The 15-meter tall sculpture of the Virgin of Guadalupe was created by the Colombian sculptor Agustín Rincón.
The sanctuary was officially inaugurated in 1946 by Archbishop Ismael Perdomo.
At 3,317 meters, the site is significantly higher than the city of Bogotá itself, which sits at approximately 2,640 meters.
The sanctuary's position on the Guadalupe hill serves as one of the two major mountain watchpoints overlooking the city, the other being Monserrate.
Santuario Virgen de Guadalupe is a religious sanctuary situated on the eastern mountain range overlooking Bogotá at an altitude of approximately 3,317 meters above sea level. The site is anchored by a 15-meter tall statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe, which rests atop the sanctuary building. Originally constructed in the mid-20th century, the site offers panoramic views of the entire Bogotá plateau. The sanctuary is accessible via the Choachí road, marking it as a pilgrimage destination for locals and a viewpoint for visitors. The location is characterized by its high-altitude Andean ecosystem and frequent cloud cover, which often obscures or reveals the city below.
The terrace area immediately in front of the statue provides an unobstructed 180-degree view of Bogotá.
Bring a windbreaker or a warm jacket as temperatures drop significantly due to the high altitude.
Carry a bottle of water and move slowly to help your body acclimate to the rapid elevation gain.
Check local weather reports for fog conditions, as visibility can change rapidly on the mountain.
Do not attempt to hike to the sanctuary from the city base without professional guidance or security coordination, as the remote mountain path can be hazardous.
Open primarily on weekends and public holidays; check local updates for weekday accessibility.
Maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor suitable for a place of worship; modest attire is expected.
