Spiritual Travel and Pilgrimage in South America
19 sacred sites across 6 countries, for every faith and for curious travelers.
This guide lists 19 sacred sites in South America , connected to 7 spiritual traditions: Christianity, Andean religion, Inca Religion, Bahá'í Faith, Candomblé, Spiritism, Umbanda. 7 of them belong to UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 5 are archaeological sanctuaries of ancient faiths. Each guide covers history, what to see, dress code, opening hours and the best time to visit.
Sacred sites in South America
Baha'i Temple of South America, Santiago
Visit the Baha'i Temple in Santiago, Chile, a luminous glass and marble house of worship in the Andes foothills, open to all for prayer and calm.
Basilica of Our Lady of Lujan
Pilgrimage to the Basilica of Our Lady of Lujan, Argentina's national shrine, where millions walk from Buenos Aires each October to honor the Virgin.
Casa Branca do Engenho Velho, Salvador
Learn about Casa Branca do Engenho Velho in Salvador, Bahia, a founding Candomble terreiro of Yoruba heritage. Visit respectfully and by invitation.
Chavin de Huantar
Explore Chavin de Huantar in Peru, an ancient Andean temple of underground galleries and the Lanzon idol, a center of oracles and pilgrimage.
Chico Xavier House and Spiritist Centers, Uberaba
Visit Uberaba, home of the medium Chico Xavier, whose house and Spiritist centers draw pilgrims from across Brazil seeking comfort and charity.
Christ the Redeemer of the Andes
Visit Christ the Redeemer of the Andes on the Argentina and Chile border, a peace statue at 3,800 m on La Cumbre pass, reachable in summer only.
Christ the Redeemer, Corcovado
Visit Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro, the open armed statue and chapel above the city. Tips for the train, views and pilgrimage.
Isla del Sol, Lake Titicaca
Travel to Isla del Sol on Lake Titicaca, the Inca birthplace of the sun with ancient terraces, sacred rock and quiet trails. An Andean pilgrimage.
Lake Guatavita
Visit Lake Guatavita near Bogota, the sacred Muisca lake behind the legend of El Dorado. Walk the guided trail and honor its living heritage.
Las Lajas Sanctuary
Visit Las Lajas Sanctuary near Ipiales, Colombia, a Gothic Revival church on a bridge across a deep gorge, built around a revered rock image of Mary.
Machu Picchu
Visit Machu Picchu in Peru, the Inca sanctuary of the Intihuatana and Temple of the Sun, set among sacred peaks above the Urubamba. A lifetime pilgrimage.
National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida
Pilgrimage to the Basilica of Aparecida in Brazil, the vast shrine of the black Virgin who is patroness of the nation, visited by millions each year.
Nazca Lines
Discover the Nazca Lines in Peru, giant desert geoglyphs of animals and lines linked to water and ritual. See them on a flight or from viewing towers.
Qorikancha and Santo Domingo, Cusco
Visit Qorikancha in Cusco, the Inca Temple of the Sun once sheathed in gold, now crowned by a Dominican church. A key stop on any Peru pilgrimage.
Qoyllur Rit'i Sanctuary, Sinakara Valley
Join the Qoyllur Rit'i pilgrimage below Ausangate in Peru, a high Andes festival blending Catholic devotion and mountain spirits. Come with respect.
Sacsayhuaman and Inti Raymi
Visit Sacsayhuaman above Cusco, the Inca complex of giant zigzag walls where Inti Raymi, the festival of the sun, is staged each June solstice season.
Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira
Visit the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira near Bogota, an underground church carved into a salt mine, with Stations of the Cross lit in shifting color.
Tenda Espirita Nossa Senhora da Piedade, Birthplace of Umbanda
Discover the Tenda Espirita Nossa Senhora da Piedade in Sao Goncalo, honored as the birthplace of Umbanda in 1908. Respectful visiting and pilgrimage tips.
Tiwanaku
Explore Tiwanaku near La Paz, the Andean ceremonial city of the Gate of the Sun and Akapana pyramid, revered by Aymara people for Willkakuti rites.