PAUCARTAMBO THREE CROSSES 2 DAYS

peru travel - mollepata peru travel - Paucartambo peru travel - Paucartambo festivities peru travel - Virgen del Carmen

Duration

2 days / 1 nights

Group size

2 / 16

Activity level

Moderate/Challenging


Overview

Every year, from July 15 to 19, Paucartambo celebrates the festival in honor of the Virgin of Carmen, affectionately known as "Mamacha del Carmen." During these days, the people of Paucartambinos show their devotion by enthusiastically participating in this celebration that involves dressing in colorful costumes and traditional masks. It is an event where the community comes together to dance to the rhythm of ancestral dances, leaving aside their daily chores to pay tribute to their patron saint and strengthen their cultural identity.

The National Institute of Culture declared the festival of the Virgen del Carmen de Paucartambo as Intangible Cultural Heritage on April 11, 2006. The venerated image, also known as the "Patron Saint of the Mestizos", is located in the district of Paucartambo, located at 3,017 meters above sea level. To get to this picturesque town from the city of Cusco, a bus trip of approximately four hours is required.

Paucartambo is known as the folkloric capital of the region due to its rich history and cultural diversity. Its numerous dances, widely recognized nationally, accompany the Virgen del Carmen parade. Among them, Saqra, Chuncho, Contradanza, Tarpuy, Qollacha, Qapac negro, Panaderos, Auqa Chileno, Los huaca huaca, among others, stand out. The dancers participate for three consecutive days as part of a fervent tribute to the Virgin, seeking to receive blessings and protection.

Day 1: VIRGEN DEL CARMEN - CUSCO

The festival of the Virgin of Paucartambo is a spectacular event that draws large crowds of parishioners and visitors from around the world, always accompanied by the town's residents and its 12 groups of dancers who embody faith, charm, color, and joy.

Hotel pickup at 11:30 am

At noon, we depart from Cusco to Paucartambo, known as the folkloric capital of Cusco, via private transportation. Along the way, we'll visit Urcos and the Urcos lagoon, as well as the Ch'ullpas of Ninanmarka. Upon arrival in Paucartambo (2830 meters above sea level), the day begins with the ringing of bells and fireworks, followed by a reveille performance by musical bands. This is followed by the "cera apakuy," a traditional ceremony involving the transfer of candles to the temple.

We participate in the main mass and then join the grand procession of "La Mamacha," which blesses the attendees and drives away evil spirits. We observe various dance groups, particularly the "Saqras," who perch on rooftops and balconies throughout the city. These figures, resembling Euro-Andean devils, wear vibrant rainbow-colored attire, ornate animal masks, and flamboyant wigs. Afterward, we have lunch. The afternoon is free for leisure and exploration of the area.

In the evening, there is a "bonfire" ceremony symbolizing purgatory, followed by a festive celebration and a musical tribute to the Virgin of Carmen.


Day 2: Paucartambo - Tres Cruces de Oro (2830 m.s.n.m - 3739 m.s.n.m)

At midnight, we journey to the Tres Cruces de Oro campsite, located 40 kilometers north of Paucartambo, perched on the edge of the Andes mountain range at an altitude of 12,100 feet. From Tres Cruces, there is a dramatic descent into the Amazon basin, offering breathtaking views. This location is renowned for its spectacular sunrise during June and July, enhanced by unique weather patterns that create optical illusions.

At 5:30 a.m., we await the magnificent sunrise, a distinctive natural spectacle marking the entrance to Manu National Park.

We head back to Paucartambo. Today, accompanied by our guide, we attend the blessing mass. In the afternoon, the second procession proceeds along the Carlos III bridge, where the Virgin blesses all present. Following the procession, the impressive guerrilla dance-off between the "Qollas" from the Andes and the "Antis" from the jungle takes place, followed by a lively "Qhaswa" or community celebration. At the designated time, as guided by our guide, we return to Cusco.

NOT INCLUDED
PRICES

PAUCARTAMBO THREE CROSSES 2 DAYS - 2024

$ 75.00 USD (CLASSIC)

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Peru Travel Reviews

Perfect. Everything well organized, very good treatment by everyone.Los portadores Muy Buenos e esfuerzados. El guia Percy es muy muy bueno.

10th of September, 2024

Unforgettable experience. The guide, Santiago, is a professional from head to toe. Very attentive, very knowledgeable and a great person. The group of porters and cook have also been wonderful. They have looked after us very well, always with a smile and the cook is a spectacle. Without a doubt, I would highly recommend this team to the next brave people who venture on the Inca Trail.

8th of September, 2024

It is a magical journey that pushes your body to the max but with rewards around every corner. Nature is incredible, Machu Picchu is a dream and the energy of the place is beautiful.Nuestros guías (Iza y Percy) fueron muy cálidos y sus relatos son atrapantes ! Se genera un vínculo muy lindo con ellos y el resto del grupo.

7th of September, 2024

We were delighted with the organization of our trip to Peru. Everyone at the Inka Trail Expeditions agency was very kind and helpful at all times. They gave us very good advice and we enjoyed the visits and tours planned. We are looking forward to seeing more of this wonderful country.

31st of August, 2024

The activities were varied and very appropriate for the tour that was carried out with a great guide who instructs on the history of this beautiful place. I just think that it should be more specific with brochures or pamphlets to better enjoy the experience.

6th of August, 2024

The landscapes were incredible and the explanations of the guide Percy, who was always explaining to us and always paying close attention to all the members of the group so that we arrived safely at our destinations, not to mention the delicious food provided by our cook, the Chinese (Victorian), a real chef! He took care of feeding us with the appropriate meals for the activities! Highly recommended!!

5th of August, 2024

Increíble experiencia de la mano de nuestro guía Elio. Muy informado y atento a nuestras necesidades en todo momento. Siempre estuvo a la altura de lo que esperábamos y más. Muy buena la comida y el staff que nos acompañó que siempre nos cuidaron.

29th of July, 2024

Las vistas increíbles! Experiencia única! Staff impecable! Sin palabras. Súper recomendable realizarlo con la empresa COLIBRI. Quedamos muy conformes.

24th of July, 2024

I loved the tour provided by the agency. It was a wonderful experience with people who explained to us about each of the places visited.

14th of June, 2024

The guides were very good, we had no problems with the agency, everything was very good and the experience was very pleasant. I recomend it to you

14th of June, 2024

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