VIRGIN OF PAUCARTAMBO FESTIVAL 3 DAYS/2 NIGHTS
This festival takes place on the 15th, 16th & 17th of July each year
Meanwhile “La Mamacha” is carried through the most important places of the town like the Main Square, the Church, the Carols III bridge, the Hail and the village streets accompanied by the Comparsas (the band which plays the conga during a Latin American Carnival celebration) and the entire population gathering quietly bearing candles, flowers and other offerings to ask for blessings and protection.
This celebration, both magical and surreal, has a deep religious significance, because social relations and rituals can be seen as a way of defining and maintaining the identity and customs of the Andean and racially diverse people, clearly observed in the “guerrilla” between Qollas from the Altiplano (flat lands) and Ch’unchus from the Jungle. The symbolic culmination of this festival is a sumptuous feast where two nations are disputing the love of the Mamacha del Carmen. In addition we have the great opportunity to witness a natural marvel of optical illusions at Tres Cruces de Oro (12,100ft), gateway to the Manu National Park.
This amazing natural wonder is an incredible photo opportunity, and one which your expert guide, Flavio, will help you make the most of by sharing his knowledge and experience with you to help you capture the best possible photographs. At Tres Cruces you will be able to hone your landscape and sunrise skills, while during the rest of the tour you will be able to focus on people, movement and colour as you enjoy the fantastic celebrations of the local people. Our overnight stays will also provide you with the chance to experience sunrises and sunsets in a variety of wonderful locations. Flavio creates a perfect balance between photography masterclass and top-level guided tour, to give you an experience that you will never forget. We want you to leave Peru with fantastic memories and a collection of stunning photos that you can be proud of.
Day 1: Cusco – Paucartambo
Later in the afternoon we can observe the sixteen colorful “comparsas”, dancing in honour of the Mamacha del Carmen. After lunch a riotous firework display is held in the main square, during which the Qhapaq Qolla, the Ch’unchos and the Saqras dance wildly like some medieval vision of hell called “Fogata”. The fogata (‘fire’) is staged at night, a representation of Purgatory which continues with a big fiesta and serenade to the Virgen del Carmen. At around midnight, in an emotional gathering, all the comparsas meet again – this time without their elaborate costumes – to solemnly serenade the Virgin in front of the closed doors of the church. (L / D)
Day 2: Paucartambo – Tres Cruces
The afternoon is free for you to enoy and explore the area at your own pace. We have dinner, and then we make our way towards the camp Tres Cruces de Oro, 40 km north from Paucartambo, which is situated on the very edge of the Andes mountains at a height of 12,100 feet. From Tres Cruces, there is a steep drop into the Amazon basin, which means the view is incredible. It’s most famous for the sunrise in the months of June and July because special climatic conditions mean that there are optical illusions. We camp the night at Tres Cruces. (B / L / D)
Day 3: Tres Cruces – Paucartambo – Cusco
Next we attend the Blessing Mass. In the afternoon the image of the Virgin is carried through the narrow streets of the village to the venerable colonial-era bridge, Carlos III, surrounded by all those who have attended the festival, standing or kneeling, tightly-packed and respectfully silent. The Qhapaq Qolla and Qhapaq Negro address the Virgin in a moving song of farewell. The Virgin imparts her blessings on the fourth regions (suyos). At the end of the procession the spectacular “guerrilla” between the group of the Qollas of the Andes and the Antis of the jungle continues with a mock-battle in a hilarious slapstick style. This recalls the wars between Qollasuyo and Antisuyo in the time of the Incas. Finally the comparsas venture forth for the last time to dance the traditional Kachapari or farewell, closing for another year this magical festival. Return to Cusco. (B / L)
INCLUDES:
- The entire round trip Cusco – Paucartambo – Tres Cruces – Paucartambo – Cusco by private ground transportation
- One night in basic accommodation in Paucartambo village
- 2 breakfasts
- 3 lunches
- 2 dinners
- Vegetarian meals on request at no extra cost
- Fully guided sightseeing during the trip
- English speaking professional photographer guide services
- Assistant guide
- Full camping equipment for the 2nd day: large tents for 2 people, double thickness foam mattress, dining tent with tables and chairs and kitchen tent
- First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank if needed
Not Included:
- Sleeping bags
- Personal equipment
- Extra food or beverages
- Travel insurance
- Personal Expenses
- Gratuities
Prices 2018
- 2 people : US$750.00 per person
- 3 people: US$700.00 per person
- 4 people : US$650.00 per person
- 5 people : US$600.00 per person
- 6 people : US$550.00 per person
- 7+ people : US$500.00 per person
Discounts
- Student Discount: $35 off per personStudent Discounts apply to anyone who has a valid GREEN ISIC card at the time of the trek or is 16 years old or younger. For those using an ISIC card to receive the discount, we do need to see a copy of the card at booking. For those booking children 16 years old or younger, we need a copy of their passport at booking time. Please send all to phototourperu@gmail.com
- Under 15 years will pay as student: US$35.00
- Under 7 years Discount: US$50.00
ADDITIONAL ITEMS
Huaynapicchu: $65 per person
Vistadome Train (One Way): $80 per person
Vistadome Train (One Way): $65 per person
Fill The Form
Flavio Huamani, Photo Tours Peru
Adress: Urbanizacion Flor de la Cantuta B -2 San Sebastian Cusco Peru