Las Lajas Sanctuary

Basilica Menor, A Catholic Shrine Finished In 1949 On A 1754 Chapel Site. Built On A 50 M Arched Bridge Over The Gorge Of The Guaitara River, At The Southern Border Of Colombia. A National Pilgrimage Destination. · Ipiales, Narino

Las Lajas is a neo-Gothic basilica built into the wall of the Guaitara river gorge in the far south of Narino, a short ride from the border town of Ipiales. The church was finished in 1949 on the site of a small chapel linked to an apparition legend from the 1700s, and it rests on a high arched bridge, so from the path above it looks as if it grows out of the rock itself. Pilgrims come from across Colombia and Ecuador, and the interior walls are covered with small plaques of thanks for answered prayers. The setting is high and cold, about 2,800 metres, and cloud or drizzle often hides the view at the very moment you arrive, so patience helps. The walk down from the plaza is steep but short, and the best photographs come from the gorge viewpoints rather than inside. Treat it as a half-day outing from Ipiales, not a full day, and expect it to be crowded on Sundays and religious holidays. Dress warmly, wear shoes with grip, and keep a respectful tone inside, because it is a working shrine and not a museum. Allow time for the climb back.

Neo-Gothic basilica built into the Guaitara river gorge about 10 km south of Ipiales, near the Ecuador border, Ipiales, Narino, Colombia

The sanctuary is open daily from morning to late afternoon, and entering the church and the viewpoints is FREE, apart from optional extras like the cable car. Mass times are fixed and visitors are asked to stay quiet and keep to the sides then. SUNDAY and holidays are the busiest days, so go on a weekday morning. Shops and food stalls along the path keep their own hours and close earlier on quiet days. Confirm mass and cable car times locally.

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