A breathtaking view unfolds before you. This is the Santuario Católico Nuestra Señora del Cinto. Its location on Huayrapungo hill offers a panoramic vista of Quito’s southern expanse. The very name Huayrapungo meaning “wind door” hints at the powerful gusts that sometimes sweep across this elevated site.
The Santuario Católico Nuestra Señora del Cinto isn’t just a church. It’s a place steeped in local legend. The story goes that a woman selling cheese and milk experienced a miraculous turn of fortune. One day while returning home she saw a stunning image of the Virgin Mary on a rock. She cried “Miracle! Miracle!” This unexpected discovery led to the construction of the Santuario Católico Nuestra Señora del Cinto.
The image of the Virgin Mary depicted on the rock is quite detailed. She’s cradling baby Jesus. Two women flank her each offering silent support. Two friars are also present alongside a child held by one of the women. Some attribute the painting to Fray Pedro Bedón a Spanish artist of the Quito school active between 1551 and 1621. However the true origin remains a mystery adding to the Santuario’s mystical aura.
Every year on September 8th the feast day of the Nativity of Mary this place comes alive. Celebrations begin in late August and stretch into early October. Pilgrims from the Mena neighborhood embark on a journey along the road to Lloa culminating in a special mass at the Santuario Católico Nuestra Señora del Cinto. This pilgrimage has been a tradition for almost a century its popularity growing each year.
The Santuario Católico Nuestra Señora del Cinto itself is a relatively simple structure. However its location is unforgettable. The surrounding landscape is breathtaking. You can enjoy delicious local food near the santuario. Try the colada morada with wheat bread hornado morcilla or even gallina soup. The area offers traditional sweets too. The church opens daily from 6 am to 6 pm. Masses are held every Sunday.
The Santuario Católico Nuestra Señora del Cinto is more than just a building. It is a living testament to faith. It is a place where legends are born. A spot that offers stunning views and cultural immersion. It is a true treasure of Quito.