The annual June celebrations of El Señor de Qoyllur Ritti come from the friendship that developed between a small boy, Marianito Mayta, and the boy with a very pale complexion whom he met in the mountains in 1870. The pale child appeared cold and asked Marianito to find him some clothes. Marianito had seen clothing like that only in church, so he went to the Bishop of Cuzco for help.
Marianito was subsequently buried in the rock under the tree.
In the 1920s, veneration at the spot where the image is on the rocks evolved into a celebration merging ancient rituals, worshiping the Sun god stemming from pre-Inca times, with the Christian faith. The old ceremonies combine worship of the sun with offerings to the apu to protect the worshipers from harm.
Thousands of pilgrims make the journey to the snowy, cold mountainside to the Sanctuary of Qotlloritti to attend Mass and participate in the events spread over several days.
Beginning at Mahuayani from Cuzco and Tinqui, climb to the Sanctuary of Qoylloritti along the trail marked by crosses. Attend daily Mass in the Sanctuary.
Go to the Alacitas market to buy miniature goods such as trucks, houses, cattle, university titles and others, with money valid only during the Qoyllur Ritti festivity. These miniature possessions represent those things you wish for yourself, and according to legend, will come to pass.
During the celebrations, Ukukus keep order with sticks, preventing the consumptioon of alcohol, which at this altitude, in winter, could be fatal.
The Night Pilgrimage to Tayancani is a 24 hour procession begins with a Mass, then a six hour walk via Calvario Machucruz, the lagoons in Kumukasa and Alqamarina sectors, to Yanacocha. There, following a short rest, walk to Tayancani and wait for dawn. The sunrise Sun Greeting ceremony is followed by a Blessing in the Sanctuary of Tayancani. This marks the end of the festival.
Stay in the area to make the trek around Ausangate, or return to Cuszco.
Be prepared for cold weather camping. Make arrangements with a tour agency who will provide transportation from Cuzco, tents, equipment, guides, camping gear, meals, and in some cases, horses or mules to carry your personal gear. Tour providers will have horses and/or mules to carry all the camping equipment.
Check flights from your area to Lima, Cuzco or other locations in Peru. You can also browse for hotels and car rentals.
This hotels in Cuzco can provide the base for your explorations of the area.
If you make the trip to celebrate El Señor de Qoyllur Ritti, share your experiences on the South America for Visitors Forum.
Buen viaje!
