The Magic of Christmas in Cusco: A charming atmosphere

Peru offers several destinations that are ideal for celebrating Christmas, and Cusco is one of them, with its cobbled streets with festive decorations and multi-colored lighting. In this beautiful city, Christian customs and centuries-old Andean traditions are combined at this time. In its historic center, you can enjoy folk dances, Christmas music, and all the gastronomy typical of those days.

It is an unforgettable experience due to its atmosphere of religious tradition and its colorful and exciting connection with the history and culture of the city and its surroundings. A charming atmosphere due to its color, its music, its folklore, and its ancestral atmosphere due to its geographical location, where rituals and traditions inherited from the Incas are combined with those planted by the Spanish since the days of the viceroyalty.

Unique traditions of Cusco in Christmas

Santurantikuy: A traditional fair

On December 22, 23, and 24, a highly anticipated event takes place in Cusco in the Plaza de Armas: the Santurantikuy Fair. It is a Christmas art market attended by artisans from all over the Cusco region. There, they exhibit and sell pieces of their handmade creations, such as decorations, ceramics, and textile products.

You will undoubtedly buy a souvenir at this fair to support these dedicated artisans and participate in Cusco's Christmas home with you.

Christmas dinners with an Andean flavor

Like all Peruvian cuisine, the December days in Cusco are extraordinary. You can indulge yourself with typical dishes such as roast suckling pig, tamales, guinea pig chactado, humitas, and stuffed rocoto, among others. In addition, you can enjoy excellent hot chocolate in the best style of the area in this festive atmosphere.

Andean spiritual rituals

The celebration of Christmas in Cusco is characterized by its particular mix of indigenous rituals and Christian practices. This cultural conjunction is manifested in the decorated streets, where activities and artistic expressions are carried out that are the distinctive seals of the Peruvian Andes.
This time is an invitation for both residents and tourists to immerse themselves in a unique experience in which spirituality, religion, and a vast cultural legacy harmoniously converge in the Andean Christmas. Some of the most notable rituals in the region include:

➡️Misa de Gallo: 

Every December 24th at night, exactly at 10:00 p.m., the citizens of Cusco gather at the Basilica Cathedral of Cusco to participate in the Eucharist that lasts approximately an hour and a half. Once it is over, everyone goes home to share the Christmas dinner and distribute gifts among friends and family.

➡️Los Niños Manuelitos: 

In reality, they are traditional crafts that are sold during the Christmas season in Cusco and that are found in the Santurantikuy market, but the children of the community dress like them, bringing them to life during the Christmas season and thus becoming worthy representatives of the Christian birth.

Unique colors and traditions

In the Imperial City of Cusco, Christmas has an unmatched tone, as it is the cradle of rich cultural traditions and a world-famous tourist jewel. During the Christmas festivities, this region dresses in colors. In this particular way, it projects its Andean roots from Peru that are intertwined in complete harmony with the Christian celebration established by the Spanish conquerors.

In what was the capital of Tahuantinsuyu in the days of the great Inca Empire, Cusco, the preparations to celebrate the birth of Jesus are carried out in an atmosphere in which a deep devotion to the Redeemer is combined with an indigenous seal inherited from the ancestors who worshipped the Sun, or Inti, as the giver of immense goodness.

Weather and nature at their best

December is a wonderful time to visit Peru, and especially Cusco. It is true that the rainy season has already begun, but the weather does not prevent you from enjoying the colorful and exciting festivities, much less its invaluable tourist sites.

In addition, that festive atmosphere that shines in Cusco is what gives this Christmas and New Year experience a tone and a feeling that you will find unforgettable.

Things to do for Christmas in Cusco: Cultural and tourist activities

Cusco offers an unparalleled experience to delve into Peruvian culture and welcome Christmas and New Year with a very varied and rich cultural offering. At the same time, art exhibitions are presented with a very well-documented perspective of the history of what was the great Inca Empire.

In the streets, with music, dances, and local gastronomy, an exceptional option is complemented for its inhabitants and for tourists. There are types of ceremonies conducted by shamans that promise blessings and a spiritual connection and blessings for the year that will soon begin.

In addition to these shows and events, you will be able to enjoy artisanal products and the warmth and cordiality of a community that offers its ancestral customs with open arms and heart. That dates back many centuries. The things to do for Christmas in Cusco are:

The Takanakuy

From the heart of Cusco, Chumbivilcas, it brings together people from the community who seek to resolve their conflicts with blows, but previously they must make a pact of mutual consent where it is agreed that the confrontation will be done with respect and honor, and at the end they must end with a hug. This peculiar tradition shows part of the idiosyncrasy of the Andean community of Peru.

The Colorful Christmas markets

During Christmas in Cusco, the markets of Cusco become mains of celebration and tradition. These spaces show the incredible skill of locals, who create works of art such as sculptures, textiles, paintings, ceramics, clothing, souvenirs, and much more. A visit to traditional markets like San Pedro and San Blas is a must to experience the culture of Cusco.

At the San Pedro Market, you’ll not only find unique handcrafted but also a variety of local food to try. During the Christmas season, favorites include buñuelos with chancaca syrup,  meat empanadas, and tamales.

In addition to these permanent markets, temporary ones open across the city’s squares during the festive season. The most significant Christmas market is the"Santurantikuy or Santiranticuy." This word comes from a Quechua name, the language of the Incas, meaning “Buy your Saint.” It takes place in the Plaza de Armas, Cusco’s main square.

Fireworks in the Plaza of Armas

During Christmas Eve, the fireworks become one of the most awaited moments. The people of Cusco perform an exciting countdown to welcome Christmas Day (December 24 to 25): “5, 4, 3, 2, 1!” and, at that instant, the sky lights up with brilliant colors.

The main place of this celebration is the Plaza de Armas, where hundreds of people gather to share hugs, exchange good wishes and wish each other a "Merry Christmas". The moment is authentic and full of nostalgia, reflecting the warmth of a community that celebrates with joy and tradition.

Visit Machu Picchu

If you’re looking for a different way to celebrate Christmas, surrounded by mountains and fresh air, visiting Machu Picchu is an excellent idea. The town of Aguas Calientes, located at the base of the Inca citadel, comes alive with Christmas decorations and festive lights that add a magical touch to its cozy streets. During this season, local markets offer a variety of handicrafts and typical products, perfect for gifts or souvenirs.

Keep in mind that December is part of the rainy season, so dressing in layers and carrying waterproof gear is a good idea. Make sure to book your tickets and accommodations well in advance and plan your visit to Machu Picchu early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds. So, is December a good time to visit Machu Picchu? The answer is clear: Absolutely yes!

Tips for your trip to Cusco in Christmas

In this section of tips, it is enough that you have knowledge of the weather for this time of year in this extraordinary city:

• Bring appropriate clothing with several layers of clothing, including a raincoat, because the rains have already begun, even if they are light.
• Appropriate footwear with non-slip characteristics.
• Medications for immediate use for various types of ailments, such as headaches or stomach upsets.
• Great cultural respect and respect for the environment.
• Complete willingness to understand the cultural events you are going to witness.

For the rest, all that remains is your good attitude as a good citizen of the world.

Charming accommodation and unique experiences

Just because it is considered one of the main tourism capitals of Peru and even the entire American continent, Cusco has a wide variety of accommodation offers adjusted to all budgets for couples and families per night. Therefore, when planning to spend Christmas and New Year in Cusco, you should consult each one in detail and choose according to your criteria the one that is within your reach.

By tradition and due to a favorable tourism policy, each hotel in Cusco offers a Christmas dinner or a New Year's toast for its guests. You will only have to carefully check what each one has for you on those days of celebration and joy.

Of course, you will choose what you consider best for you, according to the prices and references that you can consult on the websites of each one. Most likely, you will always be satisfied with the one that is your preference.
And when it comes to charm, each one has its own thing.

Luxury hotels

If you're looking for a comfortable and exclusive experience, Cusco offers luxury hotels that combine premium services with a special Christmas.

• JW Marriott Address
  Calle Plazoleta Nazarenas 337, Cusco 08002.
• Palacio del Inka
  Santo Domingo 259, Cusco 08002.
• Aranwa Cusco
  San Juan de Dios 255, Cusco 08002.

Mid-range hotels

If you’re looking for something in between, Cusco offers boutique hotels and well-equipped accommodations that provide good locations and comfort.

• Monasterio San Pedro
  Calle Cascaparo 116, Cusco 08002.
• Ayni Cusco Hotel
  Av. Andrés Avelino Cáceres A-6, Chanapata, Santa Ana, Cusco 08001.
• Tierra viva
  Calle Cruz Verde 390, Cusco 08002.

Budget-friendly 

For travelers on a budget, Cusco has cozy and well-located accommodations, ideal for enjoying the city without overspending. These places often provide a family-friendly atmosphere and basic but comfortable services.

• Kokopelli Hostel
  Calle San Andrés 260, Cusco 08002.
• Pariwana Hostels
  Calle Quera 270, Centro Histórico, Cusco 08002.
• Backpacker La Bo’M
  Calle Carmen Alto 283, Barrio de San Blas, Cusco 08003.

Spending Christmas in Cusco offers a magical blend of traditions, history, and experiences that make it a destination unlike any other. This year, don’t miss the chance to live this adventure. Book your experience with TreXperience and make your Christmas 2024 a warm and memorable celebration.