If you’re crossing the border between Colombia and Ecuador at the Rumichaca International Bridge, then it’s worth making a quick detour to Las Lajas Sanctuary.
Although I focus on outdoor and adventurous experiences when travelling, I never pass up an opportunity to see something quirky, and Las Lajas Sanctuary (El Santuario de Las Lajas) is just that.
The extravagant gothic basilica looks like something out of a horror film, yet at the same time, is incredibly beautiful with lots of detail and decoration, especially the bell tower.
What’s more impressive is how the church has been crafted in a canyon, the Guáitara River Canyon, which is a crazy feat of engineering.
Checking out Las Lajas Cathedral is a fun bit of sightseeing to break up the border crossing between Colombia and Ecuador. And in this quick guide I’ll explain exactly how to visit the basilica and if it’s worth it.
Is Las Lajas worth visiting?
The Sanctuary of Las Lajas is definitely worth visiting if you’re making the border crossing between Colombia and Ecuador at the Rumichaca International Bridge near Ipiales.
The basilica is just a 15-min taxi from Ipiales – the Colombian city closest to the border – so why not break up the journey between the countries with something interesting.
If you’re not already planning on being around the central border region, then I don’t think Las Lajas Sanctuary is worth visiting. These parts of Colombia and Ecuador are pretty uneventful and it’s a long way to travel to see what is an interesting, but not the most impressive, church.
Also, if you’re going to be in Quito, then you can visit the Basílica del Voto Nacional (Basilica of the National Vow), a huge and really impressive cathedral. You can squeeze your way up the narrow, winding towers for great views of the city.
Where to stay in Quito
My accommodation recommendations based on personal experience or excellent ratings across major booking platforms.
- Community Hostel: a budget hostel with a fun vibe. There are great views from the rooftop terrace.
- Apartamento 32 Juana de Arco: a holiday apartment with all amenities in the historic centre.
- Friends Hotel & Rooftop: A mid-range hotel in the historic centre offering veggie and vegan meals.
- Hotel La Basílica: A centrally-located, higher-end hotel with beautiful rooms and church views.
What is Las Lajas Sanctuary famous for?
There’s a famous legend surrounding Las Lajas Church. The story goes that in 1754 the Virgin Mary appeared to a deaf-mute girl, Rosa, in the canyon where the church now stands.
Rosa was seeking shelter from a storm and claimed that the Virgin Mary was calling to her, pointing to an image on the rocks which had been illuminated by lightning.
Although this story smells a little fishy to me, enough religious people believed it. In the years that followed, the site became important with pilgrims and, eventually, construction on the basilica began in 1916 to commemorate the miracle.
Where is Las Lajas Sanctuary
The Sanctuary of Las Lajas is in the far south of Colombia, in the Nariño Department, about a 15-min drive from the city of Ipiales.
The name Ipiales probably doesn’t mean much to you, but the city is just 15 min from the Rumichaca International Bridge border crossing, meaning Las Lajas Basilica is just 30 min from the border.
How to get to Las Lajas
Getting to Ipiales
First you need to get to Ipiales, which is easy as it’s well connected with other major cities in Colombia by bus:
- Cali to Ipiales: Expreso Bolivariano / 53,000 COP ($13 US) / 12 h
- Medellín to Ipiales: Bolivariano / 145,000 COP ($37 US) / 20 h
- Bogotá to Ipiales: ContinentalBus or Expreso Bolivariano / 175,000 COP ($45 US) / 22 h
You can either book directly with the bus agencies or you can get tickets on Busbud and redBus. I always try to buy direct because third party platforms charge commission.
You can also fly to Ipiales with Avianca. I’ve got more information about getting to Ipiales, including about flights, in my guide to crossing the border between Colombia and Ecuador.
Ipiales to Las Lajas Sanctuary
From Ipiales bus terminal you can take a taxi to the main road above the basilica. From here it’s a 5-min walk down the hill to the church.
There are loads of taxis waiting at the terminal and they charge around 15,000 COP ($4 US) for the 15-min ride. I recommend getting your driver’s number to have them take you back to the terminal later.
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When to visit Las Lajas Sanctuary
You can visit the basilica at any time, but the best time is early on a Sunday morning. On Sundays, mass is held here at around 6:00 and people from the city flock to the church.
You probably won’t be able to get in the church as it’ll be so packed, at least it was when I was there, but you can watch the procession from outside as the doors stay open.
It’s pretty cool to see the church, which is usually a major tourist attraction, being used for what it really is by the locals.
I’d avoid going to Las Lajas Sanctuary if it’s raining heavily as, aside from inside the church, there’s no escape from the rain.
However, a little bit of rain could create some interesting mist in the canyon, which would fit the ambience of the gothic basilica and make for some cool photos.
In this part of Colombia the rainy season usually runs October to December, and again from April to June. During these periods you can expect afternoon showers.
Enjoy your visit to Las Lajas Basilica
So, is the Sanctuary of Las Lajas worth visiting? Yes, but only if you’re already going to be in the area – I wouldn’t make the journey just for the church.
A final handy tip is that you can get a bite to eat at the small restaurants right where your taxi will drop you off just above the basilica. I had a breakfast here for around 10,000 COP ($2.5 US), which filled a hole and helped keep the sharp morning cold away.
Related guide: The Colombia/Ecuador border crossing at Rumichaca