Have you ever imagined spending Christmas and New Year’s in an entirely different way from anything you’ve experienced before? That’s precisely what Salkantay Trekking is offering!
Cusco is a magical, mystical city surrounded by legends that evoke the Inca tradition. It attracts visitors from around the world all year-round, and is known as the “Navel of the World”. Cusco becomes even more enchanting during Christmas, especially in its Plaza de Armas, filled with decorations and special lighting.
Also, Cusco is the ideal destination for families, as its legendary tourist attractions are close to each other and offer something for everyone. Join us in this blog to discover an unforgettable holiday season that will spark your imagination and that of your family.
Christmas in Cusco
Christmas in Cusco is celebrated with a mix of Christian and indigenous traditions. For that reason, it is common to see Christmas trees both inside and outside homes, along with certain Andean decorations that blend together beautifully. In every corner, wreaths and ornaments announce the arrival of Christmas in the Peruvian Andes. Although December falls within the rainy season in Cusco, it offers pleasant Christmas weather, with daytime temperatures between 14°C and 18°C (57°F – 64°F) and nighttime temperatures between 4°C and 7°C (39°F – 45°F).
Discover all the Christmas activities you can enjoy!
Santurantikuy Fair: Welcome!
The main attraction of Christmas in Cusco is the Santurantikuy Fair. This iconic event is organized six months in advance and is held from December 22nd to 24th in the Plaza de Armas, the city’s historic center. This ancestral fair has become one of the most awaited events, with Andean choirs, contests, and tastings of typical dishes and drinks, attracting locals and visitors worldwide.


Do you know how this fair was originated?
It dates back to the 16th century when the Spanish introduced Catholicism to the Inca Empire. During Christmas, it was customary to set up nativity scenes in churches and homes to represent the birth of Jesus. However, due to a scarcity of figures, the people of Cusco began creating their handmade figures. They soon gained popularity and began being sold at the Santurantikuy Fair, a Quechua name meaning “sale of saints.”

What is the meaning of the fair?
This fair, held in the City’s main square, symbolizes authentic Christmas tradition in the heart of the Peruvian Andes. Santurantikuy is much more than a Christmas market, it’s an experience that immerses you in Cusco’s rich culture and traditions. For the people of Cusco, it’s a time to celebrate family unity and share the magic of Christmas. For you, it’s an opportunity to feel the welcoming spirit of this historic city.
The Star of the Festivities
Among all the figures, the most revered is the representation of Jesus. In Cusco, it’s known as “Manuelito,” a child dressed in traditional clothing that replicates the characteristics of Christ but with Andean characteristics, being the central figure of the celebration. You’ll see “Manuelitos” everywhere in the imperial city, as it is a typical craft of the City.
In Cusco, the tradition in each family is to display their saints in various sizes at home. During the Santuranticuy Fair, people search for experienced artisans gathered in the Plaza de Armas to make minor repairs to their religious images, or even replace them with new ones.

What can you find at the Santurantikuy Fair?
Local handicrafts
During the days of the fair, artisans from nearby towns gather to showcase their colorful and vibrant artwork. You can expect to find true Inca “treasures,” unique creations from Cusco and other regions, crafted with the refined heritage of a millennia-old culture passed down through generations. The handicrafts offer a special opportunity to acquire actual relics of Peruvian Andean culture and make gifts for yourself, and your family and friends at Christmas.
Other items visitors highly appreciate include handmade Andean textiles, which reflect the region’s rich textile tradition with unique designs filled with meaning. You’ll find ponchos, shawls, rugs, and blankets.
Christmas decorations
Among the products found at the Santuranticuy Fair are figures for nativity scenes and Manuelitos, meticulously crafted. These are ceramic or wooden sculptures depicting biblical characters in an interesting blend of both religions: virgins, saints, and other Christian figures with Andean characteristics and features.
In addition, materials for decorating the Andean nativity scene are sold, such as moss, herbs, eucalyptus branches, background grass, and small wild plants for its setup. This is one of the central elements of Peruvian Christmas decorations.
Best Artisan Award and Contest (December 24)
As the main attraction of the fair, the Contest takes place on December 24th, Christmas Eve, with the presentation of the “Medal for Best Artisan.” This prize is personally awarded by the Mayor of the City to a distinguished artisan. During this ceremony, the career and works of the artisan who wins the medal are highlighted. For this reason, at the fair, you will find true works of art, created with love and dedication.


December 24 – Christmas Eve
This evening, after spending most of the day at the Santuranticuy Fair, is when families enjoy a traditional and delicious Christmas dinner. Hotels and restaurants prepare the most exquisite and plentiful dinner to attract guests.
Gift-giving in Peru also takes place on the night of December 24th, along with the tradition of revealing the Baby Jesus. It is the time to surprise your family with gifts, or if you are traveling alone, to feel the excitement of awaiting your return to your country to give the presents and share the stories of your wonderful adventure.
The revelation of the Baby Jesus
At midnight, the hour of Jesus’ birth, you will be surprised by a typical ritual of the city. It involves unveiling the small statue of the “Manuelito” that remains covered throughout the night. When the clock strikes 12, the figurine is uncovered, symbolizing the birth of Jesus. In all places where the image is present, such as several churches, you will witness this representative act of the birth of Jesus in Cusco.
Typical Christmas Dishes at the Christmas Dinner in Cusco
The Christmas dinner in Cusco is very diverse and depends on the particular tradition of each family. Potatoes are an important food widely used by the people of Cusco, making them an essential part of the special Christmas dinner. They are eaten alongside rice and various salads, as well as many types of meat, such as turkey, roast pork, and fish. Among some typical Cusco dishes, we can highlight the following:
- Chicharrón
- Baked turkey or chicken
- Cusco-style roast pork
- Chairo
- Fried trout
- Quinoa soup
- Mushroom Kapchi
- Corn with cheese
- Pigs’ feet stew
The “panetón” also plays a prominent role, a sweet treat widely consumed during Peruvian Christmas, typically eaten for breakfast or as dessert. The traditional version, preferred by locals, includes dried fruits and is enjoyed with butter. Paired with hot chocolate, it makes for a perfect combination.


December 25th – Christmas Day
Christmas Day in Cusco is filled with many traditions. On December 25th, people gather for the traditional Christmas lunch, visiting other family members or friends and bringing all kinds of food to enjoy together. For tourists, hotels and restaurants offer a special Christmas menu with different options and typical holiday dishes.
Book in advance! On this special day, many people want to taste the typical dishes of the Andes, so we recommend reserving a table at a restaurant beforehand.
Can I visit the main attractions during Christmas?
Of course! The former capital of the Inca Empire would never forget about its visitors. The attractions continue as usual in the days leading up to and following Christmas Day.
Imagine visiting the legendary city of Machu Picchu at New Year’s! This attraction is open on December 31st and January 1st, so you can say goodbye to 2024 or welcome the new year at one of the Wonders of the World.
You can spend the night in Aguas Calientes, the charming village of Machu Picchu, which offers a wide variety of food and magnificent views of the Cusco jungle.
Hurry up! Many people want to celebrate the New Year in Machu Picchu, and tickets to the Inca citadel sell out quickly. Make sure to get yours in time.
So, what are you waiting for? Come with us to celebrate Christmas!

New Year’s in Cusco
On New Year’s Eve, Cusco’s main square, the Plaza de Armas, once again becomes the center of the celebrations, a symbolic place where you can witness the fireworks welcoming the new year in Cusco. The event promises Andean music and joy for the crowd that fills Plaza de Armas to celebrate the coming year.
It is a gathering of people from all over the world in a grand celebration. This is how the main square, the brightest in Cusco throughout the year, is usually seen. On New Year’s Eve, its brilliance will impress you even more.

Traditions for a Year Full of Good Luck
In Cusco, various rituals are performed to ensure that the new year is filled with good luck, so we encourage you to try them too.
Dress in yellow!
If you want to follow the tradition and dress like the locals, you should wear something in this color. Cusqueños dress in yellow, which is why New Year’s in Cusco is called the “Yellow Réveillon.” The thousands of lights in the city’s establishments, especially around the Plaza de Armas, emit a yellow glow that will fill you with warmth and excitement. Additionally, it is said that this color attracts wealth and abundance.
We will definitely be dressing in yellow!
Eat twelve grapes at midnight.
Don’t be surprised if the waiter places grapes on your table for New Year’s, even without you ordering them: it’s part of the Cusco tradition to attract good luck in the new year. You should eat 12 grapes during the countdown in the last 12 seconds of the year.
You have to eat them all!
Take a walk around the Plaza de Armas.
It’s said that walking around your neighborhood carrying a suitcase will bring many more trips in the coming year. In Cusco, being such a tourist city, it has become a tradition to walk around the Plaza de Armas to attract new adventures and continue discovering more places. We recommend joining the thousands of people who take part in this tradition to surround yourself with positive energy and open up many more travel opportunities.
(Fotos de un grupo de personas vestidas de amarillo en la Plaza de Armas)

Options for New Year’s Eve
Bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and the city’s main hotels liven up the night with their own parties. The first to accept reservations, often months in advance, are usually the restaurants located around the Plaza de Armas. Although they are a bit more expensive, the experience is worth it, as you’ll have a privileged view of the entire fireworks display and the Cusco New Year’s Eve celebration.
Hurry up and reserve your spot because they are in high demand, even by locals, as the Plaza is the highlight of the night!

Come and experience Christmas in the Andes!
And after all the celebrations, how about starting the year by exploring the famous Salkantay Trekking routes? These are breathtaking hikes, true magical journeys filled with charm and adventure. December offers lush landscapes where nature is fully alive. Mountains, rivers, stunning vegetation, and a world of emotions await you in Cusco.
Start the year in the best way possible!
You may be interested in:
- New Year in Machu Picchu
- What to expect and how to prepare for the Rainy Season in Cusco, Peru?
- Top Things to Do in Cusco, Peru
- Where to stay in Cusco?
- Where to eat in Cusco 2025, the best of Cusco
- Santurantikuy in Cusco: Andean Christmas, a meeting of traditions and spirituality
- Myths and Legends of the Peruvian Andes
- Best time to visit Cusco, Peru
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