Christmas is also celebrated in the mountains. On Friday, December 19, Salkantay Trekking brought the magic of the holiday season to the district of Ocongate, sharing hot chocolate, smiles, and unforgettable moments with more than 2,500 children. From the very first light of dawn, we came together with a single purpose: to give a day filled with joy, unity, and hope.
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A Solidarity Christmas in Ocongate
Located in the southwest of the province of Quispicanchi, in the Cusco region, the district of Ocongate is an Andean territory that rises to an altitude of approximately 3,550 meters above sea level (11,647 feet). In this landscape dominated by snow-capped peaks, valleys, and wetlands that reflect the strength of the Peruvian Andes, Ocongate is part of the majestic Vilcanota mountain range. This range is home to sacred Apus in the Andean worldview, such as the imposing Ausangate Glacier and Mountain Salkantay, both visible and deeply revered in several of its communities.
At the heart of these highlands, the district of Ocongate is home to communities that maintain a deep connection with the land, tradition, and collective work. In these places, Christmas takes on a special meaning: it is a time to share, to reconnect, and to strengthen community bonds.
Our Christmas chocolatada in Ocongate was born from this very spirit. More than just an activity, it was a human encounter where solidarity, respect, and affection were the true protagonists. Every visit, every hug, and every smile reminded us why it is so important to continue building bridges among all those who walk together through these mountains.
Rodeana, Where Christmas Is Lived as a Community
The Christmas chocolatada took place in the community of Rodeana, in the district of Ocongate, province of Quispicanchi, Cusco region.
Rodeana is a rural settlement situated at approximately 3,925 meters above sea level (12,877 feet). Geographically, it is the last community before reaching Upis, the starting point of the Ausangate Trek. The landscape is characteristic of the Andean high plateau, with a cold climate and an altitude that directly impacts the daily lives of its inhabitants.
The local population is primarily engaged in agriculture and livestock farming. These activities are particularly challenging due to extreme weather conditions and inadequate infrastructure to support their daily work.
In rural areas of Peru, poverty levels remain very high. Nearly half of the population (around 41.1%) lives in poverty. This means that many families struggle to access food, education, and basic services. In regions such as Cusco, although the overall poverty rate has decreased in recent years, significant gaps persist.
This reality makes initiatives like the Christmas chocolatada especially meaningful and essential. Beyond sharing hot chocolate and toys, activities like this represent direct social support that helps ease difficult living conditions, promote solidarity, and reinforce the dignity of communities with limited resources. Every shared moment of celebration with the families of Rodeana highlights the importance of working together for social well-being, connecting responsible tourism with actions that create real human impact.
More Than Chocolate and Toys, a Message of Hope
Starting at 4:00 a.m., excitement fueled our journey from Cusco to Ocongate with a clear and heartfelt purpose: to bring the Christmas spirit to one of the most remote communities. Along the way, the breathtaking Andean landscapes bore witness to our motivation. Upon arrival, the day was filled with laughter and joy through team games such as jump rope, hide-and-seek, and sack races, creating an unforgettable celebration throughout.
With the first rays of sunlight illuminating the mountains, the team began serving hot chocolate and distributing gifts at Educational Institution 501083. Toy cars, balls, and other presents ignited hope in the hearts of every child. Seeing their faces filled with excitement was, without a doubt, the best way to begin a day built on the collective effort of the entire team. Little by little, the space filled with joy, colors, and the vibrant emotion of a Christmas that promised to be unforgettable.
Beyond the gifts, what we shared was the genuine spirit of Christmas: the joy of giving without expecting anything in return. Every smile, every look filled with wonder, and every laugh reminded us of the profound impact that a simple gesture can create. These were simple moments, yet profoundly meaningful, where joy could be felt in every corner.
Together, we wrote a new story in the hearts of hundreds of children, reinforcing the importance of continuing to support solidarity-driven initiatives both in Cusco and in more remote communities. These magical moments give true meaning to Christmas and reaffirm our commitment to the communities that are part of the beautiful environment in which we experience each of our adventures.
We invite you to visit our social support section to learn more about initiatives that improve the quality of life for families and children in Cusco through responsible tourism, promoting sustainable development, education, and well-being.
Gratitude to Those Who Made This Christmas Possible
We would like to sincerely thank our collaborators at Salkantay Trekking, whose dedication and commitment made this Christmas chocolatada possible. We also extend our gratitude to the participants of the Salkantay Cup for their support and solidarity, and to all the communities of Ocongate for allowing us to share such a special day with you.
None of this would be possible without teamwork and the shared willingness to contribute toward a common good.
Read our blog about the Salkantay cleanup campaign, where we highlight the importance of caring for trails and natural spaces to preserve the environment, protect biodiversity, and promote responsible tourism.
The True Magic of Christmas Is in Sharing
This day reminded us that Christmas lives in small gestures, mutual support, and our ability to come together to bring joy to those who need it most. Let us continue building bridges of love and solidarity, not only during the holidays, but throughout the entire year.
From everyone at Salkantay Trekking, we wish you a Merry Christmas filled with peace, hope, and shared moments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Christmas chocolatada?
It is a solidarity-based activity held during Christmas to share hot chocolate, food, and gifts—especially with children and communities—strengthening the spirit of unity and solidarity.
Why is it important to organize Christmas chocolatadas in high-Andean communities?
These initiatives are meaningful because they bring joy, support, and companionship to remote communities, fostering integration, cultural respect, and social responsibility. In Peru, where rural poverty remains high, actions such as Christmas chocolatadas provide direct social support that helps alleviate difficult conditions, promotes solidarity, and reinforces dignity, connecting responsible tourism with positive human impact.
How many children participated in the Christmas Chocolatada in Ocongate?
In this 2025 edition, more than two thousand five hundred children from different communities within the district of Ocongate took part in the celebration.
Does Salkantay Trekking carry out other social responsibility activities?
Yes. As part of our commitment to sustainability, we develop various initiatives focused on environmental care, community support, and improving quality of life in the communities along the routes where we operate in Cusco, including the Salkantay Trek. These include reforestation projects, cleanup campaigns, dental health initiatives, and educational, social, and environmental programs. We work hand in hand with local leaders and residents to ensure a positive long-term impact.
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