Qoyllor’ Ity
Qoyllor’Ity, the sacred annual pilgrimage to the foot of Mt. Ausangate, is one of the most majestic and colorful festivals in Cusco. Over 50,000 people, from the Andean highlands and beyond, travel during the sixth full moon of each year to pay homage to the stars, revered water sources, and the apus (mountains). Although Qoyllor’Ity is known to have begun during the Pre-Inca era, this celebration has evolved into a blend of age-old Andean traditions and Spanish colonial Catholic influences that makes for a truly unique experience.
/ Pick-up at Cusco airport and transfer to hotel
/ Lunch and afternoon at leisure.
/ 06:00 pm Pre-trip briefing at El Mercado.
Overnight: El Retablo
/ Morning and lunch at leisure
/ 02:30 pm Walking city tour of Cusco including the Cathedral and Koricancha
/ 05:30 pm Lecture: Introduction to Andean Traditions and Celebrations as Part of Today’s ‘Living Culture’ – led by Pepe Noriega, MLP trip guide
/ Welcome dinner at El Mercado
Overnight: El Retablo
Meals: D
/ Breakfast at hotel
/ 08:00 am Depart hotel
/ 08:30 am Visit and guided tour of Sacsayhuaman
/ 12:00 pm Guided visit to the town and marketplace of Pisaq
/ 01:30 pm Arrival at lodge and traditional Pachamanca lunch
/ 03:00pm Workshop: Andean Spiritualism and Vibration Therapy—led by Luzclara, Chilean medicine woman and Mapuche shaman
/ Late afternoon and evening at leisure to relax in the outdoor hot tub and garden fire pit (Massage service available – subject to additional cost)
/ 07:30 pm Dinner at lodge
Overnight: Lamay Lodge
Meals: B, L, D
/ Breakfast at lodge
/ 08:30 am Depart lodge to visit the traditional marketplace in Calca, followed by a guided tour of the Ancasmarca archaeological site
/ 12:30 pm Arrival and lunch in the remote town of Choquecancha
/ 02:00 pm Workshop: Introduction to Andean Medicinal Plants and Remedies, followed by a coca leaf reading by Choquecancha local Valentín
/ 04:00 pm Guided walking tour of Choquecancha, followed by a scenic drive to Huacahuasi Lodge
/ Late afternoon at leisure (Massage service available – subject to additional cost)
/ 06:30 pm Folkloric Andean dancing exhibition by the locals of Huacahuasi
/ 07:00 pm Dinner at lodge
Overnight: Huacahuasi Lodge
Meals: B, L, D
/ Breakfast at lodge
/ Scenic drive to the community of Patacancha
/ 09:30 am Traditional Andean cooking class Sanqu workshop
/ 10:30 am Scenic drive to Marcacocha
/ 11:00 am Traditional Andean ‘Water’ ceremony – led by Luzclara*
*Note: Luzclara asks that you bring water from home to participate in this ceremony of unification and tribute to Mother Earth
/ 12:00 am Drive to Pumamarka and lunch on site
/ 01:45 pm Guided tour of the Pumamarka archaeological site
/ 02:45 pm Drive to Ollantaytambo
/ 03:30 pm Guided walk around the town of Ollantaytambo
/ 05:30 pm Arrival at lodge in the Sacred Valley
/ 07:00 pm Farm-to-table dinner at lodge and evening at leisure
Overnight: Willka Tika Lodge
Meals:B, L, D
/ Early breakfast at lodge.
/ 06:30 am Drive from lodge to Ollantaytambo train station*
*Note: Non-hikers are welcome to stay in Ollantaytambo for a guided tour of the archaeological site in the morning, followed by a midday train ride to Aguas Calientes
/ 07:20 am Train to rail marker KM 104
/ 09:30 am Begin all-day hike from KM 104 to the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu (picnic lunch en route)
/ 03:00 pm Walk downhill along the perimeter of the Machu Picchu citadel to catch the shuttle bus to Aguas Calientes
/ 04:00 pm Arrival and check-in at hotel
/ 07:00 pm Dinner at hotel
Overnight: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Meals: B, L, D
/ 06:30 am Early breakfast at hotel
/ 07:15 am Board shuttle bus in Aguas Calientes
/ 08:00 am Guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel*
*Guests who wish to hike up Huayna Picchu will have access at 10:00am. Please note: Huayna Picchu permits are subject to availability. The alternate hike will be to Machu Picchu Mountain
/ 12:30 pm Board shuttle bus back to Aguas Calientes
/ 01:15 pm Lunch at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
/ 04:00 pm Train departs for Ollantaytambo
/ 05:30 pm Meet driver at Ollantaytambo train station for scenic sunset drive back to hotel in Cusco
Overnight: El Retablo
Meals: B, L, D
/ Breakfast at hotel.
/ 09:00 am Modern Cusqueñan arts workshop with members of the Totemiq Arts Collective at La Mestiza café
/ 01:00 pm Lunch at Barra Ceviche in Cusco
/ Afternoon and evening at leisure
Overnight: El Retablo
Meals: B, L
/ Early breakfast at hotel
/ 07:00 am Scenic drive to the remote village of Mahuayani
/ 10:00 am Join the pilgrimage processional en route to Qoyllor’Ity
/ 02:00 pm Arrival at campsite for lunch and a brief rest
/ 04:00 pm Join the celebration! Mingle with our traditional Andean neighbors and enjoy the pageantry of the folkloric musicians and dance troupes
/ 07:00 pm Dinner under the stars at the campsite to await the appearance of the full moon
Overnight: Premium campsite
Meals: B, L, D
/ Breakfast at campsite
/ 07:00 am Hike to Lake Sinakara
/ 08:00 am Explore Sinakara and observe the traditional initiation ritual for the new Andean pilgrims
/ 10:00 am Join a traditional Q’ero (Andean shaman) in a gratitude ceremony in honor of Pachamama (Mother Earth) on the lake shore
/ 11:00 am Hike back to the campsite
/ 12:00 pm Lunch at the campsite
/ 01:00 pm Downhill hike back to Mahuayani
/ 04:00 pm Scenic sunset drive back to Cusco
/ 07:00 pm Dinner at Kion restaurant in Cusco
Overnight: El Retablo
Meals: B, L, D
DETAILS:
● 11D/10N round-trip itinerary starting in Cusco.
● Departure date: June 6, 2022.
● Rate is per person based on shared accommodations.
● A non-refundable deposit of US$ 500 per person is required to confirm a reservation.
● The remaining balance will be due sixty (60) days prior to arrival.