Water balloons, foam spray, and dancing in the streets: Cusco's pre-Lent carnival is the Andes' answer to Rio, played out at 3,400 metres with pisco sours.
Annual. Dates shift with Easter. Usually February or early March.
Cusco Carnival (Carnaval Cusqueno) is the Andean version of pre-Lent celebrations found across Latin America. What makes it distinctive is the altitude (3,400 metres), the Inca-Catholic fusion traditions, and the fact that every participant arms themselves with water balloons, foam spray, and paint powder. Walking through Cusco during carnival without getting soaked is genuinely impossible.
The festival centres on the Plaza de Armas, where dance groups (comparsas) from across the Cusco region perform in elaborate costumes. Each comparsa represents a different community and dances a different traditional style. The variety is extraordinary: some wear colonial-era masks, others Inca-inspired headdresses, and the music ranges from huayno to cumbia to brass bands.
The Yunza (or cortamonte) is the defining tradition. A tall eucalyptus tree is decorated with gifts and planted in a neighbourhood. Couples take turns chopping at it with an axe while everyone dances around it. The couple that fells the tree must sponsor next year's yunza. It sounds simple. It is chaos.
Cusco's food scene during carnival features chicharrones (deep-fried pork), frutilladas (strawberry-corn beer), and ponche (hot fruit punch with pisco). Street vendors line every road leading to the Plaza de Armas. Budget 20 to 40 PEN (GBP 4 to 8) per meal.
Party hostels within reach of Cusco's main celebrations. Ranked by guest rating.
Fly from Lima (1h 20min). Arrive 1 to 2 days early to acclimatise to the 3,400m altitude.
Day-by-day breakdown
Dance groups parade through the streets from 10am to the Plaza de Armas. Water balloon fights begin from midday and do not stop. Street food and drink stalls everywhere.
Yunza tree-chopping ceremonies in different neighbourhoods. Follow the music. The main carnival parade continues in the Plaza de Armas. Pisco sours flow freely.
Last day of celebrations before the Lenten calm. Water fights reach peak intensity. Evening brings a quieter atmosphere as the city prepares for Ash Wednesday.
Realistic costs per person · Verified March 2026
Prices in GBP. Festival week prices may be higher than standard rates. Prices verified March 2026.
Other festivals and parties in the same region
Pre-booked private transfers and shared shuttles for your arrival.
