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Qollor Riti Pilgrimage / tour to Qollor Riti/ Qollor Riti trek/ Q'oyoriti
4 days/ 3 nights
the Qollor Riti/Q'oyoriti Pilgrimage (4 days/ 3 nights) departs ONCE A YEAR -30th May through 2nd June 2010
Tour to Qollur Riti/Q'oyoriti (13th September 2010 & 14th September 2010 - dates to be confirmed)
Email us to make a booking now - places limited to 10 only!
Testimonials - what people who have done the trip say!
This trip can precede or follow the magnificent Ausangate trek - if you combine the two trips, you will receive a significant discount as you do not have to pay transport twice!
Qoyllority is a Quechua word which means Shining Snow, and in Quechua
"The Lord of Qoyllority" translates as Taytacha Qoyoriti.
(also known and spelt Colloritty) This an old religious procession that
is practiced by those who live in the high Andes. Every year, days before
the celebration of Corpus Christi, every small village or clan sends a
delegation with colorful dancers and "pauluchas" to the Chapel
of the Señor (or Lord) of Qoylloriti. This Chapel is situated spectacularly
at the base of the Sinakara mountain, some hours walk above the village
of Mawayany, at 4600 meters above sea level. It has spectacular views
of the much venerated Apu, Ausangate.
The "pauluchas"
are costumed dancers who carry alpacas and are intermediaries between
the Lord Qoylloriti and his men. They begin their climb of the Sinakara
glacier at 4am, a ritual where they ask for their animals to grow well.
They go back with an iceblock or a block of snow which they use to purify
humanity. They are charged with taking care of the small stream in the
mountains. The origin of the small holy stream is explained by a legend.
According to the most well-known version, a mestizo boy with blond hair
and rough looks, helped a alpaca shepherd take care of his animals. The
father of the shepherd heard of this, and in order to thank the boy for
helping him with the animals, he decided to make new clothes for him of
best quality. The Bishop of Cusco was interested by this story and wanted
to get to know the young boy, and asked the people of the church of Ocongate
to investigate the situation. The people of the church didn't discover
the boy, who disappeared and the shepherd died of sadness. At the place
where this occurred an image appeared of the crucified Christ, reflected
in a rock. It is here you can find the Templo del Señor de Qoylloriti,
which is constructed over the rock.
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.
During the celebration, the people that have participated in the procession
praise Our Lady of Fatima and ask for good luck in business, life and
the future.
The end of the procession takes place at the ancient Inca capital of Cusco
with the celebrations of Corpus Christi, when the streets filled with
people and the squares with music and color.
Detailed itinerary for the 4 day Qollur Riti Pilgrimage - departs in the week before Corpus Christi annually.
Sunday May 30th, 2010 Cusco - Maywayny - Sanctuary of Qoylloritti
Leaving at Cusco at 7am, we travel from Cusco to Maywayny (via Tinqui,
the trailhead for the Ausangate Trek) along what will soon become the
Transoceanic highway. We pass through spectacular landscapes and stop
for photos along the way at Urcos, Cattca and Ocongate. The drive takes
about 3 hours. We will have an earlylunch with other pilgrims at Maywayny (4600m),
which will bursting at the seams with visitors, before starting our hike
up to 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 located at the Sanctuary. The hike up to the Sanctuary takes
between 4 and 6 hours, depending on fitness. 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.
Please note: the Sanctuary has high altitude - and as you will be camping there - you should be well acclimatised.
Monday
May 31st 2010: Sanctuary of Qoylloritti
This day is spent at the Sanctuary, watching and learning about the activities
of the pilgrims. We attend the "Alacitas" market in the morning.
Here you can buy miniature goods such as trucks, houses, cattle, university
titles and anything that your heart desires. The legend says that whatever
you purchase and then sacrifice to the Lord will come true thanks to the
power of the Lord of Qoylloritti. The Mass at the Sanctuary (10.00 am)
is the next event followed by the "Pablitos" mass at 12.00 pm.
The afternoon is reserved for other activities: the procession of the
Lord of Tayancani and the Virgin, several dancing performances, mass at
the Sanctuary at 06.00 pm. At night, after dinner, we enjoy a spectacular
Andean fireworks show where wooden constructions with fireworks are burnt,
Afterwards, the pilgrims ascend to the snow-capped mountain and glacier
to bring down the crosses to the Sanctuary. We retire to our tents.
Tuesday, June 1st 2010: Sanctuary of Qoylloritti - Yanacocha - Night Pilgrimage
to Tayancani
After breakfast and a last look at celebrations around the Sanctuary we will get ready for the pilgrimage.
We wait and attend the Blessing Mass and 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. About 6 hours of hiking.
we have two options at this stage - to then sleep for 3-4 hours until 10.00 pm,
when we start walking during the night towards Tayancani with the other pilgrims. Alternatively, we can opt for an early rise (ie 4am), sunrise over Ausangate and a slightly late arrival at Tayancani. this will be discussed and decided upoon amongst the various members of the group during the trek.
Wednesday June 2nd 2010
After 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 car back to Cusco (3hours), where we expect to arrive in the late afternoon.
Please note: Thursday, June 3rd 2010 is Corpus Christi in Cusco. You should plan to be in Cusco for this event, which is very colourful and interesting.
prices 2010 4 day Qollor Riti Pilgrimage/ tour to Qollor Riti/ Qollor Riti trek
Want to join with others to reduce price? TREKKERS WANTED |
|---|
| # people in group | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6+ |
price USD (per person) |
$495 | $335 | $310 | $275 | $225 |
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2 day itinerary to visit the Qollur Riti Sanctuary (departs 13th September 2008)
Day 1:
Leaving at Cusco at 7am, we travel from Cusco to Maywayny (via Tinqui, the trailhead for the Ausangate Trek) along what will soon become the Transoceanic highway. We pass through spectacular landscapes and stop for photos along the way at Urcos, Cattca and Ocongate. The drive takes about 3-4 hours, as we will stop at the traditional village of Ccatca along the way. We will have lunch with other pilgrims at Maywayny (4600m), which will bursting at the seams with visitors, before starting our hike up to 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 located at the Sanctuary. The hike up to the Sanctuary takes between 4 and 6 hours, depending on fitness. In the evening, we can attend the mass at the Sanctuary. Dinner and camp at the Sanctuary.
Day 2:
The morning is spent at the Sanctuary, watching and learning about the activities of the pilgrims. We attend the "Alacitas" market in the morning. Here you can buy miniature goods such as trucks, houses, cattle, university titles and anything that your heart desires. The legend says that whatever you purchase and then sacrifice to the Lord will come true thanks to the power of the Lord of Qoylloritti. There are various masses, for the Paluchcas (Ukukus) and also the Senor de Tayancani. After lunch, we will begin our descent to Maywayny, where our private transport will be waiting for us. We will arrive back in Cusco late, between 9 and 10pm, feeling we have best utilised our time in the mountains.
prices 2009 2 day Qollor Riti Pilgrimage
| # people | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5+ |
| price (each) | $650 | $360 | $295 | $245 | Please email us for a discount price |
For our payment conditions and booking please refer to our page Payment & booking
Itinerary Notes
- The times cited in this itinerary are approximate. Walking times depend on the group and the guide can change lunch spots and campsites, depending on the progress of the group. Each guide has their own preferred route and it might not correspond exactly to the route described here.
- This is an adventurous trip. You should be sure to bring an open mind, flexibility and a sense of humor. Most of all you should be prepared to go with the flow. Most of all, you are joining an Andean fiesta - and you should be willing to accept their means and methods of celebration.
- This region is not frequently visited by tourists, therefore tourist infrastructure is limited. This tour incorporates public transport, and use of local facilities. Visitors should be aware that things change, or may not go to plan. This is all part of the adventure!
For complete facts about many aspects of Apus Peru tours, check out our FAQs page!
- Pre Trek Briefing
- Collection from your hotel in the morning of trek departure.
- Collection from your hotel in the morning and transfer in private transport to Maywayny, Private transport from Ocongate to Cusco, including transfer to your hotel in Cusco
- English/Quechua/Spanish speaking professional guide (you will have an assistant guide for groups over 6 people).
- Tents - 2 people in a 4 person tent which allows for greater comfort, and also storage of backpacks. All tents were purchased in 07/08.
- Basic foam mattress. If you require greater comfort during the trek we can hire you an inflatable mattress (eg. Thermarest) for $5 per day.
- Cook
and Cooking equipment (Assistants are provided for larger groups)
Toilet tent - 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/cook during the trek if you have a preference for certain types of dishes). Salads, if served, 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 5 kg per person). If you wish to take more, you can hire an extra mule at a cost of $9 per day.
- 1 emergency horse which can be ridden if you are feeling ill or if are a little slower
- Dining tent with camp tables and chairs & Kitchen tent for the cook to prepare meals
- Tents for our staff to sleep in
- First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
What
is not included?
Breakfast
on the first morning.
- Sleeping bags (can be hired from us for US$5 per day) 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.
- Tips for the guide, cook and porters
- Additional horses for passengers luggage. If there are any substantial items or backpacks, passengers will need to hire an additional mule at a cost of $9US per day.
prices 2010 4 day Qollor Riti Pilgrimage/ tour to Qollor Riti/ Qollor Riti trek
Want to join with others to reduce price? TREKKERS WANTED |
|---|
| # people in group | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6+ |
price USD (per person) |
$495 | $335 | $310 | $275 | $225 |
How much in your currency? Currency Converter by OANDA.com, The Currency Site.
Available discounts (these discounts are not cumulative):
To make a booking:
-
You need to email us to check availability, receive booking forms and then make your deposit.
-
For our payment conditions and booking please refer to our page Payment & booking
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xtra photos
| Testimonials from people who have done the Qollur Riti Pilgrimage |
ALL NEW : scans of recent trip reports. Click on the link to view the pdf. After you have viewed it, click on back to return to this page.
7 June 09 reports
| How would you rate your overall enjoyment of your trip? 9 |
| How would you rate your guide? (Felix & Ruben) 9 Both were excellent - friendly, informative, patient – a big thank you for inviting us to share the Pilgrimage with your families, friends and communities. A real plus inaking the whole experience so memorable. |
| What did you think of the route?I was pleasantly surprised by the variations in the route, scenery and trekking experiences – trekking in falling snow across an alpine mountain pass to boggy lush valleys. The best part for me was sharing the route with the Qoyllority pilgrims. The noise, colour and rhythm of the dancers and musicians (who easily overtook us on some of the steepest sections) will always remain with me. |
| Did trip meet your expectations/was the trip well described on the website? Although the final trip varied from the description on the website, this did not bother me at all – I appreciated the flexibility and the willingness to adapt to the new opportunities as they presented themselves. |
| How were your meals? (Herbert) 9 - no complaints with the food – very satisfying and typically Andean – which means plain food and wholesome. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the meals served in sometimes challenging environments. A bonus: I enjoyed the chance to sample the typical Corpus Christi /Quechuan festival dish of chirihuchu – recommend this experience ( but be mindful when sampling cold cooked food from any street side vendor) |
What was the highlight of your trip? There were several highlights but the one that really stood out was the pre dawn trek on the final day under the cold gaze of Ausengate to finish with the sight of thousands of dancers /Paluchcas descending down the mountainside towards us as the sun crept higher in the sky over Ocongate. It was almost surreal and certainly something that I will always remember. |
| What ONE thing could be done to MOST improve your Apus Peru experience? I would have liked to have spent more time in Cusco prior the trip to better understand the traditions of the paluchcas – but this is only minor. I had no problems with the altitude or the physical demands of either the pilgrimage itself or the trek as I had taken steps to acclimatize myself - this would be my first recommendation to other participants – don’t shortcut pre trek preparations or acclimatisations as the Sanctuary has limited first aid support should you fall ill. |
| Any other comments? Everyone really went out of there way to make this a memorable experience for a lifetime. They even gave us a tour of the Santos in Cusco for Corpus Christi when we returned the next day. A bonus! - I would support wholeheartedly Lisa’s statement My overall comment to other people considering this trip. Don’t consider this as an alternative to the Inca trail or the other treks - The Qollur Riti Pilgrimage culminating with Corpus Christi in Cusco is for people willing to try new cultural experiences. If you are willing to step outside your own comfort zone you will get a chance to share in a rich religious tradition that marries both the magic of Catholic Christian and Quechuan /Incan/ indigenous beliefs – and also walk (or dance!) amongst some of the most spectacular mountain scenery on the planet. |
| Debra, Australia, August 2008 |
| How would you rate your overall enjoyment of your trip? 8 |
| How would you rate your guide? (Felix & Ruben) 10 Very well organized and friendly, helpful staff. They really helped me out when I was sick and were well prepared for emergencies. |
| What did you think of the route?I would have liked the option to just spend the 4 days in the Sanctuary (maybe that could be another trek?) with shorter hikes out from there. (But I wouldn´t have known that until I got there). Also, doing the 24hr trek maybe could be done in one day starting early or and early morning start, then an afternoon long rest and a night hike. |
| Did trip meet your expectations/was the trip well described on the website? Yes. |
| How were your meals?(Herbert) 9 |
What was the highlight of your trip? The Sanctuary |
| What ONE thing could be done to MOST improve your Apus Peru experience? It was all great-the only thing would be if I had acclimated before hand |
| Any other comments? Everyone really went out of there way to make this a memorable experience for a lifetime. They even gave us a tour of the Santos in Cusco for Corpus Christi when we returned the next day. A bonus! |
| Lisa, USA, May 2008 |
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Popular cook Herbert in front of the Ausangate range.
APUS PERU Adventure Travel Specialists - we support sustainable, responsible and ethical tourism...
366 Cuichipunco, Centro Historico, Cusco, Peru- Email: apusperu@westnet.com.au
© A.Svenson 2005 - 2009. The design, content and photographs (except where noted) are 100% original. The majority of our treks were designed by Apus Peru.