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Top things to do in Mexico City

Colorful Day of the Dead parade with people in skull costumes, Mexico.

Day of the Dead Tours

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$70

Reconstructed Maya temple facade at the Museum of Anthropology, showcasing intricate ancient designs.

Anthropology Museum Tickets

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$12

Frida Kahlo portrait in ornate frame at Frida Kahlo Museum, Mexico City.

Frida Kahlo Museum Tickets

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$22.32

Colorful trajineras on the canal in Xochimilco, Mexico City, surrounded by lush trees.

Coyoacan and Xochimilco Tours

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$28.20

See one of Mexico’s most sacred pilgrimage sites

The Guadalupe Shrine, also known as the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, is one of the most visited Catholic sites in the world. Pilgrims come here to see the image of the Virgin Mary said to have appeared to Saint Juan Diego in 1531.

How to access the Guadalupe Shrine

  • The Guadalupe Shrine sits about 30 minutes north of central Mexico City and is often visited as part of full-day Teotihuacán tours. You’ll find it in the Villa de Guadalupe district, at the foot of Tepeyac Hill.
  • Access to the shrine is not automatically included in standard Teotihuacán entry tickets. You’ll need to book a combo tour that includes both Teotihuacán and the Basilica of Guadalupe, these usually start and end in Mexico City, with transport and a bilingual guide.
  • Entry to the shrine is free, but guided tours or combo tickets add context and comfort through transportation, explanations, and optional mezcal or tequila tastings along the way.

Why visit the Guadalupe Shrine?

The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe is far more than a stop on your Teotihuacán tour, it’s one of the world’s most powerful symbols of faith and Mexican identity. Whether you’re religious or not, it’s a place that moves everyone who walks through it. Here’s why you shouldn’t skip it:

Spiritual significance

Believed to be the site where the Virgin Mary appeared to Juan Diego in 1531, the shrine draws over 20 million pilgrims a year. Even non-Catholic visitors often describe the atmosphere as deeply emotional.

Home of the miraculous tilma

Inside the modern basilica, you’ll see Juan Diego’s cloak bearing the miraculous image of the Virgin of Guadalupe, one of the most venerated religious artifacts in the Americas.

Two eras, side by side

Explore the contrast between the Old Basilica (1709), a baroque treasure that leans slightly due to soft ground, and the new basilica (1974), a circular modern structure that can host over 10 000 people at once.

Art and architecture

Admire giant mosaics, marble altars, and a roof design shaped like a tent, meant to represent shelter for all.

Festivals and pilgrimages

If you visit around December 12 (Feast Day), expect thousands of dancers, mariachi bands, and candlelight processions, an unforgettable cultural experience.

Things to know before booking Guadalupe Shrine tickets

  • Not every Teotihuacán ticket includes entry or time at the Guadalupe Shrine. You’ll need to choose a tour that lists the Basilica or Shrine stop in the itinerary.
  • Tickets that include shrine access, like Teotihuacán, Guadalupe Shrine & Tlatelolco full-day tour and Hot air balloon ride with Basilica visit usually combine it with Tlatelolco and Teotihuacán, giving you a complete look at Mexico’s pre-Hispanic and colonial heritage.
  • As the shrine is an active place of worship, modest clothing is required. Sleeveless tops and short shorts are discouraged. Photography is allowed, but flash use and loud commentary are not.
  • Visiting hours are generally from 6am to 8pm, though mass times can affect entry to the inner chapel. During festivals like December 12 (Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe), expect large crowds and limited access to the altar area.

Your Guadalupe Shrine ticket types explained

TypeTransport IncludedAccess to ShrineWhat You’ll LoveKeep in Mind
Full-day tour

✔️ Shared round-trip transport from Mexico City

✅ Guided entry to all three sites

One seamless day covering ancient ruins, colonial churches, and sacred shrines

Early start (7–8am); group tour pacing

Hot air balloon ride

✔️ Shared van from central pickup points

✅ Visit to the shrine after balloon landing

Sunrise flight, sparkling wine toast, and a spiritual finish at the Basilica

Requires 5am pickup; weather-dependent flight

What to see inside the Guadalupe Shrine

Teotihuacan and Guadalupe Shrine tour, featuring the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City.
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Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe

This is the main modern basilica where Juan Diego’s cloak is kept behind bulletproof glass above the altar. It can accommodate over 10,000 worshippers and has a moving walkway for pilgrims to view the image.

The Old Basilica (Templo Expiatorio)

Located just beside the modern church, this 18th-century structure leans due to sinking soil but still stands as a preserved relic. It’s sometimes used for special services.

Capilla del Cerrito (Chapel on the Hill)

Built at the top of Tepeyac Hill, where the Virgin is said to have appeared. The walk up is steep but worth it for panoramic views and quiet reflection.

Capilla de las Rosas

A smaller chapel that commemorates the miracle of the roses, the moment when the Virgin gave Juan Diego roses as proof for the bishop.

Religious Art & Pilgrim Murals

Inside and around the shrine, you’ll find detailed mosaics, Marian murals, and religious sculptures that narrate the entire story of the Virgin’s appearance.

Architectural highlights of the Guadalupe Shrine

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The Rotating Basilica

The modern basilica was designed by Pedro Ramírez Vázquez in 1974. Its circular form ensures that all attendees can see the altar. The roof structure resembles a tent, symbolizing spiritual shelter.

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Historical and cultural significance of the Guadalupe Shrine

The shrine is Mexico’s most important Catholic symbol. Built on a former Aztec temple site, it represents a powerful mix of indigenous and Spanish beliefs. The Virgin of Guadalupe became a symbol of Mexican identity, resistance, and faith, especially during the independence movement. Today, it remains a vital spiritual, cultural, and national icon.

​Read more on Teotihuacán & Shrine history→

Know before you visit Guadalupe Shrine

Tourists climbing the Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan, Mexico.

The Guadalupe Shrine is open daily from 6am to 8pm, including Sundays.

If you plan to attend a Mass, arrive early, morning Masses start as early as 6am, and the Basilica fills up fast.

Feast days, especially December 12 (the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe), are extremely crowded and may have restricted access in certain areas.

During religious holidays, the shrine remains open later to accommodate pilgrims.

Tip: If you’re visiting as part of a combo tour with Teotihuacán, your guide will usually schedule the Basilica stop for late afternoon, after exploring the pyramids.

  • The Guadalupe Shrine is located in northern Mexico City, about 40 minutes from Teotihuacán and 20 minutes from the city center.
  • Address: Plaza de las Américas 1, Villa de Guadalupe, Gustavo A. Madero, Mexico City.
  • The site includes both the Old Basilica (Templo Expiatorio a Cristo Rey) and the New Basilica, where the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe is housed.
  • If you’re traveling independently, the nearest metro stop is La Villa-Basílica (Line 6), from there, it’s a 5-minute walk to the entrance.

Tip: If you’re joining a guided tour, pickup points are usually Hostal Amigo (Calle Isabel La Católica 61-A) or MIGA Café (Calle Liverpool 174).

Teotihuacan pyramids with tourists exploring, Tlatelolco ruins, and Guadalupe Shrine in Mexico City tour.
  • While there isn’t a strict dress code, this is an active religious site, so visitors are expected to dress respectfully.
  • Avoid sleeveless tops, mini shorts, or beachwear.
  • Hats should be removed inside the basilica.
  • Photography is restricted near the sacred image.
  • If you’re attending Mass, bring a light jacket or shawl, the interiors can be cool due to air circulation.

Tip: On hot days, wear breathable clothing and carry a small scarf to cover your shoulders when entering the main hall.

Family in front of Pyramid of the Sun, Teotihuacan, during private tour.
  • The new Basilica is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators leading to viewing platforms.
  • The Old Basilica, built in the 18th century, has uneven floors and steps, so access may be limited for those with mobility issues.
  • Accessible restrooms are available near the main entrance, and staff are helpful if you need assistance.

Tip: Inform your guide in advance if you require accessibility support; most tours can adjust accordingly.

Family in front of Pyramid of the Sun, Teotihuacan, during private tour.
  • Most people only see the new one, but the Old Basilica, slightly tilted from age, is worth a peek, it shows how Mexico City’s soil has shifted over centuries.
  • To see the miraculous image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, stand on the conveyor belt below the altar. It helps manage the flow of visitors and ensures everyone gets a clear view.
  • The Feast Day of the Virgin draws millions of visitors. It’s a breathtaking sight but extremely crowded, so avoid it if you prefer quieter exploration.
  • The complex has seven chapels, gardens, and museums, including the Capilla del Cerrito, marking where the Virgin appeared. Don’t rush through; give yourself at least 1.5 hours to truly explore.
  • Card payments aren’t accepted for small vendors or souvenir stands. If you want to light a candle, leave an offering, or buy local crafts, keep small pesos handy.

Frequently asked questions about Guadalupe Shrine tickets

No, it is in northern Mexico City, often visited before or after Teotihuacán on full-day tours.