Most famous religious destinations in South America
Most famous religious destinations in South America
Historic hilltop sanctuaries and colonial era cathedrals in South America
Religion in South America is often a mix of Catholic traditions brought by the Spanish and Portuguese and much older Indigenous beliefs, and in many places you can see both side by side, sometimes in one church.
Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro is the image most people know, but it is only one part of the story. In the Andes, towns around Cusco hold festivals that combine Catholic saints with Inca customs, and Lake Titicaca has islands that are sacred in Andean belief. Some travelers plan their trip around big events like Holy Week in Popayán or Inti Raymi in June, while others prefer small pilgrimage towns where the churches are simple and the atmosphere is calm.
The Andes are high, so it helps to plan a slow first day or two if you want to enjoy the churches and festivals there without feeling out of breath.
Lists by region
City in Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
The heartbeat of Brazil's coast
Christ the Redeemer was dedicated on 12 October 1931 and stands 98 feet tall on the 2,300 foot Corcovado peak. Its arms span 92 feet. It is built of reinforced concrete covered in soapstone. A chapel beneath the statue was consecrated in 2006 and allows Catholic baptisms and weddings.
Valley in Peru
Sacred Valley
Ancient terraces echoing timeless Andean rhythms
Willkamayu means sacred river in Quechua, which gave the Urubamba Valley its name. The valley runs about 62 miles from Pisac to Machu Picchu. Inca terraces are its most visible legacy. Moray may have served as a crop laboratory for maize. Machu Picchu is believed to have been built as an estate for Pachacuti.
City in Peru
Cusco
Gateway to the Incan Empire's Heart
The Inca capital stands at about 11,200 feet. Qorikancha, the Temple of the Sun, was the Incas' most important sanctuary. The Santo Domingo convent was built on its foundations. An effigy called the Lord of Earthquakes is still carried in annual procession. UNESCO listed the historic centre in 1983.
Country
Colombia
Where diverse landscapes meet culture
Las Lajas Sanctuary near Ipiales is a neo Gothic minor basilica built into the Guaitara River canyon. It rises about 328 feet from the canyon floor. A bridge about 164 feet tall links it to the far side. Tradition says the Virgin Mary appeared around 1754. Pilgrims arrive from Colombia and Ecuador.
Lake
Lake Titicaca
Crystal waters echo ancient Andean legends
The Inca treated the lake as a mythical place and pilgrimage site. Offerings were dropped into the water at Khoa reef. Isla del Sol has over 180 ruins, mostly from the Inca period. On Amantani Island two peaks are named Pachatata and Pachamama. They mean Father Earth and Mother Earth.
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