Landmark 7 km northeast of Talpa de Allende
A concrete ring sanctuary on the Ruta del Peregrino, the last of its architectural landmarks before Talpa, by Dellekamp and Periférica.
The Ermita de San Rafael is a ring of concrete standing on the hills north of Talpa, the last of the architectural landmarks built along the Ruta del Peregrino, the 117-kilometer pilgrimage route from Ameca to the basilica of the Virgin of Talpa. Millions of people walk all or part of the route every year, especially in March and during Holy Week.
For two centuries the pilgrims made the walk with almost no facilities. Starting in 2008, the Jalisco government commissioned a series of fifteen pieces along the route, including lookouts, chapels, shelters and service areas, designed by Mexican and international studios and coordinated by Dellekamp Arquitectos. This one, by Dellekamp and Periférica, is a single circle with one doorway cut into it; where the ground drops away you can also duck beneath its floating edge. It is meant to mark the end of the journey.
Even if you are not a pilgrim, it is a striking stop: a simple, almost abstract space in open country, with the mountains around it and Talpa just ahead.
What to see and do
See the concrete ring sanctuary and walk through and under it.
Learn about the Ruta del Peregrino and its architecture project.
Walk a short stretch of the pilgrim trail toward Talpa.
Visit in the quieter months, outside March and Holy Week, to have it to yourself.
Getting there
The ermita is about 10 km north of Talpa, roughly 15 minutes by car toward Mascota, and then a short walk from the road. During the pilgrimage season the area is crowded and traffic is heavy. There is no dedicated public transport.
7 km northeast of Talpa de Allende
Directions from Talpa de Allende on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
Plan your trip
Places to stay in Ermita de San Rafael
Compare hotels, posadas, and rentals in and around Ermita de San Rafael.
Tours & activities
Guided tours, tastings, and day trips in and around Ermita de San Rafael.
Links open a partner site. We may earn a commission if you book, at no cost to you.
Weather mild
Ermita de San Rafael shares the climate of Talpa de Allende, 7 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Mar, Nov, Dec.
Make Talpa de Allende your base
Ermita de San Rafael is an easy trip from Talpa de Allende, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
More around Talpa de Allende
-
Aranjuez
· Town · 9 km away
An old mining village southwest of Talpa with a waterfall and swimming hole reached by a walk up a forested stream. -
Presa Corrinchis
· Lake · 10 km away
A long reservoir in the hills between Talpa and Mascota, with kayaks, boat rides, fishing and lakeside grills. -
Bosque de Arce
· Nature reserve · 20 km away
A state park protecting a cloud forest of rare Mexican maples south of Talpa; the leaves turn red and gold in autumn. -
Mirador del Espinazo del Diablo
· Viewpoint · 26 km away
The highest lookout on the Ruta del Peregrino: a folded concrete shelter by Alejandro Aravena's Elemental on the Devil's Spine ridge.
Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.