Virgen-de Chapi in Peru

Thousands of pilgrims cross the desert to worship the image of the Virgin MarySantoario de la Virgen de Chapi (sanctuary of the Virgin Mary Chapi) is located 40 kilometers from Arequipa. It is a center of pilgrimage for many Catholics who come here from all over Peru, Chile and even Argentina. Every year thousands of pilgrims cross the desert to worship the image of the Virgin Mary, today known as Virgen de Chapi.

In 1790, the priest Juan de Dios Jose Tamayo tried to replace the statue with small images of the Virgin Mary, but failed as the statue suddenly became too heavy to move.

News of this miracle spread like wildfire, and today worshippers walk about 45 kilometers to reach an abandoned site 2,420 meters above sea level.

Before the first stop, pilgrims collect stones of different sizes, which they will leave on Tres Cruces by the road, as a symbol of fatigue and sins. It is believed that leaving stones, a person leaves his sins. The same thing happens at Alto de Hornilla and then at Sieta Toldot, 15 kilometers from where countless candles shimmer in the night.