About El Santuario de Chimayo
El Santuario de Chimayo is a small adobe chapel in the hills north of Santa Fe. According to local tradition, a crucifix of Our Lord of Esquipulas was found in the earth here in the early 1800s, and the chapel was built on that spot. The site had already been regarded as a place of healing by Tewa people before Spanish settlement. It is a National Historic Landmark today. Faith runs deep here.
Pilgrims enter a tiny side room to gather el posito, holy dirt from a small pit, believed by many to bring healing. A nearby room displays crutches, photographs and notes of thanks. During Holy Week, tens of thousands walk to Chimayo, some from as far as Albuquerque, making it the largest Catholic pilgrimage in the United States. The simple adobe setting, with its cottonwoods and stream, gives the pilgrimage a quiet and humble grace.
What to see
- Holy dirt room (el posito)
- Painted reredos behind the altar
- Prayer room with offerings
- Santo Nino chapel
- Riverside grounds
Visiting El Santuario de Chimayo: practical guide
- Best time
- Spring and autumn; Holy Week for the pilgrimage
- Hours
- Open daily, roughly 9:00 to 17:00
- Entry
- Free
- Dress code
- Modest clothing
- Nearest airport
- Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF), 50 km
Tips from experienced pilgrims
- No photography inside the chapel
- Bring a small container for holy dirt
- Try local red chile at a nearby restaurant
Festivals and special days
- Good Friday pilgrimage
Etiquette for visitors
Guidance drawn from Christianity tradition. Always follow signs and local custodians.
- Cover shoulders and knees when entering churches, cathedrals and monasteries.
- Men usually remove hats indoors, while some Orthodox churches ask women to cover their hair.
- Avoid sightseeing in the main aisle during Mass or services.
- Check whether photography and flash are allowed before taking pictures.
- Keep your voice low and switch phones to silent.
- Only receive Communion if you understand and follow that church's rules.
Location map
Open in OpenStreetMap · Get directions
Frequently asked questions
Where is El Santuario de Chimayo?
El Santuario de Chimayo is in Chimayo, New Mexico, United States, North America. GPS coordinates: 36.0039, -105.9314. The nearest airport is Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF), 50 km.
What is the best time to visit El Santuario de Chimayo?
Spring and autumn; Holy Week for the pilgrimage
Is there an entry fee for El Santuario de Chimayo?
Free Opening hours: Open daily, roughly 9:00 to 17:00
What should I wear when visiting El Santuario de Chimayo?
Modest clothing
Which religion is El Santuario de Chimayo sacred to?
El Santuario de Chimayo is sacred to Christianity. Active place of worship.
