1. Overview of Festivals in Peru
From the coast to the highlands, to the heat of the jungle, Peru truly comes alive in June with various vibrant festivals. You can head to Cusco for Inti Raymi or venture into the jungle for the Festival of San Juan. Choose between rounding up vicuñas in Ayacucho or hopping in a boat with Saints Peter and Paul. The biggest challenge lies in deciding which events to attend.
2. Chachapoyas Tourist Week
Early June, Chachapoyas, Amazonas Region
The Semana Turística de Chachapoyas (Chachapoyas Tourist Week) has become a major event in the north of Peru. The weeklong festival features parades, gastronomic fairs, photo exhibitions, and more, all wrapped up in a party atmosphere.
Of particular note is the Raymillacta, a traditional procession where groups sing and dance through the streets, with many participants dressed in traditional clothing.
3. Anniversary of Ica
June 17, Ica
The city of Ica was founded by Spanish colonists on June 17, 1563. This anniversary typically involves a week of scheduled events, including parades, gastronomic fairs, a mini-marathon, and the crowning of a local beauty queen.
4. Sondor Raymi
June 18 and 19, Andahuaylas, Apurímac
Sondor Raymi, also known as “La Epopeya Chanka” (The Chanka Epic), is a celebration and folkloric re-enactment of the Chanka origin myth. The Chankas coexisted with the Incas and were sworn enemies, occupying neighboring territories.
Hundreds of actors bring Sondor Raymi to life, with key re-enactments occurring at Pakucha Lake and the Chanka archaeological site of Sondor.
5. Festival Folklórico de Raqchi
Third Sunday of June, Canchis Province of the Cusco Region
The Festival Folklórico de Raqchi is an annual music, song, and dance exhibition at the Inca archaeological site of Raqchi. This colorful folkloric festival unites performers from communities across the Cusco region.
6. Moyobamba Tourist Week
Second Half of June, Moyobamba, San Martin Region
The town of Moyobamba in the San Martin Region features a packed schedule for its tourist week, often lasting for 10 days. Expect regional gastronomy, photography exhibits, craft fairs, beauty queens, and plenty of dancing.
7. Noche de San Juan
June 23 and 24, Districts of Calana, Pachia, and Pocollay in the Province of Tacna
The Noche de San Juan (Night of Saint John) is a popular ritual and festival in Tacna, the southernmost region of Peru. It pays tribute to Pachamama, or Mother Earth, with feasting, traditional music, and dance, often illuminated by fires and torches during the night.
8. Chaccu de Vicuñas
June 24, Reserva Nacional de Pampa Galeras, Ayacucho
The chaccu is an ancient method of rounding up vicuñas—wild camelids inhabiting the highland areas of Peru. This technique, used since pre-Inca times, is a communal herding method where locals form a chain to guide the vicuñas into pens for shearing their prized wool.
The Chaccu de Vicuñas festival takes place in the Pampa Galeras National Reserve in Ayacucho, allowing both locals and tourists to participate in this traditional practice.
9. Inti Raymi
June 24, Cusco
Inti Raymi, the “Festival of the Sun,” was a vital ceremony in the Inca Empire, held annually during the winter solstice to honor the sun god Inti. Today, it remains one of the most significant festivals on the Andean calendar, celebrated with grand re-enactments at the archaeological site of Sacsayhuamán in Cusco, alongside street fairs and regional food.
10. Fiesta de San Juan
June 24, Amazon Regions
While Inti Raymi attracts crowds in Cusco, families throughout the Amazon region celebrate the Festival of San Juan. Saint John the Baptist symbolizes faith and water here, with celebrations by riverbanks involving swimming and sharing traditional food, particularly Juanes.
11. Día Nacional del Cebiche
June 28, Nationwide
Día Nacional del Cebiche (National Ceviche Day) was established in 2008 to honor Peru’s most famous dish, providing a perfect occasion to enjoy this lime-marinated fish delicacy.
12. Día de San Pedro y San Pablo
June 29, Nationwide
The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul is a significant Holy Day of Obligation in the Catholic Church. In Peru, this day is a national holiday celebrated with maritime processions along the coast, especially in Lima and Chimbote.
13. Festival de Danza Indígena
Dates Vary, Atalaya, Ucayali Region
The Festival of Indigenous Dance showcases various dance groups from communities like Ashaninca, Amahuaca, and Shipibo-Conibo, accompanied by cultural and gastronomic events that enrich this vibrant celebration.
