Santuario de Chimayó

En route to Taos (or Bandelier National Monument), visitors interested in religious history should make the short, scenic detour to the Santuario de Chimayó. A 30-minute drive north of Santa Fe, this Roman Catholic church, completed in 1816, draws thousands of pilgrims every year (it’s been called the Lourdes of America), thanks to the presence of so-called “blessed earth” (tierra bendita) that is believed to hold healing powers. The small adobe structure houses beautiful artifacts, including a carved and painted altar, and sits in an enviable location, surrounded by the sloping Chimayó landscape. A small food stall, Leona’s, sells delicious homemade tacos and burritos.