Holy Week in Cusco and Machu Picchu
Cusco and Machu Picchu welcome thousands of tourists during Holy Week festivities. During these days, the city offers cultural events that fill every corner with color, joy, and devotion. Some of its most popular traditions are: the Procession of the Lord of the Tremors and the Twelve Dishes tasting. These days are declared national holidays, so many travelers come to visit the city’s attractions and the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary. Discover more about this celebration and make the most of your trip to Cusco.
- What days is Holy Week in Cusco?
- How is Holy Week celebrated in Cusco?
- What is Machu Picchu like during Holy Week?
- What other places to visit during Holy Week?
- Which church to visit?
- Which Cusco dishes to eat during Holy Week?
- Recommendations for visiting during Holy Week
- Frequently asked questions
What days is Holy Week in Cusco?
- Holy Week in Cusco varies according to the Christian annual calendar (based on Easter Sunday, which is calculated according to the first full moon after the March equinox).
- In 2026, Holy Week will be from March 29 to April 5.
- The celebration of Holy Week lasts 8 days, starting on Palm Sunday (March 29) and ending on Easter Sunday (April 5).
- Every year the dates change, but the festivities during Holy Week remain the same, filling the city with a special energy.
Devotees during the Holy Week procession in Cusco
Origin of Holy Week
Holy Week is celebrated as the annual Christian commemoration of the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It is considered the most important liturgical celebration in Christianity. During these days, many rites and festivities take place in His honor. Additionally, as these are national holidays in Peru, tourism is encouraged, and Cusco is the main epicenter alongside the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Definitely a special time to visit the tourist attractions it safeguards and to learn more about its Christian-Andean syncretic culture.
How is Holy Week celebrated in Cusco?
Holy Week is celebrated in Cusco for eight days, with festivities every day. Discover the most important ones and add them to your travel itinerary.
Procession of the Lord of the Tremors
One of the main celebrations during Holy Week in Cusco is the Procession of the Lord of the Tremors, also known as Taitacha de los Temblores, an emblematic religious figure of the city that gained popularity after an earthquake in 1650, when, coincidentally, the tremors stopped during the procession; every Holy Monday, the Lord of the Tremors walks through the main streets of Cusco’s historic center amidst crowds of devotees, from early afternoon until nightfall.
Church route
Cusco is famous for its beautiful colonial churches, with more than twenty historic temples preserving much of the city’s history, some even built on Inca foundations. The church route takes place on Holy Thursday, when devotees visit seven temples as a symbol of accompanying Jesus in his passion, highlighting the Cathedral, the Church of the Society of Jesus, San Blas Church, La Merced Church, San Pedro Church, San Cristóbal Church, and Santo Domingo Church.
The tradition of the Twelve Dishes
Unlike other cities in Peru, during Holy Week in Cusco, food festivals showcase the diversity of its flavors, with Good Friday being the peak day due to the tradition of the twelve dishes, which consists of serving a lunch table with twelve different dishes, including soups, appetizers, main courses, and desserts.
Healing herbs
Part of the Cusco community believes that on Good Friday, until noon, plants, roots, herbs, and flowers are blessed, enhancing their properties and allowing them to relieve various ailments. Therefore, many residents from different areas of Cusco gather in marketplaces to offer a wide variety of healing herbs, as it is believed that after Good Friday, they lose their medicinal power.
Lord of the Tremors during the procession
What is Machu Picchu like during Holy Week?
- In Peru, Holy Week days are declared national holidays, greatly promoting tourism, especially to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
- When visiting this world wonder, you will find ideal weather for any excursion. April marks the first days of the dry season, so every landscape can be fully appreciated and the trails are more stable.
- It is recommended to book Machu Picchu tickets well in advance during these days, ideally two or three months ahead if you want the most sought-after tickets to the Inca citadel.
- Hiking route tickets are recommended, such as Machu Picchu Mountain (1A) and Huayna Picchu Mountain (3A).
What other places to visit during Holy Week?
| BEST DESTINATIONS TO VISIT IN CUSCO DURING HOLY WEEK | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Destination | Main Attraction | How to get there (route) | Duration | Advance Booking |
| Machu Picchu | Inca archaeological citadel, world wonder | Train from Ollantaytambo, then bus to the citadel | Full day | 1 to 3 months in advance |
| Sacsayhuamán | Inca archaeological fortress with panoramic views | Taxi / walk from Plaza de Armas | 2 – 3 hours | No advance booking required |
| Historic Center | Plaza de Armas, Cathedral, main streets | On foot within the city | 2 – 3 hours | No advance booking required |
| Qoricancha Temple | Inca and colonial religious center | Walking from Plaza de Armas | 1 – 2 hours | No advance booking required |
| Sacred Valley (Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero) | Inca archaeological complexes, Andean villages, and stunning landscapes | Recommended tour from Cusco | Full day | Few days in advance |
| Rainbow Mountain | Colorful natural mountain with beautiful landscapes | Recommended tour from Cusco | Full day | Few days in advance |
| Humantay Lagoon | Turquoise lagoon next to snow-capped mountains | Recommended tour from Cusco | Full day | Few days in advance |
| Southern Valley | Archaeological sites of Piquillacta and Tipón, plus the American Sistine Chapel in Andahuaylillas | Recommended tour from Cusco | Half day | Few days in advance |
| Short Inca Trail | Hike along historic trails ending at Machu Picchu | Experience only available as part of a guided tour | 2 days | 1 to 2 months in advance |
| Salkantay Trek (alternative to Machu Picchu) | Scenic hike along natural trails ending at Machu Picchu | Recommended tour from Cusco | 4 – 5 days | 3 to 4 weeks in advance |
Which church to visit?
| IDEAL CHURCHES TO VISIT DURING HOLY WEEK | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Church | Location | Style and Era | Main Attractions |
| Cusco Cathedral | Plaza de Armas | Andean Renaissance and Baroque on Inca foundations (16th – 17th century) | The most important church in the city. Its architecture blends Andean tradition with colonial design. One of the most representative paintings inside depicts the Virgin Mary wearing a skirt referencing Pachamama (the sacred Mother Earth). |
| Church of the Society of Jesus | Plaza de Armas | Andean Baroque (17th century) | The architecture is a prime example of Cusco’s Andean Baroque style. It features a carved marble representation of the Immaculate Conception. Built on the ruins of ‘Amarucancha,’ the palace of Inca governor Huayna Capac. |
| San Blas Church | San Blas Neighborhood | Mestizo Colonial (16th century) | One of the first churches built in Cusco after the Spanish conquest. It stands on the site of an Inca temple dedicated to the thunder god ‘Illapa’. Its main attraction is the cedar pulpit. The main altar also displays the mixed style typical of Cusco Baroque. |
| La Merced Church | Mantas Street (near Plaza de Armas) | Andean Baroque (16th – 17th century) | Considered one of the most beautiful churches in Latin America. The building has three naves with vaults and domes. Its altars and interior feature beautiful sculptures, Cusco School paintings, and wood carvings. |
| San Pedro Church | San Pedro Plaza | Neoclassical (17th century, remodeled) | Famous for housing paintings from the Cusco School. The pulpit was carved by renowned artist Juan Tomás Tuyru Túpac. The building has two side towers and a main façade. Directly in front is the famous San Pedro market. |
| San Cristóbal Church | San Cristóbal Neighborhood (viewpoint) | Early Colonial (16th century) | One of the oldest and strategically located colonial churches in Cusco, offering panoramic city views. Inside, it houses Baroque altarpieces, Cusco School paintings, and the image of its patron saint. |
| Santo Domingo Church | Avenida El Sol | Baroque on Inca foundations (16th century) | Built on the base of the Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha). Inside is a collection of Cusco School paintings. Original Inca walls are still preserved. |
Cusco churches during Holy Week
Which Cusco dishes to try during Holy Week?
| MAIN DISHES DURING HOLY WEEK | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dish | What it is | Main ingredients |
| Friday Chupe | Traditional thick soup | Potatoes, squash, rice, cheese, milk, eggs, seafood |
| Quinoa Soup | Nutritious Andean broth | Quinoa, vegetables, potatoes, herbs |
| Fried Trout | Golden fish served with potatoes | Fresh trout, native potatoes |
| Torrejas | Sweet fritters | Corn flour, squash, eggs, vegetables |
| Cusco Empanadas | Baked dough sprinkled with sugar | Flour, vegetable shortening, sweet filling |
| Cusco Tamales | Steamed corn dough | Ground corn, cheese or herbs |
| Sweet Humitas | Sweet version of tamales | Fresh corn, sugar, cinnamon |
| Corn Pudding (Mazamorra) | Thick dessert | White or purple corn, dried fruits, spices |
| Andean Rice Pudding | Creamy dessert | Rice, milk, cinnamon, clove |
| Peach Stew | Sweet and savory preparation | Dried peaches, panela sugar, spices |
| Squash Stew (Locro de Zapallo) | Thick stew | Squash, potatoes, cheese, yellow chili |
| Cusco Cookies (Rosquitas) | Traditional biscuits | Flour, anise, sugar |
The twelve dishes of Holy Week
Recommendations for your Holy Week visit
- Holy Week is a great opportunity to explore Cusco and Machu Picchu. If you plan to visit the Inca city, it’s best to purchase tickets in advance online, as demand rises significantly during this period.
- Holy Week is a wonderful chance to experience the traditions of the Cusco community and to take memorable photos around the city.
- The weather during Holy Week is ideal for walking and hiking. A great option is to climb Huayna Picchu or take the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (4-day hiking route).
- The Cusco Tourist Ticket is the best option for exploring the city during Holy Week without needing a tour. It grants access to city sites, the Sacred Valley, the Southern Valley, and the main museums.
- Public holidays for Holy Week in Peru in 2026 are from April 2 to 5. During these dates, all Machu Picchu tickets will be available.
- With Ticketmachupicchu you can book your ideal Cusco experience during Holy Week. Plan your trip with our travel advisors and discover all the options we offer.
Questions and Answers
1) How far in advance should I book my Machu Picchu ticket for Holy Week?
It’s recommended to book tickets at least one to two months in advance, especially for high-demand routes like the Classic Circuit or Huayna Picchu Mountain. During Holy Week, availability drops quickly, so securing your ticket early is essential.
2) Is it worth visiting Machu Picchu during Holy Week?
Yes, it’s an excellent time to visit. The weather is more stable and landscapes remain green after the rainy season. Keep in mind it’s a national high season, so prior planning is important.
3) When is the Lord of the Tremors procession?
The Lord of the Tremors procession takes place on Holy Monday in the historic center of Cusco. It’s recommended to find a spot early along the streets or plazas near Plaza de Armas.
4) Which churches are perfect to visit during Holy Week?
Suggested churches include Cusco Cathedral, the Church of the Society of Jesus, and Santo Domingo Church built over Qoricancha. These stand out for their historical, artistic, and cultural significance during this period.
5) How many days should I stay in Cusco for Holy Week?
A minimum of 3–4 days is recommended. This allows time to acclimatize, explore the city, participate in religious celebrations, and visit Machu Picchu at a relaxed pace.
6) Is it worth buying the Cusco Tourist Ticket?
Yes, it’s practical if you want to visit multiple archaeological sites and museums. The Comprehensive Cusco Tourist Ticket provides access to the historic center, Sacred Valley, and Southern Valley.
7) Can I hike the Inca Trail during this time?
Yes, but reservations must be made months in advance. Spaces are limited; if booking late, the short 2-day Inca Trail is a viable option requiring less planning.
8) Which typical dishes should I try during Holy Week?
Try Friday Chupe, trout, quinoa soup, and traditional desserts like tamales and corn pudding. Good Friday highlights the Twelve Dishes tradition, a unique gastronomic experience in Cusco.
9) What other places can I visit besides Machu Picchu?
During Holy Week in Cusco, consider visiting Sacsayhuamán, the Sacred Valley, or the Rainbow Mountain. All provide complementary cultural and scenic experiences.
10) Do Holy Week dates change every year?
Yes, they vary according to the liturgical calendar. In 2026, it will be celebrated from March 29 to April 5. It’s recommended to check the dates before planning your itinerary.
Advice from people who have been there
By: Nestor M.“Wonderful!“
“Any words I use might fall short to describe the feeling of being in this amazing place. From the very start of the visit, you feel an inexplicable energy. And the nostalgia that comes when leaving makes you only think of returning soon. Thank you Peru and thank you Machu Picchu!!“
By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, February 26, 2026