In brief
Clinging to the dizzy canyon walls of the Guáitara River in southern Colombia, the Sanctuary of Las Lajas is considered one of the most beautiful churches in the world. This neo-Gothic basilica, which seems to float between sky and mountain, attracts both pilgrims in search of spirituality and travellers fascinated by its spectacular architecture. Built in the early 20th century, it rests on a monumental bridge that links the two sides of the canyon, giving the impression that the building defies the laws of gravity.
But beyond its beauty, Las Lajas is also a place steeped in history and legend, notably that of a miraculous apparition in the 18th century that is said to have given birth to this sanctuary. A blend of faith, art and awe-inspiring scenery, Las Lajas is a must-see for anyone exploring Colombia’s Andean south, on the border with Ecuador.
Sanctuary of Las Lajas
- County: Nariño (Andes)
- Construction: 1916 – 1949
- Height (tower): 100 m
- Altitude: 2,897 m
- Ecosystem: Andean canyon
- Climate: temperate mountain climate
- Direct access from Ipiales
Our opinion: a unique site well worth a visit ★★
We visited the Sanctuary of Las Lajas with no religious motivation, simply attracted by the unique location of this building in the heart of a small canyon. The experience fully lived up to our expectations. The neo-Gothic architecture is impressive, especially when viewed from the bridge over the Guáitara River canyon. The site is very well maintained and offers numerous vantage points from which to appreciate both the basilica and the surrounding landscape. We particularly liked the balance between the spiritual dimension and the tourist appeal: although an important place of pilgrimage, the sanctuary remains accessible to those who simply wish to contemplate the monument. The presence of a waterfall nearby adds a very pleasant natural touch, and access from the nearby town of Ipiales is quick and easy. We can’t wait to go back and try out the cable car and discover other sites in the region.
Tourist numbers at the Las Lajas Sanctuary
The Sanctuary of Las Lajas, located in Ipiales in southern Colombia, is one of the country’s most visited religious and tourist sites. Every year, it attracts between 750,000 and 900,000 visitors, a mix of pilgrims and travellers fascinated by its spectacular architecture suspended above the canyon of the Guáitara River. Visitor numbers peak during certain religious celebrations: Holy Week, which alone attracts around 120,000 pilgrims, as well as on January 15 and 16, the sanctuary’s anniversary, and on September 15, the patron saint’s day. The end-of-year period is also very busy. To enjoy the sanctuary in peace and quiet, it’s best to avoid the above-mentioned peak periods, as well as weekends and public holidays. A weekday visit offers the best conditions for fully appreciating the beauty of the site.
Climate in the Sanctuary of Las Lajas
The Sanctuary of Las Lajas, located in Ipiales at an altitude of almost 2,900 meters, enjoys a temperate mountain climate, characterized by cool temperatures and high humidity. Daytime temperatures hover around 15 to 17°C and night-time around 6 to 8°C. Rainfall is frequent throughout the year, but the dry season, from June to September, sees the least humid days, making for a more pleasant visit. Conversely, the rainy season, from October to May, offers less favorable conditions for exploring the site, with more rain and a more difficult climate. To make the most of the sanctuary, it’s advisable to bring warm, waterproof clothing, even in the dry season, so as to remain comfortable in the face of the temperature variations typical of Andean regions.
About Las Lajas Sanctuary
Perched in the heart of the Guáitara River canyon, the Sanctuary of Las Lajas fascinates with its neo-Gothic architecture and spectacular location. A place of pilgrimage and a major tourist attraction, it combines history, legend and Andean landscapes, offering a unique experience to visitors who come to admire this jewel of Colombia.
History and legend
The Sanctuary of Las Lajas, Santuario de Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Las Lajas by its original full name, has its origins in an event considered miraculous in the XVIIIᵉ century. In 1754, Maria Mueses de Quiñones and her daughter Rosa, mute since birth, took refuge during a violent storm in the canyon. According to tradition, the little girl saw the apparition of the Virgin, nicknamed “la Mestiza”, who enabled her to speak again shortly afterwards. This event was interpreted as a miracle and soon attracted the attention of the local population. Over the years, the site became an important place of pilgrimage, where the faithful came to pay their respects, deposit ex-votos or simply pray. This legendary history helped forge the mystical aura of the sanctuary and explains why, to this day, thousands of pilgrims continue to visit the site to witness their faith and celebrate the apparitions of the Virgin.
Construction and architecture
The current basilica was built between 1916 and 1949, thanks to the generosity of the local population and the involvement of several architects and engineers from Colombia and Ecuador. Its style is neo-Gothic, recognizable by its flying buttresses, colorful stained-glass windows and slender spires. Its construction represented a considerable technical challenge: the building rests on a stone bridge spanning the canyon of the Guáitara River, and is set directly against the rock face. This configuration gives the impression that the basilica is floating above the void. The architects succeeded in harmonizing the Gothic elements with the topography of the site, creating a balance between architectural grandeur and natural integration. The nave, arches and sculpted ornamentation were meticulously designed to withstand the region’s frequent humidity and weathering, while offering visitors a spectacular visual experience.
Religious status and heritage protection
In the XXᵉ century, the Sanctuary of Las Lajas received several official recognitions. The Virgin was crowned canonical there, and the site was elevated to the rank of minor basilica, making it a major religious center in Colombian Marian devotion. At the same time, the Colombian state has recognized the sanctuary’s cultural and heritage importance. It has been included in heritage protection registers, ensuring the preservation of the building and the management of tourist flows. Today, these measures make it possible to reconcile welcoming large numbers of visitors with preserving the religious and historical aspects of the site, ensuring that the sanctuary remains a sacred place while being accessible to the general public.
Location, geography and climate
The sanctuary is located in the hamlet of Las Lajas, in the municipality of Ipiales, close to the border with Ecuador, at an altitude of 2,900 metres on the Andean plateau. The site is set in a narrow canyon formed by the Guáitara River, offering a spectacular panorama of sheer cliffs, rivers and agricultural terraces. This high altitude has a direct influence on the climate: temperatures remain cool all year round, hovering around 15°C on average, with nights sometimes close to 6-8°C. The climate is mountainous and humid, with a rainy season from May to September, when sudden showers are frequent, and a dry season from December to February, which is more favorable to visits. The intense sunshine at this altitude also makes ultraviolet rays more powerful, making sun protection essential for visitors.
Practical information
Our experience
We discovered the Las Lajas Sanctuary from Ipiales, a small town on the border with Ecuador, which we had just left. To get there, we opted for a colectivo, the shared minivans that leave from the entrance to the transport terminal and drop off directly at the intersection leading to the sanctuary. We didn’t get to try out the cable car for lack of time, but the minivan ride, which took just 20 minutes, already offered a good overview of the Andean region. Sitting in the back seat, we watched the green hills, the cultivated fields and the local life streaming by through the window: street vendors, families walking along the side of the road, and even a few intrepid cyclists sharing the road.
On arrival, we took the path down to the shrine. The gentle slope is lined with colorful stalls selling candles, souvenirs and snacks. The further we walked, the more the atmosphere took on a special solemnity, as if everyone were about to discover a unique place. Suddenly, as we rounded a bend, the basilica came into view: suspended from the canyon walls, its neo-Gothic silhouette towered proudly above the Guáitara River, seemingly floating between heaven and earth.
We took the time to stop on the large bridge leading to the entrance. The view is breathtaking: on one side, the arches and stained glass windows of the basilica stand out against the intense green of the valley; on the other, the river meanders through the canyon, accompanied by a waterfall that completes the picture. This is probably the most striking image of our visit. As a mass was in progress, and we were not religious, we chose not to enter the church in order to respect the meditation of the faithful.
We then strolled along the staircases and platforms that line the site, each offering a different perspective on the building and the valley. Sometimes from above, sometimes from the side, sometimes from below, we rediscovered the sanctuary from a variety of angles, with the changing light and mountain mist lending the place an almost unreal atmosphere. And in the end, we were pleasantly surprised: it wasn’t that crowded. Of course, the site attracts the curious like us, but the crowds were largely bearable and in no way spoiled the experience (we were there on a weekday). It was nothing like the dense crowds at Zipaquirá’s Salt Cathedral, for example. Here, the atmosphere was calmer and more fluid, allowing us to take full advantage of the landscapes and the spiritual atmosphere of the place.
A little further on, a small waterfall nestled in the vegetation offered us a refreshing interlude. Its steady sound mingled with the silence of the praying visitors, creating a soothing contrast. Modest yet full of charm, it reminds us that harmony between architecture and nature is at the heart of this sanctuary.
We also visited the Justino Mejía y Mejía Museum, housed in the catacombs beneath the church. The first room is a small temple dedicated to Christ the Redeemer, but it was the second part, devoted to the history of the sanctuary, that most captivated us. Models, archives, religious objects and archaeological finds from the Pasto culture are on display. Pottery, traditional musical instruments and liturgical ornaments gave us an insight into the cultural richness of the region.
After several hours spent exploring, we returned to the main road to take a colectivo back to Ipiales. The return journey was quick and easy, but we savoured the last few moments as we contemplated the valley once more. We hadn’t seen everything, and that was just as well: a part of the mystery remained, like an invitation to return, perhaps to try the cable car or extend our exploration of the surroundings.
Rates
Entrance to the Las Lajas sanctuary is free of charge and open to all.
The small museum (museo Justino Mejía y Mejía) located in the basement of the sanctuary is subject to a charge, generally around 3,000 COP per person.
Those who choose to reach the sanctuary by cable car will also have to pay a ticket. For full details, see “How to get to Las Lajas Sanctuary” below.
Booking and opening hours
Reservations are not required to visit the sanctuary, which welcomes visitors every day between 9am and 6pm.
AGENCY AND GUIDE
We don’t think you need a guide to visit the Sanctuary of Las Lajas. The excursion can easily be organized on your own from Ipiales.
But if you still want to go through a professional, you can contact local agency New Horizon Tours Nariño. Located in Ipiales, it organizes a variety of outings to visit local sites in Spanish or English.
How to get to the Sanctuary of Las Lajas?
The Sanctuary of Las Lajas can be reached by public transport from the nearby town of Ipiales, 9 km away. There are no direct bus routes linking the Las Lajas Sanctuary to Colombia’s major cities and tourist attractions, such as Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Popayán, Cartagena or Salento. To reach the sanctuary by public transport, it is therefore necessary to pass through the town of Ipiales, which serves as the main access point.
The nearest airport is San Luis, just 8 km from Ipiales. There is no public transport linking the airport directly to the Las Lajas Sanctuary. It is therefore necessary to first reach the city’s bus or cab terminal, and then take a vehicle to the sanctuary.
Ipiales is served by direct buses from the following cities with Bolivariano, Continental Bus, Cootranar, Transipiales, depending on the route:
- Pasto (3h journey – 15,300 COP / person)
- Popayan (8h journey – 55,000 COP / person)
- Cali (12h journey – 56,000 to 87,000 COP / person)
- Bogotá (22h journey – 175,000 COP / person)
- Medellín (19h journey – 180,000 COP / person)
Take the cable car from Ipiales to the Sanctuary of Las Lajas
For a great experience, the Las Lajas cable car is an alternative to the classic route, offering an exceptional panoramic experience. It flies over the canyon of the Guáitara River, a journey of around 1,500 meters.
The cable car station is not located directly in the town of Ipiales. To get there, you’ll have to walk (about 1 hour) or take a cab (10 minutes – 15,000 to 20,000 C0P) or a colectivo. Once at the station, the cab ride takes about 15 minutes to reach the sanctuary.
Gondola opening times :
- Weekends and public holidays: opening earlier at 7 a.m., closing later until 8 p.m.
- Weekdays (Monday to Friday): opens at 9am, closes at 7pm.
Cable car fare :
| Period | One-way fare | Return fare |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays | 10,000 COP | 16,000 COP |
| Weekends and public holidays | 12,000 COP | 20,000 COP |
| High season (December, January, Holy Week) | ~15,000 COP | 26,000 COP |
| Children under 5 | Free | Free |
Getting to Las Lajas Sanctuary from Ipiales en colectivo
| Transport | Colectivo (van) |
| Departure | Regularly throughout the day, when the vehicle is full or nearly full |
| Departure point | Street outside the terminal at the entrance (where colectivos are parked) |
| Destination | Intersection of via principal Las Lajas (25NR) and sanctuary access road |
| Duration | 15 minutes |
| Route type | Direct |
| Price (one-way) | 8,000 COP / person |
For the return journey, simply take a bus or van back to the same place where you were dropped off on the outward journey, on the main road at the crossroads leading to the sanctuary entrance.
Cab to Las Lajas Sanctuary from Ipiales
You can also take a cab to save time: the journey takes less than 15 minutes and generally costs between 20,000 and 25,000 COP.
Walking to the Sanctuary of Las Lajas from Ipiales
The Las Lajas sanctuary can also be reached on foot from Ipiales. The walk takes around 1h30 and follows the same route as public transport, but a lane reserved for pedestrians and cyclists, separated from the road by a curb or guardrail, ensures good safety conditions. The route descends towards the sanctuary, but you should bear in mind that the climb back up can be demanding. There are several interesting viewpoints along the way, including a mirador offering a superb perspective of the basilica nestling at the bottom of the canyon.
Where to stay to discover the Sanctuary of Las Lajas?
Just a 15-minute drive away, the town of Ipiales makes an excellent base for spending the night and exploring the surrounding area, including the Sanctuary of Las Lajas.
Here is a selection of recommended places to stay in Ipiales.
Remarks
Raincoat (poncho, K-Way)
Given the unpredictable mountain climate and frequent downpours, remember to bring waterproof clothing, such as a poncho or K-Way.
Sun protection
If the sun comes out, remember to protect your skin, especially at this altitude where ultraviolet rays are powerful, even when it’s not really hot.
