Qoyllurity Pilgrimage Festival 3d/2n - Fixed departure June 4-6

Qoyllurity is considered the largest pilgrimage in the Andes. This religious festivity was first held in 1780 in the district of Ocongate, eight hours from the city of Cusco. The principal ceremony takes place at the foot of Mount Ausangate at 4,700m. The ritual consists of a pilgrimage of thousands of people carrying crosses and offerings up to the summit. Dancers symbolizing various mythical characters accompany the pilgrims. Although it is a Christian ceremony, the fundamental reason for the ceremony is the integration of man with nature. Catholicism and Andean devotions mix in this festival in honor of the Lord of Qoyllurity and Mount Ausangate.

Qoyllurity is a word in Quechua that means “bright snow”. It is also the name for a festival held at 4,600m above sea level in the small town of Mahuayani located in the Sinkara Valley in southern Peru. The locals are devout followers of “Taytacha Qoyllurity” or The Lord of the Bright Snow.

The festival of Qoyllurity is one of the unique Catholic festivities that have been fused with the indigenous routes of the Andes. The festival sees many pilgrims arriving from all over Southern Peru to bring their offerings to The Lord of the Bright Snow. On this tour you will take part in the festivities and get a chance to take part in a true cultural experience of the indigenous groups in the Andes. If you are interested in understanding more about this way of life this is a definite must see on your list.

Day 1: Cusco – Mahuayani – Sanctuary
We will leave Cusco at 8:00am and after a 3 hour ride of beautiful natural landscapes in our private vehicle we will arrive to the small town of Mahuayani. Here is where we will meet up with our trekking team and get acquainted with everyone. After a quick lunch we’ll start our 13km trek to the Sanctuary where all the exciting festivities take place. During our trek you will be surrounded by the peaks of the Andes mountains and will have many picture perfect moments to capture. After our day full of hiking we will arrive in the late afternoon to set up camp and have dinner. Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Sanctuary – Qoyllurity Mountain – Sanctuary
Very early in the morning after breakfast we will go to the church to participate in the mass of the day which will last for about 30 minutes. During the mass you will have the unique experience as an outsider looking in on the rituals and customs of the Andean people. After the mass we’ll start our descend upon the Qoyllurity Mountain where we will observe all the ancient traditions that the pilgrims practice to show homage to the Lord of the Bright Snow, all of this taking place at 4,800m above sea level. Later we will then return to the Sanctuary where we will be able to visit the fair where all of the pilgrims participate. We will stay the night again enjoying dinner after a great day of adventure. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 3: Sanctuary – Mahuayani – Cusco
After our breakfast we will start the trek back to Mahuayani where our journey began. The hike will take about 2 hours and upon our arrival a private vehicle will be waiting to take us back to Cusco. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

The prices are per person and in $US.

The program includes:
• Pre-trek Briefing.
• Collection from your hotel in the morning of trek departure.
• Private transport from Cusco to the Trailhead and return at the end of the trek.
• English/Spanish speaking professional guide (you will have an assistant guide for
  groups over 8 people).
• Tents - 2 people in a 4 person tent which allows for greater comfort.
• Cook and cooking equipment (Assistants are provided for larger groups).
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food). Our professional cooks
  prepare meals that incorporate elements of the western diet and also traditional
  Peruvian delicacies. (Please communicate with your guide during the trek if you
  have a preference for certain types of dishes). Salads are washed in boiled water.
• Horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen. They carry camping
  equipment, food and kitchen utensils. We provide duffel bags at your briefing for
  your personal items (up to 7 kg/15lbs per person).
• 1 emergency horse which can be ridden if you are feeling ill or if are a little slower.
• Dining tent with tables and chairs & kitchen tent for the cook to prepare meals.
• Tents for our staff to sleep in, sleeping bags & mattresses.
• First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle - but not blister treatments.

The program does not include:
• Breakfast on the first morning.
• Sleeping bags. If you haven't got a sleeping bag or you don't want the hassle of
  bringing one all the way to Peru with you, then we have sleeping bags for hire. For
  this trek you should hire minus 15 or warmer ($US 6 sleeping bag rental per day).
• Tips for the guide, cook and porters
• Additional horses for passengers’ luggage.