Tour Details
Departure:
Destination:
Tour Plan
Destination
Prices Based Group Size: 2024
1 Person . U$$1450.00
2 people : US$1250.00 per person
3 people: US$1150.00 per person
4 people : US$1050.00 per person
5 people : US$950.00 per person
6 people : US$850.00 per person
7+ people : US$750.00 per person
Day 1: 04-06-2023 Cusco - Mawayani - Sanctuary Qoyllurit'i
At 05.00am we begin one of the most important pilgrimages of the Andes towards Lord of Qoylluriti Sanctuary(15,000 ft (4.57 km)), located in a breathtaking spot and surrounded by snow-capped mountains. We slowly hike though 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, take a rest and then we’ll have breakfast. Afterwards we will visit the chapel with hundreds of indigenous people, visitors and the groups of dancers and musicians. Lunch.
In the afternoon we’ll visit the “Alacitas” market. This is a very curious display in which one buys miniature goods such as cars, houses, cattle, university titles and others, that are only valid during the Qoyllurit’i festivity, in line with one’s real wishes. The legend says that whatever you accomplish in this “ritual”, will come true thanks to the power of the Lord of Qoyllurit’i. We stay overnight and then have dinner.
Day 2: 05-06-2023: 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.
Day 3: 06-06-2023 Sanctuary of Qoylloritti – Yanacocha – Night Pilgrimage to Tayancani
After an ealy 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 sleep for 3-4 hours until 10.00 pm, when we start walking during the night towards Tayancani. Night hike.
Day 4: 07-06-2023 Tayancani - Cusco
After a spectacular night pilgrimage, we wait for sunrise and 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. End of our Lord of Snowstar Festival Trek | Photo Expedition.
Places You’ll See
What's Included
Optional Extras
Group Size
1 – 8 Guests
Experience | Difficulty
- Beginner, amateur, enthusiast and semi-pro photographers
- DSLR, mirrorless, compact or iPhone cameras
- Moderate schedule
- Travel by car or minibus
- Moderate elevation changes and lots of walking and hiking (none of our adventures have difficult hikes)
- (non-photographers also welcome)
Includes
- 4 Days
- Travel, landscape, nature, wildlife and people photography
- Professional photographer | guide
- Photo walks & discussions
- Small group size (1-8 guests)
- Camping
- Breakfasts
- All Meals
- National Park Permits
- Local transportation
Travel Information
Arrival Airport:Cusco– Transfer time to hotel 30min
Departure Airport:Cusco – Transfer time to hotel 30min
Our adventure begins in the morning on the first day and ends at and of the last day.
Travel Visa: Note required
Accommodations
Customer Reviews
Qoylloriti pilgrimage photo tour 4d/3n
From $750
Book With Extra Flexibility
Choose new departure dates if your plans change.
Reach out to us anytime via online chat, phone or email.
Get credit for future trips if you need more time to decide.
Change to a different tour run by the same tour operator.