What are your plans for Christmas this year? Have you ever thought about celebrating Christmas abroad? Cusco in Peru is the perfect place to celebrate Christmas this year! You will be able to enjoy both the colonial and native festive and joyful side of the Imperial City of the Inca.
Christmas decoration at the Qorikancha Temple of the Sun and at the Plaza de Armas, Cusco's main square.
CUSCO HISTORICAL CENTRE
The historical center of Cusco changes in a breathtaking Christmas scene. The main square and surrounding streets are beautifully decorated and there are several Christmas markets going on in the month of December as well as Cusqueñian Nativity Scenes. The warm multicolored illuminations in figures such as stars, tress, snowmen and reindeers; as well as the atmospheric decorations will bring you directly in the right Christmas mood! All the local travel agencies, restaurants, bars and shops are also very eager to decorate their establishments, Christmas is an important holiday for the Cusqueñans, so no effort is spared to make December an amazing month for both locals and tourists alike. For sure you will see waiters or guides smiling at you, all dressed up with a Santa Claus hat. All of this only adds up to the unique Christmas atmosphere in Cusco!
CHOCOLATADA
In whole of Peru we know the tradition of the chocolatadas, which is a typical Peruvian way of spreading and sharing Christmas joy and solidarity with people who have less than you. A lot of local businesses in Cusco, such as also Machupicchu Trekking Peru will be supporting a local community or NGO by sharing hot chocolate, paneton (a typical Peruvian Christmas cake filled with dry fruits, inspired by the Italian panetones) and some toys for the kids. The families receiving the chocolatada are truly thankful as without this, they woudn’t be able to give Christmas presents and special Christmas sweets to their kids. Especially since the start of the pandemic, it is now even more difficult for many families living in poverty.
NATIVITY SCENES
Every church and family in Cusco will be putting the traditional Nativity Scene. The most impressive Nativity Scene is without any doubt the traditional Andean life size one on the Plaza de Armas, the main square of Cusco. Here you can see the three wise men, Jose Maria and some angels. They are all dressed in Andean costumes, ponchos, chullos (local hats) and the typical sandals. The fusion of the colonial and colorful native elements makes it really interesting and beautiful to see. So don’t be surprised to see many people taking their selfie with the nativity scene!
ARTISENAL CHRISTMAS MARKET
The dates between the 20th and 24th of December are also excellent dates to visit the main square. The artisanal fair known as ‘Santurantikuy’ is held where you will find all sorts of artisanal products from potteries, T-shirts, gifts, and a whole lot more. You will be surprised! The meaning of the Quechua word Santuriantikuy is ‘sale of saints’. That explains all the different types of sculptures you can buy on the market: from saints, over angels, buildings to all kind of animals to make at home the most complete and beautiful nativity scene. The market has been taking place in Cusco center since the 16th century, so it is without any doubt an important tradition for the local people. Since 2009, the market was even declared National Cultural Heritage in Peru!
BABY JESUS SCULPTURES
For sure you will also notice that both on the market and in the shops there are several baby Jesus with a whole range of clothing, hats and sandals in all sizes and colors. The Cusco artisans reached a recognizable degree of world fame because of these sculptures, also known as ‘Niño Manuelito’. The same style is preserved over time, because it is inherited from generation to generation. This tradition is a perfect example of the mixture between the Andean and colonial cultures in Cusco.
TOURS
Are you afraid you won’t be able to visit all the places you want in and around Cusco during the holiday season? Stop worrying now! Even on Christmas day itself you can visit Machu Picchu if you want so. Just imagining you visiting one of the New World Wonders on Christmas, this is a one in a lifetime experience you don’t want to miss! Also visiting the Rainbow Mountain during Christmas time is totally unmissable as in December and January you will find half of the mountain covered in snow while at the other half of the mountain you will still be able to enjoy the vibrant natural colors. This breathtaking view is truly unique in the world! And what about a Sacred Valley tour to breathe in even more Christmas atmosphere while visiting the archeological rests of Pisac and Ollantaytambo.
NEW YEAR
Do you have some more days’ time? Stay in Cusco to also celebrate New Year’s Eve here! You will not be disappointed for sure. The city will be filled by a wave of visitors from all of Cusco province, Peru and even the world. The Plaza de Armas, the main square of the city is the central meeting point on New Year’s Eve! Normally the local government also organize an amazing fireworks show and a stage in which orchestras and groups will play both traditional and international Christmas music all night long. Visitors at the main square traditionally also participate with some rites for good luck in the coming year. Although you will probably not see that, almost all of the local people are wearing yellow underwear. What is more visible are the yellow wreaths, hats and glasses that are worn on New Year's Eve. Yellow underwear and other yellow items are everywhere sold in local shops and on the street markets in the week before New Year at very affordable prices. At midnight people will eat twelve grapes and have a toast with champagne. Both grapes and champagne are also sold everywhere, just as the yellow underwear. After you can run three round around the central square together with the hundreds of local people presented. Be sure that 2022 will be a fantastic year if you participate in all these traditions!
COVID-19 SITUATION
The Peruvian government will take measures to prevent the spread of Covid19 during the holidays, that is why there is a curfew from 1 am to 4 am on the 25th of December and the 1st of January. We will keep you updated on our social media canals if anything still changes. Since December 10, proof of double vaccination or PCR test are mandatory in Peru if you want to enter a closed space or travel between different provinces. Machupicchu Trekking Peru travel agency will always respect all bio-security measures to prevent the spread of covid19. Whatever the measures may be, Christmas in Cusco is and will remain unique and we will continue to receive tourists with our typical great enthusiasm and hospitality!
Contact information
Don't doubt to contact us to receive more information about a trip to Cusco, Peru during the Christmas time!
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