Trip Info
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3 - 4 Stars Hotel
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Ground Transportation
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2.614 m.s.n.m
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June to September / December to February
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Available
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Español – ingles – francés – italiano – portugués – alemán
Overview
Las Lajas Sanctuary, located in the Andean region in Ipiales, Nariño, Colombia, lies on the border with Ecuador. This architectural marvel of neo-Gothic style rises majestically within the imposing canyon of the Guáitara River, with towers reaching one hundred meters high. Seemingly emerging from nature itself, the sanctuary captivates visitors with its breathtaking beauty—a perfect blend of faith, charm, and popular traditions.
The history of this magical site dates back to the 18th century. The thousands of plaques commemorating miraculous events bear witness to its mystical allure. Considered one of the most beautiful sanctuaries in the world, it boasts illuminated stained glass windows and a grand structure.
The tour also allows you to savor Nariño’s award-winning coffee, recognized as one of the mildest and best in the world, cultivated at the heights of the Andes. Continuing along the route through various thermal floors, visitors can taste the finest cheeses from the Guachucal savanna, a region distinguished by its volcanic chains, which enhance the land’s fertility.
Explore the artistry of ethnic-ancestral weaving translated into contemporary fashion using sheep wool, cotton, and silk in the town of Carlosama. Complete your journey by visiting the renowned Tulcán Cemetery “José María Azael Franco” in northern Ecuador’s Carchi Province, where intricately sculpted cypress trees honor art, fauna, and indigenous traditions.
Highlights
- Admire the imposing Sanctuary of Las Lajas, a neo-Gothic temple with 100-meter towers and illuminated stained-glass windows that seem to rise from the canyon of the Guáitara River.
- Located in the Andean region of Ipiales, its setting within a deep canyon and its harmony with nature give the sanctuary a mystical atmosphere, steeped in legends.
- With a history dating back to the 18th century, the site is imbued with testimonies of miracles and popular beliefs, making it a destination of pilgrimage and devotion.
- Along the route, enjoy Nariño’s world-renowned coffee, celebrated for its smoothness, and artisanal cheeses from the Sabana de Guachucal, whose flavors are shaped by the fertility of the region.
- Discover the ancestral art of handwoven textiles, where ethnic techniques merge with contemporary fashion using sheep’s wool.
- The route is complemented by a visit to the Tulcán Cemetery, in the Province of Carchi, where carved cypress trees pay tribute to Indigenous traditions and Andean art.
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