Location and access to Cusco
Cusco is located in the southeast of Peru, at 3,400 meters above sea level in the heart of the Andes. The city is accessible through Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, which receives domestic and international flights year-round.
During the New Year season, flights to Cusco tend to fill up quickly, so it’s advisable to book 2 to 3 months in advance. Major airlines like LATAM, Avianca, and Sky operate regular routes from Lima and other major cities.
The Historic Center of Cusco, where the main New Year celebrations take place, is just a 15-minute taxi ride from the airport. Most hotels and hostels are located in this area, making it easy to access the festivities.
Weather during the year-end festivities
In December and January, Cusco experiences its rainy season, characterized by frequent rainfall, especially in the afternoons and evenings. Daytime temperatures range from 18°C to 22°C, while nighttime temperatures can drop to 5°C.
For New Year celebrations, it’s essential to bring waterproof clothing and layers that you can adjust according to the changing weather. A compact umbrella will be your best ally during the nighttime festivities in the Main Square.
The altitude of Cusco can cause altitude sickness in some visitors. It’s recommended to arrive 2 days before New Year to acclimatize properly and fully enjoy the celebrations without physical discomfort.
Celebrations in the Main Square
The Main Square becomes the epicenter of New Year celebrations in Cusco. Thousands of people, both locals and international visitors, gather to welcome the new year in this historic space surrounded by colonial and Inca architecture.
Musical performances begin at 7:00 PM with local and national artists playing Andean folk music, cumbia, and national rock. The festive atmosphere intensifies as midnight approaches.
At exactly 12:00 AM, fireworks light up the Cusco sky, creating a memorable spectacle. The Cathedral of Cusco and the colonial temples serve as a backdrop for this unique celebration that combines ancient history with modern festivity.
A popular tradition among attendees is to wear yellow underwear to attract prosperity and abundance in the new year. Many people also bring flowers to perform flowering baths after midnight, an ancestral Andean practice symbolizing spiritual renewal and the attraction of positive energies.
In numerous Cusco homes, the tasting of pork cracklings is carried out, considered a symbol of abundance in business and economic prosperity for the coming year. This culinary tradition is accompanied by the ritual of the 12 grapes, where each grape eaten at midnight represents a month of the new year and the opportunity to make a specific wish.
The next morning, many Cusco families perform the ritual of the yellow mixture, scattering these small golden papers around the perimeter of their homes and offering wine to the earth. This ancestral practice aims to attract economic prosperity and symbolically seal the protection of the home for the upcoming 365 days.
Special dining options
Restaurants in the historic center offer special New Year menus featuring the best of Cusco and Peruvian cuisine. Dishes like grilled alpaca, roasted guinea pig, lomo saltado, and ají de gallina are part of these festive dinners.
Gourmet establishments on Plateros Street and around the Main Square present refined versions of traditional dishes accompanied by pisco sour, chicha de jora, and selected wines. It’s essential to make reservations in advance.
Traditional picanterías near the San Pedro market offer more authentic experiences with chiri uchu and Cusco tamales. These places provide the opportunity to celebrate alongside Cusco families in a more intimate setting.
Accommodation during the festivities
Boutique hotels in the historic center are the most sought-after options during New Year. Establishments like Casa Andina Premium, Novotel, and JW Marriott organize special parties with views of the Main Square and folk shows.
Hostels in the San Blas neighborhood offer more economical alternatives with a bohemian and multicultural atmosphere. Many organize group celebrations on their terraces with panoramic views of the illuminated city.
For more exclusive experiences, colonial houses converted into boutique hotels provide private celebrations with Andean ceremonies, live music, and specialized cuisine in colonial patios decorated for the occasion.
Complementary activities
In the days leading up to and following New Year, Cusco offers multiple activities that enrich the experience. Walking through the historic center allows you to discover the architectural fusion between Inca and colonial constructions.
Traditional markets like San Pedro and Pisaq maintain special hours during the festivities, offering handicrafts, Andean textiles, and local products ideal for taking home unique souvenirs from the celebration.
Day trips to nearby sites like Sacsayhuamán, Tambomachay, and the Sacred Valley are available for those who want to combine cultural tourism with year-end festivities.
Local traditions you can witness
The people of Cusco maintain unique traditions during New Year that visitors can witness and, in some cases, participate in. The custom of wearing underwear of specific colors to attract different types of luck is widely practiced.
Thanksgiving ceremonies to Pachamama are held at various points in the city, especially at Qorikancha and Andean temples. These ceremonies include offerings of coca leaves, incense, and chicha de jora.
Purification rituals with floral water and incense are practiced both in homes and public spaces. Many Andean healers offer these ceremonies to visitors who wish to start the year with renewed energies.
Nightlife and entertainment
The nightlife in Cusco during New Year extends throughout the historic center. Nightclubs like Mama África and Chango host themed parties that last until dawn with varied music and an international atmosphere.
Bars with live music in the San Blas neighborhood offer more relaxed alternatives featuring jazz, rock, and contemporary Andean music. These spaces attract a more mature clientele looking to celebrate in sophisticated environments.
Folkloric peñas present special New Year shows with traditional dances, Andean music, and interactive performances where visitors can learn basic steps of Cusco dances.
Practical tips for the celebration
Booking accommodation and restaurants 3 months in advance is crucial, as Cusco receives thousands of visitors during this time. The most popular establishments fill up quickly.
Carrying cash is important because many small establishments and street vendors do not accept credit cards. ATMs often have long lines during the festivities.
Staying hydrated and avoiding excessive alcohol during the first 48 hours helps prevent altitude sickness. Coca tea is a traditional drink that aids acclimatization and is available in hotels and restaurants.
The unique combination of ancient history, Andean traditions, and modern festivity makes celebrating New Year in Cusco a transformative experience that connects visitors with the rich cultural heritage of both ancestral and contemporary Peru.