CARNIVAL IN CUSCO 2026: A CULTURAL EXPERIENCE YOU CAN’T MISS

The Cusco Carnival 2026 is one of the most authentic and colorful celebrations in southern Peru, and a perfect opportunity for those who wish to travel to Cusco and experience these ancestral traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. This festival is celebrated between February and March, varying each year according to the liturgical calendar, and transforms the city into a stage full of music, dance, games, and traditional cuisine.

If you really want to experience Cusco’s culture, the carnival offers a direct connection to Andean history, the joy of the Cusco people, and the community spirit that characterizes Cusco.

History of Carnival in Cusco

Carnivals in Cusco have ancestral origins linked to pre-Hispanic agricultural rituals dedicated to the fertility of the land and gratitude for the rains. With the arrival of the Spanish, these ceremonies merged with the European carnival, giving rise to a unique festival that combines Andean and colonial elements.

Today, the Cusco Carnival is a living cultural event celebrated both in the city and in the provinces, attracting travelers interested in cultural and experiential tourism.

Compadres and comadres: tradition and fun

Compadres Thursday

On Thursday of compadres, women throughout the city make rag dolls that humorously represent men. These dolls are displayed in squares, markets, and balconies, accompanied by witty messages that provoke laughter and create a festive atmosphere, thus kicking off the carnival season in Cusco.

Comadres Thursday

A week later, Comadres Thursday pays tribute to the women of Cusco. The compadres prepare decorated dolls and display them in different parts of the city, accompanied by music, dancing, and traditional foods.

These celebrations are an ideal way to get to know the most authentic and fun side of the local culture, interacting with the local people.

End of Carnival and the traditional yunza

The end of Carnival, or kacharpari, marks the end of the festivities. On this day, the traditional yunza or cortamonte is held, in which a tree decorated with gifts becomes the center of the celebration. To the rhythm of the music, participants dance and cut down the tree, symbolizing prosperity and unity.

For visitors, participating in a yunza is one of the most memorable experiences of the Cusco carnival, as it is part of the celebration.

The traditional elements used in these games include:

• Water: used especially in the early hours of the day.
• Colored talcum powder and/or flour: applied to faces or mixed with water to bathe carnival participants.
• Colored streamers that adorn the hair and clothing of the yunzadas.
• Water balloons: specially prepared for the games.
• Water guns: modern tools that maintain the tradition.
• Foam: used to douse other participants in these festivities.

Participation in these games is open to everyone, without discrimination; everyone from senior citizens to the youngest members of the household takes part, so there is no excuse not to participate in these games full of water, flour, and foam.

Carnivals in the Sacred Valley and other provinces

• If your trip includes the Sacred Valley of the Incas, you can experience carnival in destinations such as Pisac, Calca, Lamay, and Urubamba, where traditional dances and food fairs are the highlights, featuring the typical carnival dish: Timpu or puchero.
• The entire Sacred Valley celebrates carnival with great fervor, turning every house, street, and square into a party with water, flour, and streamers.
• In the South Valley, especially in Tinta, carnival has a strong female presence, while in Quillabamba, the warm climate allows for celebrations with water games and tropical-style parades.

Typical cuisine you must try

Traveling to Cusco during carnival is also an opportunity to enjoy its traditional cuisine:

• Timpu or puchero, the emblematic dish of the season, is characterized by boiling all the ingredients in a single pot; when boiled, the meats and vegetables make a broth with a very pleasant and unique flavor.
• Kapchi de habas is one of Cusco’s typical dishes, where the flavor of the beans stands out, with the mild aroma of huacatay and the texture and creaminess of cheese and milk.
• Frutillada is a traditional drink made from chicha de jora and strawberries harvested in Urubamba.

Many of these dishes can be sampled in local restaurants and traditional markets, such as those in San Pedro and San Blas, among others.

Tips for traveling to Cusco during Carnival

If you decide to actively participate in this unique experience, here are some practical tips to help you make the most of it:

• Wear comfortable, waterproof clothing: It is essential to wear light clothing because the main activity during Carnival involves water; flour and paint are also essential parts of the celebration. It is best to be prepared.
• Protect your eyes: The combination of water with flour and/or foam can irritate your eyes, so it is best to wear sunglasses or eye protection; this is highly recommended.
• Participate in the dances; don’t just watch: join in the celebrations and enjoy the music, dances, and energy of the carnival. This is an excellent way to integrate into the community and understand the meaning of each ritual.
• Be sure to try the local food. The typical carnival dishes are delicious and reflect the culinary identity of Cusco, so take the opportunity to taste them: you can only find them during this time of year.
• Respect local traditions: Finally, respect local traditions. If you are invited to a yunza or a party, participate with respect and joy.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the best carnivals. Cusco awaits you in 2026 with a mixture of colors, sounds, flavors, and traditions that will allow you to experience the heart of the Andes in a unique way.

Experience Cusco’s carnival with a Sakura Expedition

Traveling during the 2026 Cusco Carnival is a unique experience that combines culture, tradition, and fun. As a travel agency in Cusco, we invite you to discover this festival with personalized tours, local guides, and authentic experiences that will allow you to get to know the true spirit of the Andean carnival.