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Local Festivities 2008 |
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Qoyllur Ritti Pilgrimage 5D/4N – Pilgrim Pool Service 2008The Qoyllur Ritti, “Snow Shine” or “Snow Star”, is one of the most relevant festivities in the Andean World. It combines the veneration of the Sun, of the Christian icons and of the portentous deities that inhabit the sacred snow-capped Apu of Ausangate. Since the 1920’s, the Festivity of the Lord of Qoyllur Ritti, has become a massive religious event attracting milliards of people coming from different parts of Peru and abroad to ascend up to 5200m, where the famous Sanctuary is located, in the area of Ocongate within the province of Quispicanchis. An impressive multitude of pilgrims arrives at this point after an approximated 6- hour hike to venerate the Christ, which is painted in one of the rocks at the Sanctuary, and the sacred Apu of Ausangate. The legend explains how the image impressed in the rock was the result of the friendship developed between a peasant named Marianito Mayta and a strange boy of extremely white complexion, which appeared to him in 1870. The little boy kindly asked the peasant to make a new dress for him. The peasant traveled to Cusco and visited the Bishop of the city, as he was the only one to have similar textiles than those dressed by the little boy. The suspicious Bishop ordered someone to follow Mayta, as he thought someone had stolen the holy dresses from the church and was giving a bad use to them. But when the priest arrived at Sinakara, an intense shine originated from the place where the little boy was standing, and when he tried to grab him, he became a Tayanca tree with the image of Christ in agony. The little Mayta peasant was buried below a stone in the same place of this apparition. This stone with the signs of Christ is currently venerated by all the pilgrims and is located in a sacred chapel in the same place. The pilgrimage takes place once every year in the spectacular area of Ausangate, the Sanctuary being located at the base of Mount Sinakara, in an impressive spot, surrounded by breathtaking snow-capped mountains and glaciers. The Ten Nations or ten brotherhoods that belong to Paucartambo, Qusipicanchis and Tahuantinsuyo provinces attend the event. Masses, ascents to Mount Sinakara and simulated battles lead to the cohesion of all the brotherhoods and make this a very special and colorful festivity, surrounded by the cold of the awesome scenery. Our pilgrimage trek follows the long-established tradition and runs in five days, giving you the change to live this very special event as a part of it. |
Fiesta Del Qoyllur Ritti |
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Itinerary |
Saturday May 17th, 2008: Cusco - Mahuayani We leave the city of Cusco in a private bus, and drive along the Cusco – Puerto
Maldonado highway in the direction of Tinki (3800 masl) and Mahuayani,
where we will arrive by 03.00 pm approximately. On the way we stop in
Urcos, where we visit a beautiful lake with the same name. We then go
on to Cattca, an agricultural and cattle raising community where we appreciate
the region’s spectacular views, following to Ocongate, capital
of the district with the same name, Tinki, starting point for most treks
in the Ausangate area, and finally Mahuayani (4600 masl) after an approximated
7h drive. In the afternoon, we take the chance to visit the local market,
before having dinner at our camp nearby. |
Fiesta Del Qoyllur Ritti |
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Itinerary |
Sunday May 18th, 2008: Mahuayani – Sanctuary of Qoylloritti We wake up early and after our breakfast, we start our hike up towards
the Sanctuary of Qoylloritti, located in a breathtaking spot, surrounded
by snow-capped mountains. We slowly hike through 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 and enjoy free time in the afternoon. The display
of activities at the Sanctuary is impressive, as well as the number of
pilgrims attending this festivity year by year. In the evening, we can
attend the mass at the Sanctuary, being two ceremonies, one at 06.00pm
and the other at 08.00 pm. Dinner and camp at the Sanctuary. |
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Itinerary |
Monday May 19th, 2008: Sanctuary of Qoylloritti This day is fully spent at the Sanctuary, following the activities
of the pilgrims. We attend the “Alacitas” market in the morning.
This is a very curious display in which one buys miniature goods such
as trucks, houses, cattle, university titles and others, with money that
is only valid during the Qoyllur Ritti festivity, according to one’s
real wishes. The legend says that whatever you accomplish in this game
will come true thanks to the power of the Lord of Qoylloritti. The Soul
Mass at the Sanctuary atrium (10.00 am) is the next event followed by
the “Pablitos” mass at 12.00 pm. The afternoon is reserved
for other activities, for all wanting to join them: the procession of
the Lord of Tayancani and the Virgin, several dancing performances, mass
at the Sanctuary at 06.00 pm and the singing to the Lord at 07.00 pm.
At night, after dinner, we enjoy the spectacular “Burning of Castles”,
in which wooden constructions with fireworks are burnt, followed by the “Child’s
Dance”. Afterwards, the pilgrims ascend to the snow-capped mountain
and glacier to bring down the crosses to the Sanctuary. |
Qoyllur Ritti |
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Itinerary |
Tuesday May 20th, 2008: Sanctuary of Qoylloritti – Yanacocha – Night Pilgrimage to TayancaniAfter 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, the lagoons in Kumukasa and Alqamarina sectors, until reaching Yanacocha, where we arrive at around 06.00 pm. We then sleep for 3-4 hours until 10.00 pm, when we start walking during the night towards Tayancani. Night hike. |
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Itinerary |
Wednesday May 21th, 2008: Tayancani - CuscoAfter a spectacular night pilgrimage, we wait for sunrise, the impressive “Sun Greeting” ceremony (07.00 am) to descend to Tayancani and attend the Blessing to Sanctuary and village of the same name (08.00 am). We attend the mass (10.00 am) and then follow our hike up a mountain pass (2h) and then down to Ocongate (1h), where we have lunch. In the afternoon, we board our private transportation back to Cusco (5h), where we expect to arrive around 06.00 pm. * Departure and arrival times are approximated. |
Maqtas En Fiesta Del Qoyllur Ritti |
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Price Information |
Prices per person 2008
(*) Due to the strong value loss that the US$ is suffering we are forced to issue our prices in the local currency since over 80% of our costs are paid in this. For any reservation, the exchange rate at the moment of the booking will be applicable. Available discounts:
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Departure dates 2008 |
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Group Size |
Minimum 5, maximum 20. |
What is included |
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Fiesta Del Qoyllur Ritti Cusco |
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What is not included |
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What we recommend that you bring |
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Optional services to be hired |
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Copyright © Enigma Adventure Tour Operator 2003 - 2006. |
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