Each year, at the edge of the Andean plateau, the small town of Putre in Chile’s Arica y Parinacota region bursts into life for the Aymara New Year, or "Willkakuti." This celebration is more than a festival; it is a deep communion with the highland landscape, where the sun's return marks a new cycle of life. Arriving here just before dawn, the chill in the air sharpens your senses. The jagged peaks surrounding Putre watch quietly as the town prepares: colorful traditional garments flare against the rugged terrain, and ritual fires invite you into an ancient rhythm.

The journey to Putre is a test of endurance and spirit. Sitting at 3,500 meters (11,500 feet), the elevation demands respect. Travelers coming from sea level will feel the climb in their lungs as the landscape shifts from arid valleys to sparse tussocks grazing under vast blue skies. Roads leading to Putre wind tightly along cliffs and rivers that push forward with relentless energy, daring you to keep pace both physically and mentally.

During Willkakuti, the Aymara people gather at sacred sites nearby, like the QutaÑawi plateau. They perform ceremonies asking for a fruitful season, paying tribute to Pachamama (Mother Earth). Participating or even observing can be a powerful encounter, a meeting point where culture and environment are fiercely intertwined.

Practically, timing your visit is key. The event aligns close to the winter solstice—around June 21—when the sun appears to leap westward on the horizon, reversing its descent. Mornings are cold; layering is essential. The town itself offers basic accommodations suited for adventurers, but plan early as spaces fill quickly during the festival.

On the trails approaching ceremonial sites, rocky and sometimes uneven surfaces demand sturdy footwear and controlled pacing to respect the environment and your stamina. Hydration matters: the dry Andean air saps moisture faster than you expect. Early starts allow you to experience the sacred sunrise moment when the light spills fiercely over the peaks, the mountains themselves seeming to awaken alongside the sun.

Putre isn’t just a waypoint—it’s a place where the land speaks, and the culture answers. The Aymara New Year offers both a challenging outdoor experience and a profound introduction to highland traditions. In preparing for this trek and celebration, be ready to engage with a landscape and people that live fiercely, shaped by the harsh beauty of the Andes.