Christmas and New Year in Cusco: Traditions, Santurantikuy and What to Do
Christmas and New Year in Cusco: Traditions, Santurantikuy and What to Do
Spending the holidays in Cusco is very different from any big city. Christmas blends Catholic traditions with Andean customs, the Plaza de Armas fills with artisans, and New Year's Eve is celebrated in the street with thousands of people. If you're thinking of traveling in December, here's what you need to know.
December in Cusco: what to know first
- It's the rainy season: expect afternoon showers, although mornings are usually clear. Bring a poncho and waterproof shoes.
- It's the year-end high season: between December 20 and January 2, many Peruvian and international travelers arrive. Book hotels, trains and Machu Picchu tickets in advance.
- Prices go up: especially flights and hotels around the 24th and 31st.
Santurantikuy: the great December 24 market
Santurantikuy means "sale of saints" in Quechua. Every December 24, Cusco's Plaza de Armas fills with artisans from across the region selling nativity figures: baby Jesus figures, shepherds, llamas, sheep, retablos and all kinds of hand-carved, hand-painted pieces. Moss, straw and plants for building the nativity scene are sold too.
It is one of the most important folk art markets in Peru and the best chance of the year to buy crafts directly from their makers. The plaza fills up early and the market runs into the night. Take your time, watch your belongings and carry cash in soles.
The Niño Manuelito
In Cusco, baby Jesus is the Niño Manuelito, often depicted with Andean features and dressed in traditional clothing. Families dress their figures in new outfits every year and take them to Mass. You'll see Niño Manuelito figures in churches, markets and homes throughout December.
Hot chocolate and panettone
The chocolatada is one of Peru's most beloved Christmas traditions: thick hot chocolate made with milk and cinnamon, served with panettone. In December, institutions, parishes and families organize chocolatadas for children in communities and neighborhoods. Cusco's cafés also serve local hot chocolate, a good excuse to warm up on rainy afternoons.
Christmas Eve
The main celebration is the night of December 24. Families have dinner at midnight, usually roast turkey, and toast with hot chocolate or champagne. Many Cusco restaurants offer special Christmas Eve dinners: book ahead if you want one. The 25th is quiet, with many businesses closed in the morning.
New Year's Eve in the Plaza de Armas
On the night of December 31, thousands of people gather in the Plaza de Armas to welcome the new year. There are fireworks, music and a huge party atmosphere. Some customs you'll see:
- Yellow underwear to attract good luck.
- Twelve grapes at midnight, one for each month of the year.
- Walking around the plaza or the block with a suitcase, to travel a lot in the new year.
Tips: the plaza gets extremely crowded, so watch your phone and wallet, and there are very few taxis after midnight: if your hotel is far away, arrange your ride back in advance.
Machu Picchu at Christmas and New Year
Machu Picchu is open every day of the year, including December 25 and January 1. But it is one of the busiest periods:
- Book ahead: tickets and trains for the last week of December sell out.
- Choose the 2-day tour: with rain and crowds, sleeping in Aguas Calientes gives you flexibility. Our Machu Picchu 2D/1N from US$280 includes tourist train, hotel, bus, entrance ticket and guide.
- Leave a buffer day before your departure flight in case of rain-related train delays.
Suggested year-end plan
- December 23: arrival and acclimatization. Stroll around San Blas.
- December 24: Santurantikuy market in the morning and Christmas Eve dinner.
- December 25: quiet day and a City Tour (from US$15) if running.
- December 26: Sacred Valley VIP (from US$32).
- December 27-28: Machu Picchu 2D/1N.
- December 31: New Year's Eve in the Plaza de Armas.
Frequently asked questions
What is Santurantikuy?
It is the big Christmas craft market held every December 24 in Cusco's Plaza de Armas. Artisans from across the region sell nativity figures, Niño Manuelito figures and hand-carved crafts.
Is Machu Picchu open on December 25 and January 1?
Yes, Machu Picchu is open every day of the year. These are high-demand dates, so book tickets and trains in advance.
What is New Year's Eve like in Cusco?
Thousands of people gather in the Plaza de Armas with fireworks and music. It's common to wear yellow underwear, eat twelve grapes and walk around the plaza with a suitcase to travel in the new year.
Does it rain in Cusco in December?
Yes, December is the rainy season. It usually rains in the afternoon, with clearer mornings. Bring a poncho, waterproof shoes and layers.
