English 
Español 
Português 
The most important Cusco festivals are Inti Raymi, Corpus Christi, Holy Week, Carnival and the Santurantikuy Christmas fair. They blend Inca heritage with Catholic tradition, and the streets fill with music, dance and processions. June is the most festive month of the year, so plan ahead if you want to be here then.
What are the main Cusco festivals?
Cusco celebrates all year round, but some dates bring the whole city together. Some have a fixed day and others follow the religious calendar, so it is worth confirming them before you plan your trip. Here is a quick overview:
| Festival | When | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Carnival | February or March (date varies) | Dance troupes, music and water games |
| Holy Week | March or April (date varies) | Procession of the Lord of the Earthquakes |
| Corpus Christi | Between May and June (date varies) | Procession of saints and virgins, chiriuchu |
| Inti Raymi | June 24 | Reenactment of the Inca Festival of the Sun |
| Santurantikuy | Christmas Eve | Handicraft fair in the Plaza de Armas |
What is Inti Raymi?
Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, is an Inca celebration that marks the Andean winter solstice. Today it is a large reenactment that moves from Qoricancha to the Plaza de Armas and the esplanade of Sacsayhuamán, where an actor plays the Inca and pays tribute to the Sun with parades, music and ceremonies.
The main ceremony at Sacsayhuamán can be watched from paid grandstands or from the nearby hillsides. Either way, we recommend arriving early, as this is the festival that attracts the most visitors. To learn more about these sites before the festival, read our guide to Coricancha and Sacsayhuamán.
How is Corpus Christi celebrated in Cusco?
It is one of the most solemn religious festivals of the year. Statues of saints and virgins from different parishes are carried in procession to the Plaza de Armas, accompanied by bands, dancers and devotees, and stay in the Cathedral for several days before returning to their churches.
The celebration continues at the table: the traditional dish is chiriuchu, a cold platter that combines guinea pig, hen, rocoto pepper and other Andean ingredients.
What to see during Holy Week in Cusco
Holy Week in Cusco blends Christian tradition with Andean elements and is marked by solemn processions. The highlight is Holy Monday, when the Lord of the Earthquakes (Señor de los Temblores), patron of Cusco, is carried through the historic center while the faithful throw petals of ñucchu, a red Andean flower. This devotion dates back to the earthquake of 1650.
During these days you will also find traditional breads and sweets in the markets and on the streets.
What is Carnival in Cusco like?
It is the most cheerful date on the calendar: dance troupes in colorful costumes fill the streets, and locals play by throwing water and flowers at each other. In neighborhoods and communities people also celebrate the cortamonte or yunsa, a tree decorated with gifts that couples take turns cutting down while dancing around it. If you visit at this time, wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet.
What is Santurantikuy?
It is the most traditional Christmas fair in Cusco. On Christmas Eve, artisans from the city and other regions fill the Plaza de Armas with handicrafts, local products and nativity figures. Its name, a mix of Spanish and Quechua, means “buying saints”.
Other festivals worth knowing
Qoyllur Rit’i
This Andean and Catholic pilgrimage goes to the Sinakara sanctuary, at the foot of Ausangate mountain, shortly before Corpus Christi. Thousands of dancers and pilgrims climb to high altitude, so it requires good acclimatization and warm clothing. It is recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Our guide to Ausangate tells you more about this mountain and the pilgrimage.
Virgen del Carmen in Paucartambo
In July, the town of Paucartambo, a few hours from Cusco, honors the Virgen del Carmen with groups of masked dancers who portray characters from Andean history and daily life.
Tips for enjoying Cusco festivals
Our tip: June is high season, so if you want to experience Inti Raymi or Corpus Christi, book your hotel and excursions such as the Machu Picchu Full Day Tour well in advance.
- Arrive early at the squares and procession routes to get a good spot.
- Respect religious ceremonies and ask before photographing people.
- Watch your belongings in crowds and carry only what you need.
- Try the typical food of each festival: it is an essential part of the celebration.
Festivals are the best way to discover how the people of Cusco honor their history. To better understand what you will see in the streets, combine your visit with our Cusco City Tour, and if you would like help planning your itinerary around the festival dates, contact us.
