Cali: A Great Destination for Senior Tourism in Colombia - Spiwak Hotels

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.




Just as Colombia has positioned itself as one of the most biodiverse destinations in the world, our country has also gained notoriety among international tourists for what they consider one of the added values to their decision to vacation with us: the low cost of traveling to our lands compared to other options abroad.

While it is true that Colombia boasts natural wonders everywhere, and our people exude a kindness and friendliness highly valued by those who visit us, the economic factor and the friendly climate of several of our regions lead many of our foreign visitors to not only consider visiting and relaxing in our little corner of the world but also to dream of organizing a retirement plan in Colombia.

Considering the growth of medical tourism in Colombia (by international patients seeking more affordable treatments than in their home countries) and the advanced state of our city's medical infrastructure, it is clear that for senior tourists, our regional capital becomes an interesting and more comfortable option for their vacations or even to spend their final years.

Thus, senior tourism in Cali represents an increasingly important and promising sector in the social and economic dynamics of our Sky Branch, and with it, a driving force for positive changes in services aimed at this demographic. This includes tailored offerings for this audience, whose interests, diverse conditions, free time, and spirit make it an intriguing market niche to cater to.

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First and foremost, senior tourists can be categorized into various types. However, the most important category relates to their physical condition and mobility. These factors ultimately determine which are the most recommended destinations for seniors in Colombia.

If our traveler’s profile includes challenges with motor skills or general physical health, it is always advisable to choose urban destinations or, if necessary, those with developed infrastructure that provides all essential public services to make the travel experience as accessible and comfortable as possible.

In this regard, cities such as Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, Barranquilla, Santa Marta, Popayán, San Andrés, and our beautiful Cali stand out as preferred destinations for senior tourists not only for their extensive range of hotels and convenient connections and roads but also because these cities offer rich cultural expressions evident in their gastronomy, annual festivals, cultural life, commercial offerings, and even nightlife options specifically aimed at this segment (besides the healthcare benefits these urban centers can provide in case of an emergency).

On the other hand, if our senior tourist is still in perfect physical condition and very active, rural alternatives in the vicinity of these cities are ideal for experiencing the nature of our regions and spending wonderful days, provided that these tourist spots offer all necessary amenities, cultural curiosities, and nearby natural beauties that are suitable for this age group.

Villages such as Villa de Leyva, Barichara, Salento, Guatavita, Mompox, Santa Fe de Antioquia, Monguí, and dozens of others throughout our departments have a well-developed hospitality system that includes accessibility features...

Regions such as the Coffee Triangle, the Colombian Coast, and La Guajira are not far behind, hosting a diverse range of resorts or all-inclusive hotels that are very beneficial for the safety and budget of senior travelers... Even remote places like Caño Cristales in Meta or the Sanctuary of Las Lajas in Nariño also offer well-thought-out hotel options for this category of tourists who, in the same way, and on a large scale, visit these very popular tourist destinations.

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Our Valle del Cauca and its capital are preferred by various types of seniors who generally seek one or more of the following needs or interests:

- Healthcare: our city boasts the largest medical infrastructure in southwestern Colombia, and is the second city in the country that receives the highest number of foreigners for surgical procedures and other treatments at internationally renowned centers such as Imbanaco Clinic or Valle de Lili Foundation, to name a few.

So much so that there are even specialized travel agencies that assist and coordinate medical tourism in Cali for senior travelers.

- Ecotourism and Bird Watching: as the second most biodiverse department in the country, Cali and Valle receive a large influx of birdwatchers, with a significant number of them being seniors, of high purchasing power, and with ample free time (among other key traits). While bird watching within Cali is quite feasible, this activity can also be enjoyed outside the city in spectacular locations for the same purpose, which we have covered in a previous note with much more information...

If that is the case, the senior audience also enjoys other ecotourism options outside the city, such as Santa Elena, El Cerrito, Pance, San Cipriano, La Buitrera, and Dagua on round trips, or even Lago Calima and the surroundings of Buenaventura for longer visits...

However, for sheer practicality, we recommend the visit to the Cali Zoo and the Andoke Butterfly House, two very convenient options for this type of traveler without leaving the city.



- Gastronomy and nightlife: Salsa is a fundamental part of Cali's culture, so Cali nights will always pay homage to this musical genre in the hundreds of nightclubs that open every day for the delight of music lovers, dancers, and partygoers alike. But this enjoyment is not exclusive to senior tourists; many of them visit these venues not only to dance and drink but also to watch wonderful dance shows in places like Mulato Cabaret and Delirio, which are unique in the world. Additionally, our Sultana of the Valley boasts a vast and well-regarded gastronomic offering in the country. Apart from the prestigious international cuisine available in the city in various areas, the gastronomy of Valle del Cauca and the Pacific region stand out as the main highlights of the culinary scene, offering everything from traditional dishes and street food to avant-garde experiences, such as those at our restaurant La Zarzuela… This link provides more details on the subject.

- Religion: Valle del Cauca is a region with profound and sincere devotion. Cali, as the largest urban center in southern Colombia, hosts a significant influx of seniors who come to experience the Holy Week processions and admire its churches (similarly to how thousands of worshippers pay their respects in Buga, another of our most devout towns).

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When it comes to hotels for seniors in Cali, it is crucial to ensure that the accommodation provides all the necessary facilities to make their stay as comfortable and convenient as possible.

For hotels, inns, tourist lodgings, or senior-friendly places in Cali, it is prudent to check that the facility includes accessibility features for this demographic, or at least, common areas and types of rooms or accommodations specifically designed for these guests.

In this regard, if you are looking for elderly accommodation in Cali, one of the first things to look for is that the options have wide hallways and elevators that accommodate wheelchair access, as well as ensuring the same for room doors, bathrooms, and showers.

Features in these areas, such as safety bars, non-slip floors without steps, obstacles, or curbs, and sufficient space for turning in a wheelchair, are fundamental in this choice. Additionally, proper securing of carpets, appropriate bed or furniture heights, and easy access to other hotel areas like the restaurant and public restrooms are important.

Furthermore, the hotel should provide resources that facilitate the mobility or rest of elderly guests who may not be disabled but could be tired. This includes: wheelchair availability for use during their stay, ergonomic furniture in open areas of the hotel, or even ramps to assist with the guest’s and their luggage's movement in and out of the building.





And last but not least: ensure that the hotel has well-established and consistently applied biosecurity protocols to avoid unnecessary risks for elderly guests.

Ultimately, the decision is up to the traveler, making sure that these and other accessibility or inclusive needs are met by their chosen accommodation... At Spiwak Hotels, we offer the aforementioned features, making us one of the best options in Cali hotelsfor seniors.

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The tourism and hotel industry has much to offer and thank this demographic, so there are quite a few travel agencies dedicated to seniors today, sometimes exclusively. The following are just a small sample of those offering special travel packages for this age group:

- Vitalidad Club
- Amigo de Viajes
- Vivir Colombia Tours
- Solo Travelers Tours
- Colombia Mi Tierra
- Belisario Marín
- Círculo de Viajes Universal

Similarly, many compensation funds in the country operate their own travel agencies, with programs frequently aimed at the senior population, such as Comfenalco Valle, Comfandi, Compensar, Cafam, etc.

We invite you to check each of these suggestions if you are organizing a trip forseniors in Colombia, or if you need more options, visit the website of the Tour Experto team.

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As with everything, there are recommendations for traveling with seniors that should be considered before embarking on vacations in Colombia with (and for) them.

Among these travel tips for seniors in Colombia, it is crucial to remember that the best starting point is prevention. Therefore, a pre-travel medical check-up for the senior traveler and all the necessary precautions against Covid-19 are essential.

Properly packing the belongings of the senior traveler, including regular medications, daily hygiene products, and wearing comfortable clothing suited to the destination's climate are also some of the most important suggestions to avoid mishaps (in addition to carrying hand sanitizer and masks to prevent any possibility of disease transmission through contact or airborne routes while the senior is traveling).

Of course, obtaining travel insurance for this type of traveler is a wise and highly recommended move…



Additionally, it is prudent to make use of the senior assistance services that airports can provide to this traveler, established by international law. In this regard, our Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport includes in its FAQ section the classification of travelers over 60 years old as special passengers, therefore deserving assistance from airlines and during their transit through the airport. For this and other types of requests, the airport can be contacted through the channels indicated here.

It is also good to keep in mind the following links with contact information for any need or emergency affecting the senior traveler in Cali, such as:

- National Police of Colombia: for matters related to the traveler's security.
- Centro de Atención al Adulto Mayor (Centro Vida): for medical care and psychosocial support.
- Health Secretariat: to defend patients affected by medical negligence in the Valle del Cauca department.
- Personería de Santiago de Cali: to request assistance and/or help in case of rights violations.

Finally, it is always convenient that during the senior's stay in Cali, the numbers of the hotel, transportation provider, and healthcare facilities closest to the senior's accommodation are kept at hand in case of an emergency.

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Cali is a very complete city not only in terms of entertainment and culture for tourists, but also for its medical infrastructure and capacity. For these and many other reasons, it is an excellent destination for seniors if you are looking for comfort and safe fun, especially for an audience that can fully enjoy the joy of our city without feeling discrimination or limitations due to their age.

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Therefore, we invite you to consider our Branch of Heaven if you are planning your next family vacation with the grandparents, or if you are simply part of a group that just wants to live their golden years to the fullest in Cali.

We are waiting for you!

Hoteles Spiwak: the best option for senior accommodation in Cali. With the largest and most spacious rooms in the city, swimming pools, gym, and an exquisite fusion cuisine experience at our restaurant La Zarzuela.

With 462 suites, parking, easy access to the airport, and all the basic or entertainment services you need: banking area, supermarket, pharmacies, shops, cinema, casino, and much more in the magnificent Chipichape Shopping Center.

Enjoy the advantages of staying with us in the best style of active senior living in Colombia!