Paucartambo is located 109 km east of the city of Cusco, 2830 meters above sea level, and is a beautiful colonial city located in the eastern chains of the southern Andes, with its white houses made of adobe, tiles and its classic balconies of light blue. The feast of the Virgin of Paucartambo is a fabulous celebration that summons true human masses of parishioners and visitors from all over the world accompanied by its people and its 12 groups of dancers who radiate faith, charm, color and joy.
These dances are the most precious offerings that can be offered to the Blessed Mother, it is a sacrifice of the faithful who perform with love and devotion to the "Mamacha" in exchange for her blessing and protection. This magical and real celebration at the same time has a profound religious, social and ritual significance because it is possible to observe how the identity and customs of the Andean-mestizo peoples have been built, defined and maintained, clearly observed in the "guerrilla" between Qollas of the highlands and Ch'unchus of the east; symbolic paroxysm of this sumptuous festival where both nations dispute over the Mamacha's kerea right over the Carlos III bridge under the waters of the Mapacho River. In addition we have the great opportunity to witness a dreamlike natural spectacle in the town of Tres Cruces de Oro at 3739 meters above sea level, gateway to the Manu National Park.
Early in the morning transfer by private transportation Cusco - Paucartambo (folkloric capital of Cusco) visiting the areas of Urcos, Urcos Lagoon and Ch'ullpas of Ninanmarka. Arrival in Paucartambo (2830). This day begins with the ringing of bells and the blowing of rockets, the interpretation of targets by the musical bands continues, followed by the "wax apakuy" or transfer of candles and candles to the temple.
In the evening, the "bonfire", a representation of purgatory, is staged, and we continue with the great feast and serenade of the Virgin of Carmén.
We attend the central Mass following the great procession of "La Mamacha" to bless those present and scare away demons. We'll see the different comparsas and specially the "Saqras" who occupy the rooftops and balconies of the town. These are Euro-Andean devils, dressed in vivid rainbow-colored costumes and elaborate animal masks crowned with extravagant wigs. Then we have lunch. The afternoon is free for enjoying and exploring the site.
Very Early, we make our way towards the camp of the Tres Cruces de Oro, 40 km north away 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 its sunrise in the months of June and July because of the special climatic conditions which give optical illusions.
(5:30 am) we set out to see one of the most beautiful natural phenomena in the world: the sunrise at Tres Cruces de Oro (12,100 ft), where the Sun “dances” in the sky, or the Sun “plays” in the sky. We eat some snacks, and we return back to Paucartambo.
This day we attend with our guide 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 named Carlos III, surrounded by all those who have attended the festival, standing or kneeling tightly-packed and in a respectful silence. The Qhapaq Qolla and Qhapaq Negro address the Virgin in a moving song of farewell. In this place the Virgin imparts her blessings to the fourth regions (suyos). The procession continues with the spectacular "guerrilla" between the group of Qollas of the Andes and the Antis of the jungle, who do mock-battle in a hilarious encounter recalling the wars between Qollasuyo and Antisuyo in the time of the Inkas. Finally the comparsas venture forth for the last time to dance the traditional Kachapari or farewell, closing for another year this magic feast. Return to Cusco.
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