OVERVIEW
LORD OF QOYLLORITY PARTY
DAY 1: CUSCO – OCONGATE – MAHUAYANI – SANCTUARY OF THE LORD OF QOYLLORITY
In the Lord of Qoyllority Party tour, We pick you up from your hotel at 8 am, after your breakfast. So, you get on our private vehicle taking you for a one-and-half-an-hour ride to the district of Ocongate. On the way, we make a stop for 15 minutes to later continue for 40 minutes more till the village of Mahuayani (4,600 m). We have lunch there and afterward, we undertake a pilgrimage to the Chapel of the Lord of Qoylloriti, which represents 7 km (3 to 4 hours) of hiking. Gradually, we encounter 14 crosses that are venerated along the way. The last is situated within the Sanctuary of the Lord of Qoylloritty, formed around the chapel that is to be found at the foothill of the Sinacara Mountain. All the sanctuary is surrounded by imposing snowy peaks.
Upon arrival, a campsite is pitched and you settle in your respective tent. The campsite is to be located at the same place during all the feasts. All meals, this day´s dinner including, is served here too. After that, you can enjoy your free time. For that reason, you might attend a mass at the sanctuary either at 6 pm or at 8 pm. Moreover, you may observe activities at the sanctuary as well as arrivals of dancing masked groups. The number of pilgrims who attend the feast year after year is impressive!
DAY 2: SANCTUARY OF THE LORD OF QOYLLORITY – PUCLLANA PATA – SINACARA – SANCTUARY
Breakfast is served at the campsite. In the morning, we dedicate ourselves to the whole sanctuary exploration. We also visit the morning “Alacitas” market. This market is remarkable as you can buy miniature handicrafts there according to your real wishes. For example, cars, trucks, houses, cattle, university degrees, and others. This all with money that is only valid during the festivity. Since a legend says that whatever you achieve in the feast/games (see below), it will become a reality thanks to the power of the Lord of Qoylloritty. At 10 am, we might attend a mass in the sanctuary. Another mass is held at the noon.
During the day, we go to a platform within the sanctuary called “Pucllana Pata” (Place of Games in the Quechua native language) to observe and participate in games performed by various dancing groups of masquerade masks. We have lunch back at our campsite. In the afternoon, we walk to the snow-capped mountain Sinacara to observe a performance of “pablitos” (dancers and organizers at the same time). Then, we return to the campsite to have dinner.
At 6 pm, you may attend the next mass and at 7 pm, you might participate in the “Singing to the Lord”. Later on, you can choose between going to sleep (which would be a pity) or observation and/or participation in continuous folklore dances until you tire. The evening/night program is the following: a spectacle of the “Burning of the Castles”, during which wood castles are burnt on the fire, followed by the “Dance of the Child”. Afterward, the pilgrims climb up a mountain covered by snow and glacier to bring the crosses down to the sanctuary.
DAY 3: SANCTUARY OF THE LORD OF QOYLLORITY – SINACARA – MAHUAYANI – OCONGATE – CUSCO
Very early before breakfast, we go to appreciate troupes performing a ceremony at the foot of the snowy Sinacara while waiting for the sunlight called (“Inti Alabada”). Then, we return to have to breakfast. Afterward, we get ready our luggage. At 10 am, we attend the main ceremony – the blessing mass. After that, we start a 6-km descent back to the village of Mahuayani where we eat our box lunch. Later, we board our vehicle to head back to Cusco. Upon arrival, we drop you off at your hotel which ends the Peru – Folklore Feast Qoyllority 3D/2N.
ITINERARY
LORD OF QOYLLORITY PARTY
DAY 1: CUSCO – OCONGATE – MAHUAYANI – SANCTUARY OF THE LORD OF QOYLLORITY
- 8 AM – a pick-up from your Cusco´s hotel.
- Transportation (around 2.5 hours) to the Mahuayani village.
- Lunch at Mahuayani.
- 7-km pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of the Lord of Qoylloriti (3-4 hours).
- Campsite pitching at the sanctuary’s site.
- Dinner.
- Free time to attend a mass either at 6 or at 7 pm as well as to observe arrivals of dancing masked groups.
- Overnight at the campsite.
DAY 2: SANCTUARY OF THE LORD OF QOYLLORITY – PUCLLANA PATA – SINACARA – SANCTUARY
- Breakfast at the campsite.
- Exploration of the whole site of the sanctuary.
- A mass at 10 a.m. or at the noon.
- Participation at the “Alasitas” market (a miniature handicraft fair).
- Getting involved in games at Pucllana Pata.
- Lunch at the campsite.
- Hike to the snow-capped mountain Sinacara to observe a performance of “pablitos”.
- Return to the campsite.
- Dinner.
- At 6 pm, next mass.
- At 7 pm, the “Singing to the Lord”
- Observation and/or participation in continuous folklore dances.
- The evening/night program: a spectacle of the “Burning of the Castles”, “Dance of the Child”, climb-up to a mountain covered by snow and glacier to bring the crosses down to the sanctuary.
- Overnight at the campsite.
DAY 3: SANCTUARY OF THE LORD OF QOYLLORITY – SINACARA – MAHUAYANI – OCONGATE – CUSCO
- Return at the foothill of the snowy mountain Sinacara to watch troupes performing a ceremony waiting for the sun’s rays.
- Walk back to the campsite.
- Breakfast.
- Packing all belongings.
- 10 am – the main ceremony of the Qoyllority Feast – the blessing mass.
- The 6-km hike back to the village of Mahuayani (around 3 hours).
- Eating a box lunch.
- Return transport to Cusco.
- Drop-off at your hotel.
- The end of service of the Peru – Folklore Feast Qoyllority.
INCLUDES
THE LORD OF QOYLLORITY PARTY TOUR INCLUDES:
- Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco.
- Private transport Cusco-Mahuayani-Cusco.
- A professional English-speaking Tour Guide during all the Peru – Folklore Feast Qoyllority.
- Guide Assistant (for groups of over 10 participants).
- Professional Cook experienced in preparing healthy food.
- Horses to carry food and camping equipment.
- Horseman.
- Meals: 2x breakfast, 2x lunch, 1x box lunch, 2x dinner, hot beverages during main meals – a vegetarian option available upon request.
- Camping and kitchen equipment (personal tents, a dining tent, a kitchen tent, kitchen utensils, tables, seats, a toilet tent).
- Blanket.
- Mattress.
- Walking stick.
- First aid kit and a bottle of oxygen.
- Two-way radio.
- Drop off at your hotel in Cusco.
NOT INCLUDE
THE LORD OF QOYLLORITY PARTY TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Sleeping bag (we can rent you one if you like, the price is USD 30/per tour).
- Extra horse (which can carry up to 20 kg of your belongings – extra USD 30/day).
- Breakfast on day 1.
- Dinner on day 3.
- Beverages (apart from the main meals).
- Tips to local staff.
- Pocket money.
- Accommodation in Cusco.
- Any flight.
- Travel insurance.
WHAT TO BRING
WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU TO THE LORD OF QOYLLORITY PARTY TOUR?
- Necessary stuff for a 3-day trek (We recommend you to take up to 7 kg of your belongings which might be carried by an extra horse.);
- Personal medicines (if applicable);
- Small backpack;
- Sleeping bag (we can rent you one if you like);
- Very warm clothes such as a jacket, sweaters, long trousers, a scarf, a hat, gloves;
- Sufficient number of warm socks and underwear;
- Trekking shoes;
- Camera/video camera;
- Extra batteries and/or a power bank;
- Flashlight;
- Sunglasses;
- Sun protection cream;
- Toiletries;
- Towel;
- Toilet paper;
- Bottled water;
- Canteen;
- Snacks (energetic bars, chocolate, bonbons, biscuits, etc.)
- Water purification tablets (optional);
- Matches;
- 200-250 Soles as pocket money (to buy some souvenirs or refreshments).
PRICE
LORD OF QOYLLORITY PARTY
The price depends on the number of participants and other preferences. Please inquire about a personalized price.