If you are going to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, leave yourself more time than you think you need. You may come for Mass and the image of Our Lady, but the plaza, the older churches and Tepeyac Hill are worth time too.
There is no need to see it all in a hurry.
Start in the plaza
The old Basilica is still here, though today it is called the Expiatory Temple of Christ the King. Nearby is the round new Basilica, completed in 1976 when the earlier church could no longer hold the crowds. From the plaza you can see both.
Inside the new church, look toward the altar: the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe is visible even from the back.
The image above the altar
This is why people come to Tepeyac. According to Catholic tradition, Our Lady appeared to St. Juan Diego at this very place in December 1531 and asked for a church to be built. Juan Diego took roses from the hill to the bishop inside his tilma.
When he opened the cloak, the Lady’s image was on it. The image you see above the altar is the same one pilgrims have come to pray before for centuries.
If you can, before you go to Mass try the moving walkway beneath the image. You will have only a brief moment as it carries you past the image to truly take in it’s beauty.
Afterward, find a seat in the church. You can stay, pray for someone by name, or simply sit quietly for a few minutes and attend Mass if you wish.
Stay a while
Once you have been inside, walk back through the grounds. Visit the old Basilica and the chapels if they are open. If you have the time and energy, go up toward Tepeyac Hill, the place associated with Mary’s meeting with Juan Diego.
Our Lady of Guadalupe, I bring you the people I love and the things I cannot put right on my own. Pray for us, and lead us to your Son.
Before you go
The Basilica is in the north of Mexico City at Fray Juan de Zumárraga No. 2, Villa Gustavo A. Madero. Its posted opening hours are 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily. Check the official Mass schedule before you leave; times may change, especially around the December 12 feast.
The Basilica’s directions page lists La Villa-Basílica on Metro Line 6 and Deportivo 18 de Marzo on Line 3 as nearby stations. Bring water if you plan to walk the grounds.
For notices and contact information, use the official Basilica website.
Watch Mass from the Basilica
Can’t be there in person? The Basilica carries a live video feed. The stream shown there on October 4, 2026 is below. If it has ended, the Basilica’s website has the current video and Mass times. You can also visit its YouTube channel. Times are local to Mexico City.