Best Andes Travel

Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun)
2025-06-24 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Lima)
Location: Cusco (Sacsayhuamán fortress)

Highlights:

The most important Inca festival, honoring the sun god Inti

Spectacular reenactment of ancient Inca rituals with 500+ participants in traditional costumes

Includes offerings to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and ceremonial coca leaf readings

Fiesta de San Juan (St. John's Festival)
2025-06-23 08:00 - 2025-06-25 17:00
Location: Amazon regions (especially Iquitos, Pucallpa, Tarapoto)

Highlights:

Celebrates the Amazonian winter solstice with water purification rituals

Traditional dances like the pandilla and humisha (tree cutting ceremony)

Feast of juanes (seasoned rice wrapped in bijao leaves)

Corpus Christi
2025-06-19 08:00 - 17:00
Location: Cusco

Highlights:

15 saints and virgins paraded from churches to Cusco Cathedral

Traditional dishes like chiriuchu (cold spicy platter)

Q’apaq Negro dance performances

Qoyllur Rit’i Pilgrimage (Precursor to Corpus Christi)
2025-06-15 08:00 - 2025-06-18 17:00
Location: Sinakara Valley (Cusco), near Ocongate

Highlights:

One of Peru’s most sacred Andean festivals, blending Inca sun worship (Inti) with Catholicism.

Thousands hike to 4,800m to honor the Señor de Qoyllur Rit’i (Christ appearing as a mountain spirit).

Dancers in colorful masks (ukukus) perform rituals to bless crops.

Q'eswachaka Bridge Festival
2025-06-08 08:00 - 2025-06-14 17:00
Location: Canas Province, Cusco

Highlights:

Annual rebuilding of the last Inca grass bridge using traditional techniques

Community participation with offerings to Apus (mountain spirits)

UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event

Fiesta de las Cruces (Festival of the Crosses)
2025-05-03 08:00 - 17:00
Locations: Nationwide (most famous in Cusco, Lima, and Huánuco)

Highlights:

Celebrates the Christian cross blended with Inca earth worship (Pachamama).

Cusco: Neighborhoods compete with ornate crosses adorned with flowers and mirrors.

Huánuco: Danza de los Negritos (dance honoring Afro-Peruvian heritage).

Virgen de Chapi Pilgrimage
2025-05-01 08:00 - 2025-05-02 17:00
Location: Arequipa (desert shrine, 45km from the city)

Highlights:

Over 100,000 devotees walk barefoot through the desert to honor the Virgin.

Fireworks, traditional picantería food, and yaraví music (Andean lament songs).

National Pisco Day (Día Nacional del Pisco Sour)
2025-04-22 08:00 - 17:00
Location: Nationwide (best in Lima, Ica)

Highlights:

Celebrates Peru’s iconic cocktail with tastings, bar competitions, and live criollo music.

Semana Santa (Holy Week)
2025-04-12 08:00 - 2025-04-19 17:00
Semana Santa (Holy Week)

Cusco: Elaborate processions with ornate statues of Christ and the Virgin Mary, accompanied by incense, flowers, and Andean hymns. The Señor de los Temblores (Lord of the Earthquakes) procession on Easter Monday is iconic.

The Virgin Carmen (Mamacha Carmen)
2023-07-15 08:00 - 2023-07-18 17:00
The festivity of the Virgin Carmen in Paucartambo is a vibrant and deeply rooted celebration held in the town of Paucartambo, located in the Cusco region of Peru. The festival, which blends indigenous Andean traditions with Catholicism, takes place annually in July and is dedicated to the Virgin Carmen, the patron saint of Paucartambo.

The festivity of the Virgin Carmen in Paucartambo is renowned for its colorful processions, traditional dances, and lively music. It attracts both locals and visitors who come to experience the unique cultural heritage and spiritual significance of the event.

The festival begins with a series of religious ceremonies and Masses held in honor of the Virgin Carmen. The main highlight is the procession of the Virgin’s image through the streets of Paucartambo. The statue, adorned with intricate garments and jewelry, is carried on a beautifully decorated float, accompanied by devotees singing hymns and offering prayers.

One of the most iconic aspects of the festival is the participation of various dance groups known as “comparsas.” These groups, consisting of men, women, and children, perform traditional dances that reflect the region’s history and folklore. The dancers wear elaborate costumes and masks, often depicting mythical creatures, animals, or historical characters.

One of the notable dances during the Virgin Carmen festivity is the “Qhapaq Qolla” dance. This dance portrays the historical rivalry between the Inca Empire and the Qhapaq Qolla people, representing the triumph of the Inca over their adversaries. The dancers showcase impressive footwork, rhythmic movements, and elaborate choreography.

Another celebrated dance is the “Saqra” dance, where participants don colorful masks and costumes resembling demons or devils. This dance symbolizes the eternal battle between good and evil and serves as a reminder of the importance of spirituality and faith.

Throughout the festivity, the streets of Paucartambo come alive with vibrant decorations, music, and fireworks. The air is filled with the sounds of brass bands, drums, and flutes, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The festivity of the Virgin Carmen in Paucartambo not only celebrates the religious devotion to the Virgin but also serves as a cultural expression and a community gathering. It provides an opportunity for the people of Paucartambo to strengthen their bonds, showcase their traditions, and pass on their ancestral heritage to future generations.

In summary, the festivity of the Virgin Carmen in Paucartambo is a captivating and lively celebration that blends religious fervor, traditional dances, and cultural expressions. It is a time of joy, spirituality, and unity, where the community pays homage to their patron saint and celebrates their rich cultural identity.

Inti Raymi in Cuzco
2023-06-24 08:00 - 17:00
Inti Raymi is an ancient Inca festival that is celebrated in Cusco, Peru, as a homage to the Sun God, Inti. It is a grand spectacle that reenacts the Inca Empire’s most significant ceremony, which was originally held at the time of the winter solstice. Inti Raymi, meaning “Festival of the Sun” in Quechua, is a vibrant and captivating event that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region.

The festival takes place annually on June 24th, attracting both local and international visitors who gather in Cusco to witness this grand celebration. The main ceremony is held at the historic archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman, located just outside the city.

The Inti Raymi festival features a series of rituals, dances, and theatrical performances that depict various aspects of Inca society and religion. The central figure of the festival is the Sapa Inca, the ruler of the Inca Empire, who is portrayed by an actor chosen for the role. He is dressed in luxurious traditional Inca garments and carries out ceremonial duties throughout the event.

The main ceremony begins with a procession led by the Sapa Inca and accompanied by nobles, priests, and attendants. They make their way to the ceremonial platform, where offerings and sacrifices are made to Inti, the Sun God. The Sapa Inca delivers prayers and speeches, expressing gratitude for the sun’s warmth and life-giving energy.

Colorful dances and performances by various groups representing different communities and social classes are a prominent feature of Inti Raymi. These dances, accompanied by traditional music and instruments, evoke the spirits of nature, fertility, and ancestral deities. The performers wear vibrant costumes adorned with feathers, sequins, and intricate designs, adding to the visual splendor of the celebration.

The climax of the festival occurs when the Sapa Inca offers a symbolic sacrifice to Inti, representing the reciprocity between humans and the natural world. This moment is marked by the lighting of a sacred fire, symbolizing the renewal of life and the beginning of a new agricultural cycle.

Inti Raymi is not only a religious ceremony but also a celebration of Andean culture and heritage. It provides an opportunity for the local population to connect with their Inca ancestry and preserve their traditions. The festival attracts thousands of spectators who come to witness this impressive display of history, spirituality, and artistic expressions.

In summary, Inti Raymi is a captivating and culturally significant festival in Cusco that honors the Sun God and celebrates the Inca civilization. It is a time of reverence, gratitude, and joy, where ancient rituals and vibrant performances come together to create a truly unforgettable experience.

Corpus Christi in Cuzco
2023-06-08 08:00 - 17:00
Corpus Christi is a vibrant religious festival celebrated in Cusco, Peru, which showcases the fusion of Catholicism and indigenous Andean traditions. It takes place annually, typically in May or June, and is one of the most significant religious events in the region.

The festival revolves around the Eucharist, the Christian sacrament commemorating the Last Supper of Jesus Christ. It begins with a solemn Mass at the Cusco Cathedral, located in the historic Plaza de Armas. The cathedral’s main altar is adorned with exquisite silverwork and religious artifacts, creating a magnificent backdrop for the occasion.

Following the Mass, a grand procession commences, with participants from different parishes and religious brotherhoods showcasing their devotion and faith. The streets of Cusco come alive with vibrant colors and music as the procession winds its way through the city.

The highlight of the Corpus Christi festival is the presence of the revered statue of Christ, known as the Lord of the Earthquakes or Señor de los Temblores. This statue, believed to have miraculous powers to protect against earthquakes, is paraded through the streets on a richly decorated platform. The procession is accompanied by traditional music, including the melodies of flutes, drums, and brass instruments.

One of the distinctive features of the Corpus Christi celebration in Cusco is the participation of various indigenous groups in their traditional attire. People from different Andean communities gather to honor the festival, showcasing their colorful garments, elaborate headdresses, and intricate textiles. This inclusion of indigenous traditions reflects the syncretism between Catholicism and ancestral Andean beliefs.

Throughout the festival, the streets are adorned with intricate carpets made from flower petals, colored sawdust, and other natural materials. These ornate carpets, known as “alfombras,” depict religious motifs, traditional symbols, and vibrant designs. They serve as a path for the procession, adding to the visual splendor of the event.

Corpus Christi in Cusco is not only a religious celebration but also a significant cultural and social event. It draws both local and international visitors who come to witness the impressive displays of faith, admire the artistic expressions, and immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Overall, Corpus Christi in Cusco is a captivating display of religious devotion, indigenous traditions, and artistic expressions, creating a unique and memorable experience for all those who participate or attend.

Q'oyllur Ritti in Ocongate
2023-05-30 08:00 - 2023-06-08 17:00
The Qoyllur Ritti pilgrimage is an annual religious festival that takes place in the region of Ocongate, located in the Cusco region of Peru. The festival combines elements of indigenous Andean traditions with Catholicism and attracts thousands of participants from various parts of Peru and other countries.

The festival is held in honor of the Christian image of the Lord of Qoyllur Ritti, also known as the Lord of the Snow Star. According to local beliefs, the image of Christ miraculously appeared on a rock in the 18th century. The festival incorporates indigenous rituals and practices that predate the arrival of Christianity in the region.

The pilgrimage begins in the city of Cusco, where devotees gather before embarking on a journey to the sanctuary of Qoyllur Ritti, located high in the Andes Mountains. The pilgrimage typically takes place in May or June and lasts for several days.

During the pilgrimage, participants hike through challenging mountainous terrain, enduring harsh weather conditions and extreme altitudes. Many carry large crosses and statues of saints on their backs as a form of penance. Along the way, they stop at various religious shrines and perform rituals, such as offering coca leaves and other symbolic items to the mountains and deities.

The central event of the festival is the meeting of the two main pilgrimage groups: the Qoyllur Ritti delegation and the Sinakara delegation. The two groups represent different communities and engage in a symbolic battle, reenacting a historic conflict between their ancestors. It is believed that the meeting of the two delegations brings good luck and ensures a bountiful harvest for the coming year.

The festival also features colorful traditional dances, music, and processions. Participants wear vibrant costumes and masks, representing various characters from Andean mythology. The dances and performances reflect the syncretism between Andean and Catholic beliefs, blending ancient traditions with Christian symbolism.

The Qoyllur Ritti pilgrimage is not only a religious event but also an important cultural and social gathering. It provides an opportunity for communities to come together, strengthen their bonds, and celebrate their shared heritage. The festival has gained international recognition and attracts tourists who are interested in experiencing the unique blend of indigenous and Catholic traditions.

However, it’s worth noting that the specific details and practices of the Qoyllur Ritti pilgrimage may vary from year to year and between different communities. The festival remains an ever-evolving expression of Andean spirituality and cultural identity.

Holy Week in Ayacucho
2023-03-12 08:00 - 2023-04-09 17:00 | Ayacucho, Main Square, Ayacucho, Ayacucho, 05000, Peru
This impressive celebration constitutes a complete cycle of activities in which the entire community of the city of Ayacucho -the former Huamanga- participates, combining liturgy established by the Christian church and representations created by local tradition.

The Virgin of Candelaria in Puno
2023-02-01 08:00 - 2023-02-14 17:00 | Puno, Main Square, Puno, Puno, 21000, Peru
This exceptional and spectacular celebration takes place in the city of Puno -on the shores of Lake Titicaca- in the departament of the same name between the 1st and 14th of February of each year, having February 2nd as the central date.
