Pilgrimage to Sixilera from Tilcara

Pilgrimage to the Virgin of Sixilera

To understand the pilgrimage to the Virgin of Sixilera we have to know the history. Legend has it that the watersheds of the rivers that irrigated the orchards of the inhabitants of the Quebrada had begun to dry up. Fearing that these droughts would deplete food production, and in the face of sixile-Sikuris despair in the face of this situation, locals, Catholics, gathered together and went out with the image of the virgin to cross the slopes of the mountain tops and valleys of the This brittle. After several days of walking and having already traveled all the slopes, slowly, but uninterruptedly the precious water flowed from the earth. Since then, a place was chosen to build a sanctuary for the Virgin of Sixilera and every year, on September 21, she goes up to thank her for her action.

This virgin attracts as many faithful as that of Punta Corral and many bands of Sikuris join the pilgrimage by filling the hills with music.


Trekking Huacalera-Sixilera

  • Difficulty: medium
  • Duration: 2 days, 1 night
  • Elevation of 1150 meters.
Itinerary

Day 1: We leave from the town of Huacalera (in front of the Church) at about 08:00 in the morning, traveling an ancient path of transhumance to the cloudy valleys of the Yungas, heading east. After 3 hours of walking and climbing a slope of 1,250 meters. We arrive at the place of overnight or refuge, near the church of Sixilera. We take there snack, dinner and rest. We spend the night in tent. So far there are 14km of walking.

Day 2: We have breakfast early in the morning and leave, in descent, towards Sixilera where the virgin with the pilgrims leaves for Tilcara. They accompany the sicuris bands. Field lunch We arrive at Tilcara at 6:00 p.m.

Includes: pack animals (1 mule for every 2 passengers), 2 local guides, baqueano, all meals (we serve vegetarian and / or celiac food), mineral water, mountain shelter, first aid (complete kit), communication equipment of emergency.

Not included: Transfers in / out. Sleeping bags (can be rented in Tilcara). Alcoholic beverages or preference.