Best Carnivals in Peru: The Most Representative Ones of 2026

Experiencing the celebration of the best carnivals in Peru is an unforgettable adventure. Each Peruvian region has its own unique way of celebrating in February. The streets fill with music, dance troupes, water, and colors everywhere. Planning a trip for 2026 will allow you to enjoy Andean, coastal, and Amazonian traditions in an explosion of joy and culture. Get your itinerary ready and discover the best carnivals in Peru this year!

When are the carnivals in Peru 2026

Within the national calendar, highly recognized festivities stand out, such as the Carnival of Cajamarca (from February 14 to 18), the Carnival of Juliaca in Puno (from February 14 to 16, with activities extending until the 28th), the Carnival of Cusco (from February 15 to 22), which concludes with the Remate de Carnavales or Kacharpari, the Ayacucho Carnival (from February 14 to 18), the Huaraz Carnival in Áncash (from January 30 to February 18), and the Amazonian Carnival of Loreto (from February 9 to March 1).

Likewise, cultural expressions are included, such as the Indigenous Carnival of Peru – Pukllay, in Apurímac (from March 12 to 14), in addition to regional celebrations in Ucayali (from February 12 to March 8) and in San Martín, with the Carnival of Rioja (from February 17 to 26), which concentrate an intense festive agenda throughout the month of February.

The Carnival in Peru in 2026 will be officially celebrated from February 14 to 17, ending with Ash Wednesday on February 18. In many cities, activities extend throughout the entire week, with contests, gastronomic fairs, parades, and cultural events. Carnival dates in Peru vary slightly by region, but the main month is February, making it an ideal season to travel to Peru during carnival time.

Best carnivals in Peru 2026 – Best destinations

1. Carnival of Cajamarca

The Cajamarca carnival is famous for its joy and colorful dance troupes. Between February 14 and 18, 2026, the city of Cajamarca celebrates its great popular festival. Thousands of people gather to play with water, talcum powder, and flower petals in vibrant parades. This is one of the best carnivals in Peru because it combines history, folk music, and local traditions in a festive atmosphere.

• Location: Cajamarca.
• Dates: From February 14 to 18, 2026.
• Typical dishes: Cajamarca-style fried pork, Andean puchero, humitas, and tamales.
• Recommended destinations: The Ransom Room (Atahualpa), the ruins of Cumbemayo, Santa Apolonia viewpoint, the Ventanillas of Otuzco, and Granja Porcón.

2. Carnival of Ayacucho

Ayacucho celebrates its carnival with an ancestral spirit. Declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation, the Ayacucho Carnival stands out for its dance troupes, traditional dances, and the “Ño Carnavalón.” The streets of Huamanga fill with music and rural songs that honor the land. The central days are from February 14 to 18, 2026. It is one of the best carnivals in Peru because it uniquely unites tradition and joy.

• Location: Huamanga, Ayacucho.
• Dates: From February 14 to 18, 2026 (main celebration during the carnival weekend).
• Typical dishes: Ayacucho-style puchero, fried guinea pig, potato pachamanca, and sweets made with manjar blanco.
• Recommended destinations: Huamanga Main Square, Pampa de Quinua Sanctuary, Wari archaeological remains, the town of Quinua (pottery artisans), and Acuchimay Hill (viewpoint).

3. Carnival of Cusco: The Cusco Carnival

In Cusco, the celebration blends Andean rituals and colonial festivities. The Cusco Carnival of 2026 will take place with great energy in February, with Sunday the 15th as the main day. It is one of the best carnivals in Peru due to its vibrant colors and ancestral rituals. The yunza (gift tree) is celebrated, along with the traditional Compadres and Comadres Thursdays in the imperial city.

• Location: Cusco.
• Dates: Approximately from February 14 to 17, 2026, with the main date on Sunday the 15th (Compadres Thursday on the 8th and Comadres on the 15th, or according to the liturgical calendar).
• Typical dishes: Timbu or puchero (meat and vegetable stew), fava bean kapchi, frutillada (strawberry drink), Cusco-style tamales.
• Recommended destinations: Cusco Main Square, Sacsayhuamán, the Sacred Valley (Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero), the South Valley (Tipón, Andahuaylillas), and the Ñusta Puntay Sanctuary.

4. Carnival of Amazonas: Chachapoyas Carnival

In Chachapoyas (Amazonas), the Chachapoyas Carnival is celebrated with folkloric dance troupes and water battles. According to local authorities, the festival took place around February 19 to 21. It is one of the best carnivals in Peru because it highlights Amazonian culture with warrior dances and striking costumes.

• Location: Chachapoyas, Amazonas.
• Dates: Around the third week of February 2026 (for example, from February 19 to 21).
• Typical dishes: Chachapoyas-style tamales, hen stew, purtumute (bean and corn stew), humitas, and cecina.
• Recommended destinations: Kuélap Fortress (an astonishing pre-Hispanic citadel), Gocta Waterfall, the Sarcophagi of Karajía, and the Condors Lagoon in Leymebamba.

5. Carnival of Loreto: Iquitos Carnival

The carnival in Iquitos is an Amazonian celebration full of music and traditions. The Popular Carnival of Iquitos is declared Cultural Heritage and brings together rural dance troupes, the “humisha,” and the official urban carnival. This colorful festivity is concentrated in the second half of February. The people of Iquitos celebrate with Caribbean-style joy the mix of cultures from the Peruvian Amazon.

• Location: Iquitos, Loreto.
• Dates: Mid-February 2026 (main activities around February 15).
• Typical dishes: Juanes (rice with chicken), tacacho with cecina, inchicapi (chicken soup with peanuts), patarashca (fish wrapped in bijao leaves).
• Recommended destinations: Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, Monkey Island in Iquitos, Belén Market, Allpahuayo-Mishana National Park, and a tour along the Amazon Basin.

6. Carnival of Junín: Tarma Carnival

Tarma, in Junín, celebrates the Tarma Carnival with dance troupes and popular games. This Andean city fills with color through Creole music and huayno. The Tarma Carnival is considered one of the best carnivals in Peru due to its loncca tradition and its family-friendly atmosphere.

• Location: Tarma, Junín.
• Dates: From February 13 to 18, 2026 (approximately).
• Typical dishes: Pachamanca, spicy guinea pig, cheese-filled humitas, Salteño-style mondongo.
• Recommended destinations: Tarma Main Square and its Cathedral, Palcamayo Hill viewpoint, Palca Church, Paca Lagoon, Daniel Alcides Carrión Ecological Park.

Jauja Carnival

In the province of Jauja, the carnival revives ancient traditions. Indigenous dances, the “Tunteada,” and festive verses bring life to the local celebrations.

• Location: Jauja (Junín).
• Dates: Carnival week (February 2026).
• Typical dishes: Spicy guinea pig, sopa seca, grilled trout.
• Recommended destinations: Jauja Main Square, Paca Lagoon, historic schools and museums of the former Huamanga.

Huancayo Carnival

Huancayo and its valley host carnival festivals with huaynos and water-filled dance troupes. During the Huanca Carnival, flour and paint are shared among neighbors.

• Location: Huancayo (Junín).
• Dates: Last week of February 2026.
• Typical dishes: Mote soup with cheese, patasca, spicy chicken, Huancaína-style ocopa.
• Recommended destinations: Huancayo Main Square, Huancayo car market, San Cristóbal Hill, colonial towns of the region (Chupaca, Sapallanga).

Southern Huancayo Carnival – Huaylarsh

The communities south of Huancayo celebrate the Huaylarsh, a traditional dance performed amid water games and fireworks.

• Location: Concepción (south of Huancayo, Junín).
• Dates: February 2026, with main celebrations toward the end of the month.
• Typical dishes: Southern-style pachamanca, huanca mondongo, tamales, chicha de jora.
• Recommended destinations: Concepción, Pariamarca Lagoon, the route of Quechua communities (Atumpampa, El Tambo).

7. Carnival of Apurímac: The Abancay Carnival

Abancay celebrates the “Abancay Carnival” with Andean dances and colonial elements. Residents pay tribute to Pachamama during these dates, with traditional music and dance troupes. This carnival is part of the best carnivals in Peru due to its cultural authenticity.

• Location: Abancay (Apurímac).
• Dates: Mid-February 2026.
• Typical dishes: Pachamanca (roast suckling pig, lamb, and potatoes), spicy guinea pig, fried trout, humitas.
• Recommended destinations: Abancay Main Square, Ampay Sanctuary, Ollantay, the town of Tamburco, and natural viewpoints of the region.

Apurímac Carnival: Apu Tusuy

The Apu Tusuy Carnival of Abancay is an ancestral celebration honoring the apus (sacred mountains). It includes agricultural rituals and offerings to the earth.

• Location: Abancay (Apurímac).
• Dates: March 6 and 7, 2026 (main celebration), according to tradition.
• Typical dishes: Kiwicha juice, oven-roasted guinea pig, dried corn tortillas, regional sweets.
• Recommended destinations: Old alleys of Abancay, Stations of the Cross routes, Andean music festivals.

Andahuaylas Carnival

Andahuaylas stands out for its Pukllay Andahuaylino, a carnival full of color. Traditional dances and verses blend with the sounds of Chanka huayno.

• Location: Andahuaylas (Apurímac).
• Dates: March 12 to 14, 2026 (typically the third weekend of March).
• Typical dishes: Chiriuchu (traditional cold festival dish), wheat soup with cheese, pork adobo.
• Recommended destinations: Andahuaylas Main Square, Pincahuacho Hill, Yarowilca Festival (Dance of the Alisados).

8. Carnival of Madre de Dios: Mombire Áyanda

Puerto Maldonado celebrates the Mombire Áyanda Carnival with jungle-themed dance troupes and nature-inspired costumes. These carnivals are considered among the best carnivals in Peru in the Amazon region due to their exotic atmosphere and tropical music.

• Location: Puerto Maldonado (Madre de Dios).
• Dates: February 2026 (central carnival weekend).
• Typical dishes: Juanes (rice with chicken), tacacho with cecina, inchicapi, fish patarashca.
• Recommended destinations: Tambopata Reserve, Bahuaja-Sonene National Park, Madre de Dios River, Amazon ecotourism areas.

9. Carnival of Áncash: The Huaraz Carnival

Huaraz becomes the epicenter of celebrations in the Callejón de Huaylas. With King Momo parading through the main square, this carnival unites Christian faith and Andean myths. The 2026 Huaraz Carnival will take place from January 30 to February 18, surrounding the city with Andean joy. Without a doubt, it is one of the best carnivals in Peru in the northern highlands.

• Location: Huaraz (Áncash).
• Dates: January 30 to February 18, 2026.
• Typical dishes: Spit-roasted lamb, trout soup, Santa River trout ceviche, lúcuma soup (dessert).
• Recommended destinations: Huascarán National Park, Llanganuco Lagoons, Callejón de Huaylas (Carhuaz, Yungay), towns of the Cordillera Blanca.

10. Ucayali Carnival: The Ucayali Carnival in Pucallpa

The Ucayali Carnival in Pucallpa floods the city with rhythm and jungle color. Activities such as boat parades on Lake Yarinacocha and water comparsas make it unique. Ucayali is one of the regions where carnivals are most intensely celebrated in the jungle.

• Location: Pucallpa (Ucayali).
• Dates: February 2026 (main celebrations during the last week of February).
• Typical dishes: Juanes (rice with chicken wrapped in bijao leaf), inchicapi, tacacho with cecina, chapo (fish soup).
• Recommended destinations: Yarinacocha Lagoon, Allpahuayo-Mishana National Reserve, Monkey Island, local indigenous communities.

11. Puno Carnival: The Juliaca Carnival

Juliaca, capital of the San Román province in Puno, celebrates carnival with southern music and competitions of traditional dance groups. It is one of the most anticipated festivities in southern Peru.

• Location: Juliaca (Puno).
• Dates: February 2026 (central week of carnival).
• Typical dishes: Charquicán, shrimp chupe, fried trout, Arequipeño patasca.
• Recommended destinations: Lake Titicaca (Puno city), the Uros Islands, Sillustani (pre-Inca tombs), alpaca handicrafts.

12. Arequipa Carnival

In Arequipa, carnivals have a loncco flavor and coastal rhythm. From February 9 to 23, 2026, they are celebrated in Cayma and the Historic Center with playful verses and water games. The Arequipa Carnival stands out among the best carnivals in Peru for its festive and neighborhood character.

• Location: Arequipa (Arequipa).
• Dates: February 9 to 23, 2026.
• Typical dishes: Stuffed rocoto pepper, shrimp chupe, Arequipeño adobo, queso helado.
• Recommended destinations: Santa Catalina Monastery, Yanahuara Viewpoint, Colca Valley (Colca Canyon, condor watching), Cayma sabandijas.

13. Huánuco Carnival: The Tinkuy Carnival

Huánuco celebrates the Tinkuy Carnival in the Churubamba area, declared cultural heritage. The orange war between neighborhoods stands out, along with the Kantuta and Sapallanga dances that unite the Highlands and the Jungle.

• Location: Churubamba, Huánuco.
• Dates: February 2026 (during carnival week).
• Typical dishes: Spicy chicken stew, spicy lima bean stew, Huánuco-style majadito, head broth.
• Recommended destinations: Huayllay Stone Forest (picturesque rock forest near Cerro de Pasco), Huánuco Cathedral, Manzanelo waterfall.

14. Tacna Carnival: Tacna and the Tarata Carnival

Tacna and the province of Tarata celebrate carnival in a modest but traditional way. Activities include parades of traditional dances, the carnival queen, and water games in the streets.

• Location: Tacna (city) and Tarata (province of Tacna).
• Dates: February 2026 (main carnival days).
• Typical dishes: Lamb stew, Tacna-style patasca, fish chupe, spicy guinea pig.
• Recommended destinations: City of Tacna (Arica & Parinacota on the other side of the border, Flag Promenade), Virgin of Candelaria, Tarata (nearby Andean towns with regional festivities).

15. Piura Carnival: The Catacaos Carnival

Catacaos, near Piura, is known for its colorful carnivals. The Catacaos Carnival 2026 (officially suspended due to municipal adjustments) is characterized by the Festival of Colors, where powders and water are thrown. Even so, Piura vibrates with Creole music in February.

• Location: Catacaos (Piura).
• Dates: Early February 2026 (carnival weekend, traditionally the first week of February).
• Typical dishes: Mackerel ceviche, seco de chabelo, chinguirito, rice with duck.
• Recommended destinations: Catacaos Main Square (with its gold and silver handicrafts), Los Órganos and Máncora beaches, Pomac Forest (Lambayeque), Vicús Museum.

16. San Martín Carnival: Lamista Carnival

In the upper jungle of San Martín, Tarapoto and Lamas offer the Lamista Carnival, where foam rain blends with indigenous dances. It is considered one of the best carnivals in Peru in the Amazon due to its vibrant and living tradition.

• Location: Tarapoto (San Martín).
• Dates: February 2026 (carnival weekend).
• Typical dishes: Juanes, inchicapi, tacacho with cecina, yucca juane, coffee pudding.
• Recommended destinations: Lamas (city of the three ethnic groups and mythological dances), Laguna Azul and Sauce, San Mateo hot springs, Chazuta Forest Conservation Reserve.

Tarapoto Mythological Carnival

In Tarapoto, the Mythological Festival is celebrated, where jungle characters parade through the city to the rhythm of tribal dances.

• Location: Tarapoto.
• Dates: Mid-February 2026 (prior to carnival).
• Typical dishes: Banana sweets and masato (fermented yucca beverage).
• Recommended destinations: Tarapoto, Ahuashiyacu and Pucayaquillo waterfalls, excursions through the nearby low jungle.

Rioja Carnival

The carnival of Rioja (a neighboring province) highlights its rural music and traditional dance competitions.

• Location: Rioja (San Martín).
• Dates: Late February 2026.
• Typical dishes: Juanes, chicken inchicapi, tacacho with cecina.
• Recommended destinations: Moyobamba forests, Orchid Garden, Pomacochas Lagoon, city of Rioja and cultural festivals.

17. La Libertad Carnival: The Huanchaco Carnival

Huanchaco experiences its carnivals with a beachside rhythm and huanchaquera tradition. From January 30 to February 15, 2026, thousands of people participate in parades on the sand and beach concerts. This coastal event has this time adopted the motto “Tradition, Joy, and Culture” to welcome visitors with the best celebration under the sun.

• Location: Huanchaco (La Libertad).
• Dates: January 30 to February 15, 2026.
• Typical dishes: Fish ceviche, shrimp chupe, fish sudado, corn with cheese.
• Recommended destinations: Chan Chan Ruins (Chimú Citadel), Huacas of the Sun and the Moon (Trujillo), Huanchaco Beach (surf boards), Bracaplata Site Museum.

19. Tumbes Carnival

Tumbes welcomes carnival with a joyful blend of tropical rhythms and northern traditions. In February 2026, its streets fill with cumbia music, water, and streamers to combat the summer heat. This border carnival invites visitors to enjoy its proximity to the sea and the low jungle.

• Location: Tumbes (Tumbes).
• Dates: Early February 2026.
• Typical dishes: Black shell ceviche, chinguirito (fried fish), encebollado, stewed hen.
• Recommended destinations: Tumbes Mangroves, Tumbes National Reserve, Punta Sal and Zorritos beaches (Piura), Coronados Island.

20. Pasco Carnival: Cerreño Carnival

The highlands of Peru celebrate the Cerreño Carnival or Calixtrada, which brings together the people of Cerro de Pasco in the highest festival in the world. This mining tradition includes historical characters and the “orange war.” It is celebrated with a long program starting in mid-February, with the main days on March 11 and 12. The Cerreño Carnival is one of the best carnivals in Peru due to its historical richness and has been declared Cultural Heritage.

• Location: Cerro de Pasco (Pasco).
• Dates: February 16 to March 12, 2026, with main events on March 11 and 12.
• Typical dishes: Sopa seca, Pasco-style lamb broth, cross-roasted lamb, patasca.
• Recommended destinations: Cerro de Pasco Main Square, Patarcocha Lagoon, Huayllay Stone Forest, Raura Culture Site Museum (Cerreño).

21. Carnival of Lima, Callao, Ica, Lambayeque, Moquegua, and Huancavelica

These departments are also part of the carnivals in Peru, with traditional celebrations that combine coastal and Andean customs. During February, cities and communities organize yunzas, comparsas, traditional dances, and water games, keeping the cultural identity of each region alive.

• Locations: Metropolitan Lima, Canta, Huaral, and Yauyos (Lima); Callao Downtown, Bellavista, and La Punta (Callao); Ica, Chincha, and Pisco (Ica); Chiclayo, Monsefú, and Ferreñafe (Lambayeque); Moquegua and Omate (Moquegua); Huancavelica, Lircay, and Acobamba (Huancavelica).
• Dates: February 2026 (central carnival week, with local variations).
• Typical dishes: Anticuchos, picarones, carapulcra with sopa seca, ceviche, rice with seafood, rice with duck, northern-style seco, chactado guinea pig, pachamanca, spicy olluco stew.
• Recommended destinations: Historic Center of Lima and Barranco; Real Felipe Fortress (Callao); Huacachina Oasis and wine cellars (Ica); Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum and Pómac Forest (Lambayeque); historic center and Omate Valley (Moquegua); Huancavelica Main Square, San Cristóbal Hot Springs, and Sachapite Stone Forest.

Most Famous Carnivals in Peru 2026

The Cajamarca Carnival

• Known as the happiest festival in Peru, the Cajamarca Carnival is one of the largest and most renowned in the country. It has been declared a national festival and every year brings together thousands of domestic and international visitors.
• Its neighborhoods participate with comparsas, parade floats, and colorful costumes. The central character is the famous Ño Carnavalón, who parades through the city until his symbolic wake and burial.
• The most representative dance is the cashua, accompanied by festive music and verses. Games with water, talcum powder, and paint are an essential part of the celebration.

Ayacucho Carnival

• The Ayacucho Carnival is considered Cultural Heritage of the Nation. It stands out for its strong cultural identity and for the participation of more than one hundred comparsas that parade through the streets with music in Quechua and embroidered costumes.
• One of the most anticipated moments is the reading of the Testament of Ño Carnavalón, a humorous act that satirizes social and political life.
• Ayacucho offers a carnival full of dance, Andean music, traditional cuisine, and folk games, ideal for those seeking to experience the best carnivals in Peru from a cultural perspective.

Cusco Carnival

• The Cusco Carnival blends Inca and colonial traditions. Its main symbol is the Yunza or cortamonte, a tree decorated with gifts around which people dance until it is cut down.
• The comparsas present choreographies with Andean music, instruments such as the quena and the charango, and brightly colored costumes.
• Cusco becomes one of the most important destinations to experience the best carnivals in Peru, combining history, celebration, and tourism.

Best Tourist Destinations to Spend Carnival in Cusco 2026

• Cusco City Tour: Allows visitors to explore the Main Square, the Cathedral, Qoricancha, and the San Pedro Market. During carnival, the historic center fills with parades, music, and comparsas.
• Sacred Valley of the Incas: Includes Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray, and Maras. It is perfect for combining cultural tourism with traditional celebrations in Andean communities.
• Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes): Visiting Machu Picchu during carnival is a unique experience. Although there are no comparsas at the citadel, it is the perfect complement to a cultural trip during the festivities.

Tours to Enjoy Carnival in Machu Picchu, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley

• Cusco City Tour (Half Day)
• Classic Sacred Valley Tour (Full Day)
• Complete Sacred Valley Tour (Full Fay)
• Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco (By Train)

Main Traditional Carnival Games in Peru

• The Yunza: A tree decorated with gifts that is cut down while people dance around it.
• Unsha or Humisha: Amazonian version of the yunza, made with decorated palm trees.
• Water and Paint Games: Balloons, buckets, and water guns accompanied by talcum powder and colors.
• Ño Carnavalón and His Testament: A symbolic effigy representing the celebration, burned at the end of carnival.
• Comparsas and Clones: Organized groups that dance and sing through the streets.
• The Manguerazo: Use of hoses to soak the population in coastal areas.

Frequently Asked Questions about Carnivals in Peru 2026

Each of these carnival destinations offers unforgettable experiences. Book your tour in advance and experience the best carnivals in Peru in 2026 by combining tradition, music, and tourism in a single trip. Contact us and book your tour in Cusco and the Peruvian jungle with us today.