Most famous pilgrimage destinations in South America
Most famous pilgrimage destinations in South America
Sacred mountain sanctuaries and historic trails in South America
South America's pilgrimage traditions draw millions of Catholic pilgrims annually to some of the world's largest basilicas, while sacred sites tied to mountains and water hold traditions predating Catholicism by centuries and continuing alongside it.
The destinations on this list range from major Catholic pilgrimage basilicas built within the past two centuries to ancient sacred routes still walked according to traditions considerably older than colonial-era Christianity.
Visiting during specific feast days at the continent's largest pilgrimage sites reveals a scale of devotion that's considerably different from an ordinary weekday visit. Local guides familiar with both traditions can add genuine context. Checking transport schedules carefully in advance also matters, since some of these sites can be considerably harder to reach outside peak pilgrimage periods.
Lists by region
City in Brazil
Aparecida
Serene pilgrimage site amid lush landscapes
In 1717 three fishermen netted a clay statue of the Virgin from the Paraíba River. The dark statue is only about 14 inches tall. Today it stands in a huge basilica with room for tens of thousands. About ten million pilgrims visit each year, with crowds peaking on 12 October.
City in Brazil
Salvador
Afro-Brazilian Soul on the Sea
The hilltop church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim crowns a rise above the bay. In January women called baianas wear white and wash the steps with scented water. In Candomblé, the church's Lord is linked to the deity Oxalá. Pilgrims tie coloured wish ribbons to the church railings.
City in Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
The heartbeat of Brazil's coast
The chapel on Penha hill dates to 1635, nearly two centuries before Brazil's independence. A granite staircase of 382 steps leads up to the church. In October many pilgrims climb it on foot or on their knees. The chapel at the base of Christ the Redeemer honours Our Lady of Aparecida.
Country
Ecuador
Compact country, immense biodiversity
Hymns and prayers rise along the road as pilgrims follow the Virgin of El Cisne. Each August her statue travels from the village of El Cisne to the cathedral in Loja. The Virgin stays there until September then returns to her village in another procession. Locals call her La Churonita.
Country
Argentina
Land of diverse natural wonders
The Basilica of Our Lady of Luján has neo-Gothic spires that tower over the pampas town. About a million people walk there overnight from Buenos Aires each October, roughly 37 miles. The statue inside is a small clay figure honoured since the 1600s. Argentines name the Virgin of Luján their patron.
Country
Colombia
Where diverse landscapes meet culture
According to tradition, a woman and her deaf daughter sheltered from a storm near Ipiales in 1754. They saw an image of the Virgin on the canyon wall. The Gothic Revival sanctuary, built from 1916 to 1949, spans the gorge on a bridge. Pilgrims leave thank you plaques on the walls.
City in Peru
Lima
Historic Charm Meets Coastal Vibes
Each October, Lima turns purple for the Lord of Miracles procession. An enslaved man from Angola painted a Christ on an adobe wall in the 1650s. That wall stayed standing through the 1655 earthquake. Thousands of devotees in purple robes follow the image through the streets. Main processions fall on 18 and 19 October.
Country
Peru
Ancient wonders meet diverse landscapes
Dancers called ukukus wear woollen masks and carry blocks of ice down a glacier. The Qoyllur Rit'i pilgrimage takes place each year before Corpus Christi in the Sinakara valley. Tens of thousands of pilgrims camp in the cold at about 15,000 feet. The festival blends Catholic and Andean beliefs.
Lake
Lake Titicaca
Crystal waters echo ancient Andean legends
At about 12,500 feet above sea level, Lake Titicaca is among the world's highest large lakes. Inca legend says the first ruler, Manco Cápac, rose from the lake. Every February the city of Puno holds the Virgen de la Candelaria festival. Thousands of costumed dancers fill the streets. UNESCO lists it as cultural heritage.
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