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Celebrating New Year in Cusco is one of the most exciting celebrations in Cusco, a city that combines tradition, history and modernity to offer unique experiences. If you are planning to welcome 2025 in this magical Andean city, here we tell you what you can expect.
Cusco is known for its deep cultural roots, and New Year is no exception. Many local families perform Andean rituals to attract good luck and prosperity in the coming year. Among the most popular are:
Burning of dolls: Figures that symbolize the year that ends are created and burned to leave the negative behind.
Ch’alla: A ritual that consists of offering coca leaves, chicha de jora and flowers to Pachamama (Mother Earth) to ask for blessings.
Dressing in yellow: Yellow is a symbol of good luck and prosperity, so it is common to wear clothes of this color or give yellow underwear.
Cusco’s Plaza de Armas is the epicenter of celebrations. Thousands of people, both locals and tourists, gather to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new.
Fireworks show: The sky of Cusco lights up with an impressive fireworks display at midnight.
Live music: Local and international artists liven up the night with concerts ranging from traditional music to contemporary rhythms.
Collective dance: It is customary to join the large circle that forms in the Plaza to dance and run around it, symbolizing unity and energy for the new year.
Enjoying Cusco cuisine is essential to start the year off on the right foot. Some of the traditional dishes and drinks that you cannot miss are:
Roasted suckling pig: A festive dish that represents abundance.
Tamales: Ideal to share with the family.
Chicha morada and pisco sour: To toast new beginnings.
If you prefer something quieter, the surrounding areas of Cusco also offer options to welcome the new year:
Sacred Valley of the Incas: Places like Urubamba or Ollantaytambo are perfect for celebrating in a natural setting.
Machu Picchu: Although it is necessary to plan ahead, starting the year in this magical place is an unforgettable experience.
Book in advance: Cusco is one of the most popular destinations for the New Year, so make sure you have your accommodation and activities planned.
Wrap up warm: Although the atmosphere is festive, December nights can be cold.
Take care of your belongings: With large crowds, it is best to be vigilant to avoid losses.
Welcome 2026 in Cusco is an experience full of magic, energy and culture. Pack your bags, and let yourself be enveloped by the charm of this city on one of the most special nights of the year. Happy New Year!
