Q'ERO NATION • PERUVIAN ANDES
Q'ero Nation Pilgrimage
Seven days of shared life and learning in the high Andes.
Stay with the Q'ero community and learn from elders (Taitas) and Andean spiritual practitioners (Paqos) through daily life, sacred ceremonies and their living tradition.
2 to 8 June 2027 • 7 days
Q'ero Nation, Cusco region, Peru
Travel by bus and horseback, with short hikes and simple accommodation in the high Andes.
WELCOMED AS GUESTS
An invitation into the Q’ero community
Through our ongoing relationship and support for social activities, the Q’ero community welcomes us once a year to share their knowledge and experience their way of life.
Our Q’ero hosts describe themselves as the “Keepers of the Key” and the last descendants of the Inca high priest lineage, preserving ancient teachings, “secret codes” and the Inca spiritual cosmovision intact and alive through the centuries.
During our stay, we share their stone homes, food and sacred spaces. We come as guests, respecting our hosts’ customs, privacy and daily rhythms, and allowing them to guide what they wish to share.
A glimpse of the Q’ero pilgrimage
ANCESTRAL KNOWLEDGE · LIVING TRADITION
Learning through shared daily life
Daily life and the wisdom of nature
Our Q’ero hosts share their culture, spiritual traditions and daily life in the high mountains. We learn about traditional farming and how they work the land with hand tools, alongside Ayni, the principle of reciprocity that shapes relationships within the community and with nature.
Through conversations with elders, Taitas and Paqos, we explore their understanding of Pachamama, the Apus and the sacred places we visit. Our hosts share how they read the natural world, recognizing signs and receiving messages through what they understand as nature’s “secret codes.”
We also hear about the changes and challenges that modern life brings to the community.
Offerings, ceremony and connection
Ceremonies offer a way to experience these teachings through participation. Through sacred offerings, our hosts express gratitude and give back to nature, inviting us to deepen our understanding of respect, humility and reciprocity.
Despacho offerings and coca leaf readings bring us into closer contact with the traditions our hosts share. We also take part in a cleansing bath led by a Taita at the foot of Apu Ausangate.
An anthropologist guide and Quechua to English translator accompany the pilgrimage, supporting conversation and understanding throughout our stay.
HIGH MOUNTAINS · SIMPLE LIVING
A journey that asks us to slow down and adapt
At around 4,800 meters, the landscape opens onto rivers, lakes and mountain peaks honored as Apus. Clear starry nights and the vastness of the Andes invite us to experience Pachamama with renewed attention.
This pilgrimage also asks for physical effort, flexibility and a willingness to live simply.
Travelling through the high Andes
We travel by bus as far as the road allows, then continue on horseback. Horses are available for longer distances and are included in the price. Some shorter hikes are on foot.
High altitude, uneven terrain and basic living conditions require physical effort and a willingness to adapt.
Strong sun and cold nights
The pilgrimage takes place during the Andean winter dry season. Days can be sunny, with strong sun at altitude, but wind, rain and cold are also possible. Nighttime temperatures can fall below 0°C.
Staying in the community
We stay in simple stone homes, sharing the community’s food and daily rhythms. There is no electricity, running water, mobile reception or internet. Sleeping bags are provided.
Time to acclimatize
Please arrive in Cusco by 30 May 2027, at least three days before the pilgrimage begins, to allow time for acclimatization.
GLIMPSES OF THE PILGRIMAGE
Life and landscape in the Q’ero Nation
A glimpse of the mountain landscapes, shared daily life and ceremonies that shape this journey.
The landscape of the high Andes
PLAN YOUR PILGRIMAGE
Your journey to the Q’ero Nation
2 to 8 June 2027
7 days
US$3,500
per person
Arrival and return
Please arrive in Cusco by 30 May 2027, at least three days before the pilgrimage begins, to allow time for altitude acclimatization. We return to Cusco on 8 June 2027.
Accommodation and meals in Cusco before and after the pilgrimage are not included, apart from the two dinners listed below.
-
Bus transportation and horses for longer distances during the pilgrimage
-
Anthropologist guide
-
Quechua to English translation
-
Q’ero cosmovision lecture
-
Group Despacho ceremony on arrival
-
Personal Despacho Haywarikuy ceremony with a Q’ero Paqo
-
Coca leaf reading with a Q’ero Paqo
-
Visit to Apu Ausangate and Otorongo Qocha for Despacho and a cleansing bath led by a Taita
-
Accommodation in Q’ero homes during the pilgrimage, with a sleeping bag provided
-
Meals during the pilgrimage
-
Dinner in Cusco before departure
-
Dinner in Cusco upon return
-
-
Accommodation in Cusco before and after the pilgrimage
-
Meals outside the program, apart from the two included dinners
-
International flights and flights to and from Cusco
-
Travel insurance
-
Personal healthcare expenses
-
Legal costs, if needed
-
Visa expenses, if required
-
Personal tours and other personal expenses
-
Extra costs due to an early departure, including transportation, flights, hotels and food
-
For sunny days
-
Sun hat or head covering
-
Light layers for warm daytime temperatures
For cold nights
-
Thermal jacket and thermal pants
-
Warm hat and gloves
Personal essentials
-
Personal medications
-
Headlamp or handheld flashlight
-
Daypack
-
Trekking shoes suitable for uneven terrain
-
Following the land and our hosts
The planned route and ceremonies may change with mountain weather, local conditions and the rhythms of the Q’ero community. We adapt respectfully, prioritizing safety and allowing the journey to unfold in cooperation with our hosts.
WELCOMED AS GUESTS
An invitation into the Q’ero community
Through our ongoing relationship and support for social activities, the Q’ero community welcomes us once a year to share their knowledge and experience their way of life.
Our Q’ero hosts describe themselves as the “Keepers of the Key” and the last descendants of the Inca high priest lineage, preserving ancient teachings, “secret codes” and the Inca spiritual cosmovision intact and alive through the centuries.
During our stay, we share their stone homes, food and sacred spaces. We come as guests, respecting our hosts’ customs, privacy and daily rhythms, and allowing them to guide what they wish to share.
A glimpse of the Q’ero pilgrimage
ANCESTRAL KNOWLEDGE · LIVING TRADITION
Learning through shared daily life
Daily life and the wisdom of nature
Our Q’ero hosts share their culture, spiritual traditions and daily life in the high mountains. We learn about traditional farming and how they work the land with hand tools, alongside Ayni, the principle of reciprocity that shapes relationships within the community and with nature.
Through conversations with elders, Taitas and Paqos, we explore their understanding of Pachamama, the Apus and the sacred places we visit. Our hosts share how they read the natural world, recognizing signs and receiving messages through what they understand as nature’s “secret codes.”
We also hear about the changes and challenges that modern life brings to the community.
Offerings, ceremony and connection
Ceremonies offer a way to experience these teachings through participation. Through sacred offerings, our hosts express gratitude and give back to nature, inviting us to deepen our understanding of respect, humility and reciprocity.
Despacho offerings and coca leaf readings bring us into closer contact with the traditions our hosts share. We also take part in a cleansing bath led by a Taita at the foot of Apu Ausangate.
An anthropologist guide and Quechua to English translator accompany the pilgrimage, supporting conversation and understanding throughout our stay.
HIGH MOUNTAINS · SIMPLE LIVING
A journey that asks us to slow down and adapt
At around 4,800 meters, the landscape opens onto rivers, lakes and mountain peaks honored as Apus. Clear starry nights and the vastness of the Andes invite us to experience Pachamama with renewed attention.
This pilgrimage also asks for physical effort, flexibility and a willingness to live simply.
Travelling through
the high Andes
We travel by bus as far as the road allows, then continue on horseback. Horses are available for longer distances and are included in the price. Some shorter hikes are on foot.
High altitude, uneven terrain and basic living conditions require physical effort and a willingness to adapt.
Strong sun and
cold nights
The pilgrimage takes place during the Andean winter dry season. Days can be sunny, with strong sun at altitude, but wind, rain and cold are also possible. Nighttime temperatures can fall below 0°C.
Staying in
the community
We stay in simple stone homes, sharing the community’s food and daily rhythms. There is no electricity, running water, mobile reception or internet. Sleeping bags are provided.
Time to acclimatize
Please arrive in Cusco by 30 May 2027, at least three days before the pilgrimage begins, to allow time for acclimatization.
Leaving familiar comforts behind creates space to reflect on what we need, how we relate to one another and what it means to live in balance with nature.
Contact us about the physical demands
GLIMPSES OF THE PILGRIMAGE
Life and landscape in the Q’ero Nation
A glimpse of the mountain landscapes, shared daily life and ceremonies that shape this journey.
The landscape of the high Andes
PLAN YOUR PILGRIMAGE
Your journey to the Q’ero Nation
2 to 8 June 2027 · 7 days
Q’ero Nation, Cusco region, Peru
US$3,500
per person
Arrival and return
Please arrive in Cusco by 30 May 2027, at least three days before the pilgrimage begins, to allow time for altitude acclimatization. We return to Cusco on 8 June 2027.
Accommodation and meals in Cusco before and after the pilgrimage are not included, apart from the two dinners listed below.
Travel & Logistics
Program organization
This pilgrimage is organized independently by an external partner. Chaka Runa’s standard discounts do not apply.
•
Bus transportation and horses for longer distances during the pilgrimage
•
Anthropologist guide
•
Quechua to English translation
•
Q’ero cosmovision lecture
•
Group Despacho ceremony on arrival
•
Personal Despacho Haywarikuy ceremony with a Q’ero Paqo
•
Coca leaf reading with a Q’ero Paqo
•
Visit to Apu Ausangate and Otorongo Qocha for Despacho and a cleansing bath led by a Taita
•
Accommodation in Q’ero homes during the pilgrimage, with a sleeping bag provided
•
Meals during the pilgrimage
•
Dinner in Cusco before departure
•
Dinner in Cusco upon return
What’s included
What’s not included
•
Accommodation in Cusco before and after the pilgrimage
•
Meals outside the program, apart from the two included dinners
•
International flights and flights to and from Cusco
•
Travel insurance
•
Personal healthcare expenses
•
Legal costs, if needed
•
Visa expenses, if required
•
Personal tours and other personal expenses
•
Extra costs due to an early departure, including transportation, flights, hotels and food
For sunny days
•
Sun hat or head covering
•
Light layers for warm daytime temperatures
For cold nights
•
Thermal jacket and thermal pants
•
Warm hat and gloves
•
Trekking shoes suitable for uneven terrain
Personal essentials
•
Personal medications
•
Headlamp or handheld flashlight
•
Daypack
What to bring
Following the land and our hosts
The planned route and ceremonies may change with mountain weather, local conditions and the rhythms of the Q’ero community. We adapt respectfully, prioritizing safety and allowing the journey to unfold in cooperation with our hosts.
Q’ERO NATION PILGRIMAGE
A journey of learning and reciprocity
Spend seven days in the high Andes, sharing daily life with your Q’ero hosts and learning through conversation, ceremony and time on the land.