When do mid-year vacations start in Peru?

Mid-year vacation in Peru , also known as winter break, represents a highly anticipated time for students, parents, and teachers. This school break provides a vital opportunity to rest, reflect on the first semester, and recharge for the remainder of the academic year. In addition to its educational importance, it's an ideal time for family trips, enrolling in extracurricular workshops, or simply enjoying free time at home. Knowing exactly when mid-year vacation begins in Peru in 2025 will allow you to plan ahead for activities, outings, and quality family time. In this article, we explain the official dates according to the Ministry of Education (MINEDU), how they fit into the school calendar, and what recommendations you can follow to make the most of this break.

Official dates: winter holidays 2025

As stipulated in Ministerial Resolution No. 556-2024-MINEDU , the official mid-year vacation period for the 2025 school calendar begins on Monday, July 28 and ends on Friday, August 8. This information applies to all public educational institutions in the country, from preschool to secondary school. This is an important break in the school year, during which academic activities are interrupted to make way for the so-called third period of schooling.

This break not only coincides with the national holidays on July 28 and 29, but also allows Peruvian families to enjoy more quality time together, while teachers perform administrative tasks such as planning the next two-month period and reviewing learning achievements. Classes will resume on Monday, August 11 , marking the beginning of the third school year.

Does it include private schools?

It's important to note that while public schools are required to follow the official Ministry of Education (Minedu) calendar, private institutions enjoy a certain degree of flexibility. This means they can adjust their dates as long as they respect the established minimum number of school days. In practice, most private schools tend to align their schedules with the official holidays (July 28 to August 8), especially because many families have children enrolled in different institutions and need to coordinate their schedules. However, parents are advised to confirm dates directly with the administration of their children's private school.

How does it fit into the overall 2025 calendar?

The Peruvian school year is structured into teaching blocks and administrative blocks. The latter are not vacations for teachers, but rather periods devoted to pedagogical planning, learning assessment, institutional meetings, and other administrative activities. The mid-year break is part of the third administrative block , which falls right in the middle of the academic calendar.

As you can see, the holidays fall immediately after the second school year, allowing for a smooth transition into the second half of the academic year. This schedule aims to promote academic performance and prevent student and teacher burnout.

Benefits and recommendations

Why these holidays are important

The mid-year break has multiple benefits that go beyond simple rest. First, it allows students to assimilate what they learned during the first months of the year and return to the classroom with greater motivation. From an emotional perspective, it is a key time to reduce stress, improve mental health, and strengthen family ties. It also offers a respite for parents, who can reorganize routines, accompany their children on other activities, or simply enjoy time together.

Recommended activities to take advantage of them

There are many ways to make the most of the mid-year break. Some recommended ideas include:

• Family trips: Peru offers a wide variety of accessible tourist destinations, such as Cusco, Arequipa, Ica, Cajamarca, and the Amazon. These trips are not only relaxing but also educational.

• Educational workshops: Many municipalities and cultural centers offer useful vacation programs, such as art, science, robotics, English, theater, or children's cooking classes.

• Sports and recreation: Take advantage of parks, courts, and outdoor spaces to promote sports and physical activity.

• Time at home: Reading together, cooking as a family, watching movies with positive messages, or doing crafts are also valuable and enriching activities.

Prepare your vacation in advance

Mid-year vacation in Peru represents much more than just a break: it's an excellent opportunity to recharge your batteries, enjoy time with your family, and foster alternative learning experiences. If you want to make the most of it, it's a good idea to start planning now. Review your institution's calendar, consider travel or workshop options, and organize a balanced routine of rest and recreational activities. Planning ahead will allow you to avoid setbacks, save on advance bookings, and guarantee memorable moments with your loved ones. Make this vacation an unforgettable experience!

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Do all schools have holidays from July 28th to August 8th?
   — In the public sector, yes. Private institutions may slightly modify the dates, but they usually coincide for family convenience.

2. What activities does Minedu offer during those two weeks?
   — The Ministry of Education (Minedu) does not offer mandatory activities, but cultural and sports programs are available through municipalities and private organizations.

3. Do the Fiestas Patrias holidays affect these vacations?
   — Yes, July 28 and 29, which are National Holidays, mark the start of the school break and offer expanded opportunities for travel and recreation.

4. Do teachers also take a break during this period?
   — Not entirely. During these weeks, teachers focus on administrative tasks such as grading grades, preparing for the next block, and holding academic meetings.

5. Do technical and special schools follow the same calendar?
   — Generally yes, although they can make adjustments authorized by the Ministry of Education depending on their specific needs and programs.