"Santuario de Chimayo - Long a Holy Site" Questa Things to Do Tip by AlbuqRay

Chimayo is the first town on the "High Road" from Santa Fe to Taos over the Sangre de Christo Mountains. It is 8 miles east of Espanola on NM-76, then a short jog south. It was founded in 1740 and is the "Lourdes of America." Even before the Spanish, the San Juan Pueblo Indians considered the mud from a hot spring in the area to have healing powers. Today visitors take "Holy Dirt" from a small hole in the floor in a side chapel (the dirt is replaced regularly).

There are two signs when you arrive. The larger sign says Santuario; skip that turn. It has shops and paid parking except for handicapped. Continue on to the Santuario Parking, which is free and is the back way into the chapel. Don't forget to notice all the homemade wooden crosses that pilgrims have attached to the fence. I recommend you read Kymbanm's truly wonderful tips on Chimayo.