Chimayo, New Mexico is 8 miles east of Espanola (which is 23 miles north of Santa Fe). It is on county highway 76.

Located in Chimayo is the Catholic Church called Sanctuarua de Chimayo. Just past the 8-mile marker is county highway 94 which turns to the right/south. Three blocks past that intersection (staying on highway 76) is a street called Juan Medina. Turn right/south on it. Go about one mile, watching for a sign to Sanctuaria de Chimayo. Turn left and go about 3 blocks. The church is on the left. Pull into the parking lot.

A gift shop and other buildings are near the front (street side). Continue back, looking on your right. Park and get out.

Once inside the chapel, you can sit and view the sanctuary and altar. Then go up to the altar and take the door to the left. Then an immediate right is the room with the sacred/healing dirt. The dirt is in a small round hole in the center of this small room.

The tradition is, before entering the room with the dirt, you should sit in the small room outside of it and view the various things in the room. Say a silent prayer on what healing you want to occur. Then enter the room with the sacred dirt and take a pinch of it in your fingers. Place the dirt on your tongue. Your healing prayer might be answered. [This information was provided by my wonderful friend Suzanne.]

Suzanne also suggests that you visit the Ortega shop (rugs, jewelry, etc.). It is near the 8-mile marker on highway 76 and is on the north side of the road. You can see how the rugs are made. Unfortunately, I was in town early and Ortega's was not open yet.