The Feast of the Virgin of Candelaria in Puno 2026
What Is the Feast of the Virgin of Candelaria?
Every February, Puno is transformed by the Feast of the Virgin of Candelaria, a living expression of devotion, dance, and Andean heritage. Thousands of dancers and musicians fill the city’s streets and plazas, honouring the Virgin through processions, choreography and ritual—an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the Andes.
Since 2014, the celebration has been recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity for its profound cultural significance and its unique blend of Quechua and Aymara identity with Catholic tradition.
When Will the Feast Take Place in 2026?
1. Native Dance Competition
- Saturday 31 January & Sunday 1 February
- Event: LIX Native Dance Competition
- Venue: Estadio Monumental de la Universidad Nacional del Altiplano (UNA)
2. Central Day: Mass & Procession
- Monday 2 February
- Event: Solemn Mass and religious procession through the main streets of Puno
- Venue: Puno Cathedral (Main Square)
3. Light‑Costume Dance Competition
- Sunday 8 February
- Event: LIX Light-Costume Dance Competition
- Venue: Estadio Monumental UNA
4. Great Parade & Veneration
- Monday 9 & Tuesday 10 February
- Event: Great Parade and Veneration (official route)
- General route: Avenida Simón Bolívar
How to Get to Puno
- By plane:
- Take a flight from Lima (Jorge Chavez Airport) to Juliaca (Inca Manco Capac Airport). Duration approximately 1hr 30min.
- In Juliaca take a bus or taxi to Puno, where Lake Titicaca is located. Duration approx. 1hr.
Note: There are no direct flights from Lima to Puno, so you will have to make this stopover to see Lake Titicaca.
- By Bus:
- Go to the bus terminals along the route Lima – Puno. Approximate duration 20hrs.
Note: Although it is an economical alternative, the bus journey can be uncomfortable due to the long hours of travel.
- By Train:
- Take the PeruRail Titicaca train on the Cusco – Puno route. Approximate journey time 10hrs 30min.
Note: A unique experience to appreciate the majestic Andean landscapes and immerse yourself in the authenticity of the Peruvian people.
February Weather, Altitude & What to Pack
Weather
February is cool and rainy in Puno, with daytime temperatures around 14-15°C and nights dropping to 4-5°C. Expect frequent showers.
Altitude
Puno sits at 3,800 m a.s.l. Allow time to acclimatise, hydrate well and eat lightly. Seek medical advice if you have pre‑existing conditions.
What to Bring
- Thermal layers
- Waterproof jacket or poncho
- Shoes with good grip
- Sun protection (high-UV zone)
- Warm hat + reusable water bottle
Accommodation
Book well in advance. PeruRail's Benefits Programme offers special deals at selected hotels and restaurants in Puno.
Explore Puno & Lake Titicaca
The Feast is only the beginning. Puno offers unique cultural and natural experiences: floating islands, viewpoints, archaeological sites and traditional communities around Lake Titicaca.
Planning Your Journey from Cusco to Puno
Travelling is part of the experience. The PeruRail Titicaca service offers a distinctive, scenic route across the Altiplano, combining: Breathtaking landscapes, exceptional onboard service, comfort and relaxation and a smooth arrival into Puno – ideal before the celebrations.
Unmatched Comfort
Book now and enjoy a discount with the code LAGO05
Select Cusco or Puno as your departure and arrival points, choose your travel date, indicate the number of passengers, and enter the promotional code LAGO05 to activate your special discount.
Frequently Asked Questions
Main events run from 31 January to 10 February, including Native Dances (31 Jan–1 Feb), Central Day (2 Feb), Light‑Costume Dances (8 Feb) and the Great Parade & Veneration (9–10 Feb).
At the Estadio Monumental of the Universidad Nacional del Altiplano (UNA).
The FRFCP has announced a new virtual ticketing pilot with reduced pricing compared to 2025. Use only official channels (ticketing platform to be confirmed).
Transfers take 45-75 minutes by shuttle, taxi, private car or bus.
Yes. Expect cool temperatures (14-15°C day / 4-5°C night) and regular rain. Wear layers and waterproof clothing.
It fuses Catholic devotion with Quechua and Aymara traditions and is recognized by UNESCO since 2014 as Intangible Cultural Heritage.