The church was the site of the first sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary in the territory of the Real Audiencia of Quito.
The original church was built as a wooden structure in 1593 before being replaced by the current masonry building.
Miguel de Santiago, a renowned painter of the Quito School, created a series of canvases depicting the life of the Virgin for the sanctuary.
The location was historically significant as it marked the start of the colonial path connecting the capital to the oriente region.
The church facade features a combination of stone and brick, demonstrating colonial-era construction techniques.
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guápulo is a 17th-century colonial church located on the eastern slopes of Quito, situated along the ancient trade route to the Amazon basin. The current structure, completed in 1696, follows the Baroque architectural style prevalent in the Quito School. It houses a revered image of the Virgin of Guápulo, a sculpture attributed to Diego de Robles. The interior features a gilded main altar and intricate pulpit carving typical of the period. Its geographical placement in a ravine separates the historic center of Quito from the modern valley neighborhoods. The site includes a convent that served as a critical stopover for missionaries heading into the jungle. It remains a functioning Catholic sanctuary with ongoing religious services and community life.
The elevated vantage point from the Camino de Orellana path looking back toward the church facade.
Walk the historic stone-paved path nearby to experience the original entry route to the church.
Inspect the exterior stone carvings on the facade, which display a fusion of European and indigenous motifs.
Plan your visit to coincide with local religious processions to see the church at its most active.
Do not attempt to walk down into the steep ravine during heavy rain, as the paths can become slippery and unstable.
Maintain a quiet demeanor and avoid taking photographs during active religious services.
