Basílica de Guadalupe
The Basilica of Santa Maria de Guadalupe is one of the most visited places of pilgrimage in the world and has a similar importance to Mexicans as the Vatican.
Even if you're not religious, it's worth a visit for the atmosphere and the interesting contrast between the modern basilica and the historic buildings around it.
According to the Catholic Church, the Virgin Mary appeared here in 1531 to an Indian named Juan Diego.
In addition, the Cerro Tepeyac hill offers beautiful views of Mexico City.
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| Worth a visit? | Yes |
| Length of visit | 1-2 hours |
| Admission | Free |
| Reservation | Not required |
| Our tip | Connect with Teotihuacán |
What you will see here
- The new Basilica of Guadalupe (extremely original interior, we loved it!)
- Old Basilica of Guadalupe
- The chapel on the top of Tepeyac (beautiful views and also the possibility of buying souvenirs or refreshments)
- The extensive pilgrimage square
- The original of the famous painting of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Even if you're not interested in religion, the amount of pilgrims and the importance of the site to Mexican culture is impressive.
Things not to miss in the area
We managed to catch these sights during our hour or so visit:
Main Basilica de Santa Maria de Guadalupe
A modern church built between 1974 and 1976 that houses the original painting of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Under the image are mobile walkways from which pilgrims and visitors take photos of the apparition.
- Daily 6:00-21:00
- You can also visit during Mass
- free admission (most people only pay voluntary contributions/donations)
Old Guadalupe Basilica (Antigua Basilica)
Historic church from 1709 standing next to the new basilica.
Interestingly, it has a visible tilt due to soft ground, similar to some buildings in the historic centre of Mexico City.
- Daily 6:00-21:00
- You can also visit during Mass.
- free admission
There is also a very small museum off to the side of the Old Basilica (open 10:00-19:00, entrance fee symbolic 10 mxn).
Chapel del Cerrito
A small chapel on the top of Tepeyac, where tradition has it that the Virgin Mary appeared.
The climb takes only a few minutes and rewards you with nice views of the northern part of the city.
Entrance to the viewpoint and the chapel is free.
Capilla del Pocito
One of the most architecturally interesting buildings in the whole complex with an unusual circular ground plan.
Most tourists miss it, but it is one of the most beautiful buildings in the complex.
Practical information
Allow approximately 1 to 2 hours for your visit.
Most of the pilgrims are around 12 December during the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
At both ends of the large square you will find clean and very well maintained public toilets.
Admission is 5 mxn and payment is cash only.
At the south end of the square is a pedestrianised area with souvenir shops, and you'll also find an Oxxo mini-market and a McDonald's.
How to get there
We - as with most places in CDMX - used Uber to get to the centre.
The cars stop south of the square near the pedestrian area.
Alternatively, you can use metro line 3 departing from Deportivo 18 de Marzo station. It's a fairly safe area to get there after about 15 minutes of walking.
Why is the basilica often combined with Teotihuacán?
The reason is simple.
There is only one main access highway to the pyramid complex in Teotihuacán (50 km from the city), which passes just a short distance from the basilica.
Most organized trips to the pyramids therefore also stop at the Basilica of Guadalupe on the way back.
We took a public bus from the pyramids on our own.
While this runs from Teotihuacán to the central bus station, Terminal del Norte, it also stops at the Deportivo 18 de Marzo station, from where it is only about a 15-minute walk to the basilica.
Is a hotel near the Basilica worth it?
In my opinion, no.
There are no other sights nearby, and the northern part of Mexico City (except for the immediate few streets around the pilgrimage site) is not one of the best or safest areas.
We stayed downtown and then in Roma Norte and I certainly wouldn't change back.
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