Sacred Circle Tour of Costilla County

The "Sacred Circle Tour"  - You have never taken a tour like this!  The nine Sacred Circle Mission Churches lie in Costilla County Colorado - nestled on the board of New Mexico. Constructions of the original historic buildings in the Sacred Circle began in the mid 1850-s and continued until the 1930's.  Each has its own character and architectural style.  Their stories will pull at your heart strings.

Guided Tours - Unique tours can be tailored to fulfill special interests and time limits.  We can arrange for tour guides to accompany groups to point out the historical and architectural highpoint of each church.  Your tour may include a interview with Father Pat Valdez, the Pastor of the Sangre de Cristo Parish, and an expert on the mission church, may be part of the tour.

Self-Driving Tours -   Pick up our brochure at the Alamosa Welcome Center. the Sangre de Cristo Heritage Center in San Luis or download the brochure here.

The tour has been arranged by the Costilla County Economic Development Council in collaboration with Sangre de Cristo Parish. It features nine historic churches or missions that help interpret the religious and architectural history of Hispano settlers. It also features Capilla de Todos los Santos atop San Pedro Mesa and its associated Stations of the Cross (15 bronze sculptures).


Nine Historic Churches/Missions: 

1 - St. James the Less Mission, Blanca

2 - Holy Family Mission, Fort Garland

3 - Sangre de Cristo Parish Church, San Luis

4 - Sts. Peter and Paul, San Pablo

5 - San Francisco Mission, San Francisco

6 - Immaculate Conception Mission, Chama

7 - San Isidro Mission, Los Fuertes

8 - San Acacio Mission Church, San Acacio

9- Sacred Heart Mission, Garcia


Visitors can also climb the half-mile trail to Capilla de Todos los Santos (Stations of the Cross Shrine).  Capilla, our crowning jewel, was dedicated in 1997.  The site provides a beautiful view of the entire Valley.  It features exquisite bronze Stations of the Cross, a magnificent chapel with astounding original art and extensive native gardens.  It was designed and built with love by the residents of San Luis.