The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and the company GIRSU S.E., together with the municipalities of Tilcara and Tumbaya, announced on March 28 the launch of the “DesafÃo: Peregrino, Cuido y Reciclo” contest for 2026. The initiative is part of the traditional pilgrimage to Punta Corral and aims to encourage environmental awareness among participants.
The contest focuses on engaging sikuris bands who make the journey to the sanctuary of the Virgen de Copacabana de Punta Corral. Participants are required to collect recyclable waste such as plastic bottles, glass, cardboard, nylon, and aluminum. Each band must bring at least five large bags (90×60 cm) filled with recyclables to a designated meeting point.
Bands that participate will compete for new musical instruments provided by companies including Exar, Ejesa, Los Tulianes, Magna, and Ecoaxion. These companies have joined in supporting this challenge as part of their commitment to environmental care and circular economy practices.
Meeting points are set according to routes: bands descending through Tumbaya should deliver collected materials at the base of the hill on Sunday, March 29 from 16:00; those coming via Tilcara should meet at Calvario Municipal before “the seven turns” on Wednesday, April 1 from 13:00.
The contest seeks not only to reduce environmental impact during this major religious event but also aims to foster sustainable habits within local communities. In its previous edition in 2025, organizers reported collecting ten tons of dry recyclable waste with participation from sixteen sikuris bands.
GIRSU S.E. will also recognize individual pilgrims who help clean up trails or carry their own waste down to designated collection points.
