PILGRIMAGE TO THE LORD OF QOYLLURIT'I 5 Days /4 Nights

PILGRIMAGE TO THE LORD OF QOYLLURIT'I 5 Days /4 Nights
The sanctuary of the Lord of Qoyllurit'i (Snow Star) is located in the foothills of Mount Sinaq'ara 136 km from Cusco at 15,000 feet of height. This is one of the great pilgrimages bringing together people of the Andes since ancient times.
All the "nations" around Ausangate Mountain sent their "gift" or delegation of dancers and musicians which are offered both for the Cristo de las Nieves and for the Sacred Mountain. In this way they show their gratitude and ask for a bountiful harvest, livestock protection, welfare and health. At present, this Indian-Catholic event is held each year since 1780, just before the catholic celebration of Corpus Christi, bringing thousands of pilgrims and visitors to maintain and renew the traditions, faith and worship to the Lord of Qoylluriti; always accompanied by the pilgrims, native dances and the inevitable Pablitos or ukukos (half man and half bear), magical beings who mediate between men and the spirits of the mountains. This character is just as responsible for carrying a symbolic piece of ice from the mountain that will renew the waters and rivers of their own group or nation.
The trip we offer is the same pilgrimage practiced by the peoples of this land.
ITINERARY
Day 01: CUSCO - MAWAYANI
We leave the city of Cusco in a private bus, and drive along Cusco - Puerto Maldonado highway heading Mawayani (13,000 ft). On the way we’ll visit the Inka site of Tipón and the pre-Inka archeological complex of Piquillacta as well as Urcos, where we visit a beautiful lake with the same name. Lunch. We go on passing by Cattca, Ocongate, Tinqui and finally Mawayani after an approximated seven-hour drive. Late in the afternoon, we have the chance to visit the local market, before having dinner at our camp nearby. (L/T/D)
Day 02: MAWAYANI - SANCTUARY QOYLLURIT'I
At 3.00 am we begin one of the most important pilgrimages of the Andes towards Lord of Qoylluriti Sanctuary(15,000 ft), located in a breathtaking spot and surrounded by snow-capped mountains. We slowly hike though an uphill trail along which we will encounter 14 crosses that are venerated on the way; the last one is already located at the Sanctuary. Upon arrival, we will be accommodated at our camp, take a rest and then we’ll have breakfast. Afterwards we will visit the chapel with hundreds of indigenous peoples, visitors and the gangs of dancers and musicians. Lunch. In the afternoon we’ll visit the "Alacitas" market. This is a very curious display in which one buys miniature goods such as cars, houses, cattle, university titles and others, that is only valid during the Qoyllurit’i festivity, according to one’s real wishes. The legend says that whatever you accomplish in this “ritual”, will come true thanks to the power of the Lord of Qoyllurit’i. We stay overnight and then have dinner. (B/L/T/D)
Day 03: LORD OF THE SANCTUARY QOYLLURIT'I - SINAQ'ARA
This day is fully spent at the sanctuary. We will attend the Soul Mass at the sanctuary atrium. We ascend to foothills of Sinaq'ara mount to observe the arrival of Ukukus carrying and sharing a sacred piece of ice. This is a good place to have wonderful views of the festivity itself. We will return to our camp. Lunch. The afternoon is reserved for other activities, for all wanting to join them: the procession of the Lord of Tayankani and the Virgin, several dancing performances, mass at the Sanctuary and the singing to the Lord. At night, after dinner, we enjoy the spectacular “Burning of Castles”, in which wooden construction with fireworks are burned. (B/L/T/D)
Day 04: SANCTUARY QOYLLURIT'I - TAYANKANI
After an early wake up, we pack our bags and get ready for the pilgrimage. We wait and attend the Blessing Mass at 10.00 am and at noon we leave in the so-called “24 hour procession”, together with the rest of pilgrims. The procession leaves from the Sanctuary and runs through Calvario, Machucruz, lagoon Kumukasa and Alqamarina sectors, until reaching Yanacocha, where we arrive at around 06.00 pm. We then take a break for three or four hours and we start again walking during the night towards Tayancani. Visibility is not a problem because the moonlight on this time of the year is enough for the night hike. (B/LT/D)
Day 05: TAYANKANI - CUSCO
Breakfast. After a spectacular night pilgrimage through the Andes, we wait for sunrise, the impressive “Sun Greeting” ceremony. This is a really impressive and moving experience where two of the most important indigenous communities descend in two giant lines from the mountain to encircle one specified area called Intilloqsemunapata (the place where the sun shows itself). Next we descend to Tayancani and attend the blessing mass at this inhospitable and magical place. We continue on hiking up a mountain pass and then down to Ocongate, where we have lunch. In the afternoon, we board our private transportation back to Cusco. (B/L)
INCLUDED
1.All the roundtrip Cusco - Mawayani and Ocongate - Cusco by private ground transportation
2.Excellent meals as specified in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, T=Tea time)
3.Fully guided sightseeing during the trip
4.English speaking professional guide services included guide assistant
5.First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank if needed
6.Full camping equipment: large igloo tents for 2 people, Double thickness foam mattress, dining tent with tables and chairs, kitchen tent, basic toilet facilities & a tap at each camp
7.Horsemen, cookers and horses (to carry tents, food, cooking equipment and personal luggage)
8.Accommodation for our crew
NOT INCLUDED
2.Sleeping bags
3.Personal equipment
4.Extra food or beverages
5.Excess baggage charges
6.Insurance of any kind
7.Personal Expenses
8.Tips
9.Others not specified
RECOMMENDATIONS AND NOTES
•We suggest staying at high altitude above 9,500 ft in Cusco or another high altitude city for at least two to three days before undertaking the trip (Review Tour extensions)
•We can provide vegetarian meals or cater for special diets with no extra cost. Just let us know at least two days prior to trek departure
•You can choose Lord of Qoyllurit’i 03 Days – 02 Nights
•Campsites are subject to change according to the designation as well as to our guide’s criteria and the group progress
Prices (US $):
Private Service
Piligrimage to the lord of qoylluritti
pax 1 600.00
Pax 2,3 450.00
Pax 4 400.00
Pax 6 + 370.00
Pax
5d/4n 600.00 450.00 400.00 370.00
More details at: info-cusco@incalandadventures.com