hand sanitizer and masks is essential to minimize any possibility of disease transmission through contact or airborne routes while the senior is in transit.
Naturally, obtaining travel insurance for this type of tourist is a wise and strongly recommended decision…
Furthermore, it is advisable to utilize the assistance services designed for seniors that airports can offer, as mandated by international law. In this regard, Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport includes a category for travelers over 60 years of age, in its frequently asked questions, designating them as special passengers entitled to assistance from airlines throughout their transit at the airport. For any such requests or inquiries, feel free to contact the airport through the provided channels.
It is also good to keep in mind the following contact information for any needs or emergencies affecting senior travelers in Cali, such as:
National Police of Colombia: for matters related to traveler safety.
Center for the Attention of Older Adults (Centro Vida): for medical care and psychological support.
Health Department: for matters related to advocating for patients affected by medical negligence in the Valle del Cauca region.
Office of the Ombudsman in Santiago de Cali: to seek assistance and/or support in cases of rights violations.
Lastly, it's always advisable, during the senior's stay in Cali to keep handy the contact numbers of the hotel, transportation provider, and nearby health facilities in case of an emergency.
Cali offers a rich tapestry of entertainment, culture, robust infrastructure, and excellent medical facilities, making it an ideal destination for seniors. Whether you're seeking comfort, secure enjoyment, or a place where age poses no limitations, our city provides an excellent setting for seniors to relish the delights it has to offer.
Hence, we encourage you to explore our 'Branch of Heaven' if you're organizing your upcoming family vacation with grandparents or if you're part of a group looking to savor their golden years in Cali.
We eagerly anticipate your visit!
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Spiwak Hotels: the best accommodation choice for seniors in Cali. . Featuring the city's largest and most spacious rooms, pools, a gym, and an exquisite fusion dining experience at our restaurant La Zarzuela.
With 462 suites, parking facilities, easy access to the airport, and all the essential or entertainment services you need: banking area, supermarket, pharmacies, shops, cinema, casino, and much more in the magnificent Chipichape Shopping Center.
Experience the benefits of staying with us, embracing the finest in active senior living in Colombia!
