Holy Week 2027 in Cusco and Machu Picchu: Dates, Traditions and How to Book
In 2027 Holy Week falls in late March: Thursday March 25 and Friday March 26 are public holidays, and with the weekend that makes a four-day break. For Machu Picchu those are high-demand days: from March 25 to 28 the high-season cap applies. If this is your plan, now is the time to organize it.
Key dates for Holy Week 2027
| Day | Date | What happens in Cusco |
|---|---|---|
| Holy Monday | March 22 | Procession of the Lord of the Earthquakes |
| Holy Thursday | March 25 | Holiday. Church visits |
| Good Friday | March 26 | Holiday. The twelve dishes |
| Saturday | March 27 | City full of visitors |
| Easter Sunday | March 28 | Masses and heading home |
Traditions worth seeing
The Lord of the Earthquakes. On Holy Monday the Taytacha de los Temblores, Cusco's patron, is carried in procession from the Cathedral. Thousands of people follow it through the streets of the center and throw ñucchu petals, a red flower typical of this date. It is one of the largest processions in the country.
The twelve dishes. On Good Friday, Cusco families prepare twelve dishes without red meat: soups, fish and vegetable stews, and desserts. Many restaurants in the center offer special menus that day.
The churches. On Holy Thursday it is tradition to visit several churches in the historic center, which stay open late.
How to fit Machu Picchu into the long weekend
With four days off, a plan that works well:
- Thursday 25: Full Sacred Valley, to acclimatize at lower altitude.
- Friday 26 and Saturday 27: Machu Picchu in 2 days, with a night in Aguas Calientes.
- Sunday 28: free morning in Cusco and head home.
If you arrive earlier, Holy Monday the 22nd is worth it for the procession. And if you only have one day for Machu Picchu, the one-day tour fits the plan too.
If you are Peruvian
Holy Week is one of the busiest times for Peruvians traveling to Cusco. The Machu Picchu ticket has a national rate for Peruvians (S/64 for an adult in 2026), as do several other sites. For trains, buses and hotels, demand on those days means spots run out fast: book early.
Weather in late March
March is still rainy season, though less intense than January and February. Expect cool mornings, afternoon rain and a very green landscape. Bring a poncho, a waterproof jacket and shoes with good grip.
For more on the busiest dates, see Machu Picchu high season 2027.
Check 2027 availability
See our pre-booking spots day by day and lock in your date, route and time on our Machu Picchu 2027 tickets calendar.
Frequently asked questions
When is Holy Week 2027?
From Sunday March 21 to Sunday March 28, 2027. Thursday the 25th and Friday the 26th are national holidays.
Is Machu Picchu crowded over Holy Week?
Yes. From March 25 to 28, 2027 Machu Picchu is in high-demand days, with a larger cap and time slots that sell out sooner.
When is the Lord of the Earthquakes procession in 2027?
On Holy Monday, March 22, 2027, from Cusco Cathedral.
What are the twelve dishes of Holy Week?
A Cusco Good Friday tradition: twelve dishes without red meat, including soups, fish and vegetable dishes, and desserts.
Does it rain in Cusco over Holy Week?
Probably. Late March is still rainy season, though milder than January and February.
