The pilgrimage to Qoyllurit’i is one of the most important spiritual and cultural celebrations in the Peruvian Andes. Each year, thousands of pilgrims journey to the sanctuary located at the foot of Mount Sinakara in the province of Quispicanchi, in a trek of faith, devotion, and profound connection with the mountain. The traditional route begins in the community of Mahuayani, in the district of Ocongate, from where pilgrims ascend toward the sanctuary through high-altitude puna and alpine landscapes.
The name Qoyllurit’i means “Snow Star” in Quechua, and the festivity represents the beautiful convergence of Andean traditions and Christian spirituality. For Andean communities, the Apus (sacred mountains) are protective beings and sources of life; thus, this pilgrimage is also a way to express gratitude and respect toward nature and the spirits of the Andes.
Throughout the celebration, night treks, traditional dances, music, and ancestral ceremonies take place in an environment surrounded by glaciers and high-mountain peaks, turning this experience into a profound manifestation of cultural identity and Andean spirituality.
- Difficulty level: High-to-intermediate
- Mahuayani Altitude: 4,221 meters (13,848 feet)
- Qoyllurit’i Sanctuary Altitude: 4,800 meters (15,748 feet)
- Hiking time: 7 hours (total round trip)
- Departure (Day 1): 7:00 PM
- Arrival at Mahuayani (Day 2): 12:30 AM
- Arrival at Qoyllurit’i: 5:30 AM
- Return to Calca/Cusco: 10:00 PM
Itinerary:
Day 1 & Night Ascent: We will depart from Calca at 7:00 PM in private transportation, arriving at the trailhead in Mahuayani around 12:00 AM. There, we will have a chance to enjoy a hot beverage and use basic restroom facilities before beginning the trek.
We will start the pilgrimage accompanied by the energy of the full moon (visible during the night of May 31st). Along the route, we will make short stops at the sacred crosses to offer thanks and connect with nature, the night, and the mountain.
This pilgrimage is a truly unique experience as it brings together men, women, children, and elders. Beyond the physical effort, it represents a deep connection with the Apus, nature, and the ancestral traditions of the Andean world.
Day 2 – Sanctuary Experience & Return: We will arrive at the Qoyllurit’i Sanctuary at approximately 5:30 AM. After a warming hot drink, we will walk to the vantage point where pilgrims gather to witness the sunrise behind Mount Sinakara between 6:30 AM and 7:00 AM. Before this, we will bundle up well to warm our hands, feet, and head due to the freezing early morning temperatures.
After welcoming the sunrise, we will have time to rest and share a warm breakfast snack. Later, between 9:30 AM and 10:00 AM, we will tour the sanctuary grounds to appreciate the traditional dances, songs, and the diverse expressions of devotion from the pilgrims.
We will also visit the upper sector of the sanctuary, where the Alasitas ritual takes place—a beautiful tradition where small stones represent wishes, personal projects, or collective dreams. We will also enter the main church to light candles and immerse ourselves in the spiritual atmosphere of the site. Standing there, observing and feeling the devotion of thousands of pilgrims, is a deeply moving experience.
Between 1:00 PM and 1:30 PM, we will begin our descent back to Mahuayani. During the return trek, we will continue to cross paths with pilgrims who are still ascending, while the majestic Mount Ausangate frames the horizon ahead with its imposing presence.
We will reach Mahuayani between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM, and we will be arriving back in Calca approximately between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM.
Includes:
- Private transportation (Calca–Mahuayani–Calca)
- An offering ceremony to Pachamama (Mother Earth)
- Coca leaves
Does not include:
- Snacks / Meals
- Water
- Altitude sickness medication (Soroche pills)