El Quinche, situated northeast of the Quito metropolitan district in Pichincha province, is primarily known for its celebrated Marian pilgrimage. This takes place at the heart of its sanctuary each November. A spiritually immersive journey through El Quinche, the city of "miracles."

The History of El Quinche

El Quinche nestles in a plain at the foot of the eastern cordillera of the Andes. Long before the arrival of Europeans, this city was already inhabited by indigenous peoples, who used it as a sanctuary.

After occupying this locality in the late 15th century, the Incas incorporated it into their empire. The substantial quantity of Inca pottery discovered and the presence of an Inca temple bear witness to the importance of this city to these people at that time.

The Incas also built several forts 10 km northwest of El Quinche, known as the Pambamarca fortress complex. These forts were designed to protect them from attacks by the Cayambe people and other chiefdoms.

Following Spanish conquest around 1530, Catholicism became the predominant religion in the region. The Spanish decided to build a church directly above the Inca temple, which became the El Quinche sanctuary. In July 2015, the sanctuary received Pope Francis, who was able to contemplate the miraculous Virgin statue up close.

El Quinche Today

The town of El Quinche, situated between Puembo and Guayllabamba and east of Mariscal Sucre International Airport, is administratively a rural parish of Quito canton.

The town is known for the national sanctuary of El Quinche, which hosts an annual mass pilgrimage. This begins in Calderón during the night and concludes at El Quinche on the morning of November 21. For over 400 years, this pilgrimage has become a tradition.

It is believed that the Virgin of El Quinche has performed numerous miracles here, as well as physical and spiritual healings. This is why the sanctuary is one of Ecuador's most renowned and most visited by the faithful and pilgrims. Among the hundreds of miracles attributed by devotees to the Virgin of El Quinche, some are depicted in paintings adorning the sanctuary's altar.

A mosaic of the Virgin of El Quinche can also be found adorning the gardens of the Vatican. It is a mosaic made of plants and wildflowers from all regions of Ecuador.

The El Quinche Sanctuary: A Premier Tourist Attraction

The El Quinche sanctuary is an impressive neo-Romanesque style sanctuary built in the early 20th century with lime and brick. Construction of the current temple dates back to 1905, with its consecration in 1928. This sanctuary can now accommodate up to 4,522 faithful.

In 1985, the El Quinche basilica was declared a "national sanctuary" by the Ecuadorian Episcopal Conference and by Rome. In May 1992, it hosted the first Latin American congress on sanctuary ministry.

On the sanctuary's walls, adorned with gilded leaves, hang paintings depicting the various miracles performed by the Virgin of El Quinche over approximately four centuries. Most of these paintings were created by Miguel de Santiago. Inside the church, you will also find jewelry that has been offered by devotees.

The Statue of the Virgin of El Quinche: A Symbol of Faith for the Ecuadorian People

Each year, thousands of Ecuadorians undertake pilgrimage to the El Quinche sanctuary, departing from Quito and its surrounding areas. These pilgrims walk between 6 and 10 hours, throughout the night, in order to pay homage to the Virgin of El Quinche.

The tradition began over 400 years ago, when the Virgin of El Quinche was transferred from Oyacachi to El Quinche. Numerous miracles and favors were attributed to her. These are now depicted in certain paintings and plaques that the faithful attach to the sanctuary walls.

The Virgin of El Quinche is one of the most venerated Marian images in Ecuador. She is at the heart of devotion among the country's Catholic faithful. According to certain testimonies, an aura of light forms around the statue during the night. Among the miracles reported, there have been instances of child resurrection, as well as healings, particularly after touching the handmade shawl in which the Virgin was draped.

The statue of the Virgin of El Quinche is a beautiful sculpture carved in cedar wood in the baroque style. It was hand-carved in 1586 by Don Diego de Robles of the Colonial Art School of Quito. This artist is particularly renowned for his images depicting the Virgin Mary, who is greatly venerated in Ecuador.

Here, the Virgin of El Quinche wears a dress embroidered with precious stones and adorned with threads of gold and silver. She holds a scepter in her right hand and carries the Christ Child in her left arm. Both wear golden crowns.

The Virgin stands at the summit of a crescent-shaped silver base, a symbol often associated with the Virgin of the Apocalypse. This sculpture, standing 62 centimeters tall, is removed from its glass case only twice a year.

El Quinche: A Premier Site of Pilgrimage and Celebration

During the second week of November, more than 800,000 believers undertake pilgrimage to the sanctuary of the Virgin of El Quinche. Often, the faithful come from the city of Quito and its surroundings.

The actual date of the pilgrimage varies, but typically it begins the Friday before November 21, which is the day of the special Mass at the sanctuary. The pilgrimage generally takes place at night.

The 30 km route begins in the valleys of Cumbayá and Tumbaco and ends at the parish of El Quinche. This is located about an hour east of the urban area of the Quito metropolitan district.

During the homage to the Virgin of El Quinche, the town of El Quinche radiates an extremely festive atmosphere. Visitors enjoy fireworks, food stands at the central market, and concerts!

The Climate

El Quinche enjoys a climate that is both warm and temperate. Regarding precipitation, rainfall is lower in winter than in summer. Throughout the year, an average of 796 mm of rain falls annually.

The average annual temperature is 15°C. In September, temperatures reach 15.3°C, making this the warmest month of the year. With an average temperature of 14.7°C, June is the coldest month of the year.

Getting to El Quinche from Quito

Approximately 42 kilometers of road separate El Quinche and Quito. You can get there by bus.