Peru is famous for its rich culture and colorful festivals, Qoyllur Rit’i festival is an impressive high-altitude pilgrimage in the Cusco region.

Qoyllur Rit’i Festival

This festival is held annually on the north face of Ausangate mounta, on the Sinakara glacial mountain. A world-renowned pilgrimage, it involves a rigorous trek and 2 or 3 nights camping at high altitude, with a high point of around 4,700 metres – although some dedicated revellers will climb right up next to the glacier at 5000 metres.

Worshiping Apu Ausangate Mountain

The festival, which is attended by as many as 50,000 Peruvians, entails the worship of the “Apu” and Lord of Qoyllur R’iti at the same time, merging the traditions of native religion and Catholicism: there is a legend that an image of Christ appeared here in 1780 to a shepherd boy named Mariano Mayta.

The festival has been shown several times by the the BBC as well as other major Television programmes and documentaries. This year’s Qoyllur Rit’i will be held between Saturday, June 18th and Tuesday, June 21st with Corpus Christi on Thursday, June 23rd.

Apu Ausangate

Even if you don’t visit for the tough pilrgimage for Qoyllur Rit’i, it’s still possible to enjoy the wonder of the scenery of Apu Ausangate either by hiking one of the lodge-to-lodge Ausangate trek routes around the mountain, or with a multi-day camping trek. Read more about all of Aracari’s Peru trek options.

Hacienda Tacama – Wine and Pisco in Ica The oasis of Ica, some 300km south of Lima, is home to Peru’s wine and pisco-producing vineyards. There, tucked amidst rows of grapes, sits the sprawl...

Peru hotels review – New Suites of the Sol y Luna A luxury hotel in Peru On a recent trip to the Urubamba Valley, the Aracari team was most pleased to have the opportunity to stay at one of the fines...

Travelling To Peru with Kids: The 10 Best Activities A family trip to Peru is sure to be exciting, educational and memorable. Peru offers a wide array of experiences, and there’s something to keep every ...

“The Incas: Lords of the Four Quarters”: New book by close... Aracari's Weekly Insight by Simon The Question: "What is the title of the most recently published book about the Incas?" The Answer: The...

Polleras: All Dressed Up As you travel through the Andes, a few things might catch your eye: the flash of a snow-capped mountain, a shaggy-haired alpaca or the vibrant clothes...

Aracari’s Weekly Insight #15: Apu Salkantay By Simon Question: Why do local people in the Cusco region refer to Mount Salkantay as "Apu Salkantay"? Answer: Many locals of the Cusco regio...