Las Lajas Sanctuary: Ipiales, Colombia

Be sure to check out www.brendansadv... for the full images from this video.
This past week I visited Las Lajas Sanctuary in Ipiales, Colombia for my send time ever. I didn't really get to shoot proper photography there due to a worry some people had at the hotel in Ipiales about it being a bit unsafe there at night with all my camera gear.
Still, Las Lajas Sanctuary is a really cool place, and perhaps the most beautiful church in all of South America. It is located just about 20 minutes from the Ecuadorian border, and totally worth the trip if you're in the area.

[@39knights]

Really!!! You go to Las Lajas and fail to see the elephant in the room!!! 'Church was built as a place for people to gather'!! That's like going to Vatican City, not showing one shot of St. Peter's Basilica and saying 'I heard rumors this place is linked to Christianity'. The Church was built to house a miraculous image of Our Lady which appeared on the side of the cave which the Church covers. This colourful image was thought to be a painting or drawing (google the image since you didn't show one shot of it) until it was discovered that the image is actually made from the colours of the rock themselves and extends 3 feet depth into the rock. To this day science cannot offer any credible explanation how this image could have formed in the rock in such a way. Once you see the image you will have to admit this is no 'I see Jesus in my cheese sandwich' image.

[@gabrielgagne2748]

Thanks for the "meat"! Nice images though, but yeah, missed the why that buildind is there. and here is the shrine's website: en.santuariolavirgendelaslajas.com

[@erzebethb1938]

Que bien que visiten el Santuario y que disfruten del paisaje andino q lo rodea.

[@uncatila]

You didn't tell the story of the miracle. Kind of empty.

[@andrestorres1109]

beautiful my country

[@Ooochild]

Georgeous church

[@estebancarrera2645]

Welcome to Ecuador! You should visit Basílica Church it's in the center of Quito. Thaks to shared and show the wonders of South America.

[@macarita9]

Hi, fantastic video, Ipiales is my hometown

[@tinaludlow9767]

Thank you for sharing, good music but you didn't explain the reason why the church was built in the cave? and where is the picture of Our Lady?

[@moniquelizarzaburu8660]

I was in Las Lajas long long time ago as child, but I guess I didn't pay to much attention then, you have made me think about going there again some time. I am an Ecuadorian living in Houston, I hope you will enjoy my country and you will take lots of wonderful pictures. Looking forward to hear about your experience.

[@POCConversationalEnglish]

So cool! Thanks for sharing part of the Department of Nariño. Keep it up!

[@ShelliGarcia71]

"In South America like western Europe once you've seen one church you've really seen them all???" Honestly??? I really don't think you've been here... our churches are diverse and stunning and ANCIENT... something America doesn't have.. a lot of history... soo... I think you meant America right?

[@francisgomes7380]

Wow 😍

[@johannbrandstatter7419]

As an atheist my dear Brendan, I take strong exception to your statement " in Europe, if you have seen one church, you have seen them all " ! That might be true for both churches you have been too. Otherwise. let me assure you. you do history and art a very grave injustice, apart from missing out on some invaluable cultural treasures ( which one need not look at from a religious point of view either ! Travel journalist - eh ? Better learn, very quickly, not to make categorically dismissive statements like that !

[@mrantoinemartel]

awesome video! i really want to go to colombia and this video made me want to go there even more. i am looking at booking a trip there this week! check out my travel videos and let me know what you think. keep creating.

[@maralucia2891]

lindo muito bonito

[@BrendanvanSon]

Muito obrigado!

[@XyZ6130]

90% of this video is he talking looking to camera