Santa Rosa de Quives lies in the valley of the Chillón River. The town’s historical significance is linked to the Sanctuary of Santa Rosa de Quives, which is associated with the period in Santa Rosa de Lima’s life when she lived in Quives during her youth. The temple, hermitage, and chapel are connected with different aspects of this religious heritage. The valley setting and the saint’s biography therefore offer two distinct perspectives on Quives: its geographical location and the story of Santa Rosa de Lima.
The Sanctuary: Monument, Prayer, and History
The sanctuary, including the temple and hermitage, was declared a historic monument under Law No. 10403. The preserved hermitage is considered a place of prayer for Saint Rose. Next to it is a renovated well into which the faithful place letters with their requests to the saint. Thus, the monument designation, place of prayer, and a specific religious practice are all part of the same complex. The letters give intercession a specific location: they are placed in the well beside the hermitage.
In the chapel belonging to the sanctuary, Santa Rosa received the sacrament of Confirmation in 1597 from Toribio de Mogrovejo, the second Archbishop of Lima. The exact year gives the chapel’s history a different time reference from the more general connection to Santa Rosa’s youth in Quives. A 2023 report also mentions a small museum at the sanctuary that commemorates Saint Rose’s stay in this area of Canta. Thus, a specific sacrament and the broader memory of her stay come together at this cultural site.
One helpful distinction when putting things in context: the historic monument designation applies to the sanctuary, including the temple and hermitage; the Confirmation in 1597, by contrast, is an event in Santa Rosa’s life. One identifies the site’s status, while the other is part of its religious history.
Walking, Horseback Riding, and Canopying
Santa Rosa de Quives is presented as suitable for walks and hikes in tourism information. The same information lists horseback riding as a leisure activity. The recommendations differ in how you get around: the first focuses on getting around on foot, while the second identifies horseback riding as a separate activity. If you are considering a horseback ride, check in advance whether it is offered.
A 2022 report by Andina describes a canopy ride at Club Santa Rosa in Quives that descends from Cerro Purucho from a height of 30 meters. With its named starting point and stated height, the ride is described more specifically than the generally mentioned walks and hikes. Check whether it is currently available before your trip.
Discover more destinations: AncĂłn, Santa Cruz, Chontay, Yauyos, Cieneguilla, Santa Cruz De Flores, Surquillo, Miraflores.
For the broader travel overview: Lima.
