Qoyllur Rit’i 2023 Pilgrimage: The Best Religious Circuit in Cusco

There is no event in the world comparable to the high mountain festival of the Qoyllur Rit’i (or “Snow Star” in Quechua). The breathtaking celebration is an incredible opportunity to experience Andean culture up close. Qoyllur Rit’i is an annual pilgrimage of tens of thousands of people, mostly from mountain villages, to the Sinakara glacier. There they worship Taytacha (Father Earth), Jesus, the Virgin Mary and the powerful Apu deities that inhabit the four surrounding mountains (Ausangate, Hunacauri, Qanyaqway and Colquepunku).

Prices available upon request

(A two-day program is also available)

The Perfect 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1 (June 4): To Qoyllur Rit’i

Departing from Cusco around 8 a.m. we make the three hour journey to Mawayani to begin the pilgrimage. After a light lunch, we’ll embark on a moderate to challenging 2½- to 3-hour hike, covering approximately five miles (8 kilometers). Pack mules and muleteers help carry the equipment and your personal belongings as we ascend from 12,800 feet to the Sanctuary of the Señor de Qoyllur Rit’i at 15,750 feet (3900 m.a.s.l. – 4800 m.a.s.l.).

Dance troupes representing different towns and community groups — known as comparsas — perform in amazingly elaborate costumes representing different religious and mythical characters. Central players are the Ukukus, mythical half man-half bear creatures, who represent the guardian spirits of the festival.

We will settle in for dinner at our comfortable camp site, among tens of thousands of other pilgrims. (L/D)

Day 2 (June 5): Qoyllur Rit’i

Following an early breakfast, we’ll go to church to participate in the special mass dedicated to El Señor del Qoyllur Rit’i. Then we will begin the collective  march to sacred mountain shrine of Qoyllur Rit’i to witness and participate in ancient rites, customs.

Vendors sell “alacitas,” or small keepsakes, to take to the chapel to be blessed in a symbolic gesture to achieve your heart’s desire. It is said that if you attend the festival three years in a row for this blessing, you will be assured of having your wish granted. Hypnotic, pentatonic-scale pipe and drum music fills the air and tremendous arrays of fireworks, mounted on enormous rustic scaffolds, go off all night. (B/L/D)

Day 3 (June 6): Back to Cusco

After an early breakfast, we’ll  join the line of pilgrims wending our way back down the valley to Mawayani and our waiting vehicle for the ride back to Cusco, arriving around 2 p.m. (B/L)

INCLUDED

• Professional bilingual guide (English – Spanish)
• Cook (with assistant for groups of four or more people)
• Pack mules for the equipment and personal belongings – maximum 11 lbs / 6 kg
• Round trip transport
• Camping equipment
• Double occupancy tents (all new equipment!) with foam mattresses
• One lunch, one dinner, one breakfast.

NOT INCLUDED

• Sleeping bag (ask us for help hiring)
• TIPS for porters, guides, and cooks
• Flight Cusco-Lima (ask us for help with making arrangements)
• Tips for trip guide, cooks, porters and driver
• Drinks apart from water or soft drink with meals

ADDITIONAL

• You can horseback ride for the ascent for US$30 per horse. You cannot ride the horse for the descent back to Mawayani.

WHAT TO BRING

• A Day Pack
• A Rain Jacket or a Poncho
• Sturdy hiking boots or cross trainers
• Warm clothes
• Water bottle
• A hat or cap to protect you from direct sun and high altitude chill
• Sun block
• Camera
• Snacks
• Flash light

Note about Conditions at Qoyllur Rit’i 2023