There’s always a good reason to visit Peru, and 2026 has many of them. Recently, many travelers realized that they can enjoy Peru on holiday. Since Peru has many holidays on the calendar, we’d love to show you on this blog how you can make the most of them during your stay in Peru.
1. Holy Week (Semana Santa) – Early April
One of the most important religious festivals in Peru is Holy Week, or as Peruvians call it, “Semana Santa.” This event is a good chance to see Peruvians’ faith in action all around the country. Of course, it doesn’t matter whether you’re religious or not; Semana Santa will always be a time to meditate and relax.
Why it’s a great time
Holy Week usually creates a 4-day-long weekend. With 2–3 extra days off, you can turn it into a full 7–9-day trip. Many Peruvians are used to traveling during this period due to the holidays.
In addition, you can try the best of Peruvian cuisine, as this period means special dishes that you can try in different parts of Peru. For example, in the Sierra region, you can try the “doce platos” (twelve dishes), a mix of soups, savory dishes, and desserts, or try the best of Peruvian seafood.
Weather and why it’s ideal
The end of March marks the transition from the rainy season (Approximately december to March) to the dry season in the Andes. The landscapes are still lush, green, and vibrant, while the weather becomes more stable and pleasant.
With fewer crowds and beautiful scenery, it’s arguably one of the best times of the year to visit Peru. Holy Week in Peru starts on Friday, 27th, and ends on April 5th, which gives you over one week to visit Peru.
Best for:
- Cusco & Machu Picchu
- Sacred Valley cultural experiences
- Huaraz before peak season
Trip idea:
4 days in Cusco + Sacred Valley, 1 day Machu Picchu, plus 3 days in Lima. You can pick our Machu Picchu + Colonial & Modern Lima. Click the link for more info!
2. Labor Day – May 1 (Friday)
International Workers’ Day, also known as Labor Day, is celebrated in Peru on May 1st and is a national public holiday. Most locals have the day off, so you’ll notice a festive and relaxed atmosphere, with small parades and community events in some cities.
Banks, government offices, and many businesses close for the day. Popular destinations like Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Arequipa remain open and welcoming to visitors, but expect larger crowds and higher demand.
Since May marks the beginning of high season, we recommend booking tours, trains, and tickets in advance. Public transport may run on a reduced schedule. With a little planning, Labor Day can be a great time to experience Peru’s local culture while traveling.
Why it’s ideal
May 1st falls on a Friday, so you can have a whole weekend and some more days to explore Peru. Along with the weather, it’s a great choice to travel.
Best for:
- Short Andes escape
- Lake Titicaca
- Arequipa & Colca Canyon
- The Ruta del Sol (The Sun Route)
Weather and Trip Idea
May marks the beginning of the dry season in the Andes — clear skies and excellent trekking conditions. A trip that mixes Lima, Cusco, Lake Titicaca, and its surroundings is a good idea to maximize your experience this May. You can try our Machu Picchu & Lake Titicaca + Lima + Cusco package.
3. Peru Independence Day – July 28–29 (Midweek)
This is probably the favorite celebration of Peruvians. “Fiestas Patrias” or national holidays mark the beginning of Peru’s great party. Around the country, you can see decorations, music, dances, parades, fluffy and furry guests as police dogs steal the show, and, above all, food.
For Peruvians, national holidays mean gathering, sharing great food and good moments, and, of course, some of them share these moments by traveling. July 28 and 29 are national holidays, so many locals maximize their holidays by visiting new places in the country. Two national holidays in a row. If you take 4 additional days off, you can create a 9-day vacation.
Weather
July is in the middle of the peak dry season. In the highland region, often called “sierra”, days are sunny, clear, and beautiful, nights are cold, and the rain is minimal. On the Peruvian coast, you can expect some rainy, cloudy days; however weather is great to have the best ocean views.
Best for:
- Huaraz Trails,
- Machu Picchu
- Rainbow Mountain
- Southern Peru circuit (Cusco, Puno, Arequipa).
Trip idea
10-day classic Peru route: Lima → Cusco → Sacred Valley → Machu Picchu → Rainbow Mountain. Take a look at our Adventure in the Peruvian Andes package and see what you can do in Peru in less than 10 days!
4. All Saints’ Day – Early November
“El dia de todos los santos” or All Saints Day in Peru is a melange of catholic religious beliefs and indigenous local beliefs that appeared in Peru for the first time in the 16th century. This period also celebrates the “ Day of the Dead,” so you can expect lots of people in public cemeteries, remembering their dead, with altars and lots of beer.
Many visitors experience Halloween in Lima, Cusco, or the Peruvian jungle, or mix it up by celebrating the day of creole music. Additionally, they become familiar with the Peruvian nightlife.
Best for
- Amazon rainforest (lush and green)
- Northern beaches
- Cultural trips without peak crowds
- National Reserves
Weather
You’ll find that it’s the shoulder season in the Andes, expect fewer tourists and good prices. The weather is still good, as the rainy season hasn’t started yet.
Trip idea
Our package, Machu Picchu, Lima + Peruvian Amazon combines the best of the Andes, jungle, and coast, all in one package! Take a look at it right now!
5. Christmas Eve and Christmas – December 24, 25
Christmas in Peru means sharing with your loved ones, so Peru is no exception. During Christmas, many Peruvian families gather in houses, have turkey, hot chocolate(although it is summer on the coast), paneton, or any other Peruvian delicacy.
Travelling during Crhistmas season is beautiful, as all the traditions and customs vary from one city to another, and the festive spirit may feel different in the jungle or the highlands. For example, main squares, or Plaza de Armas in the highlands, have a beautiful Christmas decoration with activities that include foreign people.
Why it’s ideal
Christmas Eve, December 24, falls on friday, so you can have the whole weekend to discover new places. This date is also a bridge holiday, so you can have an extra-large vacation with new year holidays, creating a 10–14-day trip plan.
If you like parties, this season is the best for getting to know a little deeper how nightlife works in Cusco, Lima, or even the jungle. In addition, you can take the chance to travel in world-class trains during your time to visit Peru.
Best for
- Festive Cusco atmosphere
- Sacred Valley retreats
- Coastal relaxation
- Luxury train journeys
Weather and Trip Idea
The rainy season begins in the Andes, but mornings are often clear. The coast is warm and ideal. Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu + Lima gastronomy experience. On our package wonders of Peru, you can explore the three different major regions in Peru, and the best of it is that you can personalize it!
Final Travel Planning Tips
Acclimatize in the Andes: Spend 1–2 days adjusting before high-altitude hikes.
Book early for July: It’s Peru’s busiest season.
Consider shoulder season: April, May, and November offer fewer crowds and better availability.
Mix regions: Andes + coast or Andes + Amazon creates a more complete Peru experience.
Trust in a reliable travel agency: Despite all these free days, planning a trip can become stressful. So why don’t you give us the whole planning to us, a reliable and expert agency in Peru? Viagens Machu Picchu can help you with that.
Peru awaits you on a holiday
If you plan your vacation days strategically, you can visit Peru with fewer leave days and still enjoy a full, unforgettable adventure. Start your planning today, and with our tips, be sure that your trip to Peru, the best destination in South America, will become one that you’ll always remember.
Our more than 150,000 confirm that we are a reliable agency that specializes in making our visitors’ dreams come true. From our private guided tours, our packages and prices to our vision, Viagens Machu Picchu is your best option to visit Peru. If you’d like to know more about us, feel free to contact us. Peru is waiting for you!
Viagens Machu Picchu, journeys that inspire, moments that last.