Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe showing a church or cathedral, a square or plaza and religious elements
Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe showing a square or plaza and a statue or sculpture
Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe which includes a square or plaza and a statue or sculpture


Mexico’s patron saint, the Virgin of Guadalupe, is believed to have appeared on the site of this church, making it an important pilgrimage site for many Catholics.

More than 12 million people visit the Basilica de Santa Maria each year. They come to see the site at which the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to a poor Indian, and to see the cloak with her image that is displayed there.

To get the most out of your visit to the Basilica de Santa Maria de Guadalupe, it is important to learn about what many believe to be its history. In 1531, it is claimed that a poor Indian named Juan Diego saw a vision of the Virgin Mary on what is now the church’s current site. He revealed a second image of the Virgin on his cloak, which convinced a bishop to erect the church in her honor.

Millions of visitors have come to the Basilica de Santa Maria de Guadalupe to see the sacred cloth and worship, but unstable ground forced officials to move the relic to a new location. The Old Basilica was closed for repairs for many years, but it is now open to visitors again.

A new Basílica was erected next to the original church in 1974. This houses the sacred cloak behind bullet-proof glass. Step on the moving walkway to view the relic from below. The New Basilica has a distinctive circular shape to allow up to 50,000 people to see the religious icon simultaneously.

After exploring both the new and old Basilicas, spend a few hours enjoying the religious artifacts that are housed in the Basilica Museum. Take a walk around The Villa, a cluster of four chapels that surround the New and Old Basilicas. Climb the stairs to the Capilla del Pocito (Hill Chapel) where Juan Diego had his vision.

If your schedule allows, visit the Basilica de Santa Maria de Guadalupe on December 12 to experience the Our Lady of Guadalupe Festival. Thousands of people make the pilgrimage for this holiday, which features services and other festivities around the religious buildings.

You can easily access the Basilica de Santa Maria de Guadalupe from Mexico City’s historic center by bus, subway or cab.

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Hotel Vía la Villa

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Things to do near Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Explore the vibrant atmosphere around the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, where you can indulge in shopping and art. Participate in the Feast of Guadalupe, a significant cultural event, or embark on a spiritual pilgrimage to Mexico's revered sites. Engage in guided spiritual tours to deepen your understanding of this iconic destination, making your visit both enriching and memorable.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spot is Cereria de Jesus, a charming store located 6.4km from the Basilica. You can also visit the Encuentro Oceanía Shopping Center, only 6.4km away, which offers a variety of entertainment and family-friendly options. For a vibrant experience, Medellín Market is 9.7km away.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at CNAR Velodrome, located 9.7km from the Basilica, where you can enjoy various sports activities. Alternatively, head to Arena México, 8.0km away, for exhilarating events, or visit Alfredo Harp Helú Stadium, also 9.7km distant, to immerse yourself in the local sports culture.

Adventure

Amazing World Fun Center, located 17.7km from the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, offers thrilling rides and games for an exhilarating experience. KBR Kartódromo Internacional, situated 22.5km away, provides the excitement of go-kart racing, while Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, 9.7km distant, is perfect for motor racing enthusiasts.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Enjoy a romantic performance at Teatro Metropólitan, immerse in family fun at Planetario Luis Enrique Erro, or unleash your adventurous spirit at Funny Land, filled with arcade excitement for all ages.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Visitors to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City can explore a variety of attractions, including the picturesque piazza, vibrant streets, and captivating art museums. This destination caters to those seeking cultural experiences, urban adventures, and outdoor activities. Don't miss the opportunity to learn about the Lady of Guadalupe, discover top hotels nearby, and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of this significant site.

  • Zócalo: The Zócalo is a vibrant square that serves as the heart of Mexico City, filled with cultural events and local life. Its rich history, stunning architecture, and bustling atmosphere make it a must-visit.
  • Palacio de Bellas Artes: This historic building is a masterpiece of architecture and home to remarkable art exhibitions and performances. Its impressive interior and exterior, along with its cultural significance, provide a unique glimpse into Mexico's artistic heritage.
  • Avenida Insurgentes: A major thoroughfare, Avenida Insurgentes is known for its lively atmosphere, featuring shops, restaurants, and public art. It's an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll while soaking in the local culture.

Best time to go to Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe

The best time to visit Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. May is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with no rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January57.7°F (14.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
February61.3°F (16.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
March64.8°F (18.2°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
April67.6°F (19.8°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
May68.4°F (20.2°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
June65.3°F (18.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
July62.4°F (16.9°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
August62.1°F (16.7°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October60.4°F (15.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November59.2°F (15.1°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
December58.5°F (14.7°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe

To save money during your visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, consider travelling in July or between December and January for lower accommodation prices. Avoid Wednesdays, as they tend to be the most expensive. Saturdays are your best bet for budget-friendly stays. Use Expedia to compare hotel deals, flights, and activities, and arrange filters to find the best prices. Additionally, look for package deals that combine your hotel and flights for further savings. Explore the area on foot to minimise transport costs, as walking is an excellent way to appreciate the local culture.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe are July and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February and October to November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your selections based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. To uncover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.