Religious places in South America

Superstition can be powerful. When mixed with religion you get some amazing, and sometimes odd things. In El Quiche, a satellite suburb of Quito, one of these odd traditions take place. 7 days a week (busiest on the weekends) Quito-ites drive to the tiny town, with its miracle granting 'church', in order to have their newly purchased car blessed by a priest. While the idea itself can seem quite odd to some people, it seems commonplace to locals who line up (sometimes for hours) to ensure a happy ride and a long life. It's not much of a show, but what the tradition lacks in grandeur it makes up for in quirkiness. The perfect getaway for those looking for something just a little bit different.

In the village of El Quiche, just outside Quito, stand a church. Well, actually it's a sanctuario. The difference being the sanctuary is built on the site of a miracle to commemorate the event. But this particular sanctuary, El Santuario Virgen de El Quinche, didn't stop with only one miracle. Over the years the place has been granting wishes to countless. Those who had their wishes granted have posted plaques on the north wall of the building. Faithful come at all times, but the best time to see the place is the 21st of November when 1,000s of pilgrim descend on the tiny town after an all night hike from Quito. Probably the biggest such festival in the country.