Religious Tourism Faith resonates in every corner of Bogotá and Cundinamarca. A 2024 census conducted by the Secretariat of Planning revealed that Bogotá is home to 1,544 Catholic churches, many of which are authentic architectural jewels in the Gothic and Colonial styles. Visitors can admire numerous paintings and works by some of the most prominent figures in religious art. Notable temples, such as the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Health in Bojacá, stand as testaments to this rich heritage.
Holy Week, which coincides with the Jubilee of Hope 2025 campaign, offers a wonderful opportunity to explore these historic temples in the capital and across the department’s 116 municipalities.This initiative seeks to position the region as a premier destination for religious tourism, showcasing its spiritual richness, architectural heritage, and deep connection to the message of hope, reconciliation, and faith renewal.
The official launch of Holy Week 2025 will take place on March 20 at 10:00 a.m. at the Primatial Cathedral of Colombia. The event will be attended by notable figures, including the Mayor of Bogotá, Carlos Fernando Galán; the Governor of Cundinamarca, Jorge Emilio Rey Ángel; and the Director of the Bogotá Tourism Office (IDT), Andrés Santamaría Garrido, among others.
A Key Destination for Religious Tourism
Every year, millions of people visit renowned religious sites such as Mecca, Jerusalem, the Vatican, and the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Bogotá and its surrounding areas have significant potential to enhance their appeal in religious tourism through a comprehensive promotion strategy and tourism offerings that connect with the message of the Jubilee of Hope, a global initiative promoted by the Holy See.
In light of the upcoming Holy Week, occurring from April 13 to April 20, three tourist circuits has been designed to offer an enriching experience for pilgrims and tourists, mixing history, faith, and culture in some of the most representative temples of Bogotá.
The Downtown Route offers a tour through some of the city's most iconic churches, showcasing their architectural, historical, and religious significance. Participants on this circuit can visit the following places: Our Lady of the Waters Parish, the Church of Our Lady of the Snows, the Church of St. Francis, the Parish of La Veracruz, the Primatial Cathedral of Bogotá, the Church of St. Ignatius, the Church of St. Augustine, and the Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. This tour provides an opportunity to explore the rich heritage of the capital's historic center.
On the other hand, the Route of Faith and History in Downtown focuses on temples with a deep religious and devotional tradition. This route includes the Primatial Cathedral of Colombia, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of La Peña, the Church of St. Francis, the Church of Our Lady of La Candelaria, and the Church of St. Ignatius. It is ideal for those seeking a spiritual experience in a setting full of history and meaning.
In the Chapinero locality, the Route of the Emblematic Shrines offers a tour of churches significant to the Catholic community. This route features the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Lourdes, the Parish of Our Lady of the Angels (La Porciúncula), the Parish of Our Lady of the Pillar, Cervantes Church, the Parish of Saint Monica - Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels, and the Parish of the Immaculate Conception.
In addition to these circuits, visitors can participate in activities such as the Stations of the Cross at Monserrate and La Candelaria, sacred music concerts, organized pilgrimages, gastronomic fairs, and other cultural experiences. To learn more about the entire Holy Week program in Bogotá, click here.
“Bogotá is ready to become a benchmark in religious tourism, both nationally and internationally. Our tourism offering is framed within the Jubilee of Hope, providing unique experiences that blend faith and culture,” said Andrés Santamaría, director of the IDT.
The governor of Cundinamarca, Jorge Emilio Rey Ángel, remarked, "Holy Week 2025 will present an excellent opportunity to enhance religious tourism in our region. We aim to promote our cultural and heritage wealth while welcoming thousands of pilgrims with a message of hope and renewal".
