Santuario de Las Peñas Livilcar
A sacred sanctuary reached by an extreme pilgrimage through the Quebrada de Livilcar, a place of deep faith and stunning natural beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Main religious festival
Santuario de Las Peñas Livilcar
Best Time
Main religious festival
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sacred sanctuary reached by an extreme pilgrimage through the Quebrada de Livilcar, a place of deep faith and stunning natural beauty.
"One of the most beautiful pilgrimage routes I've ever seen, well worth the effort to reach the Virgin."
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Wear comfortable, broken-in hiking boots for the challenging pilgrimage. Your feet will thank you!
💧 Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Carry ample water, especially during festival season. It gets hot, and staying hydrated is crucial.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Pilgrimage Route
Quebrada de Livilcar
An extreme yet beautiful journey through a quebrada, filled with religiosity and stunning natural landscapes.
Santuario de la Virgen de Las Peñas
Quebrada de Livilcar
A sacred sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary, nestled in a remote and spiritual setting.
Religious Festivities
Santuario de Las Peñas Livilcar
Experience vibrant religious celebrations, including processions and dances, especially during the October and December festivals.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Pilgrimage
Trekking Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Wear comfortable, broken-in hiking boots for the challenging pilgrimage. Your feet will thank you!
💧 Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Carry ample water, especially during festival season. It gets hot, and staying hydrated is crucial.
🌅 Start Early for Views
Begin your trek early to catch the starry night and enjoy the path in daylight.
🚗 Parking & Access
Conventional cars can reach the bus stop/parking area. 4x4s can get closer, but walking is recommended for the full experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Wear comfortable, broken-in hiking boots for the challenging pilgrimage. Your feet will thank you!
💧 Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Carry ample water, especially during festival season. It gets hot, and staying hydrated is crucial.
🌅 Start Early for Views
Begin your trek early to catch the starry night and enjoy the path in daylight.
🚗 Parking & Access
Conventional cars can reach the bus stop/parking area. 4x4s can get closer, but walking is recommended for the full experience.
🍲 Local Delicacies
Don't miss the chance to try local food like sopaipillas and ice cream sold along the route.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Santuario de Las Peñas Livilcar for its breathtaking pilgrimage route and profound spiritual atmosphere. The challenging trek is considered well worth the effort, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and deep religiosity. While the journey is demanding, the sense of accomplishment and the sacredness of the sanctuary leave a lasting impression.
"One of the most beautiful pilgrimage routes I've ever seen, well worth the effort to reach the Virgin. We left early in the morning and returned in the morning so I could take advantage of the starry night and explore the beautiful path during the day."
Vinicius Costa
"A beautiful place, far from everything, a sanctuary to fill with faith."
Gonzalo Salmón
"A beautiful and difficult journey, but worth the effort."
Claudia Campos
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
To reach the Santuario de Las Peñas Livilcar, you'll typically head towards the Azapa Valley in Arica. Follow signs for Las Peñas until you reach a bus stop or parking area. Conventional cars can access this point, while 4x4 vehicles can navigate closer to the 'El Caracol' area via river slopes. However, many visitors opt to walk the entire route from the bus stop for a more immersive experience.
While driving is possible to a certain point, the pilgrimage itself is a significant part of the experience. Many travelers recommend walking the 16km route, which can take around 4-5 hours uphill and 3 hours downhill.
Information on direct public transport to the sanctuary is limited. It's advisable to arrange transport to the Azapa Valley and then potentially to the designated parking area, from where the pilgrimage begins.
The pilgrimage route is approximately 16 to 24 kilometers, depending on the starting point and exact path taken.
The uphill trek can take around 4 to 5 hours, while the downhill journey is typically faster, around 3 hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no specific entrance tickets mentioned for the sanctuary itself. However, the pilgrimage is a religious event, and donations or offerings are common.
The sanctuary is accessible during the pilgrimage periods. Outside of these times, access might be limited or require special arrangements.
The main festival, 'La Fiesta Grande,' is held on the first weekend of October. A smaller festival takes place in December.
The pilgrimage is a religious act, and while there isn't a formal entry fee, visitors often make offerings or donations.
Yes, it's possible to visit outside of festival dates for a more peaceful experience, but be prepared for a challenging trek.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The route is described as extreme and challenging, involving narrow paths, steep inclines, and varied terrain including riverbeds and rocky areas.
Sturdy hiking boots are essential. Comfortable clothing suitable for trekking in a warm climate is also recommended.
During the festival season, vendors sell food, water, and ice cream. There's also a food inn offering local dishes.
The trek is described as extreme and difficult, so it may not be suitable for very young children. However, families do participate, as seen in some videos.
The sanctuary is a place of deep devotion to the Virgen de Las Peñas, attracting thousands of pilgrims who walk to venerate the image of the Virgin in the rock.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
During the festival, you can find vendors selling water, ice cream, and local snacks like sopaipillas. There's also a food inn.
It's highly recommended to bring your own provisions, especially water, as the trek is long and can be hot.
The primary food options are available during the festival season from vendors and a central inn along the pilgrimage route.
Sopaipillas are highly recommended, along with refreshing ice cream to combat the heat.
It's advisable to have breakfast before you start and purchase any additional snacks or drinks at the designated starting point or from vendors along the way.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the dramatic landscapes of the quebrada, the spiritual atmosphere of the sanctuary, and the vibrant religious processions. The starry night sky is also a unique photographic subject.
The challenging terrain and the need to focus on the trek can make photography difficult. It's best to use a secure camera or phone holder and take photos during breaks.
A durable camera or smartphone with good battery life is recommended. Consider a small tripod for night shots if you plan to capture the stars.
No specific restrictions are mentioned, but always be respectful of religious ceremonies and individuals.
There are no specific mentions of drone usage. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone in the area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
🙏 Devout Pilgrims
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Pilgrimage Experience
During the main festival in October and the smaller one in December, the atmosphere is electric with religious fervor. You'll encounter processions, traditional dances like the Caporales, and a strong sense of community. Even for those not deeply religious, the sheer dedication and the spiritual energy of the place are palpable. Visitors often describe the experience as 'tiring but wonderful,' leading to a sense of rejuvenation. It's a testament to the enduring faith and the powerful connection people have with this sacred site.
Preparation is key for this demanding trek. Sturdy hiking boots are non-negotiable, and carrying ample water is essential due to the arid climate. While the path can be challenging, the breathtaking scenery and the spiritual ambiance make it an unforgettable journey. The 'Caracol' (snail) section is a notable part of the route, adding to its unique character.
The Sacred Sanctuary
The sanctuary is more than just a building; it's a destination imbued with centuries of faith and tradition. The journey to reach it is an integral part of the spiritual experience, with many pilgrims viewing the arduous trek as an act of penance and devotion. The energy of the place is often described as powerful and unique, even by those who are not fervent devotees. The natural beauty of the surrounding quebrada complements the sacredness of the sanctuary, creating a harmonious environment for worship and contemplation.
Visitors often speak of the profound sense of peace and connection they feel upon reaching the sanctuary. It's a place where faith is visibly expressed through the collective journey of thousands. The sanctuary serves as a beacon of hope and a testament to the enduring power of belief, making it a truly special destination for pilgrims and travelers alike.
Navigating the Quebrada de Livilcar
Navigating the quebrada requires careful attention to the terrain. Sections like 'El Caracol' (The Snail) and 'La Carrera Caracol' are distinctive features of the route, adding to its unique character and the adventurous spirit of the pilgrimage. The path is well-trodden by pilgrims, but its natural state means it can be uneven and demanding. The journey offers a constant interplay of natural beauty and spiritual purpose, with the ever-present goal of reaching the sanctuary.
For those undertaking the trek, understanding the route's challenges is crucial. The heat can be intense, making early morning starts and ample hydration paramount. The diverse geological formations and the raw beauty of the quebrada provide a memorable backdrop to the spiritual journey, making the physical exertion a worthwhile endeavor.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit