Visiting Las Lajas Sanctuary
Quick answer: Visiting Las Lajas Sanctuary is easy from Ipiales, a small Colombian city near the Ecuador border. The gothic church sits just 5 kilometres away inside the canyon of the Guáitara River; a colectivo taxi from Ipiales bus terminal costs 2,200 pesos, the church is free to enter, and the museum costs 1,500 pesos.
Las Lajas Sanctuary, also called “a miracle of God in the abyss”, is a jewel of engineering. Surprisingly, it remains off most foreign tourists’ radar, partly because of its location. Still, it is well worth spending a day or two in Ipiales to marvel at the cathedral’s alluring beauty.
The History of Las Lajas Sanctuary
The 1754 apparition
The story dates back to 1754. An Amerindian woman, Maria Mueces, and her deaf-mute daughter Rosa were caught in a brutal storm. Sheltering in the ravine, Maria felt a force calling to them. To their amazement, they looked up and saw the image of the Virgin Mary on the rocks above. At that moment, Rosa was cured and could hear and speak.
The blind man and the first chapel
Shortly after the discovery was reported, a blind man wandered from village to village for ten years collecting donations to build a chapel around the image. When he returned to Las Lajas, he was able to see.
The image behind the altar
An image of the Virgin Mary and Jesus is carved into the stone wall at the end of the church, behind the altar. Nobody knows who made it. According to some, the image was first seen when Mueces wanted to show a priest and other locals where her daughter had been revived. The apparition inspired popular pilgrimage to the site and stories of miraculous healing.
Building the current church
The current church was built between January 1, 1916 and August 20, 1949, funded by donations from local churchgoers. Las Lajas received canonical coronation from the Vatican in 1952 and was made a minor basilica in 1994.
Getting to Las Lajas Sanctuary from Ipiales
- By colectivo taxi: shared taxis leave from outside Ipiales bus terminal and cost 2,200 pesos per person. They drop you at the main entrance, and the sanctuary is a 5–10 minute walk down the hill.
- On foot: you can also walk from Ipiales along the pedestrian route. The road runs downhill with stunning scenery and viewpoints along the way.
- By bus: there are no bus services to Las Lajas.
Las Lajas Entrance Fees
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Church entry | Free |
| Museum below the church (well worth a look) | 1,500 pesos per person |
| Colectivo from Ipiales bus terminal | 2,200 pesos per person |
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Las Lajas Sanctuary from Ipiales?
Just 5 kilometres. A colectivo taxi takes you to the main entrance, followed by a short walk down the hill.
Is Las Lajas Sanctuary free to visit?
Yes, the church is free to enter. The museum below it costs 1,500 pesos per person.
When was Las Lajas Sanctuary built?
The current church was built between 1916 and 1949, and it was made a minor basilica in 1994.
Is there a bus to Las Lajas?
No. Take a colectivo taxi from Ipiales bus terminal or walk down the pedestrian route.
Conclusion
With its dramatic canyon setting, remarkable history and easy access from Ipiales, visiting Las Lajas Sanctuary is a highlight of any trip to southern Colombia – and a perfect stop before or after crossing into Ecuador.
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