This beautiful cathedral is the most famous and important building of the municipality of Ipiales, has a neo-gothic style and receives thousands of visitors who are intrigued by its location and style and do not miss an opportunity to visit this jewel of Colombia. Many religious also visit the Sanctuary of Las Lajas in times like Easter. Legend has it that the Virgin of the Rosary appeared to the indigenous Maria Meneses with her daughter, who until the moment of her appearance was deaf. It was the girl who saw the image of the Virgin in the slabs of this area and when she saw it she pronounced “The half-breed calls me”. It is said that several miracles have happened in this Shrine.
HOW TO GET TO THE LAS LAJAS SANCTUARY, IPIALES?
Las Lajas Sanctuary is located in the municipality of Ipiales in the department of Nariño. To get to las Lajas first, you must get to Pasto, preferably from the main cities of the country you can arrive by air or land, and then in Pasto you must take a bus that takes you to Ipiales, this journey takes about two hours. The Sanctuary is about 7 kilometers from Ipiales, to get there you can take a bus with the Saguarán route. The bus passes through Race 5 in Parque 20 de Julio and has an approximate value of $2,000 colombian pesos
GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE IN THE LAS LAJAS SANCTUARY, IPIALES
The Sanctuary of Las Lajas has an average temperature of 14°C so it is advisable to wear warm clothes. This building is 2900 meters above sea level. The tour does not require any effort.
ATTRACTIONS IN THE LAJAS SANCTUARY, IPIALES
The Sanctuary of Las Lajas is an attraction of Colombia since this church is built on the canyon of Guáitara, that is to say that it is not only a church, but also a bridge that serves as a commercial and cultural connection. The Sanctuary of Las Lajas is one of the most beautiful churches in the world, since its neo-gothic style and location give a touch of mystery and beauty to the landscape. This church was built in 1916, at the beginning it was a modest temple, but despite the number of visitors who attended the church, the expansion was carried out. From this point you can easily reach neighboring Ecuador.
The landscape that this church gives us during the day is wonderful, however, after 6:30pm the Sanctuary turns on its lights and shows a majestic imposing. The Sanctuary of Las Lajas is a recommended destination if you visit Pasto, since it is part of the culture and wealth of this city.
After visiting the Sanctuary, the tourist will be able to visit the beautiful landscapes of Ipiales and know the kindness of the people of these lands.
You will have no problem in getting lodging since you will be able to find hotels and hostels at different prices and with different conditions.
GASTRONOMY IN THE LAS LAJAS SANCTUARY
Las Lajas Sanctuary has become a very important tourist destination, which is why in the vicinity of the church the visitor can find restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops. The typical food of this region of the country is the Cuy, a species of rodent that is cooked roasted and accompanied by potatoes.
