AdventureCuscoTravel TipsUncategorized

Experience Christmas in Cusco, where tradition, faith, and living culture come together in the heart of the Andes

admin

November 8, 2025

4 Min Read

5 Views

0 Comments

One of Peru’s most iconic celebrations, Christmas in Cusco brings together tradition, faith, and living culture. In December, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire comes alive with lights, art, and spirituality. The cobblestone streets of the historic center transform into a stage where Andean tradition and Christian faith intertwine, creating a unique experience that captivates locals and visitors from around the world.

The Christmas spirit in the Andes!

During the month of December, Cusco is filled with a special atmosphere. Families decorate their homes with handmade nativity scenes, squares are lit up with lanterns, and colonial churches hold Christmas caroling masses in Quechua and Spanish.
Christmas in Cusco is both a religious holiday and an expression of cultural identity, uniting generations and communities.

Santurantikuy is the heart of Christmas in Cusco

Santurantikuy, which means “sale of saints” in Quechua, is the most important Christmas event in Cusco. Celebrated every December 24 in the Plaza de Armas, it brings together hundreds of artisans from across the region.

At this traditional fair, which has been declared a National Cultural Heritage Site, you can find religious sculptures, altarpieces, nativity scenes, ceramics, carvings, and textiles.
Many of these works feature Niño Manuelito, a Cusco figure of the Baby Jesus with Andean features and local symbolism.

Santurantikuy is more than just a fair; it is a living display of popular art, where Andean devotion and creativity merge in a festive atmosphere full of color and spirituality.

Midnight Mass and popular devotion

On December 24, thousands of faithful gather at Cusco Cathedral for the traditional service.
This solemn and joyful ceremony combines traditional chants with Christmas carols sung in Quechua, reflecting the religious syncretism of the Andean world.

After Mass, families return home to share a Christmas dinner together, enjoying traditional seasonal dishes and expressing gratitude.

The Flavors of Christmas in Cusco

Gastronomy is an essential part of the holiday season in Cusco. Local homes and restaurants offer traditional dishes that highlight the region’s cultural heritage. Some of the most traditional dishes are:

Roast guinea pig and suckling pig with native potatoes.

Hot chocolate with cinnamon is a must at chocolate parties.

– Artisanal Cusco panettone prepared with local candied fruits.

– Andean tamales, both sweet and savory, prepared according to family tradition.

Several restaurants in the historic center offer special Christmas dinners with live music and traditional dance performances.

Solidarity and Christmas Chocolate Parties

Throughout December, neighborhoods in Cusco and nearby communities organize hot chocolate parties for the community. Institutions, families, and associations distribute hot chocolate, panettone, and gifts to children at these parties.

These activities embody the true Andean Christmas spirit of sharing, helping, and celebrating as a community. Many visitors participate as volunteers, turning the experience into an act of unity and generosity.

El Niño Manuelito is the symbol of Christmas in Cusco

He is the central character of the holiday season in Cusco. He represents Baby Jesus with Andean features and deep symbolic meaning.
Sometimes he is depicted with a thorn or a whip, which symbolize sacrifice and protection.

Each Cusco family has its own Niño Manuelito, whom they dress in new clothes every year and place in the family nativity scene as a blessing for the new year.

Climate and Travel Tips

Altitude: 3,400 meters (11,200 feet) above sea level.

The climate in December is mild with light rain.

The average temperature is 20°C during the day and between 6 and 8°C at night.

What to bring: a light coat, a waterproof poncho, comfortable shoes, and sunscreen.

It is recommended that you acclimate on the first day and enjoy local infusions, such as coca tea.

Since December is high season, it is recommended that you book your accommodations in advance. Cusco has a wide range of hotels, from traditional hostels to luxury hotels with colonial views.

Cusco is the perfect place to experience Christmas

Celebrating Christmas in Cusco in 2025 is more than just a tourist trip. It is an opportunity to connect with the history, faith, and spirit of solidarity of the Andes.
Amidst lights, smiles, and centuries-old traditions, visitors will discover a city that has kept its essence intact while opening its heart to the world.

Cusco is not just a place to visit at Christmas; it is a place to experience with your soul.