El Santuario de Chimayo

At the end of our first full day in Santa Fe we traveled north about 25 miles to Chimayo to see an old mission that was built between 1814 and 1816. It was absolutely beautiful. We got there about 3:30 and as we were leaving the sun was starting to set over the mountains. It was so tranquil, peaceful and quiet up there. I could see why so many people make the pilgrimage every year. This sanctuary is also known for it's healing sand. In the back of the sanctuary there is a very small room with a hole in the ground full of healing sand. Many people flock to Chimayo to get some healing sand to rub on their ailments or as I was told by someone there, some even used to eat the sand. It was absolutely beautiful and I'm so glad we made the trip up there. Here are some pictures from our time there...