VIRGEN DE CHAPI

This pilgrimage dates back to 1790. The pilgrims travel several 15 km routes, which means a whole night through the desert. On the way, in three different places, the pilgrims form small piles of stones, called apachetas, symbolizing the sins from which they purge themselves. This traditional pilgrimage goes to the sanctuary of the Virgin of Chapi, built in an isolated place near Polobaya, below the volcanic mountain range that surrounds the city of Arequipa. Approximately 250,000 people go there every year. This Virgin is considered as the protector of the White City.