The national holidays of Peru take place in July, specifically on the 28th. This celebration is eagerly awaited by Peruvians, as many take advantage of the holiday to travel. In this sense, visiting Machu Picchu is one of the best options. Similarly, the celebrations can offer a different spectacle for foreign tourists who may arrive in Peru during these days. In this blog, we will learn more about how to travel to Machu Picchu during the national holidays. Let’s get started!

• When are Peru’s national holidays?
• How are national holidays celebrated in Peru?
• How are national holidays celebrated in Cusco?
• How are national holidays celebrated at Machu Picchu?
• How to buy the Machu Picchu ticket on July 28th?
• How far in advance should you buy the Machu Picchu ticket for July 28th?
• What time should you choose to visit Machu Picchu?
• Things to keep in mind if you’re traveling to Machu Picchu during the national holidays
• Questions and answers about Machu Picchu in July

Reenactment at the Machu Picchu Archaeological Park

Machu Picchu on July 28th is filled with visitors (especially Peruvian tourists). This date coincides with the high tourism season, so you will need to purchase your Machu Picchu tickets online and in advance.

When are Peru’s national holidays?

• Peru celebrates its national holidays every July 28th. On this date, the proclamation of independence, which took place in 1821 after almost 300 years of Spanish viceroyalty, is commemorated.

How are national holidays celebrated in Peru?

• In Peru, one of the main traditions on July 28th is raising the flag at each home.
• Most schools hold parades and school processions during the national holidays.
• All of Peru’s military forces conduct a large parade called the ‘Grand Military Parade’, full of color and pride.
• Peruvians often take advantage of the national holidays to engage in domestic tourism. Machu Picchu, of course, is the top tourist destination.

Grand military parade for national holidays – Peru

How are national holidays celebrated in Cusco?

• Cusco celebrates Peru’s national holidays with several gastronomic festivals where you can enjoy typical dishes from the region, such as: Chiri Uchu, roasted piglet, roasted guinea pig, puchero, roasted pork, and more.
• In Cusco, just like the rest of Peru, school parades, military marches, and flag raisings take place.
• The Plaza de Armas of Cusco fills with both Peruvians and foreign tourists, as the days become different from the usual in the city.
• Cusco’s nights are also filled with joy during national holidays. Many Peruvian and foreign visitors enjoy the city’s bars and nightclubs.

Parades during the national holidays in Cusco city

How are national holidays celebrated at Machu Picchu?

• Peru’s national holidays coincide with the high tourist season at Machu Picchu (June, July, and August), so the Inca City fills with visitors.
• July 28th is the day when the most Peruvian tourists visit Machu Picchu.
• Long lines typically form to enter Machu Picchu during the national holidays.
• In Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town), school parades and other events attractive to tourists are usually organized.
• Additionally, tourist services (restaurants, cafés) offer shows featuring Peruvian music and typical Peruvian cocktails like pisco sour or chilcano.

National holidays – Special ceremony at the top of Machu Picchu Archaeological Park

How to buy the Machu Picchu ticket on July 28th?

• July 28th is one of the most challenging dates to get a ticket to Machu Picchu.
• To secure a Machu Picchu ticket for that day, visitors must purchase it online in advance.
• You can buy your ticket through the official sales website (machupicchu.gob.pe) or through a tourism agency that sells tickets to the Inca City.
• Tickets have different prices and availability.
• Remember that Peruvians have a promotional rate. That is, they can reserve their ticket starting at 64 PEN per adult person for Circuit 2.
• Undergraduate students from universities in Peru or abroad will also receive a discount.
• The price for Peruvian undergraduate students starts at 32 PEN for Circuit 2.
• People with disabilities, as well as war veterans, have free admission tickets. However, they must make their respective reservation.
• Ticket reservations should be made through the Ministry of Culture website or through authorized tourism agencies.
• You can also find tickets in person in Cusco and Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes).
• Making a reservation in person is quite challenging, as there may be lines, and you won’t always find the ticket you want. Find out how much in advance to reserve based on each ticket type.

Enjoying the incredible view of the Inca citadel

How far in advance should you buy the Machu Picchu ticket on July 28th?

Currently, there are 3 circuits to explore Machu Picchu. These circuits have their respective routes, which are the entrance tickets that can be reserved. Let’s take a look.

What time slot to choose to visit Machu Picchu?

Currently, there are time slots available from 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM. However, not all tickets include these 10 time slots. That’s why we’ve listed some of the best options for your visit to Machu Picchu during Peru’s National Holidays long weekend.

If you want to visit Machu Picchu in the early hours (timing and recommendations).

• To visit Machu Picchu in the early hours, you can choose from several types of tickets. This is because most time slots start from 7:00 AM.
• You can enter with any of the 10 available tickets for Machu Picchu.
• We recommend tickets for hiking routes. These tickets are ideal for groups of friends and adults only. The recommended tickets are:
  • Machu Picchu + Mountain (6:00 to 6:30 AM).
  • Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (7:00 to 7:30 AM).
  • Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon (7:00 to 7:30 AM).
  • Machu Picchu + Mountain (8:00 to 8:30 AM).
  • Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (9:00 to 9:30 AM).
  • Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon (9:00 to 9:30 AM).
• Tickets for easier routes, ideal for the whole family.
  • Machu Picchu Classic Route (6:00 to 6:30 AM).
  • Machu Picchu Classic Route (lower terrace) (6:00 to 6:30 AM).
  • Machu Picchu Classic Route (7:00 to 7:30 AM).
  • Machu Picchu Classic Route (lower terrace) (7:00 to 7:30 AM).
  • Machu Picchu Classic Route (8:00 to 8:30 AM).
  • Machu Picchu Classic Route (lower terrace) (8:00 to 8:30 AM).
  • Machu Picchu Classic Route (9:00 to 9:30 AM).
  • Machu Picchu Classic Route (lower terrace) (9:00 to 9:30 AM).
  • Machu Picchu Classic Photo (6:00 to 6:30 AM).
  • Machu Picchu Classic Photo (7:00 to 7:30 AM).
  • Machu Picchu Classic Photo (8:00 to 8:30 AM).
  • Machu Picchu Classic Photo (9:00 to 9:30 AM).
  • Machu Picchu + Lower Temples (6:00 to 6:30 AM).
  • Machu Picchu + Lower Temples (7:00 to 7:30 AM).
  • Machu Picchu + Lower Temples (8:00 to 8:30 AM).
  • Machu Picchu + Lower Temples (9:00 to 9:30 AM).
• It is recommended to spend the night in Machu Picchu Pueblo to access these early time slots.
• This is especially true for the first tickets (6:00 and 7:00 AM time slots).
• To enter at 9:00 AM, you can leave from Cusco, but you must take the first available train departure.

If you want to visit Machu Picchu in the late morning (timing and recommendations).

• To visit Machu Picchu in the late morning, it’s recommended to start your visit from 10:00 AM onwards.
• You will be able to enter with tickets that offer more comfortable time slots.
• The recommended tickets are ideal for all families, including seniors and children. The tickets to reserve are:
  • Machu Picchu Classic Route (10:00 to 10:30 AM).
  • Machu Picchu Classic Route (lower terrace) (10:00 to 10:30 AM).
  • Machu Picchu Classic Route (11:00 to 11:30 AM).
  • Machu Picchu Classic Route (lower terrace) (11:00 to 11:30 AM).
  • Machu Picchu Classic Route (12:00 to 12:30 PM).
  • Machu Picchu Classic Route (lower terrace) (12:00 to 12:30 PM).
  • Machu Picchu Classic Photo (10:00 to 10:30 AM).
  • Machu Picchu Classic Photo (10:00 to 10:30 AM).
  • Machu Picchu Classic Photo (11:00 to 11:30 AM).
  • Machu Picchu Classic Photo (11:00 to 11:30 AM).
  • Machu Picchu Classic Photo (12:00 to 12:30 PM).
  • Machu Picchu Classic Photo (12:00 to 12:30 PM).
  • Machu Picchu + Lower Temples (10:00 to 10:30 AM).
  • Machu Picchu + Lower Temples (11:00 to 11:30 AM).
  • Machu Picchu + Lower Temples (12:00 to 12:30 PM).
  • Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu (11:00 to 11:30 AM).
• You will be able to reach Machu Picchu without problems, meaning you can organize your trip without needing to wake up too early.
• You can also return to Cusco without issues, completing the trip in one day.

If you want to visit Machu Picchu in the afternoon (timing and recommendations).

• To visit Machu Picchu in the afternoon, you can enter anytime after 12:00 PM. There are several options available.
• The tickets available for afternoon visits are flexible.
• Afternoon time slots are very convenient and allow you to make the trip in a single day.
• The recommended tickets are ideal for all families, including seniors and children. The tickets to reserve are:
  • Machu Picchu Classic Route (1:00 to 1:30 PM).
  • Machu Picchu Classic Route (lower terrace) (1:00 to 1:30 PM).
  • Machu Picchu Classic Route (2:00 to 2:30 PM).
  • Machu Picchu Classic Route (lower terrace) (2:00 to 2:30 PM).
  • Machu Picchu Classic Route (3:00 to 3:30 PM).
  • Machu Picchu Classic Route (lower terrace) (3:00 to 3:30 PM).
  • Machu Picchu Classic Photo Postcard (1:00 to 1:30 PM).
  • Machu Picchu Classic Photo Postcard (2:00 to 2:30 PM).
  • Machu Picchu Classic Photo Postcard (3:00 to 3:30 PM).
• You can easily reach Machu Picchu. This means you can organize your trip without the need to wake up early.
• You can also return to Cusco in one day.

Things to keep in mind if you are traveling to Machu Picchu during National Holidays

• Once you have booked your Machu Picchu entry ticket, it’s recommended to book your train and bus tickets as well.
• You can also contact hotels in Cusco or Machu Picchu Pueblo.
• It’s important to take a guided tour. They have all the details and information about the Inca city.
• During the trip in July, it’s recommended to book in advance.
• For Peruvian tourists, it’s recommended to book most services to avoid confusion.
• For foreign tourists, it’s also recommended to make reservations.
• In the different restaurants in Cusco, you will be able to taste the best of Peruvian cuisine.
• Some of the dishes you can try are lomo saltado, cuy chactado, ají de gallina, rocoto relleno, and more.
• You can also try cocktails made with Peruvian pisco.
• Don’t forget to book the ecological bus service to Machu Picchu.
• The buses are very comfortable and each tourist can enjoy the ride.

Motherland at the great military parade for National Holidays

Questions and Answers about Machu Picchu in July

• 1) Is July the best time to visit Machu Picchu?

  For many tour guides in Cusco, July is an excellent month to visit Machu Picchu. The weather is warm during the day with little chance of rain, making outdoor routes more enjoyable.

• 2) What’s the weather like in Cusco in July?

  The weather in Cusco in July is temperate and warm, with very cold nights. The temperature ranges from a low of 0°C to a high of 20°C. Rain is scarce.

• 3) What is celebrated in Machu Picchu in July?

  July is a month full of celebrations in Cusco and Machu Picchu. On July 7th, Machu Picchu celebrates its anniversary as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. From July 15th to 18th, the festival in honor of the Virgin of Carmen is celebrated in Paucartambo. Finally, on July 28th, Peru’s National Holidays are celebrated.

• 4) How far in advance should I book Machu Picchu tickets for July?

  It’s highly recommended to book tickets for Machu Picchu in advance, especially during July. The number of available tickets is limited, and due to the high demand, they tend to sell out quickly. It’s best to book a couple of months ahead.

• 5) Should I hire a guide for my visit to Machu Picchu?

  Yes, it’s recommended to hire a guide to get the most out of your visit. The guide will provide valuable insights and enhance your understanding of Machu Picchu’s history and significance.

• 6) Is it cheap to visit Machu Picchu in July?

  July is a high season month in Cusco and Machu Picchu. Therefore it is recommended to book all services online and in advance. This way you will get a better rate. Getting your tourist services at the last minute can be more expensive.

• 7) Is there availability for Machu Picchu in July?

  July is a month with high demand for tickets and other tourist services. Therefore it is recommended to buy tickets to Machu Picchu one or two months in advance. In the case of the entrance to the Huayna Picchu mountain, it is recommended to do it with 3 or 4 months.

• 8) Are there hotels available in Machu Picchu in July?

  Hotels, as well as other tourist services in Cusco and Machu Picchu, must be purchased online approximately one month in advance. This way you will be able to get availability for the service of your preference.

Advice from people who have been there

Cusco

By: Sofía M.

“Culture and tradition at its best“

“The Fiestas Patrias in Cusco are a vibrant celebration full of parades, music and typical dances. The atmosphere is unique, with decorated streets and a great pride in Peru's history, an unforgettable experience!“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, January 30, 2025