In Cusco, July 28th is not only a day of celebration and remembrance of the identity that unites the entire Peruvian nation, but also an opportunity to discover the city’s charms through cultural tours and events that will make your vacation the best you’ve ever had. In this article, we’ll tell you how to take advantage of these holidays with culture, adventure, and recommendations that will enrich your travel experience.

• National Holidays in Cusco
• Main traditions and celebrations
• Ideal routes and destinations for national holidays
• Tips to make the most of your trip to Cusco for national holidays
• Frequently Asked Questions

Decorations in the Plaza de Armas for National Holidays

National Holidays in Cusco

Cusco is an ideal destination to visit during Peru’s national holidays. The city is in its prime, with cultural events taking place in every main square. Best of all, these are public holidays in Peru, so you can enjoy a short vacation without any rush.

National holidays in Cusco and throughout Peru are celebrated every July 28th, but from the days leading up to and following, you’ll find celebrations steeped in a strong cultural influence. It’s an opportunity to see a different side of the city’s usual tourist scene. Plus, nothing stops, with many more tours and more availability, so your trip will be well rewarded, even if you plan it just a few days in advance.

This is what Cusco’s main square looks like during National Holidays

Main traditions and celebrations

During the national holidays in Cusco, you can experience traditional and cultural celebrations that will bring even more color and joy to the city. You’ll see civic parades, food festivals, dance performances, music, and many other activities. Discover the most surprising and important ones.

• Civic Military Parade

  An essential part of every national holiday is the civic-military parade, attended by various institutions, primary and secondary schools, and the Cusco Armed Forces. This parade is also accompanied by traditional music and dances. The event takes place in the main square, where formal activities such as the raising of the flag and the singing of the national anthem take place early in the morning.

  These parades are held through a competition, where the best delegation receives pennants at the end of the celebration.

• Gastronomic Festivals

  On July 28th, Cusco’s plazas fill with food festivals that allow us to try a wide variety of typical dishes from the region. Among the highlights are roasted guinea pig, chiri uchu, suckling pig, tamales, and many others.

  Regocijo Square is the centerpiece, where, alongside live music and dance, you can experience the more traditional side of the national holidays amidst an almost magical atmosphere in Cusco.

• Dance and music presentations

  Dance and music will accompany us on most of our tours of Cusco’s historic center during the national holidays. Delegations from the region’s thirteen provinces participate amid vibrant colors and rhythms.

  Additionally, at night, serenades are often given in honor of the Peruvian nation, along with the burning of the popular “castles” and the lighting of fireworks throughout the city.

• Other cultural activities

  Since it’s a non-working day in the city, many nightlife experiences await us. It’s an opportunity to discover bars and restaurants that offer themed experiences or incredible scenery. It’s also an ideal day to go out and party and discover the great diversity of cultures that come together in this incredible city.

Parades for National Holidays in the city of Cusco

Ideal routes and destinations for national holidays

During the national holidays, you’ll find the best destinations to travel to in Cusco, from tours of the Sacred Valley and the South Valley to excursions through the jungle region. Each of these adventures will allow you to make the most of these holidays amidst incredible landscapes.

Tour in the South Valley of Cusco

A destination that has recently become increasingly popular in the city is the southern valley of Cusco. On this adventure, we’ll discover a different side of the city. Among the destinations we’ll visit are the Tipón archaeological complex, the Pikillacta archaeological site, and the San Pedro Apóstol de Andahuaylillas church.

This tour will also allow us to sample the typical cuisine of this part of the region, such as roast guinea pig and suckling pig. The landscapes will be another highlight, as they will accompany us throughout the tour. Remember that the southern valley is one of the areas with the greatest presence of flowers and agricultural products.

South Valley Tour Experience
The tour of Cusco’s South Valley begins at approximately 8:30 a.m. Our first stop will be the Tipón archaeological complex (1 hour), followed by the Pikillacta archaeological site (45 minutes), and finally, we will head towards Andahuaylillas (20 minutes) to visit the Church of San Pedro Apóstol, also known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas.” The tour ends around 2:30 p.m. in Cusco. If there is free time during the tour, we can visit Huacarpay Lagoon.

Camp in Huchuy Qosqo

One of the best adventures in Cusco and the Sacred Valley is to camp at Huchuy Qosqo. This archaeological site is located on top of a mountain in Lamay, from where you can see the best landscapes along with a starry night.

To get to Huchuy Qosqo there are several routes, among the two most popular we have:

• Hike from Tambomachay to Huchuy Qosqo. The trek takes approximately 7 hours, with sections of constant ascent along popular Inca trails. It’s a more intense adventure, but it’s rewarding when you arrive at Huchuy Qosqo at dusk to rest amidst the breathtaking views.
• Hike from Lamay to Huchuy Qosqo. This trail is shorter, but it’s an approximately 3-hour climb along narrow paths along the mountainside. As a shorter option, we can choose to hike in the afternoon to reach Huchuy Qosqo for sunset, one of the best experiences in the Sacred Valley.

Camping area in Huchuy Qosqo

Museum tour

If you’ve previously visited archaeological sites, or are planning to visit them, touring museums in Cusco will help us gain a broader historical and informative overview, better understanding the reasons for the buildings or the reasons for their beliefs.

The city of Cusco has approximately 17 museums that offer a variety of experiences, from contemporary exhibits to historic and religious art.

Lares thermal baths

The magical town of Lares offers one of the most comfortable spots in the Sacred Valley. Visiting the hot springs here is an ideal stop for a break on your trip to Cusco. Throughout the tour, you’ll be surrounded by lush landscapes, and the town of Lares has the basic tourist infrastructure to provide a welcoming experience.

The Lares hot springs are approximately three hours from Cusco. During the tour, we’ll pass through towns like Pisac and Calca , an adventure that can be even more enriched by visiting these places.

Lares thermal baths

Walk to Inti Punku

You’ve probably heard of Inti Punku, or the Gate of the Sun, but it’s the one in Machu Picchu. Ollantaytambo also has another Inti Punku, which some say is much more impressive. Reaching this magnificent Inca structure can be a challenge, but it’s a half-day adventure that could be one of the best experiences we’ll have in Cusco.

The hike to Inti Punku from Ollantaytambo involves a steady climb, taking around seven hours round trip. Throughout the journey, we’ll be surrounded by incredible landscapes, and we’ll also pass by the famous Cachicata quarry.

Upon reaching Inti Punku, we’ll see a small but impressive stone structure on a peak that offers views of the entire surrounding valley, along with its mountains and snow-capped peaks. If we wish, we can also camp in the surrounding area.

Inti Punku or Sun Gate of Ollantaytambo

Spiritual retreats

Popular holistic activities are also a great option for your trip to Cusco for the national holidays. These activities allow you to escape from your routine and immerse yourself in an experience of constant calm and peace without digital distractions.

Among the activities offered during spiritual retreats are traditional yoga, meditation, musical ceremonies, dance, and contemplative walks. At the end of the retreat, reflections and lessons are shared to add greater symbolism to your experience.

These types of activities give us the opportunity to connect more deeply with nature, with others, and with ourselves through introspective reflection.

Tips to make the most of your trip to Cusco for national holidays

If you’ve decided to travel to Cusco for the national holidays and want to be better prepared to make your adventure unforgettable, we’ll provide you with a series of tips and recommendations that can help you achieve this. Check them out:

• Peru’s anniversary is on July 28th, but it’s also celebrated on the 29th with parades and cultural activities in every city across the country.
• If you visit Cusco in July, you’ll find clear weather, ideal for any tour of the region. Remember that the dry season runs from April to October.
• The best way to visit museums in Cusco is with the Circuit 2 tourist ticket, which allows you to visit up to five museums, a cultural center, and two archaeological sites in the South Valley (Tipón and Pikillacta).
• Traveling to the Sacred Valley is an ideal way to acclimatize during your first few days in Cusco, as its temperate climate and easy activities will help you avoid altitude sickness.
• Hiking to Inti Punku or Huchuy Qosqo is a practically free activity that will give you a lot of satisfaction, and you’ll also be near the best landscapes of the Sacred Valley.
• On your trip to Cusco, take a break from your daily routine with nature walks. The stunning landscapes you’ll encounter will allow you to experience a moment of calm.
• Cusco boasts some of the best cuisine in all of Peru, so your visit should be accompanied by tasting typical dishes that you can often only find during cultural festivals.
• Remember that with Boletomachupicchu, you can book your ideal experience in Cusco. Ask our advisors about all the options available to make your trip unforgettable.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) Is it worth traveling to Cusco for National Holidays?

  Yes, in Cusco during national holidays we’ll find many activities such as parades, dances, and food festivals, and we can also travel to all the tourist destinations during the best time of the year.

• 2) What activities are there for national holidays in Cusco?

  On July 28th, Cusco will host the traditional civic-military parade in the Plaza de Armas, food festivals in the Plaza Regocijo, dance performances, and fireworks and serenades at night.

• 3) What is the weather like in Cusco in July?

  The weather in Cusco in July is one of the best of the year, with sunny days, clear skies, and very little rain.

• 4) What typical dishes can I try during national holidays?

  During national holidays, you can try chiri uchu, baked guinea pig, suckling pig, tamales, and many regional broths.

• 5) Where can I see the parades and main activities?

  The Plaza de Armas is the center of all major activities, hosting parades, ceremonial events, and various artistic performances.

• 6) What tours can I take without prior reservations?

  Among the options you can take, without prior reservations, are the excursion to the South Valley (Tipón, Pikillacta, Andahuaylillas), a hike to Huchuy Qosqo, or even to Inti Punku in Ollantaytambo.

• 7) Can I visit museums during national holidays?

  Yes, most museums remain open during the National Holidays (National Holidays). It’s a good way to take a break between activities.

• 8) Is it a good idea to camp in Huchuy Qosqo or Inti Punku during national holidays?

  Yes, it’s also an unforgettable experience. The weather is wonderful, and the scenery is spectacular.

• 9) How many days do the national holiday celebrations last?

  They usually run from July 28th to 29th, but you can find activities starting on the days leading up to them.

• 10) What other travel options are there if I already know Machu Picchu?

  You can tour the South Valley, visit museums in the historic center, or explore towns in the Sacred Valley. You can also combine your trip with food tours or hikes.

Advice from people who have been there

Huchuy Qosqo

By: Jean M.

“Mountain camping“

“The Lamay trek was a bit demanding because of the climb, and it was also very hot. But for everything I could see from the top was completely worth it, we decided to camp with some friends and we were amazed by the stars, happily we were accompanied by a clear sky.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, July 10, 2025