Fiesta Virgen del Carmen - Itinerary
DAY ONE: JULY 15
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.
DAY FOUR: 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.
DAY ONE: 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 TWO: 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
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (continued from intro above) 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.
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DAY ONE: JULY 15
• 9am Collection from your hotel and departure from Cusco
• Visit to the Chullpas of Ninamarca
• Light snack
• 1.30pm Arrival at Paucartambo
• Lodging in a shared accommodation, and a rest if you wish
• 3.00pm Visit to the different streets of the town
• Visit to the main church, and an appreciation of the traditional entrance, and of the special dances "Cora Apacuy" and "Konoy".
• 8.00pm The serenade in honour of the Virgin del Carmen begins
• We will be able to enjoy (visitors and locals alike) the happiness of this event. It's is possible for members of our group to rest, or others will wish to continue with the festivity until later hours.
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DAY TWO: JULY 16
• 1.30am We will assemble in our lodging to depart for our trip to Tres Cruces to see the see the sunrise, the only place you can see this spectacle in our continent. (3739 m)
• Accommodation will be in an available place.
• Light snack (with hot drink and a sandwich)
•7am Return to Paucartambo.
• Transfer to the lodging, rest, wash and breakfast (depending on each passenger). Visit to the Temple of the Virgin of Carmen, to the Bridge Carlos III where we can enjoy more than 15 typical dances.
• 3pm Procession of the Virgin of Carmen
• We will accompany the procession and can appreciate the dances and the ability of the dancers.
• 5.30pm We will gather in our lodging to collect our things and board our bus to return to Cusco.
• 9.00pm Return to Plaza San Francisco, in Cusco and return to your hotel.
* the exact program is subject to change, due to weather and other unexpected circumstances.
NOTE: This trip is limited to a maximum of 6 (SIX) clients as we are guests of a comparsa and therefore don't want to impact unduly on their celebration.
ITINERARY NOTES For complete facts about many aspects of Apus Peru tours, check out our FAQs page!
• 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!
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WHAT’S INCLUDED?
• Round trip transport Cusco- Paucartambo - Tres Cruces - Paucartambo - Cusco
• Shared accommodation
• English/Spanish/Quechua speaking guide
AVAILABLE DISCOUNTS
(these discounts are not cumulative)
• Students: US$ 20.00
(students require a valid International Student Identity Card and must be below 26 years of age. Please beware that Youth Travel Cards are not valid)
•Teenagers: US$ 20.00 (up to 15 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)
• Children: US$ 45.00 (up to 10 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)
TO MAKE A BOOKINGPlease visit our Make a Booking page.
You will 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 Make a Booking page.
PLEASE NOTE - you can do this tour with an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes. the price is the same but you have to pay for your hotel and meals in Aguas Calientes. If you would like us to organise your hotel please see our Aguas Calientes Accomodation Options.
TO MAKE A BOOKING
Please visit our Make a Booking page.
You will 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 Make a Booking page.
