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This ritual bullfight is during the "Fiestas Patrias" or National Holiday of Peru in the town of Cotabambas, in the Apurimac department. This traditional ritual represents the fight between the Incas against the Spanish conquistadors, and the figure of the condor (representing the Incas) occupies a central place. The bird is tied to the back of the bull (which represents the Spanish) who is urged on by the pecks of the bird. The young men then participate in a bullfight.
This is a cultural tradition that was celebrated since colonial times in many places in the central mountains of Peru. Although in the course of the 20th century it has declined, disappearing in many places, it still has an important role. It is also known as the "Fiesta de Sangre" (Festival of Blood), and is largely a ritual of the traditional Indian communities or ayllus
Yawar fiesta itinerary
Day 1 - 28 th July
Depart Cusco at 8am in public bus, after 6 hours of travel we will arrive in Cotabambas at approximately 2pm where we will have lunch and go to our accommodation. We will either stay in the house of a family or in a tent close to town.
If we stay in a house to town, expect lots of noise and a festival atmosphere.
In the afternoon we will see the bullfight and enjoy the pre festival atmosphere.
Day - 29 th July
This is the important day because it is not only the bullfights, it is the central fight between the condor and the bull.
We will return to Cusco in the evening by bus.
This includes
- transport to and from Cotabambas on public buses
- transfers from your hotel to the paradero for the buses
- lunch day 1 & 2, dinner day 1, breakfast day 2
- a trilingual guide for two days (spanish, quechua and english). The ability to speak Quechua, the local indian language is quite important at such festivities.
- meals for your guide
- accommodation in local house or if this is not deemed suitable, a tent nearby.
| # people | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5+ |
| price (each) | $210 | $160 | $poa | $poa | Please email us for a discount price |
For our payment conditions and booking please refer to our page Payment & booking
For organisational reasons, we require one week to organise your booking, prior to departure.
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!
APUS PERU Adventure Travel Specialists - Email: apusperu@westnet.com.au
© A.Svenson 2005. The design, content and photographs (except where noted) are 100% original. The majority of our treks were designed by Apus Peru.
