Tour Details
Departure:
Destination:
Tour Plan
Destination
Prices & Dates 2023 per person
1 people : US$950.00 per person
2 people : US$700.00 per person
3 people: US$650.00 per person
4 people : US$600.00 per person
5 people : US$550.00 per person
6 people : US$500.00 per person
7+ people : US$450.00 per person
Day 1: Cusco – Paucartambo
We start with an early morning transfer by private transportation from Cusco to Paucartambo village, visiting areas such as Urcos and the Ch’ullpas of Ninamarka. About 10.00 am we arrive at Paucartambo (13,200 ft), where we check in at our lodging in a shared accommodation and have a rest. Then we enjoy a walking tour with our private guide sorrunded by thousands of devotes and visitors. Next we have a buffet lunch of typical local foods.
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.Home stay (L / D)
Day 2: Paucartambo – Tres Cruces
After breakfast we attend 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 a filling lunch.
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. Home stay. (B / L / D)
Day 3: Tres Cruces – Paucartambo – Cusco
We wake up before dawn and then 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 “plays” in the sky. We eat some snacks and return back to Paucartambo for a well deserved breakfast!
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)
Places You’ll See
![](https://zeedhost.com/phototoursperu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/IMG_0455-copia-copia.jpg)
What's Included
Optional Extras
Group Size
1 – 8 Guests
Experience | Difficulty
- Beginner, amateur, enthusiast and semi-pro photographers
- DSLR, mirrorless, compact or iPhone cameras
- Moderate schedule
- Travel by car or minibus
- Moderate elevation changes and lots of walking and hiking (none of our adventures have difficult hikes)
- (non-photographers also welcome)
Weather | Sun
September – Temps 75/42 F 24/5 C Sunrise 6:10 | Sunset 6:35 (18:35)
Includes
- 3
- Travel, landscape, nature, wildlife, and people photography
- Professional photographer | guide
- Photo walks & discussions
- Small group size (1-8 guests)
- Camping
- Breakfasts
- All Meals
- National Park Permits
- Local transportation
Travel Information
Arrival Airport: Lima – Transfer time to Lima Cusco hours
Departure Airport:Lima -Cusco – Transfer time to Cusco -Lima 01:30
Our adventure begins in the morning on the first day and ends at and of the last day.
Travel Visa: Not required.
Accommodations
Customer Reviews
Virgen del carmen photography tours
From $950
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