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About 15 minutes from Ipiales is the majestic Las Lajas Sanctuary (Santuario de Las Lajas). If you don’t mind Disneyland style crowds with hordes of people (maybe because we went on Good Friday!), it’s worth the trip.
History
The setting of the church is absolutely stunning. A vision of the Virgin was found on the side of a cliff in 1754 and a church was built along the side of the cliff deep inside a gorge. The modern church was built in 1916 against the cliff.
Arriving
Upon arrival, you have to walk about 10 minutes downhill to the church past several booths selling food and religious items. There’s also a cable car that opened after my visit. Fares for adults are COP$17,000 one-way or COP$30,000 round-trip (as of May 2024).
The Church
Once inside the church, you will notice a painting of the Virgin directly on the side of the cliff.
Museum
There is a museum with pre-Columbian art underneath the church. Admission is COP$5,000 per person (as of May 2023).
Outside the Church
Outside the church, there are steps up to a large statue with phenomenal views of the gorge and the church.
Getting There
Taxis travel to Las Lajas from Ipiales and can be shared between four people. Give yourself at least an hour to admire the scenery in addition to the 15 minute rides there and back. Taxis are easy to find going back to Ipiales, so there is no need to ask one to wait for you.
