Cusco Festivities 2027: Most Important Dates of the Andean calendar

The spirit of Cusco, shaped by art and religion, has given rise to an emotional tradition that shows itself in a variety of forms, rhythms, and rituals. Year after year, more than 3,000 popular festivals, 1,500 musical styles, and countless arts and crafts confirm that Peru is home to one of the most diverse folklore legacies in the world.

In Cusco, hundreds of festivals are celebrated, most in honor of a patron saint and which are part of the Christian calendar adopted in the colonial era, although they have mixed with the beliefs of ancient forms of worship. The festivals of Cusco, such as Holy Week, Carnival, Corpus Christi and the festival of the Lord of the Earthquakes, have a special meaning for the people of Cusco, becoming a great folklore expression of their people.

Below, you will find the calendar with the most important festivals of Cusco for 2027, with the exact dates of each celebration so you can plan your trip without missing anything.

Table of contents

1. Inti Raymi Festival
2. Cusco Carnivals
3. Holy Week / Lord of the Earthquakes
4. Lord of Qoyllur Rit'i
5. Corpus Christi
6. Virgin of Carmen (Paucartambo)

1. Inti Raymi Festival

Thursday, June 24, 2027: Inti Raymi

It is one of the most important festivals in Cusco, the highest expression of Cusco folklore, which is celebrated is the Inti Raymi (June 24). The Festival of the Sun in Cusco takes place at the Ceremonial Center of Saqsayhuaman, and during this celebration, parades and historical plays are done that recall the ancient Inca rituals. Also, the people taking part dress in traditional clothes and perform ceremonies to honor the sun.

The setting expresses the relationship between man and nature, with the Sun, the celestial bodies, and the Moon, which were among the highest gods of the Incas. Also, they take the winter solstice that marks the start of the new solar cycle, corresponding to a new year in the calendar. According to the records, the first ray of the Sun was caught with a gold disk to light a Sacred Fire that would be shared in torches throughout the Empire.

Today, the party in Cusco starts at the Qoricancha, continues in the Main Square, and finally reaches the Main Square of Saqsayhuaman, along a path that winds through the mountain. The stage is organized by the Municipality of Cusco, which has special spots and seats that are sold ahead of time through travel agencies.

Traditional celebration of the sun

The traditional celebration of the sun, part of the Inti Raymi Festival in Cusco, is an ancient ceremony that pays tribute to the sun god. During this holiday, rituals and ceremonies are done where the sun is asked to keep shining brightly and to provide a good harvest. The participants wear traditional clothes, make offerings and say prayers in Quechua.

Parades and historical performances

The parades and historical performances are a key part of the Inti Raymi Festival. During these parades, the participants recreate historical scenes related to the Inca culture and the empire that once ruled the Andean region. Also, you can see characters dressed in period clothes and theater plays that show important moments of Inca history. In this way, it is seen that each performance has a deep meaning and is not only an event to entertain the public, but it also teaches about the important past of the Inca civilization and the rich cultural heritage that still lives on in the Cusco region.

Practical tips for the Inti Raymi 2027

Schedule and length of the event

• Qoricancha — starts around 9:00 a.m.; general entrance is free, although there are also tickets for preferred seats.
• Main Square — second performance, mid-morning.
• Sacsayhuaman (the main show) — starts at about 2:00 p.m. and lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes, with more than 500 actors on stage.

Ticket prices (stands in Sacsayhuaman)

There are three numbered stands, each with a different view and price:

• Orange Stand (best view, north zone) — the most requested.
• Red Stand (front location).
• Green Stand (east zone, cheapest option; usually includes discounts for Peruvian citizens).

The exact prices change every season, so we recommend checking availability and updated rates before traveling. The capacity is limited (around 3,500 viewers), so booking 1 to 2 months in advance is key so you do not run out of space.

Recommendations for the day of the event

• Arrive at Sacsayhuaman at least 1 hour early: access and finding the stands take time, and the best places fill up fast.
• Cusco is at 3,400 m.a.s.l.; the June sun is strong while the temperature is cold, so bring sunscreen, a hat, water, and a warm jacket for the afternoon.
• If you also plan to visit Machu Picchu that same week, book your ticket 3 to 4 months in advance, since June is high season and the number of visitors shoots up.
• The ground in Sacsayhuaman is uneven and there is an uphill walk; wear comfortable shoes.

2. Cusco Carnival

Cusco Carnival Calendar 2027

The Cusco Carnivals are a celebration full of joy and color that takes place at the beginning of the year and lasts for a whole week. The party starts with visits between close friends (the Day of the Compadres and the Day of the Comadres), where they meet to share a meal and enjoy the traditional music and dances of the region.

In the days before Carnival Sunday, the communities go down to the city center in colorful groups that liven up the city streets. On the main weekend, water and foam games, traditional dance contests and popular parties that fill the Main Square of Cusco stand out.

Day of the Compadres and Day of the Comadres

The Day of the Compadres and the Day of the Comadres is a celebration before the Cusco Carnivals. On this day, compadres and comadres gather to share a meal and celebrate their friendship. It is a special time to strengthen emotional ties and reaffirm the bonds of friendship and godparenting. During this holiday, typical dishes like chiriuchu are shared and the traditional music and dances of the region are enjoyed.

Water and foam games

The Water and Foam Games are a fun and traditional custom of the Cusco Carnivals. During this celebration, the streets are filled with joy and friendship, where people of all ages take part by throwing water and foam as a sign of fun. Also, the festive mood is felt when all the participants throw water balloons, foam and buckets of water. This celebration makes everyone have fun by soaking friends and strangers alike.

Traditional Carnival food

Food is a key part of the Cusco Carnivals, with seasonal dishes that change depending on the province:

• Puchero: A rich meat broth (beef, lamb, and sometimes hen), chickpeas, cabbage, potatoes, sweet potatoes, cassava, and other vegetables of the season. It is considered the main dish of the Carnival in Cusco and is usually saved exactly for Carnival Sunday.
• Kapchi: A creamy stew made of fava beans or mushrooms with fresh cheese, milk, and huacatay (an Andean aromatic herb), typical of the high Andean communities near the city.
• Baked lamb: Made with local herbs and spices, it is especially popular in the Sacred Valley (Pisac, Calca, Urubamba, and nearby areas), where it goes with the family celebrations of the week.

These dishes are shared with family or between communities as part of the spirit of giving back ("mutual help") that is typical of the Andean Carnival, and they are usually enjoyed with chicha de jora, the traditional fermented corn drink of the region.

3. Easter (Holy Week)

Holy Week Calendar in Cusco 2027

This is a holiday that shows deep religious passion, celebrated from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, passing through Holy Monday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. During this week, many religious parades also take place in the main churches of the city. Thousands of believers take part by carrying religious statues and walking through the streets of Cusco in an atmosphere of passion and devotion. Also, the Passion of Christ is acted out, where local actors recreate the most important moments of his life and death.

Religious parades

During Holy Week in Cusco, many religious parades take place that are part of the city's traditions. These parades, organized by the different religious brotherhoods, go through the main streets of the historic center. The people taking part, dressed in typical clothes, carry religious statues while live music goes along with the walk. They are all moments of great devotion and seriousness, where the believers show their faith towards each saint throughout the holiday.

Tradition in this Holiday: The 12 traditional dishes

One of the most unique food elements of Holy Week in Cusco is the tasting of the 12 traditional dishes, which stand for the twelve apostles. Since red meat is not eaten during this week in the whole region, the table is made up mostly of:

• Dishes based on fish and seafood: Especially on Holy Monday, when a food fair is held in the Main Square next to the parade of the Lord of the Earthquakes.
• Meals made with seasonal fruits: Desserts and sweets made with products from the Andean harvest in March.
• Stews and thick soups without red meat: Local versions that replace the traditional animal protein with fish, eggs, or beans.

The tradition of the 12 dishes strengthens the religious nature of the week: each dish stands for one of the apostles gathered at the Last Supper, and avoiding red meat is a practice of reflection that is kept in the whole Cusco region during these days.

About the parade of the Lord of the Earthquakes (Holy Monday)

The main parade of the Cusco Holy Week is the one for the Lord of the Earthquakes ("Taytacha of the Earthquakes"), a crucified Christ with dark features who is worshipped in the Cusco Cathedral and goes out in a parade every Holy Monday.

His devotion comes from the great earthquake that shook the city on March 31, 1650: according to tradition, when the believers took the statue (until then called "Christ of the Good Death") out to the streets, the shaking stopped. Since then he is known as the Lord of the Earthquakes and was named Sworn Patron of the city. The parade was originally celebrated every March 31, but since 1741 it was moved to Holy Monday, marking the official start of Holy Week in Cusco.

On the day of the parade, thousands of red petals of the ñucchu flower (an Andean plant that was given as an offering to Wiracocha in the past) are thrown from colonial balconies decorated with gold rugs along the route, which leaves from the Cathedral and visits the Santa Teresa Church and the La Merced Church. The mix of Catholic and Andean symbols turns this parade into one of the most representative expressions of religious blending in Cusco.

4. Corpus Christi, in the City of Cusco

Thursday, May 27, 2027: Corpus Christi Festival

The Corpus Christi festival in Cusco is a very important religious celebration that takes place every year, usually in May or June, according to the religious calendar. During this holiday, the Procession of the 15 Saints is held, where the most respected religious figures of the city go out in a procession. This procession goes through the main streets of Cusco, allowing the believers to show their devotion and take part in this act of faith. Besides the procession, there are also different traditional dances and music that are part of the festivities.

On the other hand, there is the Procession of the images (statues) of 15 highly respected patron saints in the city; where musical and folkloric groups take part in the procession, and the typical dish of this holiday is Chiriuchu (baked guinea pig with sun-salted chicken, cheese, seaweed, sausage, fish roe, and corn tortilla).

Procession of the Saints

The Procession of the Saints is an outstanding tradition that is part of the Corpus Christi holiday in Cusco. During this procession, the most respected saints of the city go out in a procession, a moment of great devotion and faith, where believers gather to join the images on their route through the main streets of Cusco. Also, each saint has its own history and meaning for the community, which is why this religious act is of great importance for the people of Cusco.

Traditional dances and music

Traditional dances and music are a key part of the Corpus Christi festivities in Cusco, since during this celebration various artistic shows take place that reflect the cultural and folkloric identity of the region. Thus, you can see typical and representative dances. These dances are performed by groups of dancers with colorful traditional clothes, joined by musicians who play melodies with native instruments.

Food fairs

Food fairs are one of the most outstanding events of these festivities in the city of Cusco, since during this date various fairs take place where you can enjoy the rich food of Cusco, offering the chance to taste typical dishes such as fried guinea pig, stuffed spicy pepper, earth-baked food, and chiriuchu, among others.

Practical fact: schedule and location

The solemn mass led by the Archbishop of Cusco is usually held between 9:30 and 10:30 in the morning at the Cathedral, and the procession of the 15 images around the Main Square starts right after, lasting for a good part of the day.

One week after the main day, the Octave is celebrated (this year, Friday, June 3, 2027), when the saints go in procession through the square again before returning to their home parishes; it is a calmer and less crowded version of the holiday, ideal if you prefer to avoid the crowds of the main day.

5. Festivity of the Lord of Qoyllur Rit'i

From Tuesday, May 18 to Wednesday, May 26, 2027
(main day: Sunday, May 23, Holy Trinity Sunday)

The Qoyllority Pilgrimage, one of the most important festivals in Cusco, is celebrated at the top of the snowy Sinaqara mountain, in the Ocongate District, Quispicanchis Province, Cusco. The route is done in a massive parade, with dances, Ukukus music bands, fireworks, and the symbolic market —alasitas— (a craft fair of miniatures that represent the goods that the participants want and that are asked of the Apu).

This holiday joins two traditions: the Andean and the Catholic, since the Andean people celebrate the double painted appearance of the image of Christ on a huge rock, at 4,750 meters above sea level. On the nearby snowy peaks, the natives practice ancient rituals, such as the worship of the Apu Ausangate, the protector spirit of the Cusco mountain. This pilgrimage is the only example left in the region of the Andean resistance and the Inca ideology (Inca myth and prophecy). From there, another pilgrimage leaves towards Tayancani, with the participation of the Nations, near Sinaqara.

Pilgrimage to the snowy peak of Sinaqara

The pilgrimage to the snowy peak of Sinaqara is the main point of the Lord of Qoyllur Rit'i Festival. During this pilgrimage, thousands of people walk a long and difficult path to reach the top where the image of the Lord of Qoyllur Rit'i is found. Also, this walk is an act of faith and sacrifice, where the pilgrims face the cold, the altitude, and the harshness of the ground. However, upon reaching the top, the wide view and the joy of having finished the trip more than make up for the effort.

Dances and music in honor of the Lord of Qoyllur Rit'i

The dances and music in honor of the Lord of Qoyllur Rit'i are a key part of the festival. During these days, many traditional dances are organized in which the participants wear colorful clothes and do coordinated movements to the beat of the music. These dances also represent different cultural and religious aspects of the community. In addition, groups of musicians play traditional instruments to accompany the dances and create a party mood.

Rituals of gratitude and requests for wishes

The rituals of gratitude and the requests for wishes are an essential part of the Lord of Qoyllur Rit'i Festival. Therefore, after the pilgrimage and the dances, the believers gather around the sacred image of the Lord of Qoyllur Rit'i to express their gratitude and make their requests. Ancient rituals are done in which food, flowers, and other offerings are given, candles are lit, and prayers are said.

Tips for visitors

Qoyllur Rit'i is not a normal tour: it is a high mountain pilgrimage that demands real physical preparation, and it is good to be clear about this before joining.

• Extreme altitude: the Sinakara sanctuary is located between 4,600 and 4,800 m.a.s.l., one of the highest religious events in the world. Altitude sickness can affect even travelers with past mountain experience.
• The walk: the usual access is from Mahuayani (3,800 m), with a climb of about 8 km that takes between 3 and 5 hours depending on the pace and acclimatization. There is no vehicle access to the sanctuary.
• Previous acclimatization: it is recommended to spend at least 2 nights in Cusco (3,400 m) before going up, to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
• Weather: during the day there is strong sun with cold wind; at night the temperature drops below zero (down to -5 °C). Bring technical clothes in layers, a hat, gloves, and, if you are going to spend the night, a sleeping bag suitable for temperatures below zero.
• Health and insurance: bring medicine for altitude sickness and travel insurance that covers emergencies in high mountain areas; medical care on site is limited.
• Cultural respect: ask for permission before taking photos of the pilgrims or the "nations", and avoid crossing the parades or invading the dance areas.
• How to participate? Given the logistics (transport, acclimatization, tents, and local guides), the most recommended is to do it with an agency with experience in the area, like in this Ausangate and Qoyllur Rit'i tour, which organizes the transport from Cusco, the accompaniment during the walk, and the equipment needed to spend the night at altitude.

6. Virgin of Carmen (Paucartambo)

From Thursday, July 15 to Sunday, July 18, 2027 (Main day: Friday, July 16)

The Festival of the Virgin of Carmen, affectionately known as the "Mamacha Carmen", is one of the most impressive and least known celebrations by mass tourism in the Cusco calendar. It is celebrated in Paucartambo, a colorful colonial town about 110 km from the city of Cusco, and brings together more than a dozen groups of dancers who take the streets with hand-embroidered clothes, masks, and dances full of satire, drama, and devotion.

Unlike other Cusco holidays with more serious roots, here the sacred and the theatrical mix without shame: demons that dance on the roofs, jungle warriors, highland merchants, and even the dead of the town have their own moment during the party.

History and procession of the Virgin

The devotion to the Virgin of Carmen in Paucartambo goes back to local merchants who organized the first processions and built an altar in her honor; over time, the image was crowned by Pope John Paul II in Sacsayhuaman in 1985, a milestone that made Paucartambo one of the most important religious destinations in the country.

The holiday opens on July 15 with "The Zero", the great entrance of the dancing groups to the square, followed by fireworks at night. The main day, July 16, starts at 5 a.m. with the Dawn Mass; around 10 a.m. the solemn mass is held, accompanied by the songs of the Qhapaq Qolla and the Qhapaq Negro (the only groups that sing hymns dedicated to the Virgin). In the afternoon, around 3 p.m., the Mamacha Carmen goes out in procession through the stone streets of the town while flower petals rain down from the colonial balconies.

Typical dances: Qhapaq Qolla, Qhapaq Ch'unchu and the Saqras

Paucartambo brings together around nineteen devoted dances, organized in brotherhoods with their own roles and leadership. Among the most representative:

• Qhapaq Qolla — represents the ancient highland merchants, with sad songs and a deep devotion to the Virgin; it is considered the main dance of worship of the holiday.
• Qhapaq Ch'unchu — embodies the native jungle warriors, traditionally seen as the official guards and protectors of the Mamacha.
• Saqra — the most unique group: devils with animal masks and colorful clothes that climb the roofs and balconies during the procession, twisting and covering their faces because, according to tradition, they cannot look directly at the Virgin.
• Maqt'as — funny characters that cheer up the crowd with humor and improvised dialogues during the whole route.

July 17 is the so-called "Guerrilla day": after a second procession, a theatrical fight is staged in the main square between the Qhapaq Qolla ("qollas", from the Qollasuyo) and the Qhapaq Ch'unchu ("antis", from the Antisuyo), with the Saqras stepping in between both sides. At night, the dancers offer a farewell serenade to the Virgin in the church, and the cycle closes on July 18 with the "Watanakuy": the blessing of the children and a farewell full of nostalgia, in which the dancers promise to return alive the next year.

Food and the Tres Cruces viewpoint

Like in the rest of the Cusco holiday calendar, food takes a central place: during these days the "eleven" (a traditional feast between founders, dancers, and musicians) is shared along with regional dishes like the chiriuchu and trout-based preparations, typical of the Paucartambo area due to its closeness to the high valleys. If you travel there, it is worth taking advantage of the closeness (about 45 more minutes) to the Tres Cruces viewpoint, a natural observatory in the town of Challabamba from where, on clear mornings in June and July, you can see the optical phenomenon known as "white ray" or "three suns" at dawn over the Cusco jungle.

Cusco festivals in June: A month of traditions

June is, without a doubt, the most important month in the city of Cusco. Known as the Jubilee Month of Cusco, this season brings together a series of cultural, religious and civic festivals that fill every corner of the ancient capital of the Tahuantinsuyo with life. From offerings to Mother Earth to the amazing Inti Raymi, Cusco proudly celebrates its Andean legacy. These are the main celebrations of the month in 2027:

Note on moving dates: The Lord of Qoyllur Rit'i and Corpus Christi depend on the church calendar (they change according to the date of Easter) and do not always fall in June. In 2027 both festivals are celebrated in May, check Lord of Qoyllur Rit'i and Corpus Christi above for their exact dates this year.

From June 1 to 8: rituals and heritage

• Offering to the Pachamama (June 1): The jubilee month starts with an act of deep respect to Mother Earth, in an ancient ceremony that combines Andean ritual and spiritual gratitude. Symbolic offerings are made with coca leaves, chicha and traditional foods, asking for prosperity for the festival month.
• Renewal of the Q'eswachaka Bridge (June 8): This amazing tradition brings together communities from the south of Cusco to renew by hand the Q'eswachaka hanging bridge, made of plant fiber (ichu). Recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, it shows the continuation of Inca technologies and community work.

From June 9 to 17: Educational and civic parades

• Parade of Institutes and Universities (June 9 to 13): The higher education centers of Cusco join the celebrations with creative performances of dances, Andean symbols, and messages of regional identity.
• Dog Parade (June 14): A unique and happy celebration where the dogs of Cusco parade wearing traditional clothes or creative costumes. It attracts both families and tourists, and promotes the responsible care of pets.
• Parade of Floats (June 15): Public and private institutions show floats, folk dances, and theater plays that tell stories of the Inca past and local traditions.
• Parade of Kindergarten and Primary Schools (June 16 and 17): The youngest children of Cusco take the Main Square with traditional clothes, regional dances, and great excitement.

From June 20 to 24: the countdown to Inti Raymi

• Parade of High Schools (June 20): Teenagers from different schools continue the tribute to Cusco with dances, costumes, and messages about their vision of cultural identity.
• Lights and Sound (June 21): The night of the solstice is lit up with a fireworks, lights, and concert show in the Main Square, mixing technology, art, and music to honor the festive spirit of Cusco.
• Greeting to the 13 Provinces (June 22): Representatives of all the provinces of the Cusco department arrive at the historic center to pay tribute to the city with typical dances, native music, and traditional clothes of each area.
• Civic Parade (June 23): A patriotic day where public institutions, authorities, social organizations, and military staff take part, highlighting the civic commitment to the development and history of Cusco.
• Inti Raymi – Festival of the Sun (June 24): The most awaited celebration of the month. Find the full schedule, ticket prices, and practical tips in the section dedicated to the Inti Raymi above.

End of the jubilee month

Eight days after its celebration in May, the Octave of Corpus Christi symbolically marks the end of the Cusco festive cycle, when the images return to their temples in a final parade that confirms the union between Andean and Christian traditions.

With more than twenty different activities gathered in a single month (from ancient ceremonies and school parades to the climax of the Inti Raymi), June stands out as the ideal month to visit Cusco: it is the only time of the year when the whole city, from its schools to its 13 provinces, takes to the streets to celebrate its identity all at the same time. If you can only choose one month to travel to Cusco in 2027, this is, without a doubt, the most complete one.

As you can see, June turns Cusco into a living stage where faith, history, and Andean identity intertwine day after day. Whether you choose to watch the impressive Inti Raymi, the devotion of Corpus Christi, or any of the festivals that beat throughout the year, each celebration is a unique chance to get to know the deepest soul of the Cusco culture.

Frequently asked questions about the festivals in Cusco

• What is the biggest festival in Cusco?
  Inti Raymi, celebrated every June 24, is the most important and crowded festival in Cusco. It gathers hundreds of actors in a performance that recreates the ancient Inca ritual honoring the Sun god, and it takes place on three main stages: the Qoricancha, the Main Square, and the Sacsayhuaman square.
  
  
• Do I need to buy tickets for Inti Raymi?
  Yes. Access to the preferred zones in Sacsayhuaman requires a ticket, and the best seats usually sell out weeks in advance. It is recommended to book through an authorized travel agency to secure a good spot and avoid problems on the day of the event.
  
  
• When is the Lord of Qoyllur Rit'i festival in 2027?
  The pilgrimage to the Lord of Qoyllur Rit'i is traditionally celebrated between late May and early June, depending on the Catholic calendar, since the date is set in relation to Corpus Christi. It is recommended to confirm the exact date every year, given that it changes according to the religious calendar.
  
  
• What are the best dates to visit Cusco for its festivals?
  June is considered the most intense month for traditions, as it brings together Corpus Christi, the pilgrimage to Qoyllur Rit'i, and Inti Raymi. However, those who prefer a more private experience can consider Holy Week (March or April) or the Carnivals (February), which are equally typical of the Cusco culture.
  
  
• What should I keep in mind if I travel to Cusco during these festivals?
  During the main festivals, especially Inti Raymi and Corpus Christi, the city receives a large number of visitors. It is recommended to book lodging, tours, and tickets in advance, as well as keeping in mind the effects of the altitude, since Cusco is at 3,399 m.a.s.l.

Amazing Tours in Cusco

Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views. 

• Salkantay Trek
• 5 Day Inca Trail
• Inca Quarry Trail
• 2 Day Inca Trail Tour
• 2 Day Inca Trail with Camping
• 3 Day Inca Trail
• Vilcabamba Hike to Machu Picchu 6 days
• Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu 9 days
• Ausangate trek 7 days

If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.

When is the best time to hike to Machu Picchu?

The best season is during the dry season, which covers the months April to the end of September. In October the rains begin and you can find Machu Picchu covered by clouds. If you travel in June, we recommend you to book the Inti Raymi 2027 Tour that takes place in June 24th, and also hike the Palcoyo Mountain Tour, which is an incredible Rainbow Mountain located in the Andes.