When visiting Santa Fe, New Mexico, taking a day trip to El Sanctuario de Chimayo offers a taste of the history, culture and religion of the area set in the serenity of the countryside. The healing properties of the dirt draws hundreds on personal pilgrimmages annually to this charming shrine and National Historic Landmark.
Forty minutes north of downtown Santa Fe, seemingly out in the middle of nowhere sits El Sanctuario de Chimayo.
Perhaps one of the most important Roman Catholic churches in the U.S. for those seeking healing and a divine connection, the sanctuary attracts over 300,000 visitors a year, many of whom make pilgrimages on foot during the holy week.
I hadn’t visited Chimayo for many years. All I had remembered was the main church and the ‘blessed dirt’. I found there was so much to explore.
El Sanctuario de Chimayo is a holy place for those with religious intention and signs prompt paying respect for those there for acts of devotion. Those who are visiting without religious aspirations are also very welcome
The dirt of the area is believed to have healing powers. A small room with an earthen floor off to the side of the 1800’s (main) church altar offers visitors a chance to take a small amount of the dirt and rub it on themselves, or to bring some home with them, in hopes of divine healing. An adjoining room houses an abundance of discarded crutches as a testament to those healed, as well as photos of those healed and those to pray for.
TIP for collecting ‘blessed dirt’: Bring a small plastic bag orjar to collect dirt. If you don’t have something to put the dirt in, the nearby gift shops sell small containers for the dirt and the holy water which is in front of the entrance to the church. The dirt may even be ‘ordered online’ and shipped for a small suggested donation (details on the website)!
What started as a small chapel has grown into a compound with multiple themed chapels, a restaurant and small mercantile shops selling religious items, crafts, locally grown chilies and other seasonings. I really loved the church for the children though was overwhelmed at the display of tiny shoes of those departed.
The trading post to the right outside the entrance to the main church has a great collection of chile powders; chimayo, chipotle, taco spices and more. All local to the area and very well priced. I bought plastic bags of multiple dried chile powders each for five dollars or less.
It is a picturesque, peaceful area boasting classic regional architecture that is interesting to explore regardless of one’s religious persuasion. Active religious services are conducted at El Sanctuario de Chimayo (as well as Confession) with times available on their website.
Nearby Rancho de Chimayo Restaurante (recently honored with a James Beard award) serves fantastic Northern New Mexican food and will be a participant on the Santa Fe’s Margarita Trail as well.
Planning A Trip to El Sanctuario de Chimayo
Visiting Chimayo offers a look into culture, history, and religion of this area. Regardless of which interests you, touring the various churches, shops and art throughout, offer a rich and reflective view into a special spot in the area, out of the tourist bustle of The Plaza (unless visiting during a pilgrimmage when it’s packed).
The view from the road to El Sanctuario de Chimayo
Where is El Sanctuario de Chimayo?
Located 40 minutes north of Santa Fe, between Santa Fe and Taos, New Mexico.
Hours of El Sanctuario de Chimayo
The hours of the El Sanctuario de Chimayo vary slightly during the year, opening at 9 a.m. daily and closing at 5:00 or 6:00 p.m. depending on the season (verify hours on their website before going). Check the website for information about the multiple pilgrimmages that occur during the year to participate or choose when to visit (it will be less crowded outside the pilgrimmage times).
There is free parking onsite.
What to Wear at El Sanctuario de Chimayo
The weather can be variable in the spring, fall and winter. Layering allows the most comfortable experience, along with good walking shoes.
Whether religious or not, this is a very interesting place to visit and spend a few peaceful hours or a whole day.
View from the road to El Sanctuario de Chimayo.
Colleen Cayes says
Toni, thank you for your wonderful photos and the many ideas of things to see, do, and buy when visiting this special place. I haven’t been for a few years, but thanks to you I almost feel as if I made the Good Friday pilgrimage (but without the walking).
Vicky says
One of my friends in currently visiting Santa Fe. I need to send this her way to make sure she checks it out. What a wonderful part of New Mexico history!
Sarah says
I’ve never been to New Mexico but it sure does look pretty. I love how peaceful it looks there.
Annemarie LeBlanc says
Sure is a beautiful place. I would not have imagined to find something like that in the middle of nowhere. I wish to be able to have a chance to see this in person.
Claudia Krusch says
It looks like such an interesting place! Loved reading all about it! Great photos!
Cinny says
That looks like such a quaint place. I’ve never been to New Mexico before and it looks like a fun day trip.
Amy h says
El Sanctuario de Chimayo looks like an amazing place to visit. I did find it interesting that you can order blessed dirt online
Toni Dash says
I know! I just learned that part when looking up something on their website.
Don Chavez says
I live 15 minutes from it, this weelemd was the annual Easter pilgrmage
Toni Dash says
You do?! I was in Santa Fe earlier in the week last week Don and expected to see the pilgrimmage on the highway but there wasn’t anyone. I think it was last year or the year before it seemed like hundreds were streaming down the road for the entire week.
Theresa says
I only drove through New Mexico once and didn’t get to see very much of it. I would definitely love to go to El Sanctuario de Chimayo for a little exploring. It looks really peaceful there.
Toni Dash says
It is. It’s a beautiful setting. So many places in New Mexico are so still and serene.
Reesa Lewandowski says
Wow what a beautiful, historic city! I have honestly never heard too much about New Mexico and I loved reading this!
Toni Dash says
I’m so glad Reesa! New Mexico really is quite different than the rest of the United States. Between the rugged landscape, Native American presence, the regional food (my favorite) and a serenity that is present, there’s no question why it’s called The Land of Enchantment.
I realize that sounds like a tourism infomercial but I really love it!
brianne says
Wow what a beautiful place. .I am definitely putting this on my bucket list! I’ve never been to New Mexico before!
Liz Mays says
The sanctuary is really impressive and I love the history and tradition behind it. It would be really nice to visit!
Tara says
There is such rich history here. I would love to make a trip here. Hopefully some day soon.
Stacie says
What a beautiful location. I haven’t been to New Mexico before but would love to visit.
Vera Sweeney says
This looks like a beautiful place to visit! I like that the dirt has healing properties. It does look like a serene place.
Meagan Ivie says
Wow, stunning! Looks like such a cool trip with SO much history. I’d love to take a family trip here.
Jeni Hawkins says
WOW! The history there is amazing. And it looks like it has its own personality! Just gorgeous! Great suggestion for my next road trip!
Melissa Chapman says
I am so interested in going out to New Mexico and Santa Fe so this would be a great place to go if I get there. It seems like a a destination not to be missed so t would have to spend a day and see this exciting religious spectacle.
Stacie says
That’s such a pretty area. I love the terrain and the architecture. I feel like Clint Eastwood will be stepping out from behind a wall at any second.LOL
Toni Dash says
YES! They do make alot of movies in the area and there is terrain that looks like old western movies even now!
Pamela K says
This place looks amazing. I’m one that would have soaked up all the history here. Thanks for sharing.
robin rue says
I’ve never been to New Mexico at all, so I would LOVE to visit here someday! What a beautiful place for a daytrip!
Melissa Chapman says
I feel the same way a day to see that great town and church. I have to get out to Santa Fe first it is a destination I have always. wanted to visit
Veronica Lee says
Looks like an interesting place to visit. Love the photos.