Larry Memmott's Blog

All decked out for its completion ceremony.

Only about 2.5 miles south of the road to Curahuara de Carangas, the Chapel at Quilviri is a lovely example of colonial-era religious architecture.  In it’s simplicity and beauty, and with it’s twin bell towers, this chapel is similar to the Santa Barbara chapel in Curahuara de Carangas.  However, its location on the altiplano away from town gives it a completely different feel.  It has a large processional courtyard in front and rock formations behind.  Inside, it is simplicity, itself.  The statue of Christ (the chapel is dedicated to the Lord of Patience) will probably not be there, as it is stored in Curahuara, a sensible precaution, given all that has been stolen from the altiplano churches.

Interior of the chapel, decorated for the completion of its restoration

Quilviri is one of the 11 chapels restored with funding from the U.S. Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation from 2010 to 2012.

Getting There

Getting to the chapel is simple, but the road conditions vary and it may be inaccessible by vehicle in the rainy season.  From Curahuara, take the road back towards the Patacamaya-Tambo Quemado road.  Only half a mile from the central plaza, on the outskirts of town, take a left.  Coming from the other direction, the turnoff (to the right) will be some 2.5 miles from the turn you took towards Curahuara.  After turning off onto the dirt road, keep right at a fork you will come across at about one mile.

You can download the GPS file for Quilviri here.

Tatyana dancing with the local people at the completion ceremony.