San Felipe Landmark - Shrine of Guadalupe

One of San Felipe’s most iconic landmarks is the shrine on the top of the mountain next to the lighthouse. This shrine is often confused with “the lighthouse” because when you look from the Malecon and see the flashing light, you assume it is part of the lighthouse. There are many stairs to climb to get to the top and are not the easiest to climb, but the scenes are totally worth the climb. So this is one climb that is highly recommended when you are in San Felipe. Take breaks when you need to and you’ll make it to the top.

Built in 1948 by a midwife named Josefa Alvarez, and redesigned in 1972 by a catholic fraile nicknamed "FRAY BASKETS" - so named because she used to walk around town with a basket in hand collecting money to build the shrine the way it is today.  There are one hundred and twelve stairs to the top and the shrine is maintained by the local catholic church. 
 
Back in 1948 San Felipe did not have a church so the Alvarez family started the tradition of the virgin of Guadalupe on December twelve at their home, where the towns people used to gather for the traditional wake, and after the wake the image of the virgin of Guadalupe was taken to the top of the mountain, this is because according with the catholic story the virgin was seen at the top of a mountain by a Mexican Indian on December 12th, 1531.     

The shrine is a catholic monument but people from all types of religious beliefs enjoy the magnificent views from the mountain. When I say views, I am talking about sunrises (that are breathtaking and hold their own serenity) and sunsets, north and south beaches, the town and a beautiful mountain range protecting the city of San Felipe from the west winds are some of the scenes that make this a rewarding climb.

The shrine is a “must visit” place when you come to San Felipe. It is so close to the Malecon that it is almost a sin not to walk across the bridge and take a breathtaking hike to the top of the mountain. Once at the shrine you’ll be amazed by the magnificent spectacle and the peaceful sensation considering you are in the middle of the city.

If you love to take pictures, the mountain shrine is so photogenic that any angle you choose will ensure that you will have beautiful pictures. If you decide to take your pictures from the top of the shrine your background scenery is going to be breathtakingly beautiful and if you decide to use the shrine and the mountain as the background the results are going to be pleasant as well.

The geographical mountain area of the shrine is also a really good fishing spot, many local and foreign amateur fisherman visit the rocks below to cast their fishing lines. Fishing from here provides a nice variety of fish, a great location and easy access. This too, is the reason the mountain with shrine is a great attraction to the vacationers of San Felipe.

Depending on the time of year, meaning if you visit San Felipe during the Semana Santa, or any of the other events that take place on the Malecon, the mountain with shrine is the vantage point to be at.

Another one of my favorite reason for hiking up to the shrine is to catch views of the fishermen as they come in after a long day at Sea. Their carefully choreographed skill requires timing the entry to speed on to land.

Once again, there is no admission fee to visit and enjoy this beautiful landmark. It is the perfect excuse to play with your camera and get a little exercise while enjoying the beauty of what we have to offer in San Felipe.

• Community: El Dorado Ranch
• Location: San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico,