Photographing the Herranza Andean Rituals & Portraits in Tupe 4d/3n

​​Fiesta de la Herranza in Tupe – A Living Tradition

​Every year, between August 1,2,3,4 the village of Tupe hosts the Fiesta de la Herranza, an ancestral celebration that honors Pachamama (Mother Earth) and sacred mountain deities. It also marks the marking of livestock such as cattle, sheep, and alpacas with colored ribbons or paint—a ceremony meant to protect and fertilize both animals and land
 Origins & Cultural Significance
The Herranza is a deeply-rooted agrarian ritual, expressing gratitude for cattle fertility and well-being.
It blends Andean spirituality, marked by offerings to apus (mountain spirits), Pachamama, and jirkas—performed with music (tinyas, horns) and Quechua chants

 Main Events
Livestock Marking Ceremony: Ranchers adorn animals with colorful ribbons or dye to signify their identity and ensure their protection—an essential communal act .
Payment to Earth Ritual
(“pago a la tierra”): Offerings like coca leaves, flowers, chicha, and other gifts are placed in a mound, accompanied by traditional songs and music
Music & Dance:
A festive environment pulsating with tinya rhythms, horn sounds, and group dances involving all ages
Water & Talco Play:
Participants joyfully toss water, talco (talc), and mud—adding playfulness to the ceremony .
📸 Why It’s a Photographer’s Dream
Visual richness: vibrant textiles, ribbons, landscapes, and genuine emotional expressions.
Authentic rituals: profound moments of Andean spirituality and ancestral wisdom.
Color and movement: multi-generational dances in traditional costumes—and even playful mud-and-water interactions that capture the soul of community celebration.

Day by day itinerary

Day 1: Lima – Tupe (Journey into the Hidden Andes)

Early morning departure from Lima by private transportation Scenic drive through the highlands of Yauyos Province (approx. 7–8 hrs) Stops for landscape photography en route: rivers, valleys, and pre-Andean villages Arrival and warm welcome in Tupe, home of the Jaqaru people Light acclimatization walk and first portrait session in the late afternoon light
Evening briefing on Herranza traditions and cultural etiquette Overnight in a local family-run lodge or community accommodation.

Day 2: Herranza Festival – Ritual Preparations & Portraits

Morning: Explore and photograph ritual preparations—decorating llamas, clothing, musical rehearsals Golden hour portrait session with locals in traditional Jaqaru attire Midday rest or editing time Afternoon documentary session: community gatherings, offerings, symbolic acts Focus on storytelling: hands, tools, textiles, animal symbolism Cultural talk with local elder or ritual specialist (with translator)
Overnight in Tupe

​Day 3: Main Day of the Fiesta de la Herranza

Full-day photo documentation of the Herranza ceremony Morning: Processions, ancestral blessings, sacred music and dance Afternoon: Animal marking rituals, ceremonial drinks, and open community celebration Opportunity for dynamic portraiture, wide-angle ritual shots, and candid documentation End the day with golden hour photography of the mountain surroundings and village life Final evening gathering with hosts to celebrate the shared experience
Overnight in Tupe

Day 4: Tupe – Lima (Farewell & Reflection)

Sunrise portrait session (optional) or final moments of quiet life in Tupe Farewell to the community and return to Lima
 Scenic photo stops on the drive back Late afternoon arrival in Lima – drop-off at hotel or airport

What’s Included:

Not Included

• Private round-trip transportation Lima–Tupe–Lima
  
• All meals during the tour (except dinner on return day)
  
• Local guide and cultural liaison
  
• Photography guide/leader from Photo Tours Peru
  
• Community contributions and festival access
  
• 3 nights accommodation in Tupe (community-based or rustic local lodge)
  

• Tips for local guides, drivers, or hosts (optional but appreciated)
• Voluntary contributions or donations to the local community or individuals photographed
• Personal expenses (snacks, souvenirs, etc.)
• Travel insurance
  Alcoholic beverage

Price per person:2025

1 Person .  U$$1850.00 Per person
2 people :   US$1250.00 per person
3 people:    US$1150.00 per person
4 people :   US$1050.00 per person
5 people :   US$950.00 per person
6 people :   US$850.00 per person
7+ people : US$750.00 per person.