Cusco is the best destination in South America and Machu Picchu is one of the best destinations in the world. If you come to Machu Picchu in June; In addition to seeing the jewel of the Inca Empire, you can also enjoy the festivities of Cusco.
Cusco and Machu Picchu are spectacular destinations 365 days a year. However, there are unique dates that make the trip to the Capital of the Incas a magical experience: Carnivals, Holy Week, Corpus Christi, Inti Raymi, Christmas, and New Year, are just some of the most important festivities that celebrate the population Cusco. Know the tradition and joy that radiates the city 'Navel of the World' during those days.
Despite being high season, the trip to Machu Picchu during the festivities of Cusco is one of the best experiences you can have in life. Making your trip during the Cusco holidays offers you an incredible and unique experiential experience.
If you want to come to Machu Picchu and see the sun party in Cusco, the first thing you have to do is book the Machu Picchu tickets 2024 in advance; we recommend doing it three months before to find availability. If to your experience in Machu Picchu and the parties of Cusco you want to add the Inca Trail; 6 months before you must make your Inca Trail book 2024, it is the only way to get one of these tickets during the festivities of Cusco.
Carnival is a celebration that is celebrated in generally in February (or early March) throughout Cusco and Peru. The central days are Sundays in which the population plays with each other spraying water and talcum powder. Another tradition is to dance around the tree or 'yunza', adorned with different gifts that people collect when cutting and falling. The carnivals are characterized by the overflowing joy during which you can taste the delicious traditional dishes of the region.
Holy Week in Cusco has as central day Holy Monday (the day after Palm Sunday) date that leaves in procession the Patron Pattern of Cusco, the Lord of the Earthquakes. On Good Friday, as in Ayacucho, the meeting of the litter of the Christ in the Holy Sepulcher and the Sorrowful Virgin takes place. That day, unlike what happens in other places, is not abstinence in Cusco. The custom is to taste twelve different typical dishes that range from varied soups and stews, whether based on dried fish, wheat and olluco, to delicious desserts such as apple, corn or corn sweets. Getting to Machu Picchu in March and live the faith of Peruvians during Holy Week. See the processions of the saints in the main squares and taste the delicious sweets of the season.
One of the most fervent and ancient religious celebrations (more than 2 centuries) of the Cusco region is celebrated in the town of Ocongante (province of Quispicanchis). The pilgrimage of the Lord of Qoyllur Rit'i (Brilliant Snow) is a religious ritual that gathers thousands of inhabitants and visitors who travel several kilometers on foot towards the Sanctuary of Sinakara at 4600 m.s.n.m. and at the foot of the snowy Ausangate. During the pilgrimage the Christ of that town is worshiped with dances, music and artificial games. On average it takes 5 hours of walking and reaches temperatures of -4 ° C.
The Corpus Christi consists of the journey in procession of the fifteen principal saints and virgins in the city. It is part of the jubilee festivities of the city. The Corpus Christi festival begins one day before the central Thursday, where the fifteen images, always accompanied by parishioners with music bands, make their entrance to the Cathedral of Cusco. The central day, they travel the city of Cusco in procession. The party ends with the celebration where there is no lack of food, drinks and music. After seven days, each image returns to its church of origin. During this festival, traditional dishes of the region abound, especially the so-called 'Chiri Uchu'.
The Festival of the Sun (Inti Raymi) is the festivity that worships the sun, the Inca god, every June 24 during the beginning of the winter solstice. The sun was one of the greatest Inca deities. Currently, the Inti Raymi takes its main stage in the fortress of Sacsayhuamán. Other places where the Inca venerates the sun are the Plaza de Armas of Cusco and the Coricancha (Temple of the Sun).
June is the anniversary month of Cusco, and date of Inti Raymi 2024, the sacred festival of the sun. Held in the Inca esplanade of Sacsayhuamán, you will see an authentic Inca ceremony that includes rituals of chicha, fire and flame. Connect your Machu Picchu visit with the June 24 tour of the Inti Raymi.
Peru celebrates its independence on July 28 and 29. During these days the streets of each city are dressed in red and white to celebrate the pride of being Peruvian. In the course of the month of July and especially the week of Fiestas Patrias there are colorful parades, gastronomic fairs and diverse samples of popular art.
Visitors traveling in Independence day can admire all the energy of the Peruvians and join the celebration. Besides tasting the exquisite Peruvian cuisine, you can also share your experience with people from all over the world.
One of the traditional festivities in Cusco is All Saints' Day. In our culture, it is celebrated on November 1 and celebrated by those who still remain alive in this earthly world; while on November 2 is remembered the day of the deceased with pilgrimage to cemeteries with music and dance groups. All Saints Day in Cusco, the first of November, is celebrated with traditional wawa bread and horse bread, as well as visits to the cemetery.
Christmas is on the 25th of December The worldwide celebration of Christmas acquires a traditional nuance in Cusco. On December 24, homage is paid to the child Manuelito (Andean representation of the baby Jesus) with the Santurantikuy festival, the largest crafts fair in the region. In addition, the streets of the city are tinged with the Christmas atmosphere. The central day, on December 25, families gather around the table, tasting the typical cuisine of the region.
The new year in Cusco and Machu Picchu is a holiday with great joy and happiness. The party hours before the change of year, is similar to the celebration that takes place in the rest of the world. In Cusco, the gastronomy is tasted in family with characteristic stews where the piglet predominates. Among the characteristic features of the region is the anti-clockwise route around the Plaza de Armas. Tourists and locals celebrate with artificial games and spinning hand in hand in large groups in the square. At midnight, the Cusco nights are some of the most fervent and memorable in Peru.
Cusco is the best destination for adventure and culture tourism. The Sacred Valley lies in the most important tourist attraction of Cusco. From there you can start the walk to the Inca Trail, explore the Inca sites, or take the train to Machu Picchu: Below find the best trek and tours from Cusco and Sacred Valley.
If you need only to get the Machu Picchu tickets, we recommend you book in advance, there is a limit available every day. In case it is sold out, you can get the tickets in Aguas Calientes, but you should be a day before and wait in line for 2 or 4 hrs approx to get the ticket. If you need a Machu Picchu guided tour. Contact us!
