Cusco Festivals & Cultural Celebrations

Qoyllur Rit’i, Late May or Early June

Qoyllur Rit’i is an Andean festival that unites ancient Incan traditions with Catholic faith. Thousands of pilgrims trek to the sacred Sinakara Glacier outside of Cusco to celebrate under a sky full of stars. Here, vibrant dancing and traditional costumes create an atmosphere unlike any other. Experiencing Qoyllur Rit’i offers a rare glimpse into the living spirituality of the Andes, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who witnesses it.

Corpus Christi, May or June

While Corpus Christi is celebrated by Christians around the world, festivities in Cusco feature a breathtaking celebration that brings the city’s rich history and faith to life. During this festival, statues of saints are carried through the streets in vibrant processions, accompanied by traditional music and delicious local food like chiriuchu. It’s a powerful blend of Incan and Catholic traditions that unites communities in devotion and joy.

Lord of the Earthquakes, Holy Monday

The Lord of the Earthquakes, (known as Señor de los Temblores in Spanish and Taytacha Temblores in Quechua) is a revered statue of Christ located in Cusco Cathedral. This statue is carried through the city’s ancient streets on Holy Monday, symbolizing protection and resilience. As it passes, streets fall silent and thousands kneel in reverence in a display of collective devotion. The fusion of Inca and Catholic traditions is palpable in the ceremonial music, ritual hymns and emotional atmosphere.

Inti Raymi, 24 June

Inti Raymi is at the heart of the Incan culture: a kaleidoscopic celebration in honor of Inti, the sun god. Every June, the city is packed during the celebration of this festival that is also a magical display of pre-Columbian music and dance. It's an eruption of Inca folk dances, exuberant costumes, and grand pageants and parades, including a massive one that takes place at the stately Sacsayhuamán ruins overlooking the city.

Paucartambo Festival, 16 July

Thousands trek out to Paucartambo for this riveting fiesta, which takes place in mid-July. The peaceful colonial town of Paucartambo, once a mining colony, has cobblestone streets and a lovely Plaza de Armas with white structures and blue balconies – but it truly comes to life each July, when it is inundated by revelers donning wildly elaborate and frequently frightening masks. Festivities fuse local folklore with Christian tradition to pay homage to the Virgin Mary.

Santurantikuy Festival, 24 December

With a namesake meaning ‘sale of saints’, on this day Cusco celebrates one of the largest arts-and-crafts fairs in Peru. Hundreds of artisans lay out blankets in the Plaza de Armas and sell carved Nativity figures and saints' images, in addition to ceramics and retablos (altars) – the perfect place to find a last-minute Christmas gift.

Christmas, 25 December

Christmas in Cusco is a magical mix of Andean tradition and Catholic faith. Families gather for midnight Mass, then share hot chocolate and panetón. Streets fill with colorful lights and Andean carols, while many communities' stage “chocolatadas” – gatherings with free hot chocolate and gifts for children.