Why pilgrims come
A sacred place worth the journey.
The parish church and Catholic sanctuary at the center of Bolivia's major August Urkupiña pilgrimage. Received tradition tells of Mary appearing to a shepherd girl on nearby Cota Hill, but the current official sources establish the living shrine and feast rather than a named diocesan decree judging the apparition supernatural.
TraditionCatholic
The pilgrim’s guide
What makes this visit meaningful
Experience one of Bolivia's largest Marian pilgrimages through Mass, procession, the sanctuary image, and the difficult-to-interpret customs of Cota Hill.
01
The sanctuary image
Begin with liturgy and prayer before interpreting the larger festival.
02
Cota Hill and Calvario
Approach popular customs with local guidance and careful Catholic terminology.
Feasts, anniversaries & celebrations
Feast of Our Lady of UrkupiñaThe full religious program begins weeks earlier and includes the Calvario pilgrimage; verify annual dates.
Continue nearby