Machu Picchu Discovery Day 2026 (July 7)
About
July 7 marks the 1911 discovery of Machu Picchu by Hiram Bingham — and, since 2007, its naming as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Cusco and Aguas Calientes mark the day with decorations, parades, folk music, dance and Pachamama offerings.
Highlights
- Anniversary of Hiram Bingham's 1911 expedition to the citadel
- Also commemorates Machu Picchu's 2007 election as a New Seven Wonders of the World
- Folk music, dances and offerings to Pachamama in Cusco and Aguas Calientes
Practical tips
- Falls in the dry high season — book citadel tickets and trains well ahead
- Cusco's historic centre is the focus of the larger civic celebrations
- Expect crowds; combine with the surrounding July festival calendar
Where it is
Map pins
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors · Tiles © OpenFreeMap
Sources
Other upcoming events
Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun)
The Inca winter-solstice rite to Inti, the sun, re-enacted each year above Cusco at the fortress of Sacsayhuamán — the headline event of the Andean dry season, with hundreds of costumed performers.
Saints Peter and Paul in Peru 2026 (San Pedro y San Pablo)
29 June, the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul (San Pedro y San Pablo), is a Peruvian national public holiday, especially celebrated in fishing communities as a day honouring fishermen.
Virgen del Carmen (Paucartambo)
One of Peru's most vivid Andean-Catholic fiestas: for several days masked dancers fill the highland streets of Paucartambo, east of Cusco, in a riot of costume, music and procession.