CUSCO TRAVEL GUIDE FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

Festivals and Events in Cusco: A Month-by-Month Travel Guide

Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire, isn’t just a gateway to Machu Picchu—it’s also the cultural heart of Peru. From colorful Andean festivals to world-famous parades, Cusco is alive with tradition all year long. Whether you’re into music, food, or ancient rituals, there’s always something happening.

Here’s a tourist-friendly, month-by-month guide to Cusco’s most important festivals and events, plus tips to enjoy them like a local.


January

January 1 – New Year in Cusco

Cusco welcomes the year with fireworks, music, and all-night parties.

Travel Tip: The best views are from the San Blas neighborhood or Sacsayhuamán hill, overlooking the fireworks in the main square.


Variable Dates – Cusco Summer Carnival

Communities celebrate with water fights, music, and dance.

Travel Tip: Wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet—water balloons are common!


February

Carnival (Dates vary)

Cusco’s Carnival is one of Peru’s liveliest, with parades, traditional dances, and feasts.

Travel Tip: Head to Plaza de Armas to watch dances and try puchero, a hearty Cusqueñan stew eaten during Carnival.


March / April

Holy Week (Semana Santa – Dates vary)

Cusco hosts solemn processions, especially the Lord of the Earthquakes (Señor de los Temblores), the city’s patron.

Travel Tip: Don’t miss the procession on Holy Monday. Try the 12 traditional dishes served on Good Friday.


May

Cruz Velacuy (Feast of the Crosses – May 3)

Crosses are decorated and paraded with music and fireworks.

Travel Tip: Best seen in villages around Cusco, like Chinchero, where the celebrations are more authentic.


June

Inti Raymi (June 24)

The biggest festival in Cusco! An Inca celebration of the sun, held at Sacsayhuamán fortress with dances, costumes, and rituals.

Travel Tip: Book tickets months in advance for the main ceremony. For a free experience, arrive early and find a spot on the surrounding hills.


Corpus Christi (June – Dates vary)

Fifteen saints and virgins are paraded through Cusco’s streets. It’s colorful and deeply traditional.

Travel Tip: Try chiriuchu, a special dish with guinea pig, corn, and sausage, only served during this festival.


July

July 28 & 29 – Fiestas Patrias (Independence Day)

Cusco joins the nationwide celebration with parades, concerts, and fireworks.

Travel Tip: Plaza de Armas is the center of activity—arrive early for the parades.


August

Pachamama Raymi (August 1)

An Andean ritual honoring Mother Earth with offerings of food, coca leaves, and chicha.

Travel Tip: Join a local tour to experience a traditional Pago a la Tierra (earth offering) ceremony.


September

Señor de Huanca Festival (September 14)

Thousands of pilgrims walk to the Sanctuary of Huanca, south of Cusco.

Travel Tip: If you love hiking, join the pilgrimage. Otherwise, you can take a bus or taxi to the sanctuary and watch the celebrations.


October

Cusco Music Festivals (Dates vary)

Several cultural festivals and concerts take place as the tourist season slows down.

Travel Tip: Check local event schedules—Cusco often hosts Andean music shows in the Teatro Municipal.


November

All Saints’ Day & Day of the Dead (November 1 & 2)

Families bring food and flowers to cemeteries. Special bread called t’anta wawa (shaped like babies) is sold everywhere.

Travel Tip: Visit the San Jerónimo cemetery to see families gather. Try lechón (roast pork), a traditional festival dish.


December

Christmas in Cusco (December 24)

The Santurantikuy Market fills the Plaza de Armas with artisans selling nativity figures and crafts.

Travel Tip: Visit in the evening when the market is packed with lights and music.


New Year’s Eve (December 31)

Cusco’s Plaza de Armas fills with people running around the square at midnight for good luck.

Travel Tip: Wear yellow clothes (especially underwear—it’s a tradition!) and join the midnight run around the plaza.


Final Travel Advice

June is the best month to visit Cusco if you want festivals (Inti Raymi & Corpus Christi).

Book accommodation early—Cusco fills up during big events.

Try festival foods like chiriuchu, lechón, and t’anta wawa—they’re only available during celebrations.

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