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Most famous religious destinations in North America

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Mexico City
Vibrant Culture, History and Street Food
8.3
A high valley at about 2,240 metres holds the capital, built over the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan. The Metropolitan Cathedral, begun in 1573, rises beside the Templo Mayor ruins. Builders used stones from Aztec temples for its base. Both are steps from the Zócalo, the main square.
Highlights:
  • 🎨 Visit Frida Kahlo’s Blue House in Coyoacán
  • 🏛️ Wander through the historic center and Zócalo Square
  • 🏯 Explore the ancient ruins of Teotihuacán’s pyramids
Montreal
A city of festivals, food and culture
8.6
After dark, a light show called Aura fills Notre-Dame Basilica with colour. The church has a deep blue ceiling dotted with gold stars. Saint Joseph's Oratory is on Mount Royal. Some pilgrims climb its 99 wooden steps on their knees. The oratory is the largest church in Canada.
Highlights:
  • ⛪ Visit the breathtaking Notre-Dame Basilica and its illuminated interior
  • 🌄 Admire panoramic city views from Mount Royal Park
  • 🏙️ Wander the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal
Quebec City
Old World Charm in North America
7.4
The parish of Notre-Dame de Québec dates from 1664, more than a century older than the United States. Its basilica-cathedral is inside the walled Old Town. About 30 minutes east by car, the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré basilica draws around a million pilgrims a year. Pilgrims have visited the site since the 1650s.
Highlights:
  • 🌊 Walk along Terrasse Dufferin boardwalk with river views
  • 🏰 Admire Château Frontenac’s iconic castle-like architecture
  • 🚶‍♂️ Stroll through historic Old Quebec’s charming streets
New Mexico
Land of Enchantment’s Rich Heritage
7.7
Each Good Friday, thousands of pilgrims walk to the Santuario de Chimayó, some from as far as Albuquerque. The adobe chapel was finished in 1816. Inside, a small pit holds soil that people take home as a blessing. In Santa Fe, the Loretto Chapel has a spiral staircase with no centre support.
Highlights:
  • ♨️ Soak in natural hot springs at Truth or Consequences
  • 🏘️ Visit historic Taos Pueblo, a living Native American village
  • 🏜️ Explore the surreal dunes of White Sands National Park
Salt Lake City
Mountains, Mormons and outdoor adventure
7.5
Temple Square has the Salt Lake Temple, which took 40 years to build and opened in 1893. The temple is closed to non-members, but the grounds are open to all. The Tabernacle next door has an oval wooden roof built with pegs and rawhide. Free organ recitals run there most days at noon.
Highlights:
  • 🏞️ Take in panoramic city views from Ensign Peak hike
  • 🌊 Float effortlessly in the Great Salt Lake’s mineral-rich waters
  • ⛪ Visit Temple Square and admire the Salt Lake Temple
Arizona
Desert Wonders and Scenic Adventures
7.5
Father Kino founded Mission San Xavier del Bac near Tucson in 1692. The white church seen today was built from 1783 to 1797 and is called the White Dove of the Desert. Farther north, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is built into the red rocks of Sedona.
Highlights:
  • 🧭 Hike through the striking Antelope Canyon slot formations
  • 🌅 Watch the sunrise over Monument Valley’s red rock mesas
  • 🏞️ Marvel at the Grand Canyon’s breathtaking rim views
Chichen Itza
Unravel the Mysteries of the Maya
A single clap at the foot of El Castillo bounces back like the chirp of a quetzal bird. The pyramid has 91 steps on each side. On the spring and autumn equinoxes a shadow shaped like a snake crawls down the north stairway. The Sacred Cenote nearby was used for offerings.
Highlights:
  • 🔭 Visit the Observatory (El Caracol) for ancient astronomy insights
  • 🏟️ Explore the Great Ball Court and ancient Mayan ruins
  • 🪜 Climb El Castillo pyramid and witness equinox serpent shadow
Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Spiritual Heart of Mexican Faith
The New Basilica of Guadalupe was built in 1976 beside an older church that is slowly sinking. A moving walkway carries pilgrims past the cloak of Juan Diego. It bears an image of the Virgin Mary. Millions arrive each year with the biggest crowds around 12 December.
Highlights:
  • 🏛️ Explore the Old and New Basilicas' sacred architecture
  • ⛪ Climb to [translate: Capilla del Cerrito] for great views
  • 🧥 Visit the cloak of [translate: Virgen de Guadalupe] relic
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