Celebrating Christmas in Cusco and Machu Picchu: A Magical Experience

Although we all know that Christmas is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. But that is not all; Christmas is not just a festival. It is a reason to take a break, relax, meet close ones, have exceptional food, and spend time and energy on your favorite things.

Christmas and New Year’s Eve are the only times of the year when you get some time yourself. And planning a holiday is a must during this time. When everyone is in a celebration mood, you should never miss a chance to see the Christmas magic all around.

Why Cusco & Machu Pichu?

And while the wine of enjoyment and celebration flows worldwide, wouldn’t it be best to savor this wine by immersing yourself in the breathtaking beauty and a little bit of adventure?

While Cusco City tour and hiking in Machu Pichu are already on the hit list because of their unique archaeological sites and being in the top 7 wonders of the world, On Christmas Eve, these places become extra special as the blanket of centuries-old Inca Culture’s traditional celebration is layered along.

Unique Things to do in Cusco

The Santurantikuy Fair

This is a unique fair conducted only during Christmas. “Santu” means saint, and “Rantikuy” means to buy for oneself. This fair starts on 22nd December. Many different forms of art, such as handicrafts, home décor, ceramic beauties, etc., are available at this fair.

Artisans from other parts of Peru are here to sell their creations. Each piece of art has a cultural story. It is a beautiful opportunity to take home a piece of Incan art.

Various Religious Ceremonies

It is Christmas and time to say thank you to Mother Earth and the Mountains. Indigenous people living in the Andes mountains are called the Andean People. Christmas is a very special moment for them.

Gathering all the unique and local things like coca leaves, homegrown grains, and flowers, which are only available in the Andes region, they burn them as an offering to nature.

A Shamam (a spiritual guide) also performs this ritual in some places. People visit mountains, lakes, and various old archeological sites and participate in these rituals. They believe these rituals bring nature and humankind close to each other.

Dances And Parades

During Christmas times, Cusco City is filled with vibrant parades and dances. The streets are full of Andes and Spanish cultural displays. There are processions, parades, and music everywhere.

Traditional instruments such as pan flutes, drums, and stringed instruments are played, and joy is felt in each element. Christian people carry their baby Jesus statues in hand and move in groups to the Church to offer prayers.

Andes people wear their traditional and colorful dresses and perform their traditional dance to showcase their rich Incan history and culture. Energy fills the air, and you can inhale the Christmas vibe whenever you breathe.

Special Peruvian Christmas Food Items

Christmas is a time to dip oneself into the most interesting flavors. People of Cusco prepare a classic and traditional cake called Panentón during this time of the year. This cake is filled with dry fruits and Christmas sweetness and is served with hot chocolate to warm your soul.

Another iconic dish is “Chiriuchu,” a chicken, cheese, meat, and grains platter. Since it is mildly cold everywhere at these times, people prepare an authentic Cusco drink called “Ponche, made with local fruits, spices, and pisco.

Various seasonal and exotic Andean varieties of fruits such as “tumbo,” “lucuma,” and “cherimoya. At this time, Cusco streets are filled with fresh and tasty aromas flowing from every kitchen.

Colourful Fireworks

People are so excited that they do not feel like sleeping. On 24th December at midnight, Cusco City sees the most beautiful and colorful fireworks. You can go to the Plaza de Armas market in Cusco and enjoy it.

With so many hills in Cusco city and nearby areas, these fireworks seem like a panorama. No one should ever miss this beautiful transition from midnight to Christmas morning.

During these times, people gather with their loved ones and bond well. You can also feel the closeness and warmth along with them.

Take the most of Christmas in Cusco.

The Christmas trip can be enjoyed the most if you plan it properly. But in these busy times, it isn’t easy to book trains, buses, or flights and again look for hotel and room availability, food, and destination planning.

Therefore, you should always delegate all your planning tasks to a highly experienced and organized tour operator like Alpaca Expedition, who will handle all the heavy tasks and take care of your food, travel, and living needs during the holiday.

They also have many attractive and interesting packages, and it’s a guarantee that any one of them will surely fit your needs. You can even plan Cusco day trips or half-day trip to Cusco City.

Why is Machu Picchu More Special in Christmas?

December is a very special time for Machu Picchu travelers. At this time, it is mildly cold. December has the longest days, and due to the rainfall, there is lush greenery around, and the views are more vibrant. In the morning times, the mountain is surrounded by thick fog. The temperature varies from 20 degrees to 26 degrees.

Also, there is slight rainfall in the morning. Overall, the weather is comfortable, along with being adventurous. Those who prefer a wet and wild trek during these times should grab this opportunity.

But some people do not like exhaustion, so that they can opt for no hike but a walking tour to Machu Pichu.

When you visit one of the world’s seven wonders on this eve, a spiritual touch automatically develops as you can connect with nature.

Breathing the purest air here, you can leave all your worries and thoughts along the trail and move with peace. It is incredible to see the Incan structures and architecture and gather some ideas on how these structures have stood since the 15th century and resisted all the rains, winds, and earthquakes. Christmas is when people seek more spirituality, gratitude, and self-reflection. And the mountains do just that.

Things to be careful about while traveling in Machu Pichu During Christmas

The weather is foggy in the morning, although it does not affect the view much. Still, if you prefer to take pictures from a distance, you can visit the mountains in the afternoon.

Since it is a preferred time for tourists to visit during Christmas, you should always book in advance. The rainwater can jam your paths, and trails can be waterlogged. Although there has been no problem in the past, walking with caution is still a must.

There are many mosquitos due to the rain. But having full clothes, mosquito repellent creams, and lotion can easily protect you.

Despite these factors, people have loved Machu Pichu and will always love it. Also, when you book your Machu Picchu trip with one of the best Peru tour companies like Alpaca Expeditions, nothing can come between you and your fun.

The Alpaca team would take care of your booking, stay, pick up, food, sanitization, medicines, and safety. It would provide you with a guide and porter. Extra caution will always be taken when it comes to safety. You can always contact any emergency services via their satellite phones.

Christmas and traveling make the perfect pair.

There is no dearth of studies on how taking a Christmas break has fostered productivity, increased proximity to close ones, and made people more happy eternally.

When you escape the city hustles and spend time with nature in a different place like Cusco City and Machu Picchu, among different people, soaking in the richness of our history, this will rejuvenate you, restore your calmness, and help you understand how stunning the world around us is.

You can gain a new perspective and the wisdom of our ancestors, reflect on them, and use them all in your life and indeed have a magical experience.