Las Lajas Sanctuary: How to Get There, Opening Hours & What to See in Ipiales
The Las Lajas Sanctuary is one of Colombia's main pilgrimage sites. It is in the department of Nariño.
The Sanctuary Church of Our Lady of the Rosary of Las Lajas is considered one of the most beautiful in the country.
Las Lajas Sanctuary welcomes thousands of worshippers each year who come from cities across Colombia and from Ecuador.
The English newspaper The Telegraph published a list of the most beautiful churches in the world, and Las Lajas Sanctuary ranked first.
How to get to Las Lajas Sanctuary
The Las Lajas Sanctuary and Church is on the Pan-American Highway, 7 kilometers north of the city of Ipiales, Nariño.
From Ipiales, buses and shared taxis run to the church. Buses traveling between Pasto and Ipiales also pass by the sanctuary.
The feast of Our Lady of Las Lajas is held on September 16.
Las Lajas Sanctuary hours
Visiting hours are from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Mass times
Monday to Saturday: 6 a.m. – 7 a.m. – 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday: 6 a.m. – 7 a.m. – 8 a.m. – 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. – 12 noon – 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Visitor information
The church is built in the canyon of the Guáitara River, in the Las Lajas corregimiento of the municipality of Ipiales. Built over the river and on the slope of a hill, the church is an architecturally unique building.
The site has been a place of pilgrimage since the 18th century, when a chapel stood here. The current church began construction in 1916 and was completed several years later.
The architecture is neo-Gothic, with a pointed main dome, rose windows with stained glass and high ceilings standing out. The height from the base to the top of the dome is 100 meters. The building is 27 meters long and 15 meters wide. Another highlight is the access bridge, 50 meters above the river. The church was named a Minor Basilica and is dedicated to Our Lady of Las Lajas.
Frequently asked questions about Las Lajas Sanctuary
In the canyon of the Guáitara River, 7 km from Ipiales (Nariño), near the border with Ecuador. It is one of Colombia's main pilgrimage sites.
From Ipiales, buses and shared taxis run to the church (7 km); buses between Pasto and Ipiales also pass nearby. From the entrance you walk down to the sanctuary.
Visiting hours are 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. There are Masses Monday to Saturday and a fuller schedule on Sundays; it is best to confirm the current times before going.
For its unique neo-Gothic architecture, built on a bridge on the canyon wall; it has been ranked among the most beautiful churches in the world and is a major pilgrimage destination.
The feast of Our Lady of Las Lajas is celebrated on September 16, when thousands of pilgrims arrive from Colombia and Ecuador.
Ipiales itself, the Rumichaca border with Ecuador and, to the north, the city of Pasto and La Cocha Lagoon.