Machu Picchu at Easter 2027: Dates, Tickets and How to Plan Your Trip
Machu Picchu at Easter 2027: Dates, Tickets and How to Plan Your Trip
Holy Week 2027 runs from Monday, March 22 to Sunday, March 28. Thursday 25 and Friday 26 are public holidays in Peru, so thousands of Peruvians travel to Cusco those days, joining international travelers on their Easter break. The result: tickets, trains and hotels fill up earlier than on other March dates. Here's what Cusco is like at Easter and how to plan.
Key Holy Week 2027 dates
| Day | Date | In Cusco |
|---|---|---|
| Holy Monday | March 22 | Procession of the Lord of the Earthquakes |
| Holy Thursday | March 25 | Public holiday, visits to churches |
| Good Friday | March 26 | Public holiday, the 12-dish lunch |
| Easter Sunday | March 28 | End of the week |
The busiest days at Machu Picchu are usually Thursday through Sunday.
What Cusco is like at Easter
- Holy Monday: the Señor de los Temblores (Lord of the Earthquakes), Cusco's patron, is carried in procession from the Cathedral through the historic center. It's one of the city's biggest celebrations: thousands of people and red ñucchu flowers everywhere.
- Holy Thursday: families visit several churches in the center.
- Good Friday: it's traditional to eat 12 dishes without red meat, with soups, fish, desserts and fruit. If you like local food, see what to eat in Cusco.
The weather in March
March is the end of the rainy season: it still rains, mostly in the afternoon, but less than in January and February, and the landscape is very green. Bring a poncho and layers. More in Machu Picchu in March.
Machu Picchu tickets for Easter 2027
This is the most important point: 2027 tickets are not on sale yet. The Ministry of Culture hasn't announced the opening date. For 2026, sales opened on November 17, 2025, and Easter dates were among the first to sell out.
So if you want to go at Easter:
- Book your trip early so you're in the first round of purchases.
- Have passport details ready for all travelers.
- If you want Huayna Picchu, decide now: it's the first thing to sell out.
Everything we know about the sale is in Machu Picchu tickets 2027.
Trains and hotels
Trains to Aguas Calientes also fill up at Easter, especially morning departures and afternoon returns. Hotels in Aguas Calientes and central Cusco raise prices and have less availability. We recommend securing your hotel as soon as you have your dates.
Remember that train tickets and entrance tickets can't be changed to another date once purchased.
Which itinerary works best
On dates with this much demand, it's best to spend at least one night in Aguas Calientes. It gives you margin if the train is delayed by rain and, if online tickets ran out, lets you use the town's in-person sale (we explain how in Machu Picchu tickets sold out).
- Machu Picchu 2 days 1 night: the balance between time and budget.
- Machu Picchu 3 days 2 nights: if you want to go without rushing or climb Huayna Picchu.
- Holy Monday in Cusco: if you'd like to see the Lord of the Earthquakes procession, arrive in Cusco on Sunday 21 and do Machu Picchu midweek, before the holiday peak.
Frequently asked questions
When is Easter 2027?
Holy Week runs from Monday, March 22 to Sunday, March 28, 2027. Holy Thursday (25) and Good Friday (26) are public holidays in Peru.
Can I buy Machu Picchu tickets for Easter 2027 yet?
Not yet. The Ministry of Culture hasn't opened 2027 sales. It's best to book your trip beforehand so your tickets are bought as soon as sales open.
Does it rain at Machu Picchu at Easter?
It can, since March is the end of the rainy season, but usually less than in January and February. Bring a poncho and layers.
What is the Lord of the Earthquakes?
He's the patron of Cusco. On Holy Monday he's carried in procession from the Cathedral, and it's one of the city's biggest religious festivals.
