Experience the profound spiritual journey of the Qoyllur Ritty festival, a Quechua term meaning ‘snow that shines like a star.’ This ancient religious custom, deeply rooted in the Andes, honors Taytacha Qoyllur Ritty (Lord of the Bright Snow). Annually, just before Corpus Christi, communities send vibrant delegations of dancers and ‘pabluchas’ to the sacred chapel. Located at the base of Mount Sinakara in the village of Mawayany, at 15,092 feet (4600 meters) above sea level, the ‘pabluchas’ symbolize alpacas and serve as intermediaries between the Lord and humanity. The ascent to the chapel often begins at 4:00 AM, as pilgrims herd their animals up Sinakara. Participants in the procession of Nuestra Señora de Fatima believe they will receive blessings for good fortune. The celebration culminates in the ancient Inca capital of Cusco with the lively processions of Corpus Christi, filling the streets with music and color.
Moonlight Procession to Qoyllur Ritty
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Our spiritual journey begins from Cusco at 8:00 PM. We travel by vehicle to Maguallani, arriving around midnight. After a brief period to prepare our belongings, we join a procession of over 2,000 devoted pilgrims, walking under the moonlight towards the sacred site of Qoyllur Ritty, located 292 km from Cusco. We anticipate reaching our designated campsite around 3:00 AM, where we can finally rest and sleep.
Sacred Rites at Qoyllur Ritty Summit
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At 7:00 AM, we will have breakfast. Afterward, we proceed to the church to attend the daily Mass, which lasts approximately 30 minutes. Following the service, we embark on a trek to the holy mountain of Qoyllur Ritty, where we can observe all the ancient rites and customs performed at an astonishing altitude of 15,748 feet (4800 meters) above sea level. After our lunch, we continue our journey, navigating through uphill and downhill sections for a total of four hours, eventually arriving at the vibrant fairground where every visitor can participate in the festivities. Dinner is served at 7:00 PM, followed by an overnight stay.
Pabluchas Blessing and Return to Cusco
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We start our day with breakfast at 7:00 AM. At 10:00 AM, we will have the unique opportunity to witness the ‘pabluchas’ making their descent to receive a special blessing. Following this, we begin our two-hour walk back to Maguallani. Here, we will have a brief visit and enjoy lunch before boarding a bus or car, depending on the group size, for our return journey to Cusco. We expect to arrive back in Cusco around 4:00 PM.
Valid passport is required for all travelers. This tour takes place during a specific religious festival, and dates are not flexible.
To minimize the risk of altitude sickness, we recommend arriving in Cusco at least 1-2 days prior to the trek to acclimatize. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, avoid alcohol and heavy meals, and inform your guide immediately if you experience any symptoms. Your guide will carry basic first aid, and coca leaves are often available for relief.
Sleeping mats and tents are included as part of the camping equipment. However, a personal sleeping bag is NOT included, and we strongly recommend bringing your own appropriate for cold temperatures (rated to at least -10°C or 14°F) for comfort at high altitudes.
Mules are provided to carry your main luggage. Typically, there is a weight limit of 5-7 kg (11-15 lbs) per person for the mules, which should include your sleeping bag and personal items not needed during the day’s hike. You will carry a small daypack with essentials like water, snacks, camera, and rain gear.
This trek involves high altitudes and challenging terrain, making it suitable for participants with good physical fitness and prior trekking experience. While there isn’t a strict age limit, participants should be in excellent health. We recommend consulting with your doctor before booking, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.
The Qoyllur Ritty festival typically occurs in late May or early June, coinciding with the dry season in the Andes. However, weather at 15,000-16,000 feet (4600-4800 meters) can be highly unpredictable. Expect cold temperatures, especially at night and early mornings, with possibilities of strong winds, sun, and even light snow or rain. Layered clothing is essential.
Traveler Experiences
Recent comments
A very enriching experience, full of history and good coordination even with changing weather during the route.
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