Peru & Bolivia Travel Blog: Expert Guides & Insider Tips 2026

Just 11 kilometers from the Plaza de Armas, the historic district of San Jerónimo celebrates its patron saint every late September: 5 days of processions, 26+ dance troupes, a food fair, and a 16th-century church built on an Inca huaca. In 2016, it was declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation. Most tourists don't know it exists; many young locals don't either. This year it starts on Monday, September 28, with the main day on Wednesday 30.

Third Sunday of September. 9 a.m. The pututos sound and 1,500 students from the National School of Sciences of Cusco set off in procession from their school to the Sacsayhuamán esplanade. They are going to compete — for real — in speed, strength, and endurance tests that replicate those the Tahuantinsuyo used to determine who was ready for adulthood. It is not a choreography. It is the Warachicuy, and in 2025 it was declared a Cultural Interest.

Every September 14, thousands of people walk 48 kilometers from the city of Cusco to the sanctuary of the Señor de Huanca, in the district of San Salvador, province of Calca, at 3,100 m.a.s.l. It is neither a tourist trekking trip nor an organized tour: it is a genuine pilgrimage that sets off at night from San Jerónimo and arrives at dawn on the main day. Here we explain the route, what it physical demands, and why this tradition continues to draw devotees from all over Peru and neighboring countries.

With the national holiday on August 6 (Battle of Junín) right around the corner, many travelers are organizing last-minute visits to Machu Picchu. Before buying, there is a rule that causes more trouble than it seems: the ticket is personal, unique, and non-transferable. Learn how this rule works at the checkpoint, why you cannot give your ticket away, and how to avoid inconveniences to enjoy your trip to the sanctuary with complete peace of mind.

Choosing your entry ticket to Machu Picchu is no longer just buying a simple ticket; it is selecting a strategic route for your trip. The official system organizes the citadel into 3 main circuits with 10 route variants tailored to different traveler profiles. From the classic panoramic photo to the ascent of Huayna Picchu or the legendary Inca Trail, understanding how each circuit works is key to avoiding inconveniences and securing your spot in advance on the official platform.

Cusco is a city meant to be explored on foot. Every street holds a story, and as you walk, you feel as though you aren't just "visiting" a city, but rather walking through layers of a living past: the Inca world and the Spanish Baroque, seamlessly blended in stone.That is why, if it is your first time in Cusco, the historic center is one of the best ways to kick off your trip. Additionally, sitting at around 3,400 meters 11,150 feet above sea level, a relaxed stroll helps you acclimate to the altitude, making you feel much better before taking on longer or more demanding excursions.