The August 2026 earthquake hit Cali hard. It affected families, businesses, roads, buildings, and daily life. In the weeks that followed, the city moved from emergency response to rebuilding and economic recovery.

If you are planning dental treatment in Colombia, you may have questions about the city right now. That is completely normal.

Our Cali office stayed in good condition after the earthquake. Our team still plans each patient’s visit and travel one by one. Meanwhile, local and national authorities keep working on recovery in the affected areas.

An Update From Smiles by Dr. Mario Montoya

Our Cali office is inside Unicentro Mall – Oasis Tower, in the south of the city.

After the earthquake, the clinic confirmed that its office was in good condition. Our patient team keeps helping patients with appointments and travel plans. We also follow official news about the city.

Want more details about the earthquake, the airport, and our clinic? Read our previous earthquake update for international patients.

That update is only about our clinic. It is not a safety review of every building or area in Cali.

Cali Is Moving From Emergency Response to Recovery

Cali has moved past the first emergency phase.

One month after the earthquake, the city government said the work was still going on. The focus is on making affected areas safe, helping families, and restoring key services. The local government, national authorities, private companies, universities, and emergency groups are working together. Cali mayor’s office

The city has also started a larger recovery and rebuilding plan. It has technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Colombia’s national disaster agencies. Cali mayor’s office

So recovery is not only about the emergency. The city is also planning how to rebuild over the next months and years.

Economic Reactivation Is Already Underway

Helping local businesses reopen is a key part of Cali’s recovery.

The city launched programs such as De Borondo. It connects locals and visitors with restaurants, small businesses, cultural events, and shopping areas hit by the earthquake. The program will run until the end of the year.

The city also approved short-term tax relief. It helps affected residents and businesses rebuild.

Why does this matter for visitors? Because tourism, restaurants, cultural venues, and local shops all help the city recover.

Tourism Is Part of Cali’s Recovery

Tourism is a big part of Cali’s economy and culture.

The city’s tourism office keeps promoting nature trips, cultural events, and international travel. It also supports tourism businesses after the earthquake. The official tourism portal reports that only a small share of hotels were affected. Most stayed open. Cali mayor’s office

For international visitors, Cali is much more than a place for dental treatment.

It has a strong culture, great food, music, nightlife, and easy access to nature.

Why Cali Is Still Worth Discovering

Salsa Is Part of the City’s Identity

Cali is famous around the world for salsa.

Its dance schools, live music, festivals, and unique salsa caleña style make Cali a top salsa city. Colombia’s official tourism portal names salsa as a key part of the city’s identity. Colombia Travel

Taking a salsa class or seeing live music is one of the best ways to enjoy the city.

A Distinctive Food Culture

Cali also has its own food culture. It is shaped by the Valle del Cauca region and Colombia’s Pacific coast.

Traditional foods and drinks include:

  • empanadas vallunas;
  • aborrajado;
  • sancocho de gallina;
  • chuleta valluna;
  • arroz atollado;
  • lulada;
  • champús;
  • cholado;
  • manjar blanco.

Colombia’s official tourism site says this mix of local ingredients and Spanish, Indigenous, African, and Pacific roots is a big part of Cali’s culture. Colombia Travel

City, Mountains and Nature in One Destination

Cali also mixes city life and nature in a way that surprises many visitors.

The city sits in the Cauca River valley, close to the western Andes. Visitors can enjoy the city, mountains, rivers, birdwatching, and outdoor activities in the same trip.

Cali’s tourism office keeps promoting nature and birdwatching trips for international visitors. Cali tourism secretariat

Planning a Dental Trip to Cali Now

You can still plan dental treatment in Cali. Just make your travel plans with up-to-date information.

Before your trip, confirm:

  • your dental appointment;
  • flight schedules;
  • accommodation;
  • local transportation;
  • any specific conditions affecting the area you plan to visit.

Recovery work is still going on in parts of the city. Trust official government updates over rumors or social media posts.

If you are visiting Smiles by Dr. Mario Montoya, our team can confirm the details of your appointment before you travel. You can also take a virtual tour of our facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Smiles by Dr. Mario Montoya open after the Cali earthquake?

Yes. Our Cali office at Unicentro Mall – Oasis Tower was in good condition after the earthquake. Our team is still booking and coordinating appointments. Smiles by Mario Montoya

Is Cali recovering after the 2026 earthquake?

Yes. Local authorities are making affected areas safe, rebuilding, restoring services, and helping families and businesses. Cali mayor’s office

Can international patients still visit Cali?

Yes. Flights and businesses are running. While recovery continues, confirm your flights, hotel, transportation, and appointment before you leave.

Cali Continues Moving Forward

The earthquake had a real impact on Cali, and recovery will take time.

But the city is rebuilding fast. It is helping local businesses, fixing infrastructure, and growing tourism.

Cali’s culture is still here. Its salsa, food, neighborhoods, mountains, and warm people still make the city special.

If you are thinking about dental treatment in Colombia, a trip to Cali is still a great chance to enjoy the city. Just plan ahead and stay informed.

Getting ready for your dental visit? Our team can confirm your appointment and answer questions about your stay.

Book Your Appointment

Related Articles