After backpacking Colombia we were aiming to cross the famous land border between Colombia and Ecuador – Ipiales. The border crossing at Ipiales is known as the “Rumichaca Bridge.” Almost everyone was discouraging us from undertaking this adventure but one thing I could not miss was visiting Las Lajas Sanctuary (located at the border) – the architectural marvel – a sight to behold and a testament to human creativity and faith!
Visiting Las Lajas Sanctuary.
After this thrilling adventure, I’m dropping lots of practical travel and safety information on visiting Las Lajas Sanctuary and crossing the land border between Colombia and Ecuador. Visiting Las Lajas Sanctuary is a must, it is probably the most beautiful sanctuary in South America.
We were staying in Neiva after visiting the amazing Tatacoa Desert. I was looking to take a bus from Neiva to Pasto but it takes around 22 hours and it is also NOT advised to travel by night buses south direction from Bogota. So we had to find another solution and after exploring all the options the safest and quickest was flying from Bogota to Pasto! The flight was $50 on TRIP.COM which is a very good price for a last-minute booking. We actually booked two flights, which were cheaper than a direct flight from Neiva – so check all options when booking.
Neither Colombia nor Ecuador are countries to save on medical coverage, so travel insurance is highly recommended – I travel with SafetyWing.
How to get to Las Lajas Sanctuary?
If you are traveling from Bogota the road leads along Armenia – Cali – Pasto – Ipiales. To visit Las Lajas Sanctuary you first need to get to PASTO. You can do it by taking a bus or a plane – I STRONGLY RECOMMEND FLYING – we took a bus first and then flew to Pasto but it is a risky region in Colombia for national and international travelers. Check flights on TRIP.COM and look for the best flight deals. Most flights would be operated by Avianca – it should be around $50-$120 per flight if booked in advance.
PASTO AIRPORT – the mountain view from the plane is incredible! Pasto airport is small, simple and empty – our plane was the only landing.
How to get from Pasto Airport to Las Lajas Sanctuary?
There will be tens of taxis queuing at the front of the airport exit. There are two ways to travel from the Pasto Airport to Las Lajas – by a local BUS or a TAXI. The journey is quite scenic, as the road winds through the breathtaking Andean landscape.
TAXI: PASTO airport is located 30 km from Pasto town. The ride costs 40 000 COP, which is ok for such a long distance. Ask a driver to drop you off at the bus terminal in Pasto. He’ll know anyway, almost every tourist arriving in Pasto is visiting Las Lajas Sanctuary.
PUBLIC BUS: You will be able to get a bus (or van) to Ipiales or Las Lajas: A ticket costs 14 000 COP, and the drive to Ipiales takes about 2 hours.
Route to Las Lajas Sanctuary.
It’s about a 20-minute walk from the entrance to the Sanctuary. Upon reaching Las Lajas Sanctuary you are greeted by a sight that seems almost surreal. The basilica is built into the side of a canyon, with its towering spires reaching out to touch the heavens. The architectural style is a blend of Gothic and Moorish influences. The views of the valley, the cliffs of the canyon and the gorgeous waterfall are stunning.
Is it safe to visit Las Lajas Sanctuary?
While visiting Las Lajas Sanctuary would be on most travelers’ list, safety is a top concern for any adventurous visitor. The way leading to Las Lajas Sanctuary is crowded and robberies are very common, especially among international travelers. Lots of people were robbed and couldn’t even detect when it happened! It is advised not to take out cash, wallets, or valuable belongings. Have some small change for drinks and street food.
Why is Las Lajas Sanctuary important?
Las Lajas Sanctuary holds deep religious significance. According to local legend, the sanctuary’s origins can be traced back to a miraculous event in the 18th century, when the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared on the rock face, leading to the construction of the church.
Pilgrims from around the world visit the sanctuary to pay homage to the Virgin and seek blessings. Even for non-religious travelers, the spiritual ambiance and the story behind the sanctuary make it an exceptional experience.
Las Lajas Sanctuary marvel.
The architectural beauty of Las Lajas Sanctuary is truly remarkable.
The church is built into the canyon wall and spans the river gorge connected by a bridge. The interior features stunning stained glass windows, intricate arches and ornate decor. It’s all a an-made beauty.
Try local cuisine on the way to Las lajas!
Small restaurants in Las Lajas Sanctuary, serve plenty of traditional food prepared in vessels. They say this is the place where you can try best burrito and stakes called Baby Beef in whole Colombia. It smelled amazing but unfortunately we didn’t have a time to sit down and try, as we were rushing toward the border.
Visiting Las Lajas Sanctuary is FREE – there is no entry ticket. There’s a separate entry for the museum. This is the most impressive cathedral in South America.
Taxi from Las Lajas Sanctuary to Ipiales land border.
The quickest way to get from Las Lajas Sanctuary to Ipiales land border is by taxi. Taxi cost 10 000 COP and it’s only a 10 minutes drive.
Las Lajas Sanctuary guided tour.
If you want to dig deeper into the history and significance of Las Lajas Sanctuary, guided tours are available. Knowledgeable guides will provide insights into the basilica’s construction, as well as the religious and cultural significance of the site. This allows travelers to appreciate the sanctuary from both an architectural and spiritual perspective.
Visiting Las Lajas Sanctuary - travel advice and tips.
When planning visiting Las Lajas Sanctuary, it’s essential to keep a few practical tips in mind. The sanctuary is open to visitors daily, and guided tours are available for those who wish to learn more about its history and significance.
The weather in the region can be unpredictable, so it’s advisable to dress in layers and be prepared for rain. There are number of hiking opportunities so wear comfortable footwear and clothing if you are planning to explore the area.
What to know before crossing a land border in Ipiales.
Before arriving in Quito I would suggest booking accommodation – our taxi driver took us directly to our guesthouse, assisted us to the reception and told us not to leave the room after dark! You can browse best accommodation deals on agoda.com.
The land border in Ipiales is the most popular land crossing available between Colombia and Ecuador.
Here is Everything you need to know about how to get from Colombia to Ecuador by land border in Ipiales.
Almost every traveler searches for safety information on the Ipiales border. Because of the constant immigration movement, the border situation changes rapidly. There were thousands of Venezuelan immigrants at the border, escaping from the home war.
We were at the border at 3 pm. Please note you need to have a Colombian exit stamp first to enter Ecuador. It’s important to mention this, as our taxi driver took us directly to the Ecuadorian office, where we were told to walk back to the Colombian Migration Office and get a stamp. This only wasted our time and let’s be honest this is the last place you want to hang around.
On the Colombian border there are two queues – take the left one (having the building in front of you) – it’s shorter and also dedicated for travelers.
We waited 45 minutes to get the stamp at the Colombian Migration Office. From there cross the yellow bridge toward the Ecuador Migration Office. There was no queue at all. We didn’t have to pay anything nor fill in nay papers. Some blogs say you need to fill out a migration form before entering the line. But we asked the officer twice before stepping into a queue and he confirmed no papers are required. You are granted 3 months visa in your passport.
Is it safe to travel from Colombia to Ecuador by land border?
The situation at the Ipiales border is not stable. We heard that on the same day, a British couple was attacked and the robbers even pointed a gun at them to get the wallets. Keep your wallet safe, never show cash or valuable belongings. We were advised not even take out our phones.
Don’t take out money from the ATM cash machine at the border. You can pay with COP or dollars in Ecuadorian towns located near the border.
How to get from Ipiales to the nearest town?
From the Ecuadorian border in Ipiales you can either take a bus or a taxi to the nearest city TULCAN (to the BUS terminal if you are planning to travel to Quito). Taxi drivers take COP. Even in Tulcan we could pay with COP. You need to purchase the ticket at the terminal, it’s not available from the driver. A ticket to Quito costs $6.
Buses from Ipiales to Quito run frequently with departures every 30 minutes. It took us 5.5 hours to reach Quito terminal, which is a huge mess!
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