Qoyllur Riti Celebration in Andes

The Qoyllur Riti Pilgrimage is one of the most authentic rituals of traditional Peru, not only because of its remote location but also because of the impressive amount of native population taking part, as well as the blend of Christian and Andean elements present.

The specific date of the pilgrimage varies but it takes place during the months of May and June, before the Corpus Christi and the ancient Inca Inti Raymi festivities are celebrated. The space where it occurs is located to the southeast of Cuzco, in the Ocongate District in the Province of Quispicanchi, where the great Apu Ausangate (Ausangate Mountain), which rises up to 6,384 meters above sea level, is located.

Full Itinerary: Pilgrimage To Qoyllur Riti

Day 1: Cusco – Mahuayani – Qoylloritty:

We will pick you up from your hotel to take the bus from Cusco to Mahuayani, after 4 hours we will arrive to Mahuayani (3800 masl) an Andean community where we will start to hike, at this place we will take our lunch.
After resting, we will start our hike up to the Sanctuary of Qoylloritty (4259masl), which is located at the Sinakara Valley surrounded by snowcapped mountains.
The hike up to the Sanctuary lasts 3 to 5 hours, on the route we will appreciate 14 crosses which are venerated by the pilgrims.
Upon arrival to Qoylloritty, we will enjoy our tea time and time for the rest. At the night, we will attend the mass at the Sanctuary which is celebrated in Quechua (Andean language); also we will appreciate the multicolor dances.

Day 2: Qoylloritty Sanctuary – Yanaqocha – Tayankani (Night procession)

We will have to wake up early to observe the sun rise, after it we will take the breakfast; this day we will participate of the traditional activities that the pilgrims do at the Sanctuary. You will visit the “alacitas” market, where you will see/get curious exhibition of miniature goods such as cars, houses, cattle, university titles and everything you desire (it will become true with the blessing of the Lord of Qoylloritty) Also we will attend to the last Blessing Mass celebrated at the outdoor of the Sanctuary where thousands of the pilgrims wait for the blessing.
After it, people will leave into a 24 hours procession (they will hike during the night following the procession).
The first point to rest is at Yanacancha community (at this place the pilgrims and dancers rest until 10:00ppm), after it they continue with the procession until get the Inti Alabado (sun greeting place), at this place you will appreciate the andean tradition of the sun rise ceremony where dancers wait for the first sun rays of light of the sun god and they start to dance by the Andean plateau covering it of multicolor.

Day 3: Tayankani – Ocongate – Cusco

After the spectacular pilgrimage at night and the “the sun rise ceremony”, we arrive to Tayankani to attend the mass at 10:00 am, continuing with the procession we will descend to Ocongate (2 hours hiking); where we will take the bus to back to Cusco city. (Breakfast, Lunch)

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION

Cusco / Cusco

DEPARTURE TIME

07:00 AM

INCLUDED

Orientation meeting in Cusco (previous to departure date)
Bilingual professional guide
Private transportation to Mahuayani (starting point of the hiking)
Private transportation from Ocongate to Cusco
All balance meals during the trekking (3 days/2 nights), including snacks
All common camping gear: Two men mountain tent, mattress, kitchen dishes, kitchen tent, dinner tent, toilet tent, table, chairs
Cook
Horses for the whole camping equipment
First aid kit with Oxygen
Short wave radios
Sanitation care (disinfect dishes, filtered water, etc)
Environment care (all the garbage is going back to Cusco, portable toilet treatment)

NOT INCLUDED

Sleeping bag
Hotel in Cusco
Extra services not mentioned in the program
Meals not described in the program