Qoyllur Rit’i Festival Tour

What to Expect

During this tour you travel from Cusco to the high Andean region near Mahuayani, the starting point of the pilgrimage route.

From there you walk together with pilgrims toward the sanctuary in the Sinakara Valley, surrounded by spectacular glaciers and high mountain peaks.

Throughout the festival you will encounter traditional dance groups representing different communities, each performing rituals that combine ancient Andean symbolism with Christian traditions.

One of the most impressive moments of the festival is the night vigil, when dancers and pilgrims gather in the mountain sanctuary surrounded by thousands of candles. Your guide will help you understand the cultural and spiritual meaning of this unique Andean pilgrimage.

Extra Info: The Pilgrimage of Qoyllur Rit’i

The Qoyllur Rit’i pilgrimage takes place each year shortly before Corpus Christi, usually between May and June.

Thousands of pilgrims from communities across the Andes participate in the celebration, which includes rituals, dances and ceremonies performed at high altitude.

One of the most symbolic figures of the festival are the Ukukus, mythical guardians dressed in wool costumes who perform sacred rituals on the glaciers.

Because of its cultural significance, the festival was declared UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.