Virgen del Carmen Festival

• Why Explore Peru with TEP
• The Story
• Trip Details
• Itinerary
• Dates
• Pricing
• Accommodations

• Why Explore Peru with TEP?

  

  Virgen Del Carmen Festival

  For centuries people from far off lands have come to the village of Paucartambo in Peru to celebrate la Mamacha Carmen, the patron saint of Paucartambo. During your visit you will learn of the many stories that speak to the origin of the Virgen del Carmen Festival. One story which many speak of is that of a body-less head that performed healing miracles for the people of Paucartambo.

  Exploratory Andean Trek

  Trek along a lesser known area of the Inca Trail where the Andes meets the Amazon. With panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks of the Sacred Valley, we will walk on the pajonal that captures the water of the clouds and carries it east, a process that allows this important section of the Amazon to exist.

  The Sacred Valley

  Explore Cusco, once the heart of the Inca Empire and described by Travel & Leisure Magazine as “a living monument to Inca history”. Then journey into the Sacred Valley where you’ll find yourself surrounded by 600 year old Inca sites, with the majesty of the soaring Andean peaks towering above you.

• The Story

  According to the legend, in the 13th century a young female trader came to Paucartambo, a village in southern Peru. In her satchel, she had a silver dish that she sought a buyer for. Upon reaching the village, she discovered a beautiful head of a woman with no body. She proceeded to place the head on her dish and the head began to speak to her. She said that her name was Carmen and that she was there to help the local people. Carmen began to heal the people of Paucartambo. She performed miracles and it was said that a shining light emanated from her. For these amazing feats, she became the patron saint of Paucartambo and the Mestizo population. ⁣

• Trip Details

  Country: Peru

  Airport: Cusco, Peru (CUZ)

  Tour Duration: 9 days / 8 Nights

  Trek Duration: 4 Days

  Accommodations: 3 Nights Hotel / 5 Nights Tented Camps

  Activities: Hiking

  Trip Activity Level: Moderate*

  Guest to Guide Ratio: 7-1

  *Please refer to our Trip Activity Level Guide or speak to one of our Adventure Consultants at 855-208-6800 to determine if this is the right trip for you.

• Trip Itinerary

  Daily Itinerary Overview

  DAY 1: Welcome to Cusco! Upon arrival, a TEP representative will greet you at the airport. Experience the culture and history of the ancient capital of the Inca as you are transported to your hotel. Get settled in before gathering in the lobby for a late afternoon orientation and the opportunity to get to know your fellow explorers. Following your adventure briefing, a special guest will take you back in time as we introduce you to the history of the Virgen del Carmen Festival at an extraordinary meal at one of our favorite Cusco restaurants.

  Meals: Dinner

  DAY 2: Rise and shine for an energizing breakfast before a packed day where we will explore the Sacred Valley. We will begin our journey at Saqsaywaman, a vast fortress built on three platforms, overlooking the city of Cusco. From here we continue to Qenqo, a site of worship with a high rock carved into the shape of a puma, which dominates a series of canals and passageways painted with animals. The road continues uphill to reach Tambomachay, a site with Inca baths.

  Upon our return to Cusco we will visit the main sites around the Plaza de Armas, which includes the Cathedral, the Inca Walls with its 12 angled stone, and the Temple of the Sun (Koricancha) inside the Santo Domingo Temple.

  Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

  DAY 3: We will depart from Cusco leaving the Andes behind as we enter the cloud forest of Manu National Park. A vehicle will take us along a trucking route to reach the town of Chimor where, weather permitting, we will take a short swim in the relaxing thermal springs. Then, we will continue along the route until we reach the banks of the Mapacho River where our trek will begin. We will cross a hanging Inca bridge and from there we will begin to climb the last slope of the eastern side of the Andes until we reach our first camp in Unu Pampa, located next to a small forest full of Bromeliads, a favorite snack of the local population of spectacled bears.

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

  DAY 4: After a nutritious breakfast, we will start our hike with a climb up to Qapac Q’asa, the highest point of the trek. From there, you can clearly see the landscape’s transition from mountains to cloud forest and then finally the vast Amazonian pampa. There’s a local legend that says the woods in this region hold treasures left behind by the Incas who escaped the colonizers and maintained their indigenous traditions in secret. We will follow the Capac Ñan along the ridge of the mountain, heading north until we reach Quecha Cocha, a small forest with a small lagoon. There, we’ll camp sheltered and protected from the humid winds of the east.

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

  DAY 5: It’s almost always cloudy in the mornings, causing the sun’s rays to deliver a unique and impressive show. After a good breakfast and some coffee, we continue our trek along the Inca trail. Throughout the day, we will have panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks that surround Cusco, including Ausangate, Salkantay and several other imposing Apus of the Sacred Valley. We will walk on the pajonal that captures the water of the clouds and carries it east, a process that allows this important section of the Amazon to exist. We’ll camp at the Tres Cruces viewpoint.

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

  DAY 6: Dressed in our warmest gear, we’ll have the opportunity to experience another stunning sunrise and a leisurely breakfast before we say goodbye to the heights of Manu National Park. We then head for the town of Paucartambo to attend a cultural event rooted in the history of the Cusco people, the Virgen del Carmen Festival. Upon arrival to Paucartambo, we will get settled in camp and have some lunch before the party starts. In the afternoon, the Virgen del Carmen is paraded through town while the comparsas present their traditional dances in colorful costumes. We will join the lively celebration that lasts long into the night. Those who prefer to rest may return to the campsite located far enough away from the noise and euphoria of the party. The only sound you should hear from your tent is the Rio Mapacho as it flows by.

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

  DAY 7: This is the central day of the Virgen del Carmen Festival. We will have the morning to walk through the streets of this picturesque little town, getting a closer look at the various “cargos.” Don’t be surprised if they pull you into the parade and dances. The Capac Coya, Capac Negros, Huaca Huaca, Mestiza Coyacha, Sicllas and other fun dances will captivate you with their costumes and synchronized movements.

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

  DAY 8: After a good rest in camp, we will walk a bit more through town to visit the small merchants who exhibit local products. After lunch, we will visit the Virgen del Carmen Festival for the last time in one of the most beautiful processions accompanied by dancers. Then, we’ll depart to Cusco where we will have a chance to rest following the several days of trekking and celebrating.

  Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

  DAY 9: This morning, gather for one last group breakfast to say our goodbyes. If you like, exchange emails with your guides and fellow explorers before transferring to the airport. We bid you adieu and will be counting the days until we see you on your next TEP adventure!

  Meals: Breakfast

  Please CONTACT US for a complete detailed itinerary.

• Trip Dates

  July 10, 2023

  Please CONTACT US for more information.

• Trip Cost

  Prices are per person, based on double occupancy:

  3.5 Star Hotels in Cusco and Urubamba Pricing: $3,695 USD

  • Single Supplement: $395 USD

   

  5-Star Hotels in Cusco and Urubamba Pricing: $4,095 USD

  • Single Supplement: $695 USD

  View More Information on Pricing

• Trip Accommodations

  Palacio del Inka | Cusco, Peru

  

  One of the finest hotels in Peru, Palacio del Inka is a 16th century mansion built as the home of a Spanish conquistador. Located in the heart of Cusco, it is walking distance to shopping, restaurants, and museums and is located across from the Koricancha, the most sacred temple in the Inca Empire. The spacious rooms are exquisitely appointed, combining Peruvian art and handcrafted furnishings with state-of-the-art technology. The on-site restaurant, Inti Raymi, serves authentic Andean specialties, with ingredients organically grown from the Sacred Valley. Take advantage of the full service spa that draws on the ancient healing mysticism of the Andes.