King Philip II of Spain gave Guadalajara de Buga its city status officially at the end of the 16th century and also granted its coat of arms for the many services rendered to the crown.

During the years of Independence, Simón Bolívar, called el libertador ("the liberator”), visited the city on two occasions, for which commemoration plates were placed.

In 2013, Buga became the first municipality in the Valle del Cauca department to be named a Pueblo Patrimonio (heritage town) of Colombia.

Buga is also famous for "The Holy Water Ale Brewing Company," one of the only hostel, microbrewery combination destinations in South America.

The city is also host to the NGO Instituto Mayor Campesino (IMCA) that assists in the development of farming communities.