If you’re planning to visit Cusco in May, you’re about to discover one of the most authentic and cultural times in the Andean calendar with Machu Picchu Wayna! This month is ideal for exploring both the city and its surroundings, as it combines favorable weather with a series of traditional festivities that reflect the deep religious and festive spirit of the Cusco people.
During May, Cusco offers a perfect balance: good weather, fewer crowds than in June, and a calendar full of celebrations that blend Catholic and Andean traditions. From religious processions to ancestral pilgrimages in the Andes, there’s something new to see and experience every week.
Below, we present a summary of the main dates and events in Cusco during May, as well as recommended places to visit and practical tips to make the most of your trip.
Festivities and Events in Cusco – May
May 3 – Cruz Velacuy
The Cruz Velacuy Festival, celebrated every May 3, is one of the oldest and most representative traditions of the Peruvian Andes. This festivity, with strong religious and cultural content, pays homage to the numerous crosses located on hills, churches, and homes in the Cusco region.
Of colonial origin and with Andean roots, the festival combines Catholic elements with ancestral beliefs, being a clear example of religious syncretism. It was once a modest and family celebration, but over time it has become a colorful, popular, and urban festivity, especially since the second half of the 20th century.
The celebration begins on May 2 with the “descent of the cross” to the steward’s (organizer’s) house, where a vigil full of music, dances, typical food, and community rituals is held. On May 3, the main day, the cross is carried in procession to receive a festive mass, and then the party continues at the host’s house. The next day, the cross is bid farewell with another mass and returned to its original place in a lively ceremony.
There are mobile crosses (carried in processions) and fixed ones (permanently located in sacred spaces). This duality reflects the symbolic richness and deep devotion of the Cusco people.
However, in some remote areas, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to uncontrolled behavior. In exceptional cases, children have been born without a known father, called “fiesta wawas,” who are commonly given the surname “Cruz” or “Santa Cruz.”
The Cruz Velacuy is a living expression of Andean cultural identity, where the sacred and the festive intertwine in a vibrant, emotional, and deeply spiritual celebration.
May 23 – Lord of Torrechayoc (Urubamba)
Lord of Torrechayoc: Living Tradition in the Heart of the Sacred Valley
If you’re planning to visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas in May, Urubamba awaits you with one of the most authentic and moving religious celebrations in the Cusco calendar: the festivity of the Lord of Torrechayoc.
This festival, with deeply spiritual and popular roots, combines Catholic faith with Andean traditions in a vibrant, emotional, and deeply rooted cultural expression in the community.
The protagonist of this devotion is a large finely decorated cross, known for a special detail: its face representing Jesus seems to observe everyone, no matter from which angle it is viewed. This has generated a strong bond between the people and their patron, considered miraculous and protective.
Where and when is it celebrated?
The festivity takes place in Urubamba, Cusco, and extends for over a month, from April 27 to June 2. The central day is May 19, with a special mass and a massive procession that travels through the streets amid music, dances, and devotion.
What traditions stand out?
During this unique celebration, the following are held:
- Masses and novenas with large attendance from locals and visitors.
- Processions with platforms adorned with flowers, fruits, and colorful offerings.
- Typical dances such as Qhapaq Chunchu, the Saqras, the Auqas, and more than 30 traditional troupes.
- Pilgrimages to the original site where the cross appeared (Sicllaccasa).
- Communal meals, live music, fireworks, and bullfights organized by the stewards.
Every detail, from the decoration to the costumes, reflects a deep and festive cultural identity, making this festival an unforgettable event for those who experience it up close.
May 27 – Pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of the Lord of Qoyllurit’i
Did you know that every year, in the highest mountains of Cusco, one of the most intense and moving cultural manifestations of Peru is celebrated? It’s the Lord of Qoyllur Riti, a unique and ancestral festivity that brings together thousands of pilgrims at the foot of the Colque Punko snow-capped mountain in Ocongate, at over 4,800 meters above sea level.
This celebration is a true spiritual journey, where religious devotion merges with the Andean worldview in a majestic and sacred natural environment.
Where and when is it celebrated?
The sanctuary of the Lord of Qoyllur Riti is located on the Sinakara glacier, in the province of Quispicanchi (Cusco). The pilgrimage takes place during May or June, starting 40 days after Easter Sunday, coinciding with Ascension Day.
The most important moment is experienced during the so called “Trinity Sunday,” when thousands of people ascend to the sanctuary accompanied by dances, music, and deep faith.
What is experienced during the festivity?
For several days, Quechua communities arrive from different provinces to pay homage to the Christ of the Rock, a miraculous image that symbolizes the union between the divine and the natural. Many pilgrims, including peasants who return from the city especially for this event, participate in processions, prayers, and rituals in Quechua and Spanish.
The dance troupes, such as the Qhapaq Qolla, Chunchus, K’achampas, and Wayri Chunchus, fill the path with color, energy, and tradition. Each group represents a “nation,” that is, a community of origin, with its own dances and costumes.
The Ukukus: guardians of the mountain
One of the most symbolic moments is the ascent of the Ukukus or “pablitos,” mythological characters who embody the link between humans and the apus (mountain spirits). They climb the snow-capped mountain in silence, carrying crosses and giant candles. At the top, they perform an ancient rite of offering and gratitude. As a proof of faith, they even bury their hands in the snow.
Why is it so important?
The pilgrimage to the Lord of Qoyllur Riti is not only a religious experience but also a cultural, emotional, and natural one.
In 2011, it was declared by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity for its spiritual significance and its value as a living heritage of the Andean people.
Throughout the month
Cultural activities are held in plazas, churches, and nearby communities. It is also common to find craft fairs, folkloric dances, and traditional gastronomy.
Where to go in Cusco in May?
- Machu Picchu: Excellent time to visit. There is good visibility and dry trails for trekking.
- Sacred Valley: Ideal to explore towns like Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Maras.
- Urubamba (May 23): To experience the festival of the Lord of Torrechayoc.
- Ocongate / Sinakara (May 27): For those seeking a deep spiritual and cultural experience with the Qoyllurit’i pilgrimage.
- Historic center of Cusco: Churches, museums, markets, and streets full of history, with religious celebrations active all month long.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cusco in May
What is the weather like in Cusco during May?
The weather is dry and mild. The rains have stopped and the days are sunny, with temperatures ranging from 18 to 21 °C during the day and 3 to 7 °C at night. Ideal for hiking and tourism.
Is May a good time to visit Cusco?
Yes! May is one of the best months: good weather, fewer tourists than in June, and many traditional festivals that you won’t see at other times of the year.
Is it recommended to visit Machu Picchu in May?
Definitely. It’s a dry month, with clear skies and well-maintained trails. Also, nature is green and vibrant thanks to the previous rains.
What festivals take place in Cusco in May?
The main ones are:
- Cruz Velacuy (May 3)
- Lord of Torrechayoc (May 23)
- Lord of Qoyllurit’i (May 27)
And other cultural and religious activities in local communities throughout the month.