EASTER IN CUSCO
Altitude
3335 msnm
Weather
1°C - 20°C
What to do for Holy Week in Cusco 2025?
Enjoy an unforgettable Holy Week in Cusco, where tradition and faith are lived in every corner. Be part of emblematic processions, discover ancestral customs and immerse yourself in the cultural richness of the imperial city in this unique celebration.
How it is celebrated?
Unlike other celebrations, Holy Week in Cusco has its main day on Easter Monday, when the procession of the Patron Saint of Cusco, the Lord of the Tremors, begins, one of the most important manifestations of faith in the city.
During this festivity, the Cathedral of Cusco and other emblematic churches open their doors to receive thousands of faithful who attend masses and processions. The streets are filled with devotion, ancestral traditions and unique moments that make Cusco an ideal destination to experience Holy Week.
Palm Sunday is the beginning of Easter and in the city of Cusco the traditional blessing of Ramos is performed, and then pay tribute to Jesus Christ with a massive procession.
- Place: Cathedral Basilica
- Time of blessing of Ramos: Usually from 9 in the morning
Central Day and in which the procession of the historical Lord of the Tremors takes place. The faith of its inhabitants was born when a series of tremors hit the region and when the Christ of the Good Death was exhibited, the telluric movements calmed down.
- Place: Cusco Cathedral
The celebration begins with a staging of the way of the Cross that ends in Saqsaywaman. The Hampi Rantikuy (Medicinal Plant Fair) will be held in parallel. Also, families prepare 12 typical dishes. It is said that the number of plates is in the representation of the 12 apostles of Jesus.
- Place: Plaza San Francisco
To end the reflective Holy Week, the Archbishop of Cusco organizes a mass in the Cathedral that will be the starting point for a great procession that will bring together all the devotees.
After these activities, the best of the region’s gastronomy will be offered in the main streets of Cusco to delight all visitors with dishes such as tasty chicken broth, empanadas, white corn candy, tamales, and cakes.
- Place: Cusco Cathedral / Plaza de Armas.
- Time: Usually 11:00 a.m.
Is Machu Picchu open during Easter?
Trains to travel to Cusco and Machu Picchu
A Belmond Train
Observatory
Vistadome
Expedition
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO TRAVEL
- Keep your ID in hand.
- Arrive at the train station at least 30min before boarding time.
- Mandatory use of double mask or a single KN95 mask.
- Present your boarding pass using our PeruRail eTicket app.
- Max. baggage 5kg or 05kg/11lb and size (height + length + width) See more
- Vaccination card, according to our protocols
Recommendations for travelling to Machu Picchu during Easter Week
- Book in advance
- Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu and train tickets tend to sell out quickly at this time of year. Be sure to buy them weeks in advance to avoid inconvenience.
- Travel light: baggage allowance
- Luggage allowance on trains to Machu Picchu is one piece of luggage up to 8kg / 17.64lb and 157cm (height + length + width). Pack your backpack with the essentials: comfortable clothes, sunscreen, insect repellent and your camera to capture every moment.
- Be properly prepared
- Pack comfortable and light clothing, but also waterproof, as the weather can be variable. Don't forget sunscreen, insect repellent and suitable walking shoes.