In 17th century Mexico, Maria Ines is a rich novice nun who continues interests in astronony, cartography and science despite the suspicion of the convent Father. However, when her father dies, she loses her protection and is forced to stop studying and perform menial tasks. She has a revelation, and decides to leave the convent and go out into the world and find her mother's Indian roots. She takes on the plight of the Indians, but the church are still against her and she must fight for her survival.