Señor de Qoyllur Rit'i: Quick facts

• Dates in 2026: From May 30 to June 4.
• Main day in 2026: June 2.
• Location: Sinakara Sanctuary, Ocongate district, Quispicanchi province, east of Cusco.
• Approximate altitude: Between 4,600 and 4,800 m.a.s.l., covering the sanctuary and the surrounding areas where the festival takes place.
• Usual starting point: The village of Mahuayani, about a 3-hour walk south of the sanctuary.
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging due to the altitude, cold weather, and walking distance.
• Best for: Travelers who are well acclimatized to the altitude, interested in local culture, and respectful of living religious traditions.
• Important: This is not a tourist show. It is a sacred pilgrimage for thousands of devotees.

What is the Señor de Qoyllority?

It is a festival that blends Catholic devotion with Andean traditions at more than 4,000 meters above sea level. It consists of a pilgrimage of faithful devotees from eight high-Andean nations, all within the Cusco region: Paucartambo, Quispicanchi, Canchis, Acomayo. Paruro, Urubamba, Anta, and Tahuantinsuyo nations.

The goal is to reach the Sinakara Sanctuary, which protects the image of the Lord of Qoyllority, a painting considered to be of divine origin that depicts Christ crucified on a rock. This Catholic sanctuary stands on the slopes of the Sinakara snow-capped mountain, at around 4,700 meters above sea level. After arriving at the mountain, pilgrims camp around the sanctuary to pay tribute to the miraculous image.

There, each nation presents traditional dances from its place of origin, along with bands of musicians, pilgrims, and even distinctive flags representing each nation. 

During the days of the festival, music, joy, and faith come together in a harmonious way.  Food stalls are set up, and each nation is responsible for organizing Masses at the sanctuary during the celebration, while the Ukukus or Pablitos keep order and uphold good behavior. They act as local guardians, dressed in thick black wool that makes them resemble Andean bears, which is where their name in the Quechua language, Ukukus, comes from. 

Meaning of “Qoyllority”

The word “Qoyllority” comes from Quechua and has a deep connection with nature and Andean spirituality. It is made up of two parts: “qoyllor,” which means “star,” and “rit’i,” which means “snow” or “ice.” Therefore, Qoyllority can be translated as “Snow Star” or “Ice Star.” 

Qoyllur Rit i Festival: History and Origin

The story of the Señor de Qoyllority begins with a legend dating back to 1780. According to tradition, a man from the community of Mahuayani would leave the task of tending his sheep to his two sons. At that time, the boys lived in a small house their father owned on the slopes of the Qoyllur Rit’i snow-capped mountain, about three hours north of Mahuayani. It is said that the older brother neglected his duties and spent his time in idleness, leaving all the responsibility of shepherding to his younger brother, a boy named Mariano Mayta.

Mariano took the flock out to graze every day without fail through the cold landscapes of an area called Sinakara. Legend says that one day he met a boy his own age, with fair skin, light brown almost golden hair, and fine clothes. His name was Manuel. The loneliness of Mariano’s daily task and the fact that they were the same age made Mariano and Manuel become friends almost immediately. Mariano now had a friend who helped him herd the sheep and play with him. In a short time, his flock also grew, bringing more income and food to the family. 

One day, an older shepherd who was a friend of Mariano’s father saw the two boys doing their daily activities: herding and playing. He recognized Mariano, but not the strange boy dressed in fine clothes. The shepherd quickly went to Mariano’s father to tell him about the unusual companion his son had found. The father then went to visit his two sons and saw that his flock had suddenly grown. Mariano told him about his new friend, the strange coincidence between Manuel’s arrival and the prosperity they were beginning to enjoy, and how his friend’s fine clothes were wearing out quickly. He then showed his father a piece of that delicate fabric.

As a gesture of gratitude, Mariano’s father sent him to the city to buy new clothes for his friend. Mariano hurried there, showing the piece of fabric in every shop and asking where he could buy more cloth like it. He always received the same answer: "That is bishop’s cloth"

Mariano then went to the bishop himself to ask for more fabric like that, hoping to have new clothes made for his friend. After hearing Mariano’s story and the unusual origin of his companion, the bishop ordered the parish priest of Ocongate to accompany Mariano to the slopes of Sinakara to find out who this strange boy was. When they arrived, both of them saw Manuel surrounded by a strange glow, which made it impossible for them to get close to him. They had to return to Mahuayani to bring more people and try to capture Manuel. 

Once they returned, and seeing that he was about to be captured, Manuel ran toward a nearby Tayanca tree. Immediately, the tree took the shape of a cross, holding the child Manuel crucified. A short time later, the boy disappeared. 

The event left everyone stunned, especially Mariano. Seeing his friend disappear so suddenly, he collapsed onto a rock and died instantly. The rock where his body lay was then marked with the image of Christ crucified.

Today, the image on the rock is known as the Lord of Qoyllority, and the current Sinakara Sanctuary was built around it.

When and where the Señor del Qoyllur Rit'i celebrated?

The Lord of Qoyllority festival is celebrated every year between May and June, around the time of Corpus Christi in Cusco. Since it follows the religious calendar, the date changes each year. In 2026, the festival will begin on May 30, when the pilgrimages of the eight nations to the sanctuary start, and will continue until June 4. The main day will be June 2. 

The celebrations take place at the Sanctuary of the Lord of Qoyllority, on the slopes of the smaller Sinakara snow-capped mountain, in the district of Ocongate, province of Quispicanchi, about 140 km southeast of Cusco. The Ausangate mountain is very close by, in an area around 4,800 meters above sea level. The walk begins in the village of Mahuayani, 9 km south of the sanctuary and 130 km southeast of Cusco. From this point, the pilgrimage can take between 3 and 4 hours, depending on each walker’s pace.

Climate, Altitude, and Safety

Because the sanctuary is located at the foot of high-Andean snow-capped mountains such as Sinakara and Ausangate, at around 4,800 meters above sea level, the weather during the Lord of Qoyllority festival is harsh and mostly cold and dry. Days are usually clear, with strong solar radiation and temperatures between 10°C and 18°C, along with frequent icy winds coming down from the mountains.

Nights and early mornings are extremely cold. Temperatures often drop sharply to between -5°C and 0°C, and can even fall to -10°C in the highest areas.

Tips for Pilgrims

Physical and mental preparation: The pilgrimage to the sanctuary is demanding due to the altitude and weather conditions. It is advisable to acclimate in Cusco before starting the walk and be in good physical condition.

Mobile Signal, Bathrooms, and Camping

During the Lord of Qoyllority festival, mobile signal can be limited or unstable, especially near the sanctuary and in the higher areas. It is best to let family or friends know where you are going before starting the walk and to carry maps and important contacts on paper.

The available bathrooms are located on the Sinakara esplanade and are usually basic. They can also get very crowded due to the large number of visitors, with a cost per use of US$9–15, or S/30–50. Bring toilet paper, hand sanitizer, bags for your trash, and use only the designated areas.

Camping takes place in areas near the Sinakara Sanctuary. Because of the intense cold and altitude, it is important to bring a tent suitable for extreme cold, a sleeping bag for low temperatures, a thermal sleeping pad, and warm clothing. Remember to keep the area clean and respect the pilgrimage space.

How to get to Sinakara Sanctuary?

To reach the Lord of Qoyllority Sanctuary from the city of Cusco, the journey is usually done in two stages.

1. Cusco – Ocongate – Mahuayani Route

From Cusco, you need to go to the bus stop on Huayruropata Street, near the Casa de la Juventud Indoor Coliseum. On the days leading up to and during the main festival dates, from May 30 to June 4, buses usually run directly from Cusco to the village of Mahuayani. The trip takes about 3 to 4 hours on a paved road. The fare is around US$6 to US$7, or S/20 to S/25.

At other times of the year, buses usually only travel from Cusco to the town of Ocongate. This trip takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes on a paved road and costs around US$5 to US$6, or S/15 to S/20. Once you arrive in Ocongate, you will need to take a shared van or local transport to Mahuayani. The fare is around US$3, or S/10.

2. Walk from Mahuayani to the Sanctuary

The walk begins in the village of Mahuayani, 9 km south of the sanctuary and 130 km southeast of Cusco. From this point, the pilgrimage can take between 3 and 4 hours, depending on each walker’s pace. The route climbs from 4,221 meters above sea level, the altitude of Mahuayani, to about 4,700 meters.

3. The return

The return trip is the same as the outbound journey. It’s a 4-hour descent from Sinakara to the village of Mahuayani, where you’ll need to continue your return journey by car to Cusco. On holidays, public transportation is available to Cusco and the village of Ocongate. The rest of the year, the return trip can be a bit more complicated, as there is no frequent public transportation and you’ll have to wait for a private car willing to take you back to Cusco.

What to See During the Pilgrimage and Festival

Preparations for the Dances

The costumes and dances of the Lord of Qoyllority festival require careful preparation. Local communities begin making the costumes months in advance, making sure every detail follows tradition. Creating these outfits is a collective effort involving families and artisans, and it reflects the unity and cooperation within the community.

The Pilgrimage

The pilgrimage to the sanctuary is one of the most moving and challenging experiences for devotees. Fifty-eight days after Easter Sunday, eight high-Andean communities, known as nations, begin the pilgrimage from their own villages to the Sanctuary of the Lord of Qoyllority. Each nation walks in organized groups led by brotherhoods, which include dance troupes, musicians, and faithful companions.  

• Paucartambo Nation (The oldest)
• Quispicanchi Nation (The second oldest and the event host)
• Canchis Nation
• Acomayo Nation
• Paruro Nation
• Urubamba Nation
• Anta Nation
• Tahuantinsuyo Nation (Responsible for cleaning the area and the last to leave)

The pilgrimage usually begins in the early hours of the morning so pilgrims can reach the sanctuary before the sun becomes too strong. Along the way, especially on the Mahuayani–Sinakara section, you will see these brotherhoods, traditional dances, music bands, fireworks, and the traveling Alacitas market, a fair of miniature handmade objects.

The Festival

After about four hours of walking, pilgrims arrive at the Sanctuary of the Lord of Qoyllority, also known as Sinakara. The whole morning is used for the official greeting of the pilgrims to the divine image. In the afternoon, the different brotherhoods from each nation present their greeting to the Lord, with around 200 dances and troupes. This greeting can continue all night until the following morning.

The next day, several Masses are held at the sanctuary throughout the morning. In the afternoon, the serenade begins with traditional dances performed by all the brotherhoods inside the sanctuary, in front of the sacred image. At midnight, a group of people from the Queros community, together with other representatives from different brotherhoods who are in the best physical condition, climb the Colquepunco snow-capped mountain, up to 5,200 meters above sea level, carrying crosses on their shoulders to perform rituals, receive the blessing of the glacier, and search for the Snow Star, said to be hidden within the mountain itself. This moment is also used to baptize and welcome new dancers from a brotherhood and to atone for wrongdoings through the Pablitos or Ukukus, who already know which pilgrims have behaved badly thanks to anonymous letters handed to them days earlier. At dawn, everyone descends once again to the sanctuary. 

In past years, the Pablitos would come down carrying large blocks of ice from the snow-capped mountain to take back to their communities and use the water to irrigate their fields as a form of blessing. Today, removing any block of ice is no longer allowed because of the melting of the ice caps in the surrounding mountains, caused by global warming.

The following day is the main day of the festival. In the morning, the central Mass is held at the sanctuary, followed by a procession around the temple, carrying the Lord of Tayancani as a representation of the Lord of Qoyllority. Finally, each brotherhood and dance group says goodbye to the holy image with songs or Watascama, promising to return the following year. 

The return route is the same as the way in: Sinakara to Mahuayani, a walk of about four hours. Afterward, pilgrims board buses back to their respective communities. 

If this is your first time attending this festival, it is traditional to promise the Señor de Qoyllur Rit'i that you will return three more times and to keep that promise.

Dances and Music

One of the most impressive aspects of the festival is the variety of traditional dances performed there. Among the most notable are the dances of the “Ukukus” or bear-men, who play a protective and spiritual role during the pilgrimage. The music of quenas, charangos, and drums accompanies the dances and adds a festive atmosphere to the celebration.

• Qhapaq Qollas: The Qhapaq Qollas are known for their distinctive clothing and their role in the festival.
• Qhapaq Chunchu: The clothing of the Qhapaq Chunchu is colorful and eye-catching, reflecting their importance in the festival.
• Wayri Chunchu: The Wayri Chunchu stand out for their elegant combination of colors and natural materials.
• Chunchachas: The Chunchachas are the only group made up exclusively of women, and their clothing reflects grace and tradition.

The Pablitos or Ukukus

The pilgrims known as “Pablitos,” “almitas,” or Ukukus make the walk in groups organized by brotherhoods and wear costumes that imitate the Andean bear, or “Ukuku”. They wear wool balaclavas, and their costume is made of thick black wool that covers their entire body. They do not speak, but instead make a strange, high-pitched guttural sound.

They are the messengers between the Apus and the faithful, and they were once allowed to climb the snow-capped mountain to bring blocks of ice back to their communities. They also act as a kind of local police, keeping order and preserving good behavior during the days of the festival.

What to bring to Señor de Qoyllur Rit'i

For the Cold

• Thermal base layer.
• Warm jacket.
• Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
• Hat, gloves, scarf, and thick socks.

For Walking

• Broken-in trekking boots.
• Trekking pants.
• Trekking poles.
• Comfortable backpack.
• Headlamp with batteries.

For the Altitude and Personal Care

• Water to stay hydrated.
• Energy snacks, such as bars, dried fruit, and nuts.
• Sunscreen and sunglasses.
• Toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and bags to carry out your trash.
• Personal medication.
• Cash in small bills.

For Spending the Night

• Sleeping bag for below-freezing temperatures.
• Sleeping mat or thick foam mattress.
• Thermal sleeping pad.
• Thick fleece blanket.
• Tent suitable for below-freezing temperatures, or a campsite reservation if you travel with an operator.

For the Sanctuary

• Offerings and candles.

Rules of Conduct for Travelers

The Lord of Qoyllur Rit’i is not a typical tourist festival. It is a living religious and cultural celebration. If you visit the sanctuary, observe with respect, do not interrupt rituals, do not block the path of processions, and ask for permission before photographing people, dancers, or pilgrims.

Avoid leaving trash behind, drinking alcohol, lighting candles in unauthorized areas, entering restricted zones, or climbing the snow-capped mountain without permission. You should also not dress as an Ukuku or Pablito if you do not belong to a pilgrim nation. Your presence should show respect, silence, and care for the place.

How to participate in the Festivity of the Señor de Qoyllority?

To take part in the festival, you can go as an independent visitor or join one of the many brotherhoods that organize the pilgrimage from different parts of Cusco. It is important to sign up in advance and prepare properly for the walk. Also, make sure you bring everything you need to handle the region’s weather conditions.

Conclusion

The festivity of the Señor de Qoyllority is not only an expression of religious devotion but also a celebration of Andean cultural identity. Through this pilgrimage, participants renew their bonds with the community, nature, and their spirituality. For many, it is an opportunity for personal reflection and spiritual renewal in a setting of impressive natural beauty.

Participating in the festivity of the Señor de Qoyllority immerses you in a profoundly spiritual and cultural experience that leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of the pilgrims.

Señor de Qoyllur Rit'i - FAQs