Cusco’s religious festivals are one of the city’s greatest attractions, steeped in Catholic traditions and Andean customs, making their celebration unique in the world. Corpus Christi is one of the city’s largest celebrations, where 15 figures, including saints and virgins, parade through the main square to the rhythm of bands and the accompaniment of the faithful. Learn more about this incredible celebration so you don’t miss a single detail on your trip to Cusco.

• What is Corpus Christi in Cusco?
• When is Corpus Christi in Cusco?
• How is Corpus Christi celebrated in Cusco?
• Comparative table of festivities in Cusco
• What to do in Cusco during Corpus Christi?
• Recommendations for your visit to Cusco during Corpus Christi
• Frequently Asked Questions

Corpus Christi Festival in Cusco

What is Corpus Christi in Cusco?

Corpus Christi is a religious festival of the Catholic Church that was established during the colonial era. Its origins in Cusco date back to the Inca culture, where they held processions to venerate the “mallquis” (mummified bodies of the Inca emperors), dressed in their finest robes and carried on floats, as is done today with saints and virgins.

Over time, the Church replaced this Andean celebration with the precession of Catholic images and figures, seeking to maintain the procession’s ultimate meaning: preserving a connection with ancestors.

Today, Corpus Christi brings together the entire city of Cusco, the majority of which is Catholic, in day-long processions, but preparations begin beforehand, filling every corner with color and joy.

Procession of Santiago Apóstol – Corpus Christi

Inti Raymi in Cusco
If you’re planning to visit Cusco during the month of June, don’t miss the opportunity to witness the incredible Inti Raymi celebration (June 24), the most important festival in the Cusco and Peruvian calendar. You’ll enjoy a show full of mysticism and tradition that will make your trip one of the most memorable moments. Remember that you can book your ticket to this show and many other tours through our Ticketmachupicchu website.

When is Corpus Christi in Cusco?

Corpus Christi doesn’t have a fixed date, but it is celebrated nine weeks after the Holy Thursday festival of Holy Week. It generally falls in June, making it the month with the most events in Cusco. June also features the Inti Raymi festival, Cusco’s jubilee anniversary, and many other events that fill the city with traditions and color.

How is Corpus Christi celebrated in Cusco?

Although the date of Corpus Christi is not fixed, it usually falls on a Thursday. On this day, the figures of the 8 Saints and the 7 Virgins march in procession through Cusco’s Plaza de Armas in an event that draws thousands of faithful.

The celebration begins the day before Central Thursday, with the arrival of each Catholic figure at the Cusco Cathedral from their respective churches. They spend the night there so they can begin the celebration early the next day.

The highlight of Corpus Christi is the procession of each saint and virgin through the main square, accompanied by their brotherhood (a group of devotees) and bands that fill the celebration with harmony, until they return to the Cathedral. The processions usually end at dusk, giving way to festivities at each “cargo wasi” (a brotherhood member’s house used as a place of rest and celebration), which brings together the faithful from each temple and neighborhood.

The celebration concludes eight days later (the octave), where each Catholic figure is taken to their respective temple. Learn about each saint and virgin you’ll see during the procession:

Saints in procession

• Saint Anthony the Abbot (Temple of Saint Christopher).
• San Jerónimo (Temple of San Jerónimo).
• San Cristobal (Temple of San Cristobal).
• San Sebastián (Temple of San Sebastián).
• Santiago Apóstol (Temple of Santiago Apóstol).
• San Blas (Temple of San Pedro).
• Saint Peter the Apostle (Temple of Saint Peter the Apostle).
• Saint Joseph (Bethlehem Temple).

Virgins in procession

• Santa Bárbara (Poroy Temple).
• Santa Ana (Temple of Santa Ana).
• Royal Nativity of the Virgin of Almudena (Temple of Almudena).
• Virgin of the Remedies (Temple of Santa Catalina).
• Purified Virgin (Temple of Saint Peter the Apostle).
• Virgin Queen of Bethlehem (Temple of Bethlehem).
• Virgin Immaculate Conception (Cathedral of Cusco).

Purified Virgin

Comparative table of festivities in Cusco

Learn about the most important Catholic and Andean celebrations in Cusco, so you can schedule them for your next visit to the imperial city of the Incas and enhance your travel experience.

What to do in Cusco during Corpus Christi?

The range of tourist destinations is so wide that, during your visit to Cusco during Corpus Christi, you can find everything from travel options or city tours to much more immersive experiences such as the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Humantay Lagoon, Rainbow Mountain, and many more. Learn about the main options:

Cusco City Tour (half day)

Discover the main attractions of Cusco on an immersive half-day tour available in two time slots (8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.). On this tour, you’ll visit the Cusco Cathedral, the Temple of Qoricancha, the Sacsayhuaman archaeological fortress, the Qenqo archaeological center, the Puca Pucara archaeological site, and the Tambomachay archaeological park.

Sacred Valley Tour (1 day)

Explore the magical Sacred Valley on a tour that will take you to the main Inca citadels, such as the Pisac archaeological park, the Chinchero archaeological site, and the architectural fortress of Ollantaytambo. Lunch is also included in the town of Urubamba. The experience begins around 7:00 a.m. and ends at 6:00 p.m.

Machu Picchu Full Day (1 day)

Visit this incredible wonder of the world on a day trip. You’ll be picked up in Cusco (5:00 a.m.) and headed to Ollantaytambo, where we’ll take a train to Aguas Calientes and ascend to Machu Picchu. Here we’ll have a guided tour around midday. We’ll then descend to the town of Aguas Calientes, where after a brief visit, we’ll begin the return journey, arriving back in the city at approximately 9:00p.m.

Tour to Humantay Lagoon (1 day)

One of the main destinations in Cusco is the tour of Humantay Lagoon, a beautiful natural destination that will connect you with a privileged view of the region. The tour begins around 4:00 a.m., where our first stop will be for breakfast in Mollepata. We will then continue to Soraypampa, where the approximately two-hour hike begins (horseback riding is also available). At the end of the visit, we will return to Cusco after a brief lunch stop. The tour ends around 7:00 p.m. in the city.

Rainbow Mountain Tour (1 day)

The Rainbow Mountain day tour will allow us to discover one of the main natural wonders of the Cusco region. The trip begins at 3:30 a.m. Our first stop will be for breakfast in Cusipata, after which we will continue to Phulawasipata, where we will begin the two-hour hike up the mountain (horseback riding is also available). After the tour, we will return to Cusco with a brief stop for lunch before arriving back in the city around 6:00 p.m.

Recommendations for your visit to Cusco during Corpus Christi

• Combine your Corpus Christi experience with a city tour to make the most of your time in Cusco.
• You can contemplate Corpus Christi beyond its religious significance; it’s a cultural experience that offers a different perspective on your travel experience.
• Visiting Cusco during the month of June will offer you a much more welcoming climate, but the tourist influx will also be higher.
• Try the delicious Chiriuchu, a traditional Cusco dish served during the Corpus Christi festival.
• Although you’ll find warm weather in the mornings in Cusco, temperatures tend to drop significantly in the afternoon. Be sure to prevent this by wearing warm clothing during your outings.
• Acclimatizing during the first few days in Cusco is key to making your travel experience the best it can be and avoiding altitude sickness.
• Remember to stop on each of your trips to fully appreciate every angle Cusco offers, so you’ll feel more immersed in your visit.
• The dry season in Cusco runs from April to October, when you’ll find more pleasant weather with a lower chance of precipitation.
• You can plan each of your trips and tours around Cusco as you wish thanks to Boletomachupicchu, where we offer a wide variety of destinations to enhance your experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) Where does the Corpus Christi procession take place?

  The main procession takes place in Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, where religious images are carried around the square accompanied by bands and worshippers.

• 2) Is it necessary to buy tickets to attend Corpus Christi?

  No, the Corpus Christi procession is a free, public event that takes place outdoors.

• 3) How many Saints and Virgins participate in Corpus Christi?

  During Corpus Christi, eight saints and seven virgins from different temples throughout the city enter in procession.

• 4) Can I combine this holiday with other tours in Cusco?

  Yes, you can visit attractions such as the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Humantay Lagoon, and Rainbow Mountain. It’s best to book in advance, as tourist demand is high during this season.

• 5) What typical dishes are eaten during Corpus Christi?

  One of the most representative dishes of this festival is “chiriuchu.” This dish is sold at various locations in the city center during the celebration.

• 6) What does Corpus Christi represent for the people of Cusco?

  Corpus Christi represents a profound connection between the Catholic faith and Andean traditions, making this celebration an expression of identity.

• 7) What are the most important saints and virgins of Corpus Christi?

  Although all of them have a strong devotion, some of the most notable for their popularity are Saint Jerome, Saint James, Saint Christopher, and the Virgin of Bethlehem.

• 8) Can I participate in the procession if I am a tourist?

  As a tourist, you can accompany the procession on foot around the Plaza de Armas, although direct participation (such as carrying the figures) is reserved for members of the brotherhoods.

• 9) What places can I visit in Cusco during Corpus Christi?

  During your tour of Cusco during Inti Raymi, you can visit the Sacsayhuamán fortress or the Qenqo archaeological site, both very close to the city center.

• 10) What is the best season to visit Cusco?

  The best time to visit Cusco is during the dry season, which runs from April to October.

Advice from people who have been there

Cusco

By: Chris W.

“Tour of Cusco“

“I traveled to Cusco in the month of June and was very surprised by the Corpus Christi festivity, I was on a tour of the city and it allowed me to see the celebration. A very nice day in which I did not expect to see a traditional festival.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, May 14, 2025