December is Christmas in Peru, so many festivities and activities can be appreciated. Christmas is one of these festivities that dominates the month, so, unsurprisingly, there is much to do in Cusco.
For this reason, we have worked with the experts at Machu Travel Peru to create a guide on how to enjoy Christmas Day in Cusco. We will answer all your doubts, including where to go and what to do. Join us to enjoy the magic that Christmas brings to the Imperial City.
The guide to enjoying Christmas in Cusco
- The city at Christmas
- Santuranticuy
- Traditional food at Christmas
- Navity scenes
- Peruvian Christmas traditions
- Extra information
The city at Christmas
Enjoying Christmas is one of the best things to do in Cusco. You can experience the festive side of the Imperial City. At the same time, you can enjoy Christmas in the traditional Andean way.
One of Cusco’s most beautiful landscapes is the city’s central part. Its historic center is a must-see, so you cannot leave Peru without visiting it. During the festive season, its center is home to numerous Cusco markets. In Christmas, the Cusco main square is beautifully decorated. You will see lights and traditional decorations on the arches of the houses. These decorations are sure to catch your eye.
One of the most attractive things to admire is the life-size scene of Jesus’s birth in the Plaza de Armas in Cusco. This is the most significant staging of the birth of Jesus in the temple of Qoricancha. To see more of this beautiful decoration, visit the old churches in Cusco. You can see fantastic Cusco nativity scenes made with creativity and tradition. Let yourself be amazed by the typical Peruvian Christmas.
Santuranticuy
It would be best not to miss the Christmas markets in Cusco at Christmas. These show people’s magnificent ability to create art pieces such as sculptures, textiles, paintings, etc. But that’s not all. The biggest Christmas market takes place on December 24 in the city’s main square, where you will see the best of Cusco related to art. The nightlife in Cusco is one of the best moments to get to know the true festive spirit of the city.
The “Santuranticuy” is the name of this Christmas market, a Quechua word meaning “sale of saints”. It has been taking place since the 16th century and is mainly religious. People often visit this market to buy sculptures of saints, angels, and animals. People can use these pieces in nativity scenes or to decorate their homes.
This market lasts all day and is a must for those looking to get to know the Cusco festivities. After exploring the various tours in Cusco and visiting the lively Christmas markets, there would be a great idea.
Traditional food at Christmas
All festivities have their traditional food, so we will mention some delicious dishes people eat at this time of year. Many people buy the conventional Paneton. This fruit cake is often enjoyed with a cup of hot chocolate from Cusco. Before the main course, restaurants usually serve traditional chicken soup.
People consume this food on Christmas in Cusco, making it one of the most popular dishes for the holiday. This delicious soup has been a part of family traditions for many years. Of course, all Christmas meals have a touch of that delightful flavor that you will only find in Peruvian cuisine.
Let’s not forget to try a wide variety of Peruvian dishes. If you want reasons to visit Cusco city, its delicious food is more than enough.
Navity Scenes
One of the greatest Christmas traditions in Cusco is the nativity scenes. You can see these in Cusco. People often display them full-size at places like the Plaza de Armas. Many like to visit the different scenes and take a few photos.
Churches are also open to the public, allowing them to participate in festive ceremonies. They feature ornaments and nativity scenes. You cannot miss these beautiful scenes if you plan to spend Christmas in Cusco.
Peruvian Christmas Traditions
In the Peruvian tradition, families enjoy Christmas celebrations in Cusco similarly. They usually visit the Catholic Church in their neighborhood and participate in the Christmas Eve ceremony. Then, they meet again in their homes and start the famous Peruvian Christmas dinner, usually at 10 p.m.
After dinner, the family stays awake until midnight to celebrate Christmas. At midnight, people exchange gifts and listen to different fireworks. People usually serve stuffed turkey and a variety of traditional salads at dinner. Midnight is the ideal time for families to go out and enjoy the shows in the sky and greet each other among neighbors.
Extra information
Consider a Cusco City tour to enjoy the Christmas spirit differently. You can explore the archaeological sites and see how locals celebrate this holiday season.
Visiting Machu Picchu on Christmas time is a unique experience. The Christmas customs in the lovely town of Aguas Calientes are fascinating. The local traditions show how different religions blended during this time. In addition, you will be able to observe the beautiful Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and see the first rays of the sun during these festivals in Cusco.
“CHRISTMAS ISN’T A SEASON IT’S A FEELING”
We hope this small Christmas guide helps you have a great experience traveling to Peru, especially if you visit Cusco. Enjoy your Peru vacation and Merry Christmas!
Peru has so much to offer, it can be hard to know where to start. With many years of experience in the tourism sector, Machu Travel Peru is happy to help with anything regarding your trip to Machu Picchu and any tours around it. Make your Machu Picchu experience an unforgettable one!
