Peru is a country with a rich cultural tradition and impressive geographic diversity, which means that each holiday is celebrated with a unique variety of activities and events. Throughout the year, Peruvians celebrate a series of national holidays that are ideal times to explore and enjoy the country's culture, history and nature.
New Year 1st of January)
Celebration in Cusco
Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, is one of the most vibrant places to celebrate the New Year in Peru. The streets are filled with music, dancing and fireworks. The Plaza de Armas is the epicenter of the festivities, where locals and tourists gather to wait for the New Year with enthusiasm.
Visit to the Beach
For those who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, Peru's northern beaches, such as Máncora, offer a perfect getaway. Here, you can enjoy beach parties, bonfires, and beautiful coastal scenery as you welcome the new year.
Holy Week (March/April)
Processions in Ayacucho
Ayacucho is famous for its Holy Week celebrations, which are some of the most spectacular and traditional in the country. During this week, daily processions representing different passages of the Passion of Christ take place. The streets are decorated with carpets of flowers and sawdust, and there are cultural and gastronomic events that accompany the processions.
Spiritual Retreat in the Sacred Valley
For those seeking a more peaceful and spiritual experience, the Sacred Valley of the Incas near Cusco is an ideal location. Here you can participate in spiritual retreats, practice yoga and meditation, and connect with nature in an environment of great beauty and serenity.
Labor Day (May 1)
Trekking in Huaraz
Labor Day is a great opportunity to escape into nature and enjoy outdoor activities. Huaraz, in the Cordillera Blanca, offers a variety of trekking and mountaineering options. One of the most popular routes is the trek to Laguna 69, which offers spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks and Andean landscapes.
Exploration in the Amazon Rainforest
Another exciting option is to visit the Peruvian Amazon jungle. You can go on excursions in the Tambopata National Reserve or Manu National Park, where you will have the opportunity to see incredible biodiversity, hike through the jungle, and explore rivers and lakes by canoe.
Feast of San Juan (June 24)
Party in the Amazon Jungle
The Festival of San Juan is one of the most important celebrations in the Peruvian Amazon jungle. In cities such as Iquitos, Tarapoto and Pucallpa, festivals are held with music, traditional dances and typical cuisine of the region, such as juane, a dish made of rice, meat and spices wrapped in bijao leaves.
Ancestral Ceremonies in Cusco
In Cusco, the Feast of San Juan coincides with the celebrations of Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, which is a modern recreation of an ancient Inca ceremony honoring the sun god, Inti. This celebration takes place at the archaeological site of Sacsayhuamán and is an impressive spectacle of color, dance and traditional rituals.
Independence Day (July 28-29)
Military Parade in Lima
Independence Day celebrations in Peru are an occasion of great national pride. In Lima, the military parade is a prominent event that showcases the strength and diversity of the Peruvian armed forces. There are also cultural events, concerts and family activities throughout the city.
Visit to Machu Picchu
For an unforgettable experience, consider visiting Machu Picchu during the national holidays. Although it is a popular destination year-round, visiting the Inca citadel during this time has special meaning, as you can be part of the national celebration while exploring one of the most important archaeological sites in the world.
Saint Rose of Lima Day (August 30)
Visit to the Basilica and Sanctuary of Santa Rosa de Lima
Saint Rose of Lima is the patron saint of Peru and the Americas. In Lima, you can visit the Basilica and Sanctuary of Santa Rosa de Lima, where special masses and processions are held in her honor. It is an opportunity to learn more about the life and work of this saint and her impact on Peruvian culture.
Exploration of the Paracas Reserve
For a different activity, consider visiting the Paracas National Reserve on the southern coast of Peru. Here you can enjoy the natural beauty of the desert and sea, see rich marine fauna such as sea lions and Humboldt penguins, and explore the Ballestas Islands on a boat tour.
Day of the Dead (November 1-2)
Offerings and Celebrations in Ayacucho
The Day of the Dead in Peru is a mix of indigenous and Christian traditions. In Ayacucho, families prepare offerings for their deceased loved ones, decorating their graves with flowers, food and drinks. It is an occasion to remember and honor ancestors with love and respect.
Festival of the Lord of Miracles in Lima
In Lima, the Day of the Dead coincides with the celebrations of the Lord of Miracles, one of the largest religious processions in South America. Thousands of faithful dressed in purple participate in the procession, carrying a sacred image of the Christ of Pachacamilla through the streets of the city. It is an event of deep devotion and faith.
Christmas is on the 25th of December)
Christmas in Cusco
Cusco is a magical place to celebrate Christmas. The streets and squares are decorated with Christmas lights and decorations, and craft fairs and Christmas markets are held. The Misa del Gallo at Cusco Cathedral is a significant spiritual and cultural experience, followed by a traditional dinner with dishes such as suckling pig and turkey.
Celebrations in Arequipa
Arequipa, known as the "White City", also has a festive atmosphere during Christmas. You can enjoy Christmas concerts, visit the nativity scenes and nativity scenes displayed in the churches, and try traditional sweets such as nougat and panettone.
Additional activities
Peruvian gastronomy
Regardless of the holiday, Peruvian gastronomy is always an integral part of the celebrations. Here are some gastronomic activities that you can enjoy during the holidays:
Peruvian Cooking Classes
In cities like Lima and Cusco, you can take cooking classes to learn how to prepare typical Peruvian dishes such as ceviche, lomo saltado, ají de gallina, and more. These classes usually include a visit to the local market to learn about fresh, native ingredients.
Gastronomic Tours
Food tours are a great way to sample a variety of traditional dishes and drinks. In Lima, you can join a tour that will take you to the best restaurants, huariques (small traditional food establishments) and markets in the city.
Adventure and Nature
Peru is a country of adventures, with a large number of outdoor activities that you can enjoy during the holidays:
Sandboarding in Huacachina
Huacachina, a desert oasis near Ica, is famous for its enormous sand dunes. Here you can practice sandboarding and dune buggy rides, an exciting and adrenaline-filled experience.
Canoeing on the Urubamba River
The Urubamba River, in the Sacred Valley, offers excellent opportunities for canoeing. You can choose between different levels of difficulty, from calm sections for beginners to more challenging rapids for the most experienced.
Bird Watching in Tambopata
The Tambopata National Reserve is a paradise for lovers of nature and bird watching. Here you can see an incredible variety of birds, including macaws, toucans and hummingbirds. Jungle lodges offer guided tours to explore the region's biodiversity.
Every holiday in Peru offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the country's culture, history, and natural beauty. From vibrant celebrations in Cusco and Lima to tranquil getaways in the Amazon rainforest and coast, there's something for every type of traveler. Whether you are looking for adventure, spirituality, gastronomy or simply a moment of rest, Peru has activities and experiences that will make every holiday memorable.