Mochiliante
Mochiliante
The Sanctuary of Las Lajas is an architectural and spiritual wonder located in a canyon, next to the Guáitara River. Known for its stories of miracles and its impressive construction, this sanctuary is a must-visit on your trip through Nariño.
The Sanctuary of Las Lajas is located in the south of Colombia, in the department of Nariño, near the border with Ecuador. The church is located in the municipality of Ipiales, built over the Guáitara River canyon.
From Colombia by plane: You can fly to Pasto, the capital of Nariño, and from there take a land transport to Ipiales (about 2:30 hours of travel).
From Colombia by bus: From cities like Bogotá, Cali or Medellín, you can take direct buses to Ipiales. The journey can take several hours, but the views are worth it.
From Ecuador: If you are coming from Ecuador, you can cross the land border at Rumichaca, which is only 15 minutes by taxi or bus from Ipiales.
Once in Ipiales, you can take a taxi to the church of Las Lajas. The approximate cost of the taxi is $17,000 COP. Another option is to go to the transport terminal and take a bus to Las Lajas, at a cost of $6,000 COP
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If you want to stay near the Sanctuary of Las Lajas during your visit, you have several accommodation options, but we recommend you to stay in Ipiales in a hotel close to the transport terminal for easy movement.
Hotel San José Ipiales: We stayed at this hotel and it is about a block away from the terminal, this helped us a lot to move easily to the places of interest and on the other hand it has 24-hour reception, all rooms have a desk, flat screen TV, free wifi and private bathroom. Click here to book
Hotel Casa de Peregrinos: This is located very close to the Sanctuary of Las Lajas, it has a common use lounge and offers private parking and free wifi. The rooms have a flat screen TV, safe and private bathroom with shower and free toiletries. Click here to book
Hotel Avanty Ipiales: It is a 3-star accommodation in Ipiales. It offers a restaurant, room service and 24-hour reception, as well as free wifi throughout the property. It also has family rooms. Click here to book
The construction of the Sanctuary of Las Lajas began in 1916 and was completed in 1949, but its history dates back to the 18th century. According to legend, a woman named María Mueses and her daughter Rosa, who was deaf-mute, found an image of the Virgin Mary on a rock while seeking shelter in the canyon. Miraculously, the girl regained her speech, which attracted pilgrims and believers to the place.
Today, the Gothic church is considered one of the most beautiful places in the world and an important center of Catholic pilgrimage.
The church of Las Lajas is much more than an impressive architectural work. It offers a complete experience for those who visit it, it has several activities that allow you to immerse yourself in its beauty and spirituality
Church of Las Lajas: Take your time to tour the interior of the church of Las Lajas and admire the architectural details and stained glass windows
Museum of Las Lajas: Near the sanctuary there is a museum that tells the story of the apparitions and miracles attributed to the Virgin of Las Lajas
Walk around the Sanctuary of Las Lajas: To take a walk around the surroundings of the sanctuary there are several hiking routes that allow you to enjoy the panoramic views of the canyon
Photos of the Sanctuary of Las Lajas: Don't forget your camera, as every corner of the sanctuary offers incredible opportunities for photographs.
When we went to Las Lajas we took into account these recommendations and now we share them with you:
Respect: Remember that this is an active place of worship, so maintain respectful behavior.
Climate: The region can be quite cold, especially in the mornings and evenings, so bring warm clothes
Schedules: The sanctuary is open every day, but it is better to visit it early in the morning to avoid crowds
Shoes: Wear comfortable shoes, as you have to walk on steep streets.
Money: Have some cash, as some places do not accept cards.
We also recommend you to get up early and then go during the day to the cemetery of Tulcán in Ecuador, it is a place known for its green carved sculptures, and then return to the Sanctuary of Las Lajas to see it at night. It is amazing, it left us astonished by its lights that combine with its architecture.
What is the best time to visit the Sanctuary of Las Lajas?
The best time to visit it is during the dry season, from June to September or from December to February. This way you will avoid the rains and enjoy the views better.
Can you enter the sanctuary for free?
Entrance to the sanctuary is free, but if you wish to participate in guided tours, these have an additional cost.
How much time do I need to visit it?
You can tour the sanctuary and its surroundings in about 2-3 hours, although many visitors prefer to stay longer to enjoy the atmosphere.
See you soon, Backpacker! (Mochiliante) 😁🎒 We hope your trip is full of exciting adventures and unforgettable moments. See you on a next adventure! Success and happiness on your way! 🌍✈️👋
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