The last months of the year in Cusco are marked by celebrations that blend history, cultural identity, and ancestral tradition. From tributes to historical heroes to popular fairs with Andean roots, November and December offer locals and visitors a unique experience of the Cusqueñan spirit.
November 4 – Tribute to Túpac Amaru II (Plaza Túpac Amaru, Cusco)
November begins with a solemn ceremony in honor of Túpac Amaru II, the indigenous Cusqueñan leader who led one of the most important rebellions against Spanish rule in the 18th century. This tribute takes place in the plaza that bears his name, with the participation of educational institutions, the armed forces, and regional authorities. The ceremony is filled with emotion through artistic presentations such as poetry, traditional dances, and floral offerings, highlighting the legacy of one of the most emblematic figures in Peruvian history.
December 23 – Tikarantikuy: Medicinal Plant Fair (Plaza de Armas, Cusco)
Days before Christmas, the Plaza de Armas of Cusco becomes a meeting point for merchants and buyers from all over the region during Tikarantikuy, a traditional fair dedicated to the sale of Andean medicinal plants. This event attracts people interested in natural medicine, offering a wide variety of plants with healing properties that have been used for generations.
December 24 – Santurantikuy (Plaza de Armas, Cusco)
Christmas in Cusco reaches its peak in the traditional Santurantikuy fair, which means “buy me a little saint” in Quechua. Held every December 24, this fair brings together artisans from across the region who offer religious figurines, nativity scenes, Andean imagery, and handmade crafts. It’s a unique opportunity to acquire one-of-a-kind pieces that combine colonial art with Andean worldview, in a festive atmosphere that fills the heart of the city on Christmas Eve.
