The Carnivals of Cusco

The Carnivals of Cusco offer you a unique experience where you can immerse yourself in a celebration that combines ancient Andean traditions with the contagious joy of carnival, in the heart of the ancient capital of the Inca Empire.

When you can participate

You can enjoy the Carnivals of Cusco between February and March, when the dates adapt to both the global carnival calendar and the Andean agricultural traditions that you will witness.

What you will experience

Ancestral rituals: You will witness pre-Incan ceremonies where you can participate in ch’allap rituals (blessings) directed to Pachamama. You will be invited to share chicha de jora and coca leaves in these sacred ceremonies.

Immersive music and dance: You will walk among folk music groups where you will hear quenas, zampoñas, and drums resonating through the cobblestone streets. You can join in traditional dances like diablada and morenada that you encounter along your way.

Water fun: You will find yourself caught up in the traditional water games, balloons, streamers, and talcum powder. Don’t worry if you get wet; it’s part of the tradition that symbolizes the arrival of the rains and the renewal that you will experience.

Unique flavors: You will taste special dishes like timpu (carnival stew) and chicharrones, while toasting with the traditional chicha de jora offered by the locals.

Participatory yunzas: You can take part in the cortamonte, where you will dance around decorated trees trying to knock them down. If you succeed, you will be responsible for organizing next year’s yunza.

Where you will head

• You will start at the Main Square (Plaza de Armas) of Cusco
• You will explore picturesque neighborhoods like San Blas
• You will visit nearby rural communities
• You will explore the colorful San Pedro Market

At the Carnivals of Cusco, you will experience an authentic cultural immersion where the hospitality of Cusco will make you feel part of a community celebration full of history, tradition, and Andean joy.

Places to visit during the Carnivals of Cusco

Based on the most updated information, here are the main places you can visit during the Carnivals of Cusco:

Main places in the city

Main Square (Plaza de Armas) of Cusco – The absolute epicenter. The Main Square becomes the main stage where folk groups, parades, and local bands parade in traditional costumes, performing typical dances like huayno and the Cusco carnival. Activities start on Sunday, March 9, at 9:00 AM.

Traditional neighborhoods of the historic center

• San Blas: Artisan neighborhood where you will find local yunzas and a bohemian atmosphere
• Traditional neighborhoods: Each organizes its own yunzas and community celebrations

Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun)

• The official ceremony that kicks off the Cusco Festivals takes place here
• A starting point for many ceremonial activities

Places in the Sacred Valley

Pisac

• You can visit places like Pisac, Calca, or Quillabamba to learn about different carnival variations
• Community yunzas with authentic rural flavor

Ollantaytambo

• Carnivals with a greater influence of ancestral traditions
• A more intimate atmosphere in the main squares

Urubamba and Calca

• Family celebrations in central squares
• More interaction with local communities

Southern Valley

San Jerónimo, Saylla, and Oropesa

• You can also enjoy it in other places like the Southern Valley
• More traditional and less touristy carnivals

Nearby archaeological sites

Although the carnivals focus on towns and squares, you can visit tourist attractions and archaeological sites like Coricancha, the fortress of Sacsayhuamán, Tipón, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu to complement your cultural experience.

Key dates to visit these places

• Day of the Compadres: Thursday, February 5
• Day of the Comadres: Thursday, February 12
• Main Carnival: Sunday, February 15
• Kacharpari (Finale): Sunday, February 22

Recommendations for your visit

Book accommodation and transportation in advance, as it is a peak season in Cusco, so hotels and tours can fill up quickly. Also, bring sunscreen, as the sun can be intense, and wear a hat or cap to protect yourself from the rain or sun.

Get ready to get wet and have fun in any of these places with Illa Kuntur Travel, as water games are an essential part of the Cusco carnival tradition!