Holy Week in Peru is one of the most important celebrations of the year and one of the most anticipated seasons to travel. During these days, the country transforms with processions, ancestral traditions, cultural expressions, food fairs, and a wide range of tourism activities.
If you’re looking for ideas on what to do during Holy Week in Peru, this is the perfect time to discover iconic destinations, connect with spirituality, explore unique landscapes, and take advantage of the long holidays to create unforgettable memories. From colonial cities to beaches, mountains, and jungle, Peru offers something for every type of traveler.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn what Holy Week in Peru represents, the best destinations for these dates, recommended activities, practical tips, and how to enjoy authentic experiences with Guru Explorers—specialists in cultural tourism, nature, and adventure—plus ideas for Holy Week plans in Peru and travel options during Holy Week in Peru.
Holy Week in Peru: traditions, culture, and tourism
Holy Week in Peru has a deep religious meaning inherited from the Catholic tradition, but it also integrates Andean cultural elements that make it a unique celebration in Latin America. Each region lives these days differently, with rituals, processions, music, dances, traditional cuisine, and popular events.
Some of the most representative expressions include:
- Massive processions with religious images moving through historic streets.
- Reenactments of the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ.
- Floral carpets and decorations in squares and churches.
- Traditional dishes featuring fish, Andean grains, herbs, and recipes passed down through generations.
By region, the celebration takes on different nuances:
- Highlands: Ayacucho and Cusco stand out for their processions, ceremonies, and strong religious identity.
- Coast: Lima, Arequipa, and Paracas combine tradition with city tourism and relaxation.
- Jungle: destinations such as Iquitos, Tarapoto, and Manu offer a Holy Week focused on nature, relaxation, and community-based tourism.
Traveling during these dates is also a great opportunity to practice responsible tourism in Peru—respecting local traditions, caring for natural spaces, and supporting communities.
Today, beyond its spiritual nature, Holy Week in Peru is a key season for domestic and international tourism. Many travelers use these days to go trekking, visit natural wonders, unplug at the beach, or explore historic cities.
What to do during Holy Week in Peru?: destinations and holiday plans
If you still haven’t decided where to go, these destinations stand out as some of the best options to enjoy Holy Week in Peru. Each offers a different experience—ideal for combining tradition, culture, adventure, and rest.
Lima: culture, gastronomy, and the sea
Lima, Peru’s capital, is an excellent starting point to experience Holy Week in Peru, as it combines religious tradition, historic districts, world-class gastronomy, and beautiful coastal landscapes.
During Holy Week, Lima offers liturgical celebrations, processions in colonial churches, and a wide range of cultural and tourism activities.
Why it’s ideal for Holy Week:
- Easy access from almost anywhere.
- Important historical heritage.
- Excellent food scene.
- Close to beaches and natural reserves.
Recommended activities:
- Explore Lima’s Historic Center (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
- Visit the San Francisco Convent and its catacombs.
- Stroll through Miraflores and Barranco.
- Enjoy Peruvian gastronomy.
- Take an excursion to Pachacamac or the southern beaches.
Suggested length: 2 to 3 days.
Guru Tip: Combine cultural Lima with a short excursion to Paracas or a food tour for a more complete experience.
Experiences with Guru Explorers: City tours, foodie experiences, and nearby excursions from Lima. See them all and fall in love with this charming city.
Paracas and Huacachina: sea and desert
Perfect for travelers looking for relaxation and light adventure.
Recommended activities:
- Ballestas Islands.
- Buggy rides.
- Sandboarding.
- Huacachina Oasis.
Suggested length: 2 to 3 days.
Guru Tip: A full-day tour is ideal if you have limited time.
Explore our full-day Paracas and Huacachina tour.
Arequipa and Colca Canyon: Culture and Landscapes
Arequipa blends colonial architecture, volcanoes, and one of the deepest canyons in the world.
Recommended activities:
Recommended activities:
- City tour through the Historic Center.
- Excursion to Colca Canyon.
- Condor watching.
- Suggested length: 3 to 5 days.
- Guru Tip: Spend one night in the Colca Valley for a more relaxed experience.
- Experiences with Guru Explorers: City tours and Colca excursions.
Cusco and Machu Picchu: spirituality, history, and adventure
Among the most searched destinations when it comes to what to do during Holy Week in Peru, Cusco consistently ranks at the top. The former capital of the Inca Empire combines religious celebrations, historical heritage, and some of the country’s most impressive landscapes.
Why it’s ideal for Holy Week:
- Processions like the Lord of the Earthquakes.
- Great weather for outdoor activities.
- Access to Machu Picchu and multiple trekking routes.
Recommended activities:
- Visit Machu Picchu.
- Explore the Sacred Valley (Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Maras, and Moray).
- Trek to Humantay Lake.
- Salkantay hike.
- City tour in historic Cusco.
Suggested length: 4 to 6 days.
Guru Tip: Combine Machu Picchu with a short trek like Humantay or a day in the Sacred Valley to maximize your trip without overloading your itinerary.
Experiences with Guru Explorers: Machu Picchu tours, Humantay trekking, Salkantay Trek, community experiences, and cultural circuits designed for travelers who want to discover authentic Cusco.
Discover our Cusco tours and secure your spot in advance.
Practical recommendations:
- Book Machu Picchu tickets in advance.
- Arrive at least one day early to acclimatize.
- Pack layers.
Peruvian Amazon (Tambopata, Iquitos, and Manu): nature, biodiversity, and disconnecting
The Peruvian Amazon is an excellent option for those who want to experience Holy Week in Peru surrounded by nature, away from crowds, and connected to one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. Areas like Tambopata, Iquitos, and Manu National Park offer ecotourism, adventure, and contact with local communities.
Why it’s ideal for Holy Week:
- Warm weather and lush landscapes.
- Strong offering of eco-lodges and nature experiences.
- Ideal for disconnecting, resting, and responsible travel.
Recommended activities:
- Guided jungle walks.
- River navigation.
- Wildlife spotting (monkeys, birds, caimans, pink dolphins).
- Visits to native communities.
- Canopy, kayaking, and night tours.
Suggested length: 3 to 5 days.
Guru Tip: Prioritize small-group nature tours and sustainable lodges for a more authentic, respectful experience.
Experiences with Guru Explorers: Ecotourism packages, lodge programs, guided excursions, and experiential tours.
Check our Amazon tours and enjoy a different Holy Week deep in the jungle.
Puno: Lake Titicaca, Uros, Amantaní, and Taquile
Puno is one of the most special destinations to experience Holy Week in Peru from a cultural, spiritual, and experiential perspective. Located on the shores of the highest navigable lake in the world, it combines Andean landscapes with ancestral traditions and communities that preserve millennia-old ways of life.
Why it’s ideal for Holy Week:
- Peaceful, spiritual atmosphere.
- Community-based tourism experiences.
- Unique landscapes of Lake Titicaca.
- Direct contact with local communities.
Recommended activities:
- Boat trip on Lake Titicaca.
- Visit the Uros Floating Islands.
- Stay on Amantaní Island.
- Excursion to Taquile Island.
- Puno city tour.
Suggested length: 3 to 4 days.
Guru Tip: Include at least one night on a lake island for a truly authentic community-based experience.
Experiences with Guru Explorers: Tours to Lake Titicaca, Uros, Amantaní, and Taquile; community experiences and cultural programs.
Check our Puno tours on our website and choose the experience that best fits your trip.
Tips for traveling during Holy Week in Peru
- Book flights, hotels, and tours in advance.
- Pack layers for the highlands.
- Use sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Consider travel insurance.
- Arrive early at airports and bus terminals.
Frequently asked questions about Holy Week in Peru
How many days should I travel?
Between 3 and 6 days depending on the destination.
Is it peak season?
Yes—booking ahead is recommended.
What weather should I expect?
Warm on the coast, mild in the highlands, and warm/humid in the jungle.
Conclusion: Experience Holy Week in Peru with Guru Explorers
Holy Week in Peru is a unique opportunity to discover the country from different perspectives. If you’re still wondering what to do during Holy Week in Peru, these destinations will help you enjoy authentic experiences.
With Guru Explorers, you get personalized support, small groups, and experiences designed around you. We also promote responsible tourism in Peru.
Write to us today and receive a personalized itinerary at no cost. Experience an unforgettable Holy Week in Peru with Guru Explorers.
