Qoylloriti Festival
Description
Qoyllority is one of the most intriguing festivals in the Andes. While it is linked with the Catholic religion, its roots lie in the ancient Incan principal of uniting man and nature. In Quechuan Qoyllority means "Snow Star" or "Shining Snow", Much of the festival is based around growth and fertility, and the worship of the old mountain spirits is also key. Every June, just before the festival of Corpus Christi, more than 2,000 people congregate in the small town of Qoyllority (4,700m) near the snow line of Mt Ausangate.Processions of colorful dancers and "Pauluchas" converge on the Capilla del Senor Qoyllority - the main church in the area in the small village of Sinakara. You will enjoy ceremonies and traditional dances which are only practiced here in this part of the Andes - a truly unique and unforgettable experience!
Itinerary
Day 1
We depart in the early morning and arrive at approximately 10.00 am in Maguallani. Then we start our hike of around 2.5 hours to Qoyllority, where we will have lunch on arrival. In Qoyllority we will witness all the ancient rites and customs involved in the ceremony, as well as join in with the traditional activities and learn some of the dances. At 07.00 pm we will enjoy dinner and afterwards we go to sleep.
Day 2
At 07.00 am we have breakfast and shortly afterwards we go to church to participate in the special mass dedicated to El Señor de Qoyllority. After a few more hours of enjoying the celebrations in Qoyllority we will have lunch and commence our walk back to Maguallani. From Maguallani to Cusco we travel by car, arriving in Cusco at approximately 07.30 pm.
Photos
Practical Information
Transport: bus
Length: 2 days
Price: Contact us
Others: Please note that all itineraries are subject to change
Bring With You
- Day Pack
- Good Shoes
- Warm clothes
- Rain Jacket or a Poncho
- Hat or Cap to protect you from the sun or the cold
- Sun Block
- Water and Snacks
- Camera
Included
- Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
- Cook
- Horses to carry the equipment and personal belongings (max. 5 kg)
- Transport
- Camping equipment
- Double occupancy tents (all new equipment) with foam mattresses
- Meals: 2 lunch, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast
Not Included
- Water & Snacks
- Sleeping bag - can be rented with Dos Manos
- Some meals: breakfast on the first day and dinner on the last day
- Possibly the most important thing to consider: Tips for porters, guides, cooks
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