Spending Christmas in the “navel of the world” is something special. While snow falls in other parts of the world, Christmas in Cusco smells of incense in the Plaza de Armas, buzzes with the Santurantikuy fair and, above all, brings a table full of flavors that blend Andean and colonial traditions.
If you’re spending Christmas in the Imperial City, here’s how to experience an authentic Cusco Christmas Eve.
1. Christmas dinner: what people eat at Christmas in Cusco
Unlike other places, where turkey is king, at many Cusco tables the star of the meal is suckling pig.
- The typical menu. Oven-roasted suckling pig, served with tamales (sweet or savory) and applesauce or mashed native potatoes.
- The essential toast. There’s no Christmas in Cusco without hot chocolate. And not just any chocolate: it’s made with pure cacao from La Convención, cinnamon and cloves, and served with traditional panettone.
2. The Niño Manuelito ritual
At midnight, Cusco families go to Midnight Mass and perform the ritual of placing the Niño Manuelito (the Baby Jesus) in the nativity scene.
The tradition. It’s the moment when the veil covering the Baby Jesus in the family nativity scene is removed. If you’re walking around the streets close to midnight, you’ll hear fireworks and the bells of every church in the historic center.
3. What to do on Christmas Eve in Cusco
- Midnight Mass at the Cathedral. One of the most beautiful experiences is attending Mass at the Cusco Cathedral. The candlelit baroque art and the hymns sung in Quechua give everyone goosebumps.
- Dinner with a view. Restaurants around the Plaza de Armas offer special Christmas dinners. Watching the lights of the square and the fireworks from a colonial balcony is something you’ll always remember.
4. The hug in the square
At midnight, the Plaza de Armas becomes a meeting point. Locals and travelers from all over the world hug and celebrate. It’s the perfect moment to give thanks for your trip and for being in such a special place.
Tari Tours wishes you a merry Christmas
May the energy of the Apus (the sacred mountains) and the warmth of the people of Cusco be with you this Christmas Eve.
Spending Christmas in Cusco?
We’re a local agency in Cusco, registered with MINCETUR since 2003, with English-speaking guides. We have special tours on December 25 so you can make the most of the holiday.