Huancaro Fair: Cusco's big June agricultural fair

If you visit Cusco in June, besides Inti Raymi and Corpus Christi there's an event locals never miss: the Huancaro fair. For almost two weeks, the Huancaro fairground fills with farmers, livestock breeders, artisans and families from the region's thirteen provinces. There are livestock competitions, native potato and cheese festivals, traditional picanterías, crafts and music. It's one of the best windows onto rural Cusco life without leaving the city. This guide explains what it is, when it's held, how to get there and how to make the most of it.

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What the Huancaro fair is

The Huancaro fair, officially Expo Huancaro, is a farming, agro-industry and crafts fair that has been held for decades at the fairground of the same name. It traditionally coincides with the Fiestas del Cusco, the city's big festive month. It's organised by the Regional Government to show and sell produce from the whole region: livestock, farm products, processed foods, crafts and food.

For Cusco families it's a classic day out: people go to eat, see the prize animals, buy cheese or potatoes and wander between each province's pavilions.

When it's held

The fair is normally held in the second half of June. In 2026, for example, the Regional Government announced it from 18 to 30 June. Exact dates change every year, so check the official announcement before planning your visit. Weekends have more activities and also more people.

If you're in Cusco for Inti Raymi on 24 June, it's easy to combine both in the same trip.

• Inti Raymi in Cusco: date, schedule, tickets and how to experience the Festival of the Sun
• Cusco festivals: a month-by-month calendar
• Corpus Christi in Cusco: dates, the saints' procession, chiriuchu and tips

Where it is and how to get there

The Huancaro fairground is in the Santiago district, south-west of the historic centre. By taxi or ride-hailing it's a short trip from the centre, though traffic around the fairground can be heavy on fair days. City buses also pass nearby during the fair; ask at your accommodation which line to take.

• Easiest: taxi or app, asking for the campo ferial de Huancaro.
• Getting back, especially late afternoon, taxis can be hard to find: agree a pick-up point or walk to a main avenue.

• Getting around Cusco: taxis, ride apps, city buses and colectivos

What to see and do

The programme changes every year, but usually includes:

• Livestock competitions: South American camelids such as alpacas and llamas, cattle, sheep and other animals, with judging and champions' parades.
• Native Potato Festival: a showcase of the huge variety of Andean potatoes.
• Cheese and Dairy Festival, with producers from different provinces.
• Traditional picantería competition, celebrating Cusco's popular cooking.
• Agro-industry pavilions with coffee, cacao, Andean grains, honey and processed products.
• Crafts: textiles, ceramics, stone carving and work from remote communities.
• Artistic and cultural performances from the provinces.

• Cusco picanterías and chicherías: eat like a local
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What to buy

Huancaro is a good opportunity to buy directly from producers: cheese, native potatoes, coffee, cacao, honey, Andean grains and community crafts. Many of these are hard to find in such variety at other times of year. Remember that some foods, such as cheese and meat, may face import restrictions in your country.

• What to buy in Cusco: authentic souvenirs and what to avoid
• Cusco's Saturday farmers' market: the producer-to-consumer fair

What if you're not travelling in June?

Outside the fair, the Huancaro fairground hosts occasional events, but there's no permanent fair. For a similar experience at another time of year, the producer-to-consumer Saturday fair in San Sebastián brings together regional producers every week. San Pedro, Wanchaq and Rosaspata markets are also good alternatives.

• Cusco's Saturday farmers' market: the producer-to-consumer fair
• Wanchaq Market: where Cusco locals really shop
• Rosaspata Market: juices, breakfasts and farm produce in Cusco

Practical tips

• Go in the morning to see the livestock competitions and avoid peak crowds.
• Bring cash: many stalls don't take cards.
• Protect yourself from the sun and bring a warm layer for the evening: June is dry season, with sunny days and very cold nights.
• Watch your belongings: it gets crowded, especially at weekends.
• If you're with children, agree a meeting point in case you get separated.
• Check the official programme so you don't miss the competitions or shows that interest you most.

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Notice: This guide shares advice and recommendations based on research and local experience. Prices, opening hours and rules may change: always check with official sources and operators. Cusco Tips is not responsible for third-party services, bookings or decisions made using these guides; some links are affiliate links (see our affiliate policy).