Thinking about traveling to Peru around Christmas? Lots of folks do. Peru is a country where Christianity is a big deal, so Christmas is a time packed with traditions. Towns get decorated with festive stuff, making places like the main squares feel extra special.

Take Cusco, for example. This city really gets lively for Christmas. They have special church services and parades right through the streets. Christmas is one of the busiest times to be in Cusco. You can totally feel the holiday vibe in this old city. Plus, you could even check out how people celebrate Christmas the local Andean way. Cusco (elevation approx. 11,152 feet / 3,400 meters) offers a unique holiday experience.

The main square in Cusco is super nice, especially during the holiday season. They set up Christmas markets right in the middle. Around Christmas, the main square looks really pretty, decorated with lights and traditional stuff on the buildings around it.

To see more cool decorations, you should visit Cusco’s churches. Don’t skip the Temple of Santo Domingo (altitude is the same as Cusco city). You can find amazing nativity scenes there. People put a lot of effort and tradition into making them.

Definitely check out the Christmas markets in Cusco around this time. Locals are really good at making art, like carvings, textiles, paintings, you name it. The biggest market is on December 24th, right in the main square. This is where you see some of the best art from Cusco. This market has been happening for ages, since the 1500s, and it’s mainly about religion. People usually go there to buy figures of saints, angels, and animals. These are often used in nativity scenes or to decorate homes. The market runs all day. If you want to see what Cusco’s holiday celebrations are really like, you gotta go.

Holiday Food

The Christmas season has its own special foods. Many families get Panettone, which is a kind of fruitcake. People often eat this with hot chocolate. There’s also the traditional chicken soup. This soup has been a family thing for many years and is usually served on Christmas Eve. Plus, there are tons of other Peruvian foods to try around Christmas. If you need a reason to visit Cusco city, the food is seriously enough.

Nativity Scenes

Churches are open for people to visit, and they display decorations and those detailed nativity scenes. You really shouldn’t miss seeing these if you’re in Cusco for Christmas. They are quite something.

Family Get-Togethers

Families in the neighborhood usually go to the Catholic Church for a Christmas Eve service. After that, maybe around 10 p.m., they head home for the big Peruvian Christmas dinner. It’s a major event.

After dinner, the family hangs out and waits until midnight to celebrate Christmas arriving. When the clock hits twelve, people give gifts and set off fireworks. It gets loud!

The next day, Christmas Day, lunch often includes stuffed turkey and different kinds of salads. Later in the day is a good time for families to go out and watch more fireworks shows.

Christmas in Cusco is full of awesome traditions. There’s usually plenty of Christmas turkey and all the fixings. Restaurants are open for visitors, but you might need to book a table ahead of time because it gets busy. Enjoy Christmas in the high Andean town of Cusco.

Celebrating New Year in Cusco

New Year’s Eve is a huge party everywhere in the world. People often think about the past year, what went well or maybe not so well. But how it’s celebrated changes from country to country because of different cultures and ways of living. Still, the main idea is the same everywhere: saying goodbye to one year and saying hello to the next. It kind of shows how fast time goes, you know?

Cusco is a city with a really long history and a deep culture. It used to be the main city for the Incas. People see it as one of the richest places in Peru when it comes to nature and culture. It has old buildings, like Inca temples and palaces, that are super important historically. Tourists, both from Peru and other countries, love coming here. So, thinking about celebrating New Year in Cusco is definitely a good idea. It’s like, “Why not?!” or “¡Buen viaje!” to the new year.

Around New Year, you’ll notice the color yellow everywhere. In Peru, yellow is linked to gold, and that means wealth, good luck, and lots of good stuff coming your way. This belief has been around for many years, even since the time of the Incas. In Cusco, and in most of Peru, people spread yellow stuff in the corners of their houses. Others scatter flower petals around their place and on the front door. It’s a tradition that’s really strong on New Year’s Eve. Also, look out for bouquets of yellow flowers, decorations with stalks of barley and wheat tied with money – dollars, soles, euros. People also use good luck charms like elephants, colored candles, palo santo incense (it smells great!), and little clay pots or bags filled with grains like corn, wheat, cinnamon, cloves, lentils, quinoa, and more. It’s all about wishing for a good year ahead.

Planning Your Visit

If you plan to travel to Cusco around Christmas and New Year, just know it’s a super popular time. Tickets for places like Machu Picchu (elevation approx. 7,972 feet / 2,430 meters) sell out fast. Lots of travelers head to Peru for the holiday fun, and hotels fill up quickly. Getting your reservations done early is key to having a smooth and awesome trip to Cusco. Seriously, like, “¡Vamos!” book it now!

Cusco has a big party scene, so if you are in town on New Year’s Eve, you are guaranteed to find parties happening. It’s a fun atmosphere. For help with planning your Cusco holiday trips and finding hotels, you can look for local travel agencies.

Tips for Your Trip

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Altitude: Cusco is high up! Some people feel the altitude, often called “soroche” here. Take it easy the first day you arrive. Drink plenty of water or try mate de coca (coca tea), which many travelers find helps. Don’t rush around too much right away. Listen to your body.
• Book Ahead: As mentioned, this is a busy time. Book your flights, hotels, and any tours (like Machu Picchu or the Sacred Valley) way in advance. Last-minute can be tough or impossible.
• Currency: The local money is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). US Dollars are also often accepted in tourist areas, but having soles for smaller purchases is good.
• Transportation: Taxis are common in Cusco, but agree on the fare before you get in. For longer trips, like to the Sacred Valley or Machu Picchu, you might use buses, trains, or private tours.
• Safety: Like any busy tourist spot, be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded markets or squares. Keep your valuables secure.
• Local Phrases: Learning a few basic Spanish phrases like “Hola” (Hello), “Gracias” (Thank you), “Por favor” (Please), and maybe “Cuánto cuesta?” (How much does it cost?) can really help. Locals appreciate the effort! A common traveler phrase you’ll hear is “¡Chevere!” meaning cool or great.

What to Pack

• Layers: The weather in Cusco can change. It might be sunny during the day but cooler in the mornings and evenings, especially at high altitude. Pack t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, a fleece or sweater, and a jacket.
• Rain Gear: December and January are in the rainy season. A waterproof jacket or poncho is a must. Waterproof shoes are also a good idea.
• Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, often on uneven cobblestone streets or trails. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
• Sun Protection: Even on cloudy days at this altitude, the sun is strong. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
• Altitude Medication (Optional): Some people talk to their doctor about medication for altitude sickness.
• Basic First-Aid Kit: Include pain relievers, band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any personal medications. Maybe something for stomach issues too.
• Adapters: Check if you need an electrical adapter for your devices.
• Camera: You’ll want to capture the decorations, markets, and maybe those fireworks!

Best Time to Visit for Holidays

The time frame we’re talking about, late December (specifically around Christmas and New Year), is the best time if you want to experience the unique holiday traditions in Cusco.

However, it’s worth noting that this period falls within the rainy season (roughly November to March). This means you should be prepared for potential rain showers. The landscapes will be very green though!

If your main goal is dry weather for hiking or exploring archaeological sites, the dry season (May to October) is generally better. But you would miss the specific Christmas and New Year festivities.

So, the “best” time depends on what you want to see and do. For the holiday events mentioned in this text, late December is the specific window. Just be ready for possible rain and make sure you book everything early because it’s a very popular time to visit.