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Sanctuary of Our Lady of Las Lajas: A Canyon Cathedral

An architectural masterpiece and pilgrimage site in a breathtaking canyon setting near the Colombia-Ecuador border. A testament to faith and human artistry.

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Perched dramatically in the Guáitara River canyon near Ipiales, Colombia, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Las Lajas is a breathtaking basilica with a miraculous origin. This neo-Gothic church, built between 1916 and 1949, attracts pilgrims and tourists alike with its stunning architecture and the legend of the Virgin Mary's apparition.

A brief summary to Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of Las Lajas

  • Santuario De Las Lajas, Potosí, Las Lajas, Ipiales, Narino, CO
  • Visit website
  • Monday 9 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-6 pm
  • Friday 9 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes as there are steep streets and many steps to navigate.
  • Dress in layers, as the weather in the region can be unpredictable and cold, especially in the mornings and evenings.
  • Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and better enjoy the serene atmosphere.
  • Take your camera to capture the incredible photo opportunities offered by every corner of the sanctuary and its surroundings.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Ipiales, colectivos (shared vans) are available near the bus terminal. These vans provide a direct and affordable route to the Sanctuary of Las Lajas. The cost is approximately 3,000 COP per person, and the journey takes around 15 minutes.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Ipiales and offer a convenient way to reach the Sanctuary of Las Lajas. A taxi ride from Ipiales to the sanctuary typically costs between 15,000 and 20,000 COP. The journey takes approximately 10-15 minutes.

  • Cable Car

    A cable car (teleférico) offers a scenic alternative for reaching the sanctuary. The cable car station is located outside of Ipiales, en route to Las Lajas. A round-trip ticket costs approximately 20,000 COP. The cable car operates from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

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Discover more about Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of Las Lajas

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Las Lajas (Santuario de Las Lajas), a minor basilica, is an architectural marvel nestled in the Guáitara River canyon in southern Colombia, near the border with Ecuador. The church's origin is rooted in a miraculous event in 1754, when an indigenous woman, Maria Mueses de Quiñones, and her deaf-mute daughter, Rosa, sought shelter from a storm in the canyon. Legend says that Rosa suddenly exclaimed that the Virgin Mary was calling her, pointing to a colorful silhouette illuminated by lightning on a rock. Over time, a series of structures were erected to honor the Virgin Mary, beginning with a simple shrine made of straw and wood in 1754. A larger shrine with a bridge was built in 1802. The current neo-Gothic church, built between 1916 and 1949, was funded by local churchgoers. Designed by Ecuadorians Gualberto Pérez and Lucindo Espinosa, the basilica features intricate stone carvings, soaring arches, and stained-glass windows. The basilica is built on a 160-foot-tall bridge, 330 feet above the bottom of the canyon. Inside the church, the image of Our Lady of Las Lajas is displayed on the back stone wall. The image depicts the Madonna holding the Child Jesus, with Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Dominic on either side. The image is believed to be miraculously imprinted on the cave's rock, with geologists unable to explain its origin. Today, the Sanctuary of Las Lajas is a popular pilgrimage site and tourist destination, drawing visitors with its stunning architecture, the serene atmosphere, and the surrounding natural beauty.

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